Which resort would you recommend?

[Cess]

I'm spending 2 weeks at Disney World with my 5yo son in November.. Which resort would you recommend? I want to do a split stay where I switch resort after a week. I'm thinking maybe CBR or Wilderness lodge (if I can get 30% off), but my son would probably be just as happy at pop century. So why not save the money and spend it elsewhere. But then again I would really love to spend time at Wilderness Lodge when the christmas season has started.. and POFQ has just added a splash area, so that would be nice. Oh, the struggle

 

[agavegirl1]

Check out the resorts forum. There is lots of excellent information. My preference would depend on my budget but part of the stay at POP or AoA with their kid friendly themes might be fun for part of it with the Wilderness theme would be lovely as well.

 

[Cess]

I have read countless threads and blogs on the different resorts but there are pros and cons with all of them.. So I'm hoping someone with personal experience can guide me through this thank you for the response, I also think pop or AOA will be a good choice for a 5yo..

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We love the wilderness lodge. I love the theme of it. We have never seen it for Christmas. We love to walk to the geyser out back and watch it erupt on our way to the boat to MK. If you can get the 30% you should also look at the BC or YC for part of the trip - the pool is wonderful. Our kids love it. I would do value hotel for the first part and then a deluxe for the second part. Enjoy!

 

[BabyFu18]

Oh if your going during the holidays my vote would be to spend the whole trip at WL (depending on construction by then) we stayed there for Christmas a couple years ago and it was so beautiful. I loved sitting in the lobby with the huge Christmas tree and the fireplace. We had a room with the geyser and pool directly in front of us and we could see the electrical water pageant from our balcony (that was a CL room but I'd guess you might get similar views in non-CL rooms as long as they were facing the pool head on). It was really nice and very relaxing, so that'd be my suggestion.

If budget is a concern I think a 5 year old would love the values for all the over-the-top Disney theming. I also think POR would be really pretty when decorated for the holidays.

 

[cassie58]

WL and AKL are both beautiful at Christmas. I know you didn't mention AKL, but it is cool for kids with all the animal viewing, and they have tons of activities if you spend a resort day, like making animal feeders for the giraffes, African drumming, decorating cookies at Boma, etc. I would agree whatever you pick, do the value or mod 1st, and then deluxe. The theming at the values would probably be the most appealing to a 5 yr. old, especially All Star Movies, Pop, and AoA, but you will have better pools with slides at the mods/deluxe. We were happy with Pop, but love CSR and AKL.

Wherever you don't stay, you could visit an do a meal, like you can go to WL to do WCC, which is a fun meal with all the antics, and you will get to see it done up for Christmas. (You could also hop over to Ft. wilderness after, and do the campfire with Chip and Dale and see the movie). You could also do a meal at Boma to see AKL, or even hop a bus there after AK day, and see the lodge and animals. We also did Cape May at BC and saw the chocolate carousel, and did 1900 PF and tasted the giant gingerbread house! (Yes, I realize you can visit these w/o meals, just a way we tie them into our plans!). That is our favorite time of the yr. at WDW, so I'm sure wherever you stay will be awesome!

 

[Babsy]

I suspect that WL will still have construction ongoing in November. If so, I would steer clear of there for this trip. The construction really ruins a resort, IMO. Either the CR GW or the Poly would be nice instead, depending upon your preference and discounts.
I would stay at POP for the first week and enjoy the value resort along with AoA over the top theming next door. While there focus on the Animal Kingdom, Epcot and DHS. Then I would move to the CR or Poly for proximity to the MK and the deluxe resort experience. The second week can slow down a bit and once your 5 year old gets to the MK, he will likely want to focus on that TP. Any non park time would be enjoyed at your deluxe resort.

If the budget is happier with more moderate prices, then go with Pop for the first week and CBR, preferred for the second week. The pool at CBR would be great for your 5 year old. CBR also has TS restaurant, good food court and a really relaxing tropical island theme. The rooms are recently refurbished and are very comfortable.

Another option:
You might want to look at the Swan/Dolphin for the second week. You can get discounts at one of these, often with prices very similar to what you would pay at a moderate, but these are definitely deluxe in location and amenities. Worth considering, IMO. Nice pool, walking/boat to Epcot or DHS, walk to Boardwalk for evening fun and also walk around to the YC and BC. Good value, but remember these aren't WDW resorts so no charging to the room and no DME! You also need to remember to add the resort fee and parking fee (if you have a car).

Good luck!

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree with those folks who suggest rethinking WL. The construction could interfere with your experience.

I think that if your child likes POP, spend the first week there. Move to AKL after that. That lobby is amazing at Christmastime, and there is so much for kids (and adults) to do.

You have a long enough trip planned so you could do some resort hopping and check out the decorations throughout WDW. My DGD loved searching for all of the hidden mickeys that are hidden within the decorations in each resort. You only see them during the Holidays so they really are unique.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I would consider staying at POFQ for part of your trip. A five year old tends to have trouble with a lot of walking. They are at the age where they don't want to ride in a stroller but by the end of the day they are grateful to ride in one. POFQ is the smallest resort and it has a great pool slide and new splash pad. You would also have the boat for Disney Springs which makes it easy to go the the Lego Store or T-Rex.

If you decide to stay at Pop Century then you might want to book a preferred room to be closer to the main building. I would not stay at AoA Little Mermaid rooms because they are very far from the main building and they are never discounted.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would consider staying at POFQ for part of your trip. A five year old tends to have trouble with a lot of walking. they are at the age where they don't want to ride in a stroller but by the end of the day they are grateful to ride in one. POFQ is the smallest resort and it has a great pool slide and new splash pad. You would also have the boat for Disney Springs which makes it easy to go the the Lego Store or T-Rex.

If you decide to stay at Pop Century then you might want to book a preferred room to be closer to the main building. I would not stay at AoA Little Mermaid rooms because they are very far from the main building and they are never discounted.

POFQ is my favorite moderate for all of the reasons you outlined. I also think that the lobby is decorated beautifully, and for Christmas is my favorite moderate. I liked returning to the resort to enjoy the change from traditional holiday music to jazzy bluesy holiday tunes playing softly throughout the common areas of this resort.

 

[maxiesmom]

Would the Poly be in your budget? They have a new splash area that looks fabulous!

 

[Cess]

Oh if your going during the holidays my vote would be to spend the whole trip at WL (depending on construction by then) we stayed there for Christmas a couple years ago and it was so beautiful. I loved sitting in the lobby with the huge Christmas tree and the fireplace. We had a room with the geyser and pool directly in front of us and we could see the electrical water pageant from our balcony (that was a CL room but I'd guess you might get similar views in non-CL rooms as long as they were facing the pool head on). It was really nice and very relaxing, so that'd be my suggestion.

If budget is a concern I think a 5 year old would love the values for all the over-the-top Disney theming. I also think POR would be really pretty when decorated for the holidays.

That sounds amazing! I really want to spend time there, but my travel dates are 11/3-11/17 and the whole resort is booked out from 11/11 if I recall correctly. I could do WL for the first week, but as many have mentioned it might be wise to do the value resort first.. and also what are the chances of there actually being any available rooms by the time the room only discounts come out.. I am a big fan of Christmas and have read great things about this resort at that time of year, so it's definitely a contender.

I went to POR about two year ago and loved it but thought I might try a new resort.

WL and AKL are both beautiful at Christmas. I know you didn't mention AKL, but it is cool for kids with all the animal viewing, and they have tons of activities if you spend a resort day, like making animal feeders for the giraffes, African drumming, decorating cookies at Boma, etc. I would agree whatever you pick, do the value or mod 1st, and then deluxe. The theming at the values would probably be the most appealing to a 5 yr. old, especially All Star Movies, Pop, and AoA, but you will have better pools with slides at the mods/deluxe. We were happy with Pop, but love CSR and AKL.

Wherever you don't stay, you could visit an do a meal, like you can go to WL to do WCC, which is a fun meal with all the antics, and you will get to see it done up for Christmas. (You could also hop over to Ft. wilderness after, and do the campfire with Chip and Dale and see the movie). You could also do a meal at Boma to see AKL, or even hop a bus there after AK day, and see the lodge and animals. We also did Cape May at BC and saw the chocolate carousel, and did 1900 PF and tasted the giant gingerbread house! (Yes, I realize you can visit these w/o meals, just a way we tie them into our plans!). That is our favorite time of the yr. at WDW, so I'm sure wherever you stay will be awesome!

That is really helpful. Thank you there is a lot to do that doesn't involve going to the parks. I intend to explore the resorts for sure The thing is, I am going to Orlando for two weeks with all adults in just 4 days <3 and we are staying at AKL for 6 nights. So I was thinking I might try something different the next time. But who knows, maybe I will fall in love with the place and want to go back.

 

[Cess]

I ended up doing Pop century, Wilderness lodge and Port Orleans french quarter. I am so happy with my selections and can't wait to go thank you everyone for all your helpfull suggestions!

If discounts become available that applies to my stay I can call Disney and have them modify the reservation, right?