Which WDW Resort?

[violeo]

Hello everyone...I'm somewhat new to this site so let me introduce myself.
The names Marco I live in Asheville NC (transplant from Fort Lauderdale Florida). I’m 24 yrs young. I’ve been single for 3 years now…had a lover in Florida for a little over 5 years.

Ok, now for my question. I’m taking my 2 younger brothers (18 and 14) to WDW in November. My brothers live in Boca Raton Florida and have never been to WDW...so I'm planning on taking them there and going all out! They deserve it…only the best. I have been debating which Deluxe Resort I should take them to…. I really want them to enjoy they’re time there and enjoy feeling special, because they are. Grand Floridian is by far in my opinion the best, however I don’t think a 14 and 18 yr old will appreciate it…. So I need help which Resort?

Thanks!

 

[donald...really]

I think they might appreciate the Wilderness Lodge because of the theming, or the Beach Club because of Stormalong Bay.

 

[ConcKahuna]

I'd say the Polynesian, but I'm partial

You may want to check out the Poly Pics thread HERE.

It's got easier transportation to Epcot than the GF, a direct boat to the MK, and busses to Hollywood Studios and AK. The more casual, relaxed atmosphere would probably be more comfortable for teenagers, and it is a AAA 4-diamond ranked resort, just like the Grand Floridian.

It also has better views of the Magic Kingdom (IMHO) than the GF.

 

[hematite153]

I'd probably recommend BC/YC or SSR.

BC/YC are across from the boardwalk, are walking distance to both EP and DHS and have Stormalong Bay (which is great as long as they can swim).

SSR is walking distance (or boat) to DTD for the best nightlife and DisneyQuest which ought to appeal to a 14 yo (and likely to an 18 yo as well). It also has a spa and a terrific fitness centre if either of them like to lift weights.

If you really want luxury, with BC or SSR you could book a DVC villa. (SSR is entirely DVC). The studios are a lot like a standard deluxe room, but, the larger villas are great. The 1BDR has a full kitchen (dishwasher included), laundry, jacuzzi tub and two separate sleeping spaces (someone sleeps in the living room). The 2BDR would allow your brothers to share a room with two queen beds, and you'd get a king bed--essentially it's the 1BDR with an added room (ask for a dedicated 2BDR for the best bed situation). Or, if you REALLY want to spoil everyone, SSR has 3BDR grand villas that are larger than most homes!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Well, my favorite deluxe is BC for the pool and it's proximity to EPCOT our favorite park.

However, LOADS of folks love the Poly and it's a totally wicked place for families.

Much depends upon what your little brothers like best. Parks? Animals? Coolness? Swimming? Base your decision on what you think would work best for them.

Do you plan on taking time to enjoy the resort itself? If so, then don't forget to take that into account. If not, then perhaps you might want a moderate or one of the over the top Disney values.

We love to spend time at the resort so we usually do the BC or our DVC favorite, OKW.

 

[MAF]

If I was able to stay anywhere where money wasn't an object I would definately go with the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[zulemara]

If I was able to stay anywhere where money wasn't an object I would definately go with the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

agreed hands down

second up would be a resort on the monorail, probably the poly for theming

 

[OrlandoMike]

How nice of you!

I think an 18 and 14 year old would both love the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the Wilderness Lodge!

The poly is the best of the Monorail resorts IMO.

 

[epcot1982uk]

If I was able to stay anywhere where money wasn't an object I would definately go with the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I will second that. I find the Grand Floridian nice, but the rooms are very floral and traditional. The Animal Kingdom lodge is one of the more reasonably priced of the high end resorts and offers a fantastic pool and great views of the animals - i'm sure everybody will love it - I know I did!

 

[violeo]

Thank you for all your replies. I’m not really sure how to copy and paste some other comments that other user's left as messages but someone asked if I was planning on enjoying the resort itself. I do plan on taking my brothers to all 4 parks with 3 days in between to sit and rest and enjoy WDW resort itself. You know so they can have a day off from waking up going to the parks and standing in line. Plus it would be a shame to take them there for their first time and not experience the many other wonderful things there is to do at Disney.

 

[joanjett1976]

I would recommend the Polynesian for it's proximity to MK and great pool area & marina.

 

[npmommie]

Another vote for the Poly here

My kids love the volcano pool, the transportation is great, the views are great, the place is relaxed, and the theme is fantastic, but I am partial to relaxed tropical locations!

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with any of the deluxe resorts, just pick one that matches your habits and personality the most.

Have fun!!!

 

[mykidsintow]

I think it depends on your "plans". Will they want to be teens enjoying Downtown Disney? If so SSR may be an option, tho definately NOT my favorite.

I *LOVE* the POLY because of the monorail. Its quck easy access to anything and its a hop away from Ohana. I *LOVE* Ohana. However, again not my favorite....

Even paying the extra to stay at POLY, I missed my animals. I say AKL! Its a bit more travel time to the parks, but the pool is great and waking up to the savanah view is just *awsome*. If you don't intend to be in the room at all to enjoy the animals then it may not be the best option due to travel time.

I guess this leaves my vote as AKL IS you will be in tour room enough to ENJOY the animals. If you just want t go go go and see everything I say POLY.

My kids (a lot younger than your brothers) both *LOVE* AKL. I think SSR maybe a disappointment next week, but we will be in AKV in Oct, so they can deal .

I am sure wherever you choose you will have a *blast*.

 

[StormTigger]

This is just "in general" ... since I don't have any reference for what your brothers like...

Teenage boys who have never been to Disney in general don't get stuck on MK so the closeness on being at a Monorail resort isn't going to mean as much to them. That said, Poly is great themeing and if they've never been to Hawaii or the like gives them a smallest of sampling of the island feel. GF is to ... ritzy. I go in there and all I can hear in the back of my head is my mom screaming "Don't run in here, don't touch anything, don't..." If they where girls.. all about the princess experience, I'd definitely say go GF, teenage boys not so much.

Also keep in mind that in Nov the parks will be closing early (unless you are going around Thanksgiving), so you'll probably want something to do after dark too. That in mind I would suggest either SSR for it's closeness to DTD, or BW, BC/YC cuz of it's closeness to the Boardwalk and Epcot (which typically is the last park to close at about 9).

AKL is one or my fav resorts and one to also seriously consider if they like animals. It is far away from the other parks/resort w/ the exception of AK, and can be annoying to get to and from in the slow season when the buses don't run as often. (Eat at Boma's.)

I'd also suggest that with the days you have planned off, you go and visit some of the other resorts. (Eat at Boma's.) Resort hopping is always kind of fun and gives you ideas for your "next trip"

Renting a DVC resort would also be nice (BW, BC, SSR) cuz w/a 2 bedroom everyone can get their own bed.

Whatever/wherever you end up doing I'm sure they'll have a great time, and they are lucky to have a big bro like u to take them! (Eat at Boma's. )

 

[hematite153]

... (Eat at Boma's.)
... (Eat at Boma's.)
... (Eat at Boma's. )

I agree, though!

 

[PennyW]

We just got back from our first stay at the Beach Club Villas. They were great! We could actually see the top of the fireworks from our balcony.

We're also fond of the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

 

[chip007]

I hate to be a spoilsport, but have you run the numbers and considered the other factors to see if staying at a delux resort is the best option?

It may be that your brothers would prefer staying at a value or moderate resort if it meant you would all have more time at WDW. Just something to consider.