Which would be most awesome to a first timer?

[Cinderella]

I am looking for a resort for a three night stay, before the Disney Cruise (we are staying at Saratoga Springs for six days afterward). I am a DVC member but can't get availability for those dates. So, I am considering getting a hotel instead - it will be for 2 adults and 2 children - ages 11 and 8.

My partner has never been to WDW before - he has visited the website and first preferred GF, but then he decided the poly would be his first choice (he hated the look of the beach club).

I am trying to narrow it down and my preferences are Poly and WL. Have stayed at both, and in fact loved Poly so much that i wasn't even sure about staying at WL - but, i wound up staying there three times - i love it, but i also love the poly - especially as it is on the monorail. But, then, WL is beautiful in December.

GF also looks appealing. Please help me narrow it down for a three night stay. I haven't been to WDW for almost 5 years, and that makes a big difference, as i can imagine so much as changed.

 

[jazzyjess]

Being on the monorail does have advantages, especially since you will only be there for 3 days...

I personally would go for Poly of the ones you mentioned. I would also go for Boardwalk because it is so close to Epcot / MGM and also so much to do since you have so little time.

But if I could pick any of them, I would pick Animal Kingdom Lodge - fell in love with it when we were eating at BOMA a few weeks ago and plan on going there my next visit.

 

[RADOPT]

We love the AKL & WL.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

Is there any availablity at BWV for DVC? We stayed there in 2004 and its the reason we just bought DVC, we LOVE being able to get to 3 of the 4 parks without taking busses, and walking back from Epcot is beautiful.

We just stayed at Coronado springs, and liked it very much. If I had to pick a non DVC resort I would choose Animal Kingdom.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[lark]

While I do not disagree that AKL is underrated and great, I think it's not ideal for a first timer or for children who have not been to WDW in a while. I think it's great for people who know disney well, or have been there recently, and want to go back and experience it a little bit differently.

For a first timer, I think you're getting the right advice -- either the boardwalk or the monorail are the best for first timers, assuming price is not the most important issue. The WL is a little more remote, so (again, if price is not a crucial concern), I think the Poly or the GF are the best choices.

All other things being equal, I think the GF is the best hotel at WDW. Some people don't like the "feel," though (thinking it's a little stuff, which I don't agree with), and people who love the Poly seem to be as loyal to it as any other hotel anywhere. Still, I think the GF is the flagship of WDW resorts for a reason.

 

[Demosthenes]

I'd go with the Poly. I think it has the most Disney "magic" of any resort. It has large rooms (400+ square feet), great restaurants, the monorail and boat transportation to MK, Monorail to Epcot, the dinner show. I love that resort. Oddly enough, it is my second favorite (The Contemporary has been my favorite since I was a kid), but I can't deny the attraction of the Poly.

 

[spiceycat]

the Polyn - then he will want to come back for a second time.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

I would add my vote for the Polynesian