Xmas not Halloween and hotel issues!

[sarahc]

Since I last posted (a fair while ago! ) we have decided to give Halloween at DLP a miss and go for Xmas instead. Now, for a number of reasons (including the fact that I am now pregnant with no 2), the only time we could go was Nov 21st - 24th.
We wanted to stay at Sequoia Lodge but the pool is shut! I assume there's no reduction in price for this so, as DD is pool-mad, I was going to go for Newport Bay instead.
Just wondered what you thought really? Is Newport Bay ok? We stayed here a VERY long time ago but how does it compare with Sequoia Lodge?
Any advice gratefully received!

 

[countingstars]

newport is really really nice! and the pool is cool. (L) good decision

 

[jillrobinson]

The Newport Bay is a beautiful hotel, IMO it's stunning both inside and out, but it's big and it's busy. When we stayed there were 2 large conferences, being held there there, so you do get to see a lot of businessmen/women around the hotel I also noted very long breakfast queues, and people have complained about the distance between their rooms and reception etc. We didn't have any of those problems being on the Admiral's floor. I know that they've since stopped the Admiral's Floor captain's Quarters breakfast, but I'd recommend the bit extra for the Admiral's floor for the other perks including your free swimming pool towels

The Travel Explorers has a very nice pool, by all accounts, if you don't mind staying offsite.

 

[sarahc]

Thanks, I was looking at the Admiral's Floor, it would only be £16 for us to upgrade and sounds well worth it to me. Just got to persuade DH!
Have considered offsite, but getting DD's accommodation and tickets free means that it's worth staying in a Disney hotel this time.

 

[Ware Bears]

Congratulations!!

 

[jillrobinson]

If you're booking the NPB anyway, I think it would be £16 well spent, selling it to DH based on our experience.
1) Consierge service - he won't have to hump all those heavy suitcases and obviously you're not in any condition to help
2) Free swimming pool towels, if your DD is really keen on swimming you'll have to take a few towels, which will fillup another case for him to carry, or pay to hire the towels.
3) Your room will be nearer the lifts and not down one of the wings and you get a fabulous view from the 7th floor.
4) If breakfast times are really awful you can for a nominal charge have it delivered to your room.
5) You get a voucher for free coffee/tea and the little basket and kettle will be brought to your room on request.
6) Fluffy bath robes, bubble bath and seperate shampoo and the big size bars of soap all replenished daily, loads of chocolate coins on the bed, I came back with a suitcase full of coins and toiletries.

Almost forgot - dedicated checkin desk so hopefully short or no queue at all.

Hope that helps

 

[sarahc]

Thanks Jill! Will show DH your extensive list of pros!