help us decide

[pixi]

ok we are trying to decide which resort to stay at...
which one would you suggest & why?
It will be myself, DH, DS (17) and DD (14)
They loved staying at All-Stars, (loved the tickets at the arcade that they could trade in) were ok with the moderates (CBR & POR).
My hubby wants to stay at a deluxe- but doesn't want to spend TOO much money....
And NOBODY wants to switch resorts this trip.
Someone suggested FW cabins- but haven't mentioned that to hubby yet (he doesn't like to eat in during vacation so the kitchen wouldn't do anything for us),... i'll add it in as an option to see what everyone thinks tho
Thanks!
Rhonda

[MargaretJ]

Oh pixi I need help before I can vote. What parks do your kids like better? I am torn between a couple so need more infomation.

[pixi]

Danielle & I like EPCOT.
The boys like MGM.
We all like MK...
OH YEAH- by the way- the boys will be going to Universal for 2 days, although we are debating if we should stay at one of those resorts during that time (but Danielle & I really have no interest in that.... we just want DISNEY!)

[Sheryl]

Pixi,

I picked WL which is my family's favorite resort. And I've seen rates where the standard room was down to $119 a night. We love everything about this resort from the minute you pull up. I find it breathtaking and it just has such a relaxing feeling to it.

We have always had excellent service here, and hate to leave when it's time to go home. The pool area is wonderful and it has two hot tubs. We also enjoy being able to take the boat ride over to MK. Sitting in front of the fireplace and people watching is a must on every trip there.

It's always hard to make a choice, but have fun doing so.

Sheryl :minnie:

[Barb D]

I voted Other because Beach club is my #1 choice. Ive been there twice and love how close it is to walk to Epcot and the Board Walk then the boat ride to MGM. When we go to Magic Kingdom we choose to walk through Epcot and catch the Monorail. The only bus we use is to Animal Kingdom and DD. ALso if the bus to Boardwalk comes at Downtown Disney its just as fast to ride it because its maybe a 3 minute walk to Beach club from Boardwalk bus stop.

[disneylover]

Of the ones you listed we all liked the AKL.It was great waking up every morning and seeing animals below the room.The pool is huge.The only draw back there is size.This hotel is sooo big and the food court is conected too the building but you have too go outside too get too it. The other hotel we love is the Poly.It has 2 queen beds and a day bed.This works well for us with diffremt sex teens.For you it would if the boys don't want too share a bed or they get mad at each other.The rooms are good size here,bigger if you go too the Rapa Nui or Tahiti buildins.Good luck on your choice.

[MargaretJ]

I checked with my almost 15yr old son & he chose Animal Kingdom Lodge. They have the best bus service of any resort we have ever stayed at (you do not share with any other resort). Good Food Court, Good sit down restaurants, great pool & yes they have animals too. He also suggested Wilderness Lodge. Great Lake to rent those Water Mice & easy to get to Contemporary for that huge arcade they have.

[Perla]

I too voted other. If you're fine with the moderates, you might want to give Coronado a try. We loved the pool and HUGE hot tub. Hammocks on the beach were nice also. We've stayed at PO and CBR and prefered the bus service at Coronado. We have also stayed at WL and Grand Floridian. While we were at GF, our friends stayed at Contemporary and we were back and forth between each place. Con rooms are very big and it is nice that you can walk to the magic kingdom. Loved the monorail at the GF, which you will have at Cont. It's a big plus. I know I'm out numbered on this, BUT, I didn't care that much for WL. It IS beautiful, but being from PA and all these woods around here, I prefer a more tropical feel to a resort. I really didn't care for the transportation at WL either. $$ wise, I think CSR is a great resort.

[Perla]

Forgot to mention, we've also stayed 3 trips at OKW. Very comfy, you just don't want to leave when the week is up. There are some great deals when you rent points to stay there. By the way, how did you make out with Transmeridian? Hope you got my message.

[MissBianca]

I voted for the AKL--there is so much to see and do at that resort! Lots for teens to explore, a great pool, yummy restaurants, health club, etc.

My 2nd choice would be the Swan or Dolphin--with the Boardwalk right there and easy transport to favorite resorts.

Great choices for great rates!

[MargaretJ]

Just wanted to add I only voted for those you listed because your post said you guys did not want to spend a fortune. Now my real choice, if money were no option, is The Beach Club.

[DisneyBUff]

I choose swan or dolphin./ WE loved the Dolphin and it is only a boat ride form what seem to be your familys 2 fav. aprks.

[Kaycee]

I'm voting for Swan/Dolphin. If your family enjoys Epcot and MGM, the Boardwalk area resorts can't be beat. And MK buses run very smoothly and regularly from here. We are getting ready for our second stay at the Dolphin, and we can't wait!

[Moley]

I also voted Swan/Dolphin because of its location and the good value rates often available.

There have been so many rehabs there, from restaurant to a changeover to the special beds, so it continues to be a fresh experience.

Then there's some old favorites, too. Have I told you about the jacuzzi at the Grotto Pool? The one with a good seat in its corner where the jets can hit the small of your back and the back of your legs at the same time? The one where it is only a short walk for your hubby to go fetch you a Margarita? That one? :D

[Bookwood]

I voted other because I'm not a big fan of the Dolphin- it just seems a little snooty to us- plus I hated having to go down to the lobby to get to the lounge (Starwood consierge). I love the location however and someday want to stay at the Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and AK lodge in that order, DH however, wants to stay at the Poly so it will be our first Disney Delux (someday) (since he's going with me I'll stay where he wants to!!)

Pam "Bookwood"

[pixi]

Thank you everyone for your replies-
Although I would LOVE to stay at Beach Club, Margaret is correct in her assumption that that's not even a choice for us at this point! LOL...
My family has taken their own vote after looking over the miles of information I printed out on all the resorts. Although the kids think it would be "neat" to see the animals at AKL, they do not consider it a priority... and they don't like that it's far away from most parks... (we dislike "travel" time) and have voted for Contemporary because of the monorail & Arcade, and the fact that the rooms are bigger & have a daybed.
My hubby was in-between the Dolphin, WL or Contemporary- but agreed that the kids need separate sleeping quarters- and also he didn't like the "double bed" in the Dolphin- or the Resort Fee (and read somewhere that you have to pay extra for 3rd & 4th guest?).... and I personally think WL is too much like "home" and although I'd like to visit there, I don't know if I want to vacation there.
And since he likes the idea of a monorail resort & the close proximity to 'Ohana's via the monorail....
they have voted on Contemporary.
Can you believe it- the one with 0% of the votes.....
But I am willing to go with THEIR votes since they will be the ones living with me LOL!

Thanks everyone for your input!
Rhonda

[MargaretJ]

Rhonda I think you made a great choice really. Even though you had Contemporary on your list the only reason I did not vote for it was cost. It is usually more expensive than AKL or WL. Rooms are very large, Daybed is definitely a plus with different sex children, Arcade is awesome & this resort is so convenient to MK & the monrail to Epcot. Have fun!

[pixi]

Margaret, thanks for validating my choice- it makes me feel 100% better, especially since nobody voted for it! LOL
I did only put the choices on that my husband "agreed" to the price range- except FW cabins, which I didn't mention because I didn't really think he would want to stay there...
So although they are a bit more, we will try to get a good rate (or an upgrade, maybe!) & I'm sure they will all be happy with the choice.
Thanks again!
Rhonda

[Mariaºoº]

I would vote for the AKL. Wow!!! Is all I can say.

Now if the children like to go off on their own to the MK or Epcot I would recommend the Contemporary. It's quick, easy and I know I feel a bit better having a room that they wouldn't have to catch a bus to get back and forth. Just a monorail ride away or walk the pathway back to the room. The Contemporary has lots of food selections, shopping, arcade and snack bar which is a hit with my youngsters.

[Perla]

Glad to see you've made your choice. Contemporary has lots of fans and you will now be one of them! You will love the convience of the monorail. I wish they would run that system to all the parks!

[MissBianca]

Pixi, they were all winning choices! I know you will all have a wonderful time!

[Tink23]

We have stayed at both WL and AKL twice. I voted for WL primarily due to location. We have had great service at both resorts and enjoyed the theming of both. However, with AKL so far from many parks (primarily MK), we felt we spent too much time on the bus getting around that could have been better spent. We liked WL due to the proximity to MK, the monorails, etc. We enjoyed the animals and views at AKL and the pool! Can you split your stay between resorts?

[Kylara]

I voted for the FW Cabins. I love FW except for the transportation issues. Even if you don't want to cook and eat in, having the grill outside is a nice touch for a quick lunch or dinner. Also having the fridge is a benefit even if it is just for soda, water, juice and milk. Plus the campground is fun at night. It has the movies, bonfire etc. I also love the walking path (okay so it is listed as a jogging path) to WL. I have seen deer, rabbits, turtles ect walking on the path.

[pixi]

Tink23-
my family has strongly made their opinion clear on switching hotels- NO!!! (lol), but I love it- being able to experience 2 different resorts in one trip- oh well.... I am hoping to someday go again during the holidays at which time I think WL would be an appropriate choice. Any other time- it's too "homey" for me- I see woods all the time! I need a change of scenery on vacation.

Kylara-
I think I will save FW for my trip next summer with my sister- she loves it there & can "guide" me around! It sounds wonderful!