WDW resorts?

[chasing]

The Disney talk got me thinking about planning again! We're taking the kids next year for their first time. Which is/are you favorite resort(s)...?

DH and I stayed at Coranado Springs for part of our honeymoon...it was fine, but we got stuck in a building that was a major hike from the bus stops and main building. It did have a very diverse food court, which may be a reason to stay there again. I've also stayed at Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans (back when it was Dixie Landings), but that was a LONG time ago. I remember liking both, but CB was also very spread out like CS.

I like the moderate resorts, but wouldn't be completely opposed to a value hotel. DH would likely be opposed to springing for a deluxe resort. Thanks!

[Deleted]

I just stayed at the Art of Animation, most rooms are as expensive as the deluxe resorts because they are suites, but I think there is a section of regular rooms too. The pool is the largest of all the hotels and is a lot of fun for kids. The food court was awesome. I usually stay at the deluxe resorts for the monorail, but it was a great alternative.

As far as the moderate resorts, Coranado Springs is my least favorite, it's more of a convention center and I feel less Disney Magic there. I loved Carribean Beach and Port Orleans. IMO, every hotel is very spread out and getting a room next to the lobby/buses is usually a combination of luck and sometimes paying a higher price (ie I know at Contemporary and Art of Animation you can pick which section you are booking in).

[Deleted]

We stayed in the All Star Sports. There were two adults and three kids in the room (inc a pack n play). It was a bit crowded, but we we're barely there and it was just fine. I booked during a sale and it was 75 a night. I saved the money on a hotel so I could add a dining plan and make the whole thing easier. We did quick service dining and always had a ton of extra snacks to take with us from the kids meals. All in all it was a great trip and we only spent about 150 out of pocket on souvenirs and one extra meal.

The value resorts are the furthest from MK, so it was about a 20-25 minute bus ride there. The other parks are closer. We ended up with AK as our favorite.

[chasing]

Jan 19, 2015 7:54:54 GMT -5 @gussie said:

As far as the moderate resorts, Coranado Springs is my least favorite, it's more of a convention center and I feel less Disney Magic there. I loved Carribean Beach and Port Orleans. IMO, every hotel is very spread out and getting a room next to the lobby/buses is usually a combination of luck and sometimes paying a higher price (ie I know at Contemporary and Art of Animation you can pick which section you are booking in).

@gussie - is the theme the major reason you dislike CS? I actually like the remodel they've done, even though it doesn't scream "Disney." I also like that CS doesn't share a bus like PO and the value resorts.

[callmeKD]

Jan 19, 2015 7:58:01 GMT -5 @sundae13 said:

We stayed in the All Star Sports. There were two adults and three kids in the room (inc a pack n play). It was a bit crowded, but we we're barely there and it was just fine. I booked during a sale and it was 75 a night. I saved the money on a hotel so I could add a dining plan and make the whole thing easier. We did quick service dining and always had a ton of extra snacks to take with us from the kids meals. All in all it was a great trip and we only spent about 150 out of pocket on souvenirs and one extra meal.

The value resorts are the furthest from MK, so it was about a 20-25 minute bus ride there. The other parks are closer. We ended up with AK as our favorite.

@sundae13 - I love your profile pic! go Pats!

[callmeKD]

I've stayed at Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. Really enjoyed Port.

[callmeKD]

last year and this year, we are staying (stayed) off property. not ideal, but cheaper. once DD is older, we plan to stay on property.

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2015 15:39:06 GMT -5 chasing said:

Jan 19, 2015 7:54:54 GMT -5 @gussie said:

As far as the moderate resorts, Coranado Springs is my least favorite, it's more of a convention center and I feel less Disney Magic there. I loved Carribean Beach and Port Orleans. IMO, every hotel is very spread out and getting a room next to the lobby/buses is usually a combination of luck and sometimes paying a higher price (ie I know at Contemporary and Art of Animation you can pick which section you are booking in).

@gussie - is the theme the major reason you dislike CS? I actually like the remodel they've done, even though it doesn't scream "Disney." I also like that CS doesn't share a bus like PO and the value resorts.

It's actually been a few years since I stayed there, so if they remodeled it, it may be different from when I went. It just seemed kind of big and empty to me, I didn't really see all the special Disney touches in the hotel.  But it was still very nice, just my least favorite I've stayed in!  I know they tried to make it business-person friendly with the convention center, so that's probably why it's more low-key.

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2015 15:51:16 GMT -5 @littlestjerry said:

We rented DVC points and stayed at the Boardwalk Inn last time, and it was amazing. Walking to distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios too!

I want to stay at the Boardwalk next time, it looks so cool!

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2015 17:15:55 GMT -5 @littlestjerry said:

Jan 19, 2015 16:47:44 GMT -5 @gussie said:

I want to stay at the Boardwalk next time, it looks so cool!

It was the same price as a moderate renting points through David's dvc rental!

I've never heard of that! I'll have to check it out

[NariaDreaming]

Jan 19, 2015 17:54:51 GMT -5 @gussie said:

Jan 19, 2015 17:15:55 GMT -5 @littlestjerry said:

It was the same price as a moderate renting points through David's dvc rental!

I've never heard of that! I'll have to check it out

I just rented through a private owner (usually can save $1-$2 a point)


And as for the original question, since I can't pick *a* favorite


Favorite Value: Pop Century. It doesn't share a bus with the all-stars, and there aren't as many sport/dance groups here
Favorite Moderate: Port Orleans French Quarter- It is the smallest Disney resort, and only has one bus stop.
Favorite Deluxe: Animal Kingdom Lodge. There's just something about waking up from your afternoon nap and finding a Giraffe looking in your window that is super awesome.


I've stayed at

Value: All Star Music, All Star Movies, All Star Sports, Pop Century
Moderate: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Saratoga Springs, Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Wilderness Lodge

Next Up: Old Key West

[mustardseed2007]

My absolute favorite deluxe is the contemporary in the bay lake tower - it's on the monorail, it's where Disney usually hosts it's conventions and it doesn't seem as fun as it actually is so you'll find a lot of adult conventioners and not as many kids. This means it is never too crowded with crazy kids at the pool or anywhere else in the hotel. It also has great hotel dining from quick service to table service to 2 table service to character...yeah it's awesome. The light on kids thing sounds weird I guess since I am now traveling with two myself, but some places have so many kids it's like lord of the flies.

My favorite moderate is Port Orleans French Quarter b/c the hotel is small so it's quick to get to the bus, lobby, and food, and it's a nice hotel with lots of fun, outdoor amenities.

[moidonna]

Following and bookmarking all this great info. Good to know about the value resorts being farthest away.

[goldenbird]

I want to stay at Pop Century or All Star Movie resort when we go back to WDW. We stayed at the Swan in 2013 on our honeymoon, but that wasn't a true Disney resort even though it was super close. My dad was footing the bill for that though so we'll have to go for a value this next time, I think.

[sjandva]

We're partial to the Polynesian. Love that it's on the monorail. We've been there 2004 (honeymoon), 2006, 2011. We've also never paid full price. Always had a 30% off discount codes.
I've also stayed at All Star Music in 2011 and Pop Century this last August.
For us personally I don't see us staying at another value. Rooms are so small with only double beds.
As good as the transportation is for so many people the buses are just a pain and take a bit out of your day. We also had a stroller and had to go back for nap time so that's part of why I feel like that. We've been too spoiled by staying at Poly and using the monorail.
Next time we go I want to try Contemporary, I'd love to be able to walk to the Magjc Kingdom.

[LydiaDeetz]

We stayed at Art of Animation for our August 2014 vacation. It. Was. Beautiful. The pool was awesome and we got the Finding Nemo & Lion King Suites. The art and sculptures everywhere really wowed my nieces (8,8 & 4). Next time I'd like to stay closer to MK so we can see the fireworks, but would definitely recommend Art of Animation.

[moidonna]

Is there a good one for princesses or one that's really Mickey and Minnie themed? But really princesses are the focus here.

[SeaBreeze]

Jan 19, 2015 21:40:25 GMT -5 moidonna said:

Is there a good one for princesses or one that's really Mickey and Minnie themed? But really princesses are the focus here.

Port Orleans Riverside has royal rooms that would fit the princess bill. You can also purchase gift packages of different themes to have delivered to the room for an extra magical touch.

[northernlghts]

Jan 19, 2015 18:14:41 GMT -5 NariaDreaming said:

Jan 19, 2015 17:54:51 GMT -5 @gussie said:

I've never heard of that! I'll have to check it out

Favorite Deluxe: Animal Kingdom Lodge. There's just something about waking up from your afternoon nap and finding a Giraffe looking in your window that is super awesome.

Agreed! That's where we stayed for our honeymoon and getting to see different animals outside our windows was fun.

[moidonna]

Jan 19, 2015 22:29:46 GMT -5 SeaBreeze said:

Jan 19, 2015 21:40:25 GMT -5 moidonna said:

Is there a good one for princesses or one that's really Mickey and Minnie themed? But really princesses are the focus here.

Port Orleans Riverside has royal rooms that would fit the princess bill. You can also purchase gift packages of different themes to have delivered to the room for an extra magical touch.

Thank you so much!