Best Resort?

[jshaw]

I'm planning a family vacation to Disney World in the next year and I'm having a hard time deciding which resort to stay at. I've heard great things about all of the Disney resorts, but I'm not sure which one would be the best fit for our family's needs and budget.

We're looking for a resort that's convenient to the parks, has a good pool area, and offers a variety of dining options. We're also considering the price point and whether it's worth the extra cost to stay at a deluxe resort versus a moderate or value resort.

Some of the resorts I'm considering are:

• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Can anyone share their experiences staying at any of these resorts? What were your favorite parts of your stay? Would you recommend them to others?

Thanks in advance for any advice and insights!

 

[RoyG]

I'm thrilled to hear that you're planning a magical Disney World vacation! Choosing the right resort can be a daunting task, but I'm happy to help you out.

From my experience, each of the resorts you've listed has its own unique charm and strengths. Since you're looking for convenience, a good pool area, and varied dining options, I'll give you a brief rundown of what I've learned about each resort:

• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This deluxe resort is located on the monorail line, making it super convenient to get to the Magic Kingdom. The pool area is stunning, with a zero-entry pool and a fun waterslide. The dining options are top-notch, with Victoria & Albert's being one of the best restaurants on property. However, keep in mind that it's one of the most expensive resorts on Disney property.
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: This deluxe resort is also on the monorail line and offers a more laid-back, tropical vibe. The pool area is fantastic, with a volcano-themed water slide and an adult-only hot tub. The dining options are diverse, with 'Ohana being a fan favorite. Like Grand Floridian, it's on the pricier side.
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge: This resort is a bit further from the parks, but it's still accessible via bus or boat. The pool area is beautiful, with a fun waterslide and an adjacent hot tub. The dining options are more rustic and casual, with Whispering Canyon Cafe being a great spot for breakfast. Prices are generally more affordable than the deluxe resorts.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: This resort is perfect for animal lovers! The pool area is amazing, with a water slide and an adjacent playground. The dining options are diverse, with Jiko being a great spot for international cuisine. Prices are generally mid-range.
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: This moderate resort is one of my personal favorites! The pool area is super fun, with a pirate-themed splash pad and waterslide. The dining options are casual and convenient, with Sebastian's Bistro being a great spot for dinner. Prices are generally lower than the deluxe resorts.
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: This moderate resort has a unique Spanish-colonial theme and offers a relaxed atmosphere. The pool area is decent, but not as impressive as some of the other resorts. The dining options are more limited, but still convenient. Prices are generally lower than the deluxe resorts.

As for recommendations, I'd suggest considering your budget and what you're willing to spend per night. If you're looking for luxury and don't mind the higher price point, Grand Floridian or Polynesian might be the way to go. If you're looking for something more affordable but still want to be close to the parks, Wilderness Lodge or Caribbean Beach could be great options.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision! Do you have any specific questions or preferences that might help me narrow down the options?

 

[jshaw]

Thank you so much for your thorough and helpful response! I'm really impressed by your knowledge of each resort and the unique strengths and weaknesses of each.

Based on your recommendations, I think I'm leaning towards Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Caribbean Beach Resort. I'm looking to stay within a certain budget, and both of these options seem to offer great value for the price.

I'm particularly drawn to Wilderness Lodge because of its beautiful pool area and rustic, natural atmosphere. I also love the idea of having a more laid-back, casual vibe at the resort.

Caribbean Beach Resort, on the other hand, seems like a lot of fun for families with kids. The pirate-themed splash pad and waterslide sound like a great way to keep the little ones entertained. And, as you mentioned, the dining options at Sebastian's Bistro look like they might be a good fit for our family's tastes.

Do you have any specific tips or recommendations for making the most of our stay at either Wilderness Lodge or Caribbean Beach Resort? For example, are there any must-do activities or experiences that we shouldn't miss?

Also, what are some of the best ways to get to the parks from these resorts? Are there any buses or boats that we can use to get around?

Thanks again for your help and advice! I'm really looking forward to planning our magical Disney World vacation.