HI --Am vacationing at DisneyWorld this August 2009 w/ two daughters,ages 7 and 16 and hubby for a return visit of fun, some luxury and a little bit of relaxation ';down'; time in a somewhat more upscale active deluxe level resort.Staying likely 8 nights.Have been 3 times since the later 1990%26#39;s but have only stayed at moderate properties and would like to try something more of a luxury splurge that would be pretty and fun for the girls (and us!)
Thinking of Grand Floridian,Beach-Yacht Club and a little unsure about the Animal Kingdom Lodge (don%26#39;t want to have construction noise near or it to be too rustic or dark looking.) Have read some pros and quite a few cons on the last two.Am also open to new suggestions and their pros and cons alike.Hoping to get free meal plan at that time---any further news on that or other tips/fun ideas welcome too along with views on a day trip to Universal,Seaworld--best to see how (for day or stay there beforehand?)and any opinions on them.Thanks!!!!
DisneyWorld Deluxe Resort Favorite To Share?Trying To DecideOur Favourite top 3 would be
Animal Kingdom Lodge, unique, great Restaurants, wonderful pool and hot tubs. Construction not a problem, haven%26#39;t been bothered by it at all on the last few trips.
Wilderness Lodge, peaceful and relaxing. Boat transport to Magic Kingdom very nice Perk. Artist point one of the Best Restaurants ( will be there in 4 days, Hooray !! )
Polynesian, Tropical, Lively. Great evening entertainment. Yummy Restaurants. Fun Monorail Perk
Can%26#39;t really go wrong with any of the Deluxe Resorts. You could make a Vacation out of just staying at the Resort and never even go to any of the Parks, of course that would never happen but it could :)
DisneyWorld Deluxe Resort Favorite To Share?Trying To DecideHi;thanks for your favorites!Have a really fun time!!!!
Been wanting to atleast visit if not stay at the Wilderness Lodge and try Artist Point too.This may sound ridiculous but I am just not sure if Wilderness and Animal K Lodge (especially Wilderness) is a little too dark,outdoorsy or rustic as my girls are true girlie-girls (which I am too to a degree....) Animal-African theme of AKL does interest us and looks so cool.Not sure if food there is too ethnic for our tastes(particularly our finicky eaters ???) I don%26#39;t know if you can comment on any of that...
Didn%26#39;t like that the Boardwalk Resort does not have on-site dining and quick food more easily accessible from the description and complaints read but ambiance looks pretty and fun.Except for a princess bfast character meal (such as in the castle or Akerhus/Norway with princesses),we like to eat a good bfast conveniently at the resort food court area.Am a little confused about the Bch-Yacht as some of the reviews have been kind of negative (bad service,dining inconveniences,pool area and rooms needing attention etc.) although hugh pool area,slides and theme sound fun.
Think we would like Polynesian but we do the tropical beach vacation usually so I thought it might be nice to have a new scene.Am thinking of trying the Poly Luau Dinner Show--if anyone can comment on show quality and food choices,that would be helpful.
Welcome more favorites,opinions, tips or must-do/sees!!Thanks as any constructive input and resort pros,cons,experiences can help us in our decision.Interested in comparisons pertaining to food court/restaurant on-site quality and selection,room and view quality,convenience,more upscale or somewhat more luxurious ambiance,pool fun factor,fairly good service or better etc.Of course we would want to avoid any major or bothersome construction as some have complained about in their reviews.Keep it coming and enjoy Disney!!!!
Breakfast
All the Resorts have about the same at the Food Courts for this Meal, even AKL has ';Normal'; Bacon and Eggs, Panckaes, etc
Dinner Options
The Boardwalk has several Restaurants that are great. Spoodles, Flying Fish, Big River Grille are all Good. Artist Point at WL is wonderful. Jiko at AKL is a unique experience, not crazy flavours, very yummy. Boma has something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters and family members with Special Diets are pleased with Boma, again, not crazy flavours or anyhting so strange ( We eat here at least once Every Trip )
The AKL is a wonderful Experience and I highly recomend everyone try it at least once. I know alot of people say ';it%26#39;s dark'; I don%26#39;t get that, the Lodge and the rooms are themed to represent Africa, not sure if people understand what that means. If you want bright sunny at the Beach kind of theming, the Y %26amp; B Clubs are your thing. If you want Trpical and relaxed then stay at the POLY. For Hip and Modern, the Contemporary fits the Bill. Hope you see where I%26#39;m going with this :)
WL is woodsy, peaceful, relaxing and Beautiful ( Oh, I can%26#39;t wait !! )But it%26#39;s not like Camping out in the Forest. We have had some of our Best Holidays here. The WL has 3 Hot Tubs, that%26#39;s one of my favourite thigs about this Resort. We all have our Reasons :)
have you thought of holding on for free dining this offer is avaialbe in the uk now for augest 2nd onwards for next year if you book a delux resoert dont no if you can book from were your at from the uk but i book from the us and travel from the uk for this years free dining
www.disneyworld.co.uk
Hi--checked out that link.Wish the free dining plans were available now to US residents for Aug. 2009 but it is too early (from what I have read and was told.) I am hoping to book a deluxe resort and the basic US plan (one table,one counter meal and one snack daily) most likely.Thinking the US deluxe plan which I think has two table meals,one counter and maybe two snacks (not sure?)might be too much food and not enough time.Don%26#39;t think there is an in-between option...Thinking it comes out in early mid-April here and hoping it includes all deluxe properties but am not sure.Any clarification on what was offered here and when last year or any ';new';news appreciated.Thanks!(Keep the resort faves and opinions coming too please!)
PartyPa---I know what you are saying about the theming.Disney always does a fabulous job with making it authentic and beautiful and each resort has its own flavor,beauty etc.At first,I thought the Wilderness Lodge might feel like upscale camping but I realize now this is likely not true at all.It looks beautiful and I am very intrigued by this one.It looks peaceful,forest-like,outdoorsy but in a more upscale majestic and beautiful way if that makes any sense.The pools,hot tubs and restaurants sound and look nice too.There seems to be a unique appeal there.Hope that makes sense....Now,a difficult question,which do you prefer and why-AKL or WL?Have not re%26#39;d much feedback on the others yet and hope to hear peoples%26#39; opinions on some of them too.Thanks everyone.
I have booked up for next year and am staying in Old Key West Villas
Got the free dining plan aswell.
This is the place for me due to having 3 teenagers and the villas give you that extra bedroom.
This resorts does look fab.
Mick
For ';girly-girls'; there is no better place than the Grand Floridian! I understand about dark, etc. at AK %26amp; WL. While I enjoy visiting their lobbies, I do not want to stay in these rooms. The Grand Flo is light, bright, and cheery.
All food courts are not the same! The 24 hour spot at the Grand has a wonderful selection, plenty of space indoors %26amp; out, few lines, and much better service than the other deluxe hotels.
There are 5 restaurants to choose from, right on-site. Something for everyone, and all the food is great.
You feel the luxury the minute you step into the lobby and into your room. It is also the only hotel with NO PARKING LOT VIEWS! The least expensive room in the hotel, will have a lovely view of a real garden!
Take your family to the Garden View Tea Room, one afternoon. It is a lovely experience! Be sure to watch the ';Parasol Parade';, with all of the mousekeepers, strolling through the garden. 1900 Park Fare has some of the best character meals, at Disney.
The pools are wonderful and never crowded. (even during Easter %26amp; Christmas) And be sure to visit the Spa! A great mother/daughter experience!
Enjoy!
The Grand Floridian is our first choice if we can afford it;always dreamed of staying there every time I would see it on the monorail or in pictures etc.I hope we can but need to have a couple of really nice back-up ideas as I may need them.By the way,when and where exactly is the mousekeepers%26#39; parasol parade?--sounds cute.If I would splurge there,would try to stay in a Magic Kingdom view room (standard room for 4 with this upgraded view)if at all possible.Does any one know which buildings offers good park views without breaking the bank (is that is possible?)Any building or room numbers/names to request or avoid?
Also welcome any opinions on the other deluxe resorts or free meal plan for US offer.
If we wish to visit Universal for a day or so,is it best to stay a night or two there or just leave Disney property for the day? Last time I was at Universal and Seaworld was in 2000.Universal was ok but not spectacular back then and SeaWorld was a little disappointing.Any opinions or news on this.Just hate to leave Disney property for too long especially if paying the deluxe prices and we generally prefer Disney hands down.Any news on the new Disney marketplace construction and new stuff---hopefully done by Aug.%26#39;09.
Thanks everyone for your continued help and opinions.It is helpful.Enjoy Disney! Yes,have fun at the Key West Villas!!!!
Hi TRAVELFANFTWORTH and all--wondering if you had a second deluxe choice to the gorgeous GF just incase Mickey charges too much!? Any one have experiences to share regarding Beach and Yacht Club,Animal K and Wilderness Lodges? Love to hear...
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