Best place to stay at Disney?

We are thinking about planning a trip to Disney and taking my parents and in-laws along with us. My dad is a teacher, so we can only go when school is out.

I've never been to Disney before- and was wondering if anyone could recommend a place to stay. We were thinking it might be convenient to stay in a place that we can catch the tram to (is that even possible?) Thanks!

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

Grand Floridian

The Polynesian

or the Villas are really nice too.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

I think that all of the deluxe hotels are good. they are closer to the parks and you won't have to take a bus.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

Are you planning on doing mostly parks? Otherwise I find you get a lot more for your money at a timeshare. More privacy, more room, and a kitchen.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

it totally depends on your traveling party and what you want to do.

With younger children, I recommed one of the Magic Kingdom resorts.

With a large, close-knit group, I would definitely do one of their timeshare resorts. They have one bedroom, two bedroom and even full-on Villa Vacation homes (that sleep up to 12). All timeshare resorts have a kitchen too - not that I ever cook on vacation, but it's nice if you have young children for at least cereal in the morning or a snack at night.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

The 3 best places to stay are the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and the Contemporary. Polynesian is really the best if you plan to spend time at EPCOT and MK. B.C you can hop the monorail to the MK or walk to the TTC and hop the EPCOT monorail. You will have to take buses to HS and AK though.

Then it is all relative from there. So it is really a loaded question. Budget is one thing to keep in mind - Those three are some of the most expensive ones on property. If you want to spend a lot of time at EPCOT - maybe you want one of the Hotels where you can walk to the international gate at EPCOT, or if you want to spend a lot of time at AK you might like the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

If you want a deluxe but not the huge price tag and want to be near the MK you can try the Wilderness lodge (which is the same price range as the AKL - the 2 cheapest deluxes).

There are wonderful moderate resorts too - and some people love the values.

If you budget can swing it - the Poly is amazing - right on the beach across from the MK you can sit by the pool and watch the castle, or watch the fireworks at night from their beaches (they pipe in the narration to the fireworks right onto the beach). Convenience wise you can roll you stroller right onto the monorail and go right to the MK or you can take the monorail to the TTC and change to the EPCOT one OR walk next door to the TTC and hop the monorail there. You will only need to take a bus (if you don't rent a car) if you want to go to AK, HS or one of the water parks (or downtown disney).

What do you want to do? I recommend checking out - allearsnet.com - it is a great site with lot of photos and info on the resorts. Also check out - mousesavers.com, and disboards.com

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

We have stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort and Pop Century. Liked both of them. This time we are staying at the Grand Floridian.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

I've stayed twice at the Boardwalk Resort. If you are not travelling with small children who will want to be at the Magic Kingdom every day, then I highly recommend this place. It's a 5 minute walk to Epcot and since you are on the boardwalk, there are a bunch of little restaurants that you can go to if you don't feel like going far from the hotel for something to eat. I believe they also have villa options there.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

Grand Floridian
Polynesian
The Contemporary

all 3 have the convenience of the monorail

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

The Beach Club

awesome pool and 2 min boat ride/10 min walk to EPCOT which has restaurants and monorail

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

I have never stayed at a Deluxe - only the value and two moderates but my fave so far is Port Orleans - Riverside.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

If you stay at the Swan & Dolphin you can just walk over to Epcot and catch the tram to Disney from Epcot... there is also a boat that will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from there. It is seriosuly my favorite place to stay!

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?

Grand Floridian!!!!!! AMAZING! Right on the monorail. Great restaurants. Two pools. Stayed their twice. Can't wait until my kids are a little older, I hope we can stay there again.

Re: Best place to stay at Disney?