Disney World Resort: Lodging

We're booking our trip for December...any recommendations for lodging?

It'll be myself, DH and our 2 sons (3yrs and 21months). We definitely want to stay in the resort and I'm thinking I want a Villa because I like the fact of having seperate rooms if we want to stay up later then the kids and also having a kitchenette if we want to eat in. What are you thoughts? Villa? Hotel Room?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Since we had kids we like staying on the monorail so we don't have to wake them or take them out of the stroller.

We liked the Polynesian but it was one room. We stayed at Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary and loved it. We are staying again but this year staying in the one bedroom suite. Last year we stayed in a room with just a kitchenette which was very convenient. The one bedroom has a kitchen and laundry area.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

We stayed at Saratoga Springs, 2 room villa. It was nice. Convenient. Kitchen, living room, table.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

I know these places are a bit expensive but I'm willing to pay if it's worth it. Would you stay there again because of the convenience?

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

I never got a villa before but I'm sure they are great. Money is tight so we are staying on campus at Port Orleans. Its one of the smaller properties, which I like so its not so much to walk through with my 3yr old. Also its on the river and AJ will love the boat ride I'm sure, plus the birds. Its the first pick up and first drop off on the bus too. But its like a hotel room if that makes sense. We are getting a king bed and river view.

Have fun looking and booking

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Dh, me and our two dc age 8 years old and 6 years old have been staying at the Villas at the Wilderness lodge for the last 4 years we have gone. We tried other disney resorts along the way, but we cant stop going to the Wilderness. It has everything we could ask for and just love it. Fm me if you have any more questions.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Last time we went to Disney we stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and LOOOOOOVED it!! The rooms were SO nice, it was close to everything, and we used Disney transportation to get all around the resort. It was also pretty moderately priced. I highly recommend it!

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

The villas are fabulous but they are very expensive - but it is a plus to have the additional rooms and the kitchen. Bay Lake Towers next to the Contemporary are a great option b.c you can walk to the MK OR hop the monorail to the TTC and catch the EPCOT monorail - so you only have to take the buses to get to AK, HS or the water parks.

The AKL also has a villa part now and they have a water activity/playground that sounds interesting. But they are far from MK - but the AKL is a fabulous resort and it isn't really that far just not quite the same as being able to walk to the MK.

If the villas aren't in the budget but you still want to stay on property to get the WDW on site benefits - you can check out these two options.

Fort Wilderness Cabins are one option:
The 407 Wilderness Cabins (WC) are about 12' x 42'. There is a wood deck outside, with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Inside, the cabins are laid out as follows: starting at one end: bedroom with with double bed, bunk beds, a nightstand, a chest of drawers, separate vanity with wall-mounted hairdryer, closet space; full bathroom with tub/shower; hall closet; full kitchen with amenities listed below; living area with color television and a VCR, a dining table that seats six, sofa, kids table and two chairs, pull-down Murphy bed, window seats, telephone, locked cabinet (safe).

Family suites at All Star Music are another- this is the description:
Each suite will sleep up to 6, plus one child in a Pak-n-Play crib. The master bedroom and family room have a 27" flat screen TV as well as high speed Internet access. There is a queen bed (sleeps 2), full-size pullout sofa (sleeps 2), convertible ottoman and chair sleeper (sleeps 2). The kitchenette will have a microwave and small refrigerator (4.3 cubic feet) plus a coffeemaker. There are two full bathrooms.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

We're disney vacation club members, so we stay in villas when we go to Disney. My parents are coming with us for Halloween and I wanted to find one for them as well...and discovered this:

DVC Rental

Basically, you are buying a vacation club member's points so you can stay in a vacation club rental. We priced a regular hotel room at the Boardwalk, and it was $3800 for 1 week. Through Scott's site I was able to get the same room for $1200. He was great to work with and I highly recommend this. I've sent everyone I know to him now, lol.

Our favorites are Bay Lake Towers and Boardwalk Villas.

Message edited 5/16/2011 9:02:42 PM.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

We've stayed at the Polynesian in a regular room and the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary in a two bedroom suite we shared with my cousin's family. Both were very nice but we really really loved the Polynesian.

We're pretty spoiled by monorail resorts and their convenience, so I say if you can go that route it's your best bet.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Message edited 5/16/2011 9:19:53 PM.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

We just got back and stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. It was a great time.

Our two 4 year olds had a queen bed & our 1 year old stayed in a pack and play.

There was a fridge & table in our room. I used garden grocer for milk, baby food, waters & fruit.

We were also on the meal plan.

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

Thanks

Re: Disney World Resort: Lodging

My brother belongs to DVC and we stayed at Old Key West. It was fabulous!!!!!!