Originally Posted By GrumpysWife We are planning to come down with a group in Feb. of 2009 and get to participate in the choice of resorts!! We've been to DL many times, to WDW only 4 times, with three of those at Coronado Springs and once at the Swan. We loved both of those, but am now in the GREAT position of getting to help choose from the following resorts: -- Animal Kingdom Lodge -- Beach Club Resort -- Polynesian Resort -- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa -- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel -- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel I hope this isn't too repetitive, I know there's been a lot of discussion about resort choices recently, but I was hoping to get opinions from those that have experience at more of the resorts than I. Which would you choose, given the above list?? Thanks!!
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh It really depends upon your likes and interests. Which parks will you spend most time in? What themes do you favor the most? That being said, I've heard good things about the Swan and Dolphin, although I've never stayed at either. They're centrally located like the Beach Club, but not as expensive.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Good question-the only one we've stayed at from the list is the Swan and I LOVED it - I liked the proximity to Epcot and (then) MGM, not to mention their Heavenly Beds. However, we like the Magic Kingdom best, so I was kind of leaning toward the Polynesian. Our group is doing a 3-days at the park, 4-day cruise; we are holding all the meetings on the cruise ship, so while we won't have any time eaten up by meetings, it's still only 3 days.
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh I guess another good question is whether or not you'll have a car. If you're doing a cruise/park package, I'd guess not, and so I'd probably stay away from the AK Lodge or Saratoga.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife We may have to have a car, but I'd guess most of the people in our group probably won't bother. There'll probably be in the range of 150-200 people to please...not all are as Disney crazed as we are. Because AK Lodge and Saratoga are bus service only, correct?
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh There's a boat from Saratoga to Downtown Disney, but it's buses to the parks from both.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Because of your group discussion I would choose the Polynesian because it is easy monorail/boat access to 3 Deluxe Resorts(think also restaurants and bars) and access to the MK. Since your group is large and I am assuming adult and not WDW regulars. You can also watch the fireworks from these resorts. If the Polynesian is within your price range that would be my first choice. Please post a trip report cause we live for those.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss For a group, I would put a lot of emphasis on location. Of the resorts on your list, I would choose the Poly, because it has the best transportation options for everyone to more around the property.
Originally Posted By jkayjs Poly for every reason you listed. It is beautiful, the rooms are very big and of course location, location, location. The grounds alone are worth it. We have 3 grown kids and the 5 of us stay without any problem or feeling crowded. I can't imagine anyone really being disappointed unless they hate the tropics.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Thank you all - some of what I've read in other threads made me worry about the Polynesian, I thought I read where someone said it was looking worn and tired? So I'm glad to hear the recommendation. I think that's going to get my vote! And who could hate the tropics, right?
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun I have not stayed at any of them but have seen them all. Based solely on that I'd say Poly. (And dinner at Ohana was fabulous!!!)
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun BTW we are staying at Coronado our next trip, glad to hear you liked it!
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife I really like the feel of the Coronado, when you get back at night it's very quiet and relaxing. The restaurant there is really good, as well as the food court. Have a great time!
Originally Posted By avromark Poly, huge rooms, location, friendly staff, NOT Starwood (The way they treat elite guests is just "spiffy", oh and I love companies where a person with a firm reservation can be bumped to another hotel because a person with a higher elite status after the resort was sold out wanted a room...)
Originally Posted By tonyanton Poly...for all of what's been said. I never had a problem with the rooms there...and you are also very close to the Epcot monorail in most of the eastern buildings (or you can do the MK monorail to the Epcot monorail). My only quip: I wish there was one more full service restaurant at the Poly...reopen the Tangaroa Terrace!
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 we stayed at AK in June 2005. we loved it. it was our first time to DW and we really got the wow feeling. staff was wonderful. Beautiful resort. I got up early one morning and went out to see the animals. One of the staff was out there and told me about the animals and africa, where he was from. the mara and boma very good. didn't go to jiko's.
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Thanks all - we ultimately chose the Poly, and I get to go down there next week for a walk-thru of the facilities! Cool! Oh, to have a job that I got to do this EVERY year!!
Originally Posted By jkayjs Great choice I don't think you will regret it. BTW I'm not sure how old the reviews were on other sites but the rooms @ the Poly were just remodeled in 2005-2006 so don't worry. Have a wonderful time.
