Originally Posted By RoadTrip I've stayed in about 10 WDW resorts and my least favorite was the Yacht Club. I thought we would love it and it really started out promising. When we checked in we were given an un-requested upgrade to the concierge floor. So far, so good. So were did things go wrong? Well, from the start I was a little uncomfortable on the concierge floor. Most of the people there seemed to be really impressed with themselves and those kinds of people really irritate me. The breakfast items in the morning and the deserts and wine in the evening were nice, but frankly not that big a deal. Quite a few people went to the concierge lounge for breakfast dressed in the very nice Yacht Club robe that is left for you to use on the concierge level. Now if there had been a beautiful young thing in her robe with the suggestion that maybe, just maybe, that was all she had on, it might have been a little intriguing. But lets face it folks... you've seen as many WDW tourists as I have. Seeing these folks in slippers and robes at breakfast pretty well took away my appetite. Now I'm not unfairly dumping on these people. I will willingly admit that I probably don't look any better in slippers and a robe than they do. But that is a sight I don't force upon anyone but my wife and she is usually just grateful I've got the robe on and am not marching around in the altogether! So as you can see some of the things that people just rave about on concierge level really didn’t do that much for me. This was combined with the growing feeling that the Yacht Club was the least themed of any Disney resort I’d stayed at. It was kind of a “generic fancy hotelâ€. It would not have seemed out of place in Minneapolis or Des Moines Iowa or Muncie Indiana. But that still probably isn’t what left me with a bad taste (literally) in my mouth about the Yacht Club. The number one reason I did not like the Yacht Club is that the third night there I had the most violent case of food poisoning I’ve had in my life. That afternoon I had a hot dog at Downtown Disney and it must have been sitting out a little too long. I’ve never been so sick in my life. My agony filled night was one continuous trip to the bathroom after another. Once there I looked at the bowl and was faced with the distasteful decision of which bodily expulsion I wanted to deposit in the bowl and which I would have to clean up from the floor. This was not a pleasant choice, and to be quite frank with you there were no winners here. Each choice seemed about as bad as the other. So it wasn’t a real pleasant experience. Thank God we had been scheduled to move to the Boardwalk the next morning, and I could not wait to say goodbye to the Yacht Club. When we got to the Boardwalk my wife explained the need for a room right away so that I could rest and they graciously gave us a room and checked us in early. I know the Yacht Club had no responsibility for a major portion of my negative feelings, but I still can’t get past them. I just can’t stand that thought of staying on that side of the lake ever again. No Yacht Club or Beach Club for me.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip OK... I went on and on. I do that sometimes. Lots of times. But doesn't ANYONE have a "least favorite Disney Resort" they would like to talk about?
Originally Posted By Mr X Hmm...interesting. Sorry to hear you got so sick. Pretty much the only "true" argument (as in a good/bad true "review" of the place) is the generic part (I get that feeling as well), although as you said you can't help feeling the way you feel about the place. I understand completely (sounds like a bad time all around!). LOL about the robe stuff...that does sound a bit too casual imo...shows what happens when "no class" meets "nice place". Gotta tell you, your descriptions about "stuff" just made me pretty nauseous myself. Thanks. For me, it's obvious. The all-stars are just horrible. Tacky, overprices, generic motel 6's with worse decor. Yuck. I've been to all the resorts but only stayed in three actually (have lots of family in Orlando)..the other two were Coronado (pretty nice), and Boardwalk (loved it)..so I don't have much else to go on. I get the feeling I wouldn't really enjoy the Grand Floridian for a stay that much (though I like the lobby)..to froo froo for me.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I have to say the All Stars and Pop I detest, but the continuing rape of the Contemporary Resort has made me hate a hotel I used to love staying at often during the early years at WDW... now, it's just a mess.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo The Value resorts or Carribean Beach - I don't think I would ever want to stay at. Also the Grand Floridian I think is pretty dull in the main.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome I'm sorry about your experience! I read about it last night, and was trying to figure out if you were asking others to share theirs too. I don't like the All Star Sports. The last time I stayed, during Pop Warner week 2006, there was large graffiti in the stairwells for 3 solid days (I didn't even say anything, waited to see if the "Disney Magic" would come take care of it - it apparently doesn't come to the ASSp). The food court was terrible also, with crusted milk on the cases that held the pints. I stayed with a friend this past December, 2 nights CSR and then 1 Movies and 1 Pop (the latter I've stayed often). I wasn't impressed with the Movies, I was happy to get back to the Pop. The Contemporary I like a lot, but not the store on the 4th floor. What point is a "Grand Canyon Concourse" without the canyon? I also don't like that the Food and Fun Center is gone, nor the carpeting in the lobby. Oh - or the large building being built outside! I can't imagine that the main building will be called the tower anymore. There are very few resorts I dislike. The Grand isn't my personal cup of tea, nor are the Boardwalk resorts overall (I do REALLY like the Swan and Dolphin). I wish the Disney Institute buildings had stayed, instead of SS. But least favorite overall - ASSp.
Originally Posted By dshyates I have only stayed at the Poly, Cont., WL, and ASM. I really love the Poly, but the last time I stayd there it was in embaressingly bad shape. I have lost interest in the Cont. and haven't stayed there sine the 80s. But I did go over to Chef Mickey's in '06. We really enjoyed the buffet but the lobby was all comstruction walls so its hard to judge the outcome. I really love the WL. The rooms are a tad bit small. But to me it is slathered in that special Disney Magic. But all Star Movies, well what can I say. I hated it. Everything about it. The sad thing is we hated it so much we ponied up the bucks for the Poly and It was lousy. Thin towels and linens, stained mattresses, peeling wall paper and other signs of aging. For the price we paid it was really disappointing. We have since been to Orlando twice. Both times staying off property. Once at The Ritz for $199/night. It was $120/night less than the the rate quoted for the same time at the Poly. This is now my Otown base camp. Go ahead, click and compare. <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Default.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ Properties/Orlando/Default.htm</a>
Originally Posted By nbodyhome The Polynesian Resort has undergone a rehab, about 2 years back. The rooms look great now. I don't know as far as the towels and linens, though. And the only decent toilet paper is at the GF. I've not stayed at the Ritz (I don't think it'd be my type of place), but the Gaylord Palms is VERY nice.
Originally Posted By Mr X What do they do with the disney institute area now? One thing interesting about that place, when Clinton came to DisneyWorld that would be the place they'd stay. I was told that was true for most presidents and maximum vip types. They would shut down the whole area and set up camp...I suppose it's the easiest resort on property to secure or something.
Originally Posted By dshyates Oh, I should add one of my favorite WDW resorts. Fort Wilderness. When I was in college, my Ex and I would grab the tent and spring break at WDW. I love Fort Wildernass. It is now more expensive than a real hotel room off property, so it is hard to justify "roughing it" when for less money I can get AC, Cable, and a convenient private bathroom. When it was $30 less than other options it made since, but Paying $65/night for a tent space when I can get a comfy room for less than $50, Oh well call me cheap and wimpy. But its not a hot tent and I don't have to get dressed to go pee.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome >> What do they do with the disney institute area now? << Well, Saratoga Springs is there. The treehouses are still up (I have heard it has to do with swamplands, Disney can't build anything else if they tear those down). Not sure if maybe some of the Fairway Villas are up as well, but students (Internationals?) are housed in those older buildings. The Disney Institute as a name still exists, with programs - for corporate, mostly. I definitely believe it as far as housing dignitaries, etc. I loved going over to work out at the DI (I had a local fitness pass), and Bruce Springsteen was once behind me on a treadmill. I think some Orlando Magic Players worked out there occasionally too, and Disney execs. It was nice and quiet.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo dsyates, I am with you. I used to be all about staying on site. Althought I love the architectural designs and concepts of the WL, AKL, and the Contemporary still strikes a chord for me, there are far better offerings at Gaylord Palms, Ritz, Marriott and probably at the upcoming 4 Seasons. Add the fact that the busses are god awful and the extra hours are too crowded (thanks for upcharge parties at the MK), we think staying off site and hving a car is far preferable these days. I may give DVC a try sometime though, especially OKW.
Originally Posted By dshyates "I've not stayed at the Ritz (I don't think it'd be my type of place), but the Gaylord Palms is VERY nice." I was afraid I wouldn't care for it. I thought it would be sort of like the attitude at the grand FL. The people who stay at the grand really annoy me. There is an air of stuffy pretention and they seem really impressed with themselves. But the attitude I encountered at the Ritz was pretty relaxed. Very relaxed as a matter of fact. It is a very nice, very low key place. We liked it so much one day we bagged the parks and hung out at the hotel and lounged, got a massage, and chilled with a few Bahama Mamas. One of the best days spent in Orlando yet.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome >> I was afraid I wouldn't care for it. I thought it would be sort of like the attitude at the grand FL. The << That is what I'd think of at The Ritz! I don't find the GF snobby at all, but the Gaylord Palms is a beautifully designed hotel, very laid back. I can't imagine you'd find it snooty at all.
Originally Posted By dsnyqwn1 My favorite resort now is the Port Orleans Riverside (Dixie Landings). Really nice resort, good atmosphere, and quiet. We used to stay at the Disney Inn (now Shades of Green). I have to say I like POR better although I do miss the Disney Inn. And to answer one of the questions posted the Disney Institute has been remodled and is now open as the new DVC Saratota Springs. Looks very nice.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo MMMmmmmmm I loved POR. To me that is the best value resort on Disney property. We had a fantastic time there on our honeymoon in 2000, it felt the most Disney of all the resorts - i.e. totally themed and very few toons!!!
Originally Posted By jonvn "as you can see some of the things that people just rave about on concierge level really didn’t do that much for me" I've staye at the concierge level in the Boardwalk, and I agree. It's not worth it. I've been to all the high end hotels, or at least have eaten at them. They are all not bad. Some are dolled up versions of a Holiday Inn. The Contemporary seems the most sterile, the Poly the most run down. Faded glory. But the ugliest things I've seen are these low end motels that they have. Putting huge plastic THINGS in the area is not decor. The cafeteria looks like something out of a dorm, and they are just very unpleasant. I've not been in the rooms. You get what you pay for, sort of. I think Disney charges way way too much for what they give you. It's extremely cynical on their part. Boardwalk is my favorite, so far. It's very convenient. I was going to stay at yacht/beach next time. It's just on the other side, but it doesn't have the shops and restaurants that are downstairs like Boadwalk has. Wilderness Lodge, the lobby is amazing. The rooms are a let down afterwards. Grand Floridian is so very white that I don't care for it too much. I think if you're not having a wedding, you kind of don't want to stay there.
Originally Posted By dshyates Dave, There is a very nice JW Marriott that shares the property with The Ritz at the Grand Lakes Resort. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/397os4" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/397os4</a> During our stay the rates at the JW were $169/night. Since our stay was short (4 nights) we decided to go the extra $30/night for the Ritz. As I said, it was still $120 less than the Poly, so we still felt like we got a steal. The Complex as a whole is well appointed: 11 restaurants, Golf, 2 kids pools (one with a lazy river at the JW), an adults only "Tranquility" pool at the Spa. <a href="http://www.grandelakes.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.grandelakes.com/ind ex.cfm</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Most likely if we ever travel to the swamplands of Fla again, we will probably stay at one of the Marriott Vacation Club resorts. There are loads to choose from.
Originally Posted By dshyates "I don't find the GF snobby at all, but the Gaylord Palms is a beautifully designed hotel, very laid back. I can't imagine you'd find it snooty at all." I have only seen it from the outside, and I have seen something on TV where they showed the interior with its different themed environs. It is definitely on my list. But I think the Peabody will be next. I also want to try Portifino Bay. I have eaten dinner there and I think I would like to give it a try. I have done the Royal Pacific and I liked it. I like resort hotels as much as theme parks and Orlando has so many to try. I haven't even tried Marriott's Grand Cypress which I have wanted to try since they built it, but I doubt I ever will with all the newer choices. Orlando has the best selection of themed resort hotels outside of Las Vegas. Since I don't gamble and I like theme parks, Otown is my Vegas. Themed hotels, Cirque, Blue Man Group, restaurants galore from Emeril's to Rainforest, and theme parks. I love it.
