Originally Posted By trekkeruss Best is relative, but I believe Disney considers the Grand Floridian as the top of the heap. I've never heard anyone here claim it as their favorite, though.
Originally Posted By jmuboy Best, IMHO, are the Contemporary (now, after the renovation); animal kingdom lodge and wilderness lodge.
Originally Posted By kennect AKL is my personal favorite...But in reality I have to say that for a top resort there it would have to be something in the Epcot area...
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Having been in DVC now for 13 years, I can only base my feelings on the Deluxes I used to stay in, as they were then. WL and AKL were not options. 1. Polynesian - by far best atmosphere to me 2. Grand Floridian - I usually enjoyed the stay there but sort of sterile 3. Contemporary - just never liked the theming inside - left me cold
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 I've only stayed at AKL, but absolutly loved it! The theme is fantastic. I loved getting up in the morning and seeing the animals.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Although I love the Boardwalk and think that the Epcot Resorts have a great location; I always feel that the monorail resorts have a little extra something that none of the other resorts have. (A train out front?) ;-) Although I've never stayed at any of the monorail resorts, I've spent a fair amount of time eating, drinking, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere of all of them. My preference would be: 1) Polynesian Monorail, Romance, and the gorgeous view across the Seven Seas Lagoon. 2) Contemporary Monorail through the middle, great shops, able to walk to the Magic Kingdom. 3) Grand Floridian Architecture reminiscent of the Hotel Del Coronado, good restaurants, being able to feel that you are better than everyone else.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Wilderness Lodge to me is the best themed hotel at WDW. I have stayed at the Contemporary 4 times, but that was back in the 70s when the place was truly magnificent, but now? I don't recommend it much.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom As already stated Disney considers their best resort to be The Grand Floridian. As you can probably tell from all of the above posts, everyone seems to develope their own personal favorite resorts based on location, amenities and services available. Some enjoy staying in the EPCOT/MGM area and favor resorts there. Others prefer a more "adverturous" experience and enjoy the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge. My advise is to find your favortie and don't be afraid to stay at a different resort, or break up your stay between different resorts. Each Disney resort has its own "special" qualities, this is Disney after all.
Originally Posted By MPierce My favorite has always been Wilderness Lodge. It's really an escape for me, and I don't think you can beat the themeing, and comfortable feel of the Lodge. I see how easy it is to fall in love with any deluxe resort. I always suggest to people to visit as many resorts as is possible. I know that's easier said than done. When you find the one that feels right you will know. Right now I would settle for a sleeping bag at Fort Wilderness!
Originally Posted By kennect SO VERY OT but have to ask...Mpierce, Every time I see your name I can't help myself....When I do see your name it reminds me of a film from the past...By any chance is there a connection??? Just really curious here....
Originally Posted By MPierce Are you talking about Mildred Pierce or the director Charles Pierce. Sadly the answer to any connection to films would be no. It would be my fifteen minutes of fame which I am still waiting on.
Originally Posted By kennect I am sorry MPierce...But everytime I see your name I think of that classic film....What a classic but by any chance do you bake cakes? Just kidding....
Originally Posted By MPierce >> am sorry MPierce...But everytime I see your name I think of that classic film....What a classic but by any chance do you bake cakes? Just kidding....<< I understand, and yes my wife is trying to teach me to bake. I do love to cook though even though I'm horrible at it.
Originally Posted By CTXRover My personal vote for best deluxe is the Yacht Club. Rated as a AAA 4 star hotel with an excellent location within walking distance to Epcot (and MGM, though that is a bit of a far walk), excellent amenities, best pool area at any resort on property, within walking distance to the Boardwalk resort with its entertainment and restaurants, and one of my own personal favorite themes (that being nautical stuff) makes it my family's favorite deluxe resort. The Beach Club is pretty similar, but our preference goes to the more upscale feel the Yacht Club side has over the more carefree beach feel the Beach Club has, though that is an equally nice resort which shares the same positives that I mentioned about the Yacht Club (plus it is technically closer to Epcot's back gate) My second favorite would be Animal Kingdom Lodge. Truly a beautiful and unique resort. Unfortunately not all 'Savannah view' rooms are the same, but the majority provide great views of animals grazing right outside your room door both day and night which makes for a one of kind resort stay. My third favorite is a tie between either the Contemporary or Polynesian, moreso since their extensive room refurbs and ongoing public area renovations within the past 2 years .
