Deluxe resorts at Disney World?

Question

I am going to Disney World sometime in the next year and when looking at the deluxe hotels I could not decide which one to pick. My party consits of kids aged 9,10,13 and two 15 year olds( all boys). My first instinct was instinct was the Polynesian, because I love Hawaii and the whole Pacific Island motif. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which of the Magic Kingdom resorts on the monorail loop would be the best for our group. Please include recommendations for building as well. Cost is not really an issue. Also, does anyone have any thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan? We are a group of big eaters. Is the requirement to book a package through Disney worth the value of the plan?

Answer 1

If you have to stay on the Monorail loop, I agree with staying at the Poly, BUT if you are willing to be a little more adventuresome I would suggest the either the Wilderness Lodge or the Fort Wilderness Cabins. Granted that to get into any of the parks you will need to take either a bus or water taxi but with both locations.

The Lodge has plenty of room for kids of those ages to run around. It doesn't have a room large enough for everyone though. Fishing docks, boats, and many other amenities for young boys to play at/with.

The Fort's Cabins will hold you and your boys. They also have some kitchenettes included. You get to use the lodges amenities plus they have lots of paths for bikes, you can rent if you don't bring some, and walking.

Check out the these web sites for more info....

  http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/res...

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/spe...

Answer 2

Because of the size of your party, you won't fit into a standard room at any of the Monorail resorts.

If cost is no object, your best bet is two connecting rooms at the Polynesian.  The Poly is one of the three most kid-appealing resorts in all of Walt Disney World, the only one of those three on the Magic Kingdom monorail, and is far and away the most convenient  WDW resort, as it is the only resort from which you can walk to the Ticket and Transportation center--where you get the epcot monorail.

Stay in Rapa Nui, Tahiti, or Tokelau.  These are the newest of the buildings at Poly, have the biggest rooms (470 sf) of any WDW resort, are the only buildings at Poly where you are guaranteed a balcony, and are the closest to the Epcot monorail.

If this is too expensive, see this page for thoughts on large families at Walt Disney World:  http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-...

The upshot of the page?  Your next best choice is a two-bedroom villa at the Villas at WIlderness Lodge, which sleeps 8.  Not nearly as convenient as the Poly, but still a wonderful choice.

Yes, you should do the dining plan.  You'll save tons of money.  See this page on how to eat at Walt Disney World: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-...

For more thoughts on how to manage your trip, see this page:http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-...

Hope this helps--and have a wonderful trip!!

Dave

Answer 3

When I went to Disney World 2 years ago we stayed at the Polynesian. It was incredible! We stayed in the concierge building... I think it is called Hawaii? It was great to have free meals and snacks throughout the day from the concierge lounge. The lounge was a great place to watch the nighttime water parade and the fireworks over the castle. The volcano pool at the Poly is lots of fun, too. It was so nice to be on the MK monorail loop and it was easy to just walk over to the TTC to take that monorail to EPCOT. There was never any issue taking the Disney bus to the Animal Kingdom or DHS.

Answer 4

Sounds like Poly is probably a good choice for you.  I have a friend with 3 kids a little younger than yours, and she likes the Contemporary, but it's been showing it's age, and the construction has been more distracting than the rehabs at Poly.  Although Contemp is nice for its walking distance to the Kingdom.  

If money's not an issue, you can't go wrong with the Dining Plan, but beware that you'll want to get your advance reservations for the sit-down meals ASAP.  

In addition to www.allearsnet.com, check out www.disboards.com and post your questions there.  It's an unbeatable networking resource.

Answer 5

Personally with kids of that age range I would reccomend Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

Answer 6

If you like the Hawaiian theme, go with the Polynesian, which is where i'm staying in my next trip. They have elaborately themed pools, a torch lighting ceremony at night, and the Ohana restaurant is amazing!!! You can read reviews at allearsnet.com  We love the dining plan, it is a great savings and convenience too b/c you just give them your hotel "key to the world" card and they just subtract the meals. Now you have to pay their tip though. Booking through Disney is the way to go, just call them, they make it sooo easy! Get the park hopper and more option. Their waterparks are amazing. dont miss them! You'll have  a great time, all the deluxe resorts are a great choice!