Orlando - WDW - Just Adults, Where to Stay?

I'm sure this has come up before but search is failing me. The Spouse and I are planning a trip to WDW in early March and this will be our first Orlando visit.

For first timers we're thinking staying on a Disney property will make things simpler. We're really struggling with narrowing down our options though!

Could I get some feedback on the moderate and deluxe resorts? Which are the best for two adults?

We (couple without kids) were there in March 2010 and split our stay between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Dolphin (which is not exactly a WDW property, but close enough). AKL was outstanding due to the animals, and is also very extensively themed; I'd recommend it if you like animals and don't mind being a little further away from most of the parks (we found it easy to drive and park). We sprung for the concierge level and found it well worth it. The Dolphin is much better located for walking and water-taxiing, and also a lot less expensive, but it is a bit less fun on its own. It does have a restaurant we liked, bluezoo. Neither place felt crowded or overrun even though we were there during one of the busiest spring break weeks.

Maykita gave some great advice. I'll add to it by saying that all of the Disney deluxe resorts are great, whether you're traveling with kids or not.

If you like the convenient location of the Dolphin but want the full Disney experience, the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk are all right there too. The Boardwalk is actually my wife's and my favorite Disney resort, with an uspcale but relaxed atmosphere and seemingly fewer ankle-biters than some of the other places around property.

Hi,

The Yacht Club, Beach club and Boardwalk are ideal for Epcot.

At the Magic Kingdom you can walk to the paprk from the Contemporary hotel.

The Polynesian has a " hawaiian" feel with a view directly over the lagoon to the MK ( ideal place to watch Wishes firework display at night is the Poly beach)
You can get to Epcot by walking to the transportation centre ( 5-10 mins) and taking the monorail
The Grand Floridian is very nice also.

The Wilderness lodge has a fantastic theme ( like a Western national park lodge) with a huge lobby with totem poles etc and is accessible to the Magic Kingdom by boat. ( rooms are a little smaller than the other deluxes)

The Animal kingdom lodge is a bit further away from most parks ( apart from the Animal kingdom) but is fantastically decorated and you can see some animals in the savannah.

In terms of Moderates, the Coronado springs ( South Western US/ Mexico style) is very good with a lake and jogging path and also a beauty salon/barbers and a fitness centre).

I do not think you can go wrong with any of the deluxes but a lot depends on where you may want to spend most of your time and your particular interests in terms of theme ( ie if you live in the pacific north west then you may not find the Wilderness lodge theme that appealing ( but is is still worth a visit in any case)

Regards

TBS

Check out the Gaylord Palms. Just off Disney, but still very close.

And if you're going to Universal Studios at all, I would consider staying on their property since you will get to skip most lines.

Also consider renting from a DVC (Disney Vacation Club [timeshare]) owner.

www.dvcvacationclub.com

Save potentially 50+% (especially during the week) and stay in a nicer room than a regular Disney hotel.

Check http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29 for details or PM me.

Lots of good info here... but I'd like more details.

What park do you think you'd spend more time in? How long would you like to stay? The deluxe hotels are all nice, but also themed differently and each has its own advantages/disadvantages. It all depends upon what you'd like to do.

We are also a couple and switch between different hotels depending upon the time of year, park hours (yes, it can matter), how much time we have (sometimes it's just a weekend), or just how we feel for that particular trip.

It can get overwhelming - it's a huge place - so if you give us some more information, we could give you more specific answers.

Oh, and I hope the answer isn't you want to spend a weekend and be able to see everything :)

We're looking at 5 days, 4 nights. Magic Kingdom and Epcot are top of the list. Still undecided whether park #3 would be Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom.

We try to hit as many rides as possible; meeting the characters, the parades, etc aren't really our thing. Also, good food. :D

I like a nice hotel but considering how much time we plan to spend in the parks, I'm undecided whether springing for a Deluxe resort is worth the additional $ or whether one of the mid-range properties like Coronado Springs is a better option.

I think you'll be best off keeping it to 2 parks UNLESS you go midweek and not during spring break. It may not be crowded and you can get on all the rides with little to no wait.

I wouldn't write off the nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom. It's really wonderful, and followed by the fireworks. You can skip the daytime parades ;)

Good food is an oxymoron in Disney. :) The food is decent, though expensive for what it is - even in their "signature" restaurants - and you will get the best food on property at one of those. My favorite is Citrico's in the Grand Floridian, which I consider a hidden gem. Again, for where it is.

But, for the length of time you'll be there, unless the parks close earlier, you may not want to spend about 2 hours having a nice meal.

I can't comment about Coronodo Springs, as I've never stayed there, but will say I haven't because it's off the beaten path. You may do better concentrating on Port Orleans.

BUT, you may also be able to get a deluxe for almost the same money. The Wilderness Lodge is almost always a good deal and only a little more expensive than the moderates. The Contemporary is just a bit more (for standard rooms). The upside is that from Wilderness you can take a short 20 minute boat ride into the Magic Kingdom and from The Contemporary you can walk!

For Epcot, you would be talking about the Yacht or Beach Clubs for walking into a park, but they cost more.

If you have points, you can get many of the same benefits of onsite guests by staying at either the Swan or Dolphin hotels and can walk into Epcot. If you don't have points, they're not as expensive as the deluxe hotels.

Thanks Mary! Our target is the week of March 5th, which is right before the Spring break craziness, so lines should be manageable, I think.

My selections

1. Swan/Doplhin. Can't beat the location. Heavenly beds
2. Hilton or Waldorf Bonnet Creek. Not a bad location, VERY nice hotels

And for twice the price with a lower quality room Animal Kindom Lodge, Savannah View only. Only reason I would stay is the animals.

Overll Disney's "official" hotels are VERY overpriced for the quality..... So I quit paying. The Deluxe is a RIP OFF!! Remember that you are paying dearly for location. In no other area does a Disney hotel measure up to the "deluxe" standard. They have pricing down, but.... compared to good resorts it's just sad :(

The moderates... well you can get a REAL hotel (Swan Dolphin) for the same price. I tried Cornoado twice. YUCK! Service is the worst of all of the Disney hotels IMHO. The "counter service" resturant has a mandatory tip. And for that... they show you the table. WOW! What service LOL! Front desk actually asked me if I couldn't stay in a room with no power "just one night" (HUH?)

Let me point out I love Disney. I own DVC (which eliminates the need for me to overpay for hotel rooms) but...

For my visit next week I am spending two nights at the Dolphin for $139. Disney wanted $119 for a "value" resort with exterior corridors, tiny uncomfortable beds etc.... Sorry, but a giant Buzz Lightyear didn't do it for me :)