Thinking about hitting Disneyworld next year for a week. My kids will be 6 and 4 at that time. We can afford a higher end place. Want to be close to Disney World but realize there are lots of pieces to it with water slide parks, animal kingdom, etc.... Where would be the best place to stay? Preferably a place with suites so kids have a room to share. Any suggestions?
Anonymous
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I find staying on property is the best b/c you can take advantage of the extras, especially the after hours, a 6 year old will be so excited that 10/11/12oclock will not bother him/her at all, especially with a good 1.5 to 2 hour nap during the day.
If you can afford it, stay at the floridian, its the most expensive (although not well decorated for a man's taste) but it is a dual one stop from the magic kingdom. The kingdom is your first stop off the monorail, and the floridian is your first stop off the boat launch.
That being said, the contemporary is probably your second best, as it - more importantly - is the first monorail stop out of the magic kingdom, I prefer that over the boat b/c you're usually leaving at night and the breeze can be a bit cool, at least during the times of the year we've attended. I believe the contemporary is also a no-stop boat launch (not sure about that).
And of course your polynesian is your 3rd. These are the 3 exquisite resorts and all have easy access to the magic kingdom and epcot. You'll probably spend most of your time at the magic kindgom give the kids ages.
Now I do find that the 4th recommendation would really be number 1 in every aspect outside of transportation, and that is the wilderness lodge (RESORT). For some reason the kids seem to love the theme there. My son and I went once and I was able to get a room w/ a bunk bed and he absolutely loved it! It has acceptable water transportation to and from the magic kingdom, but bus to everywhere else (which is not that bad). It also has one of the nicest pools.
Have a great time.
Anonymous
I've never stayed at the Boardwalk Inn, but I've heard GREAT things about it. The Boardwalk Inn is a Deluxe resort and therefore one of the most expensive options at WDW but it does offer suites and it centrally located on Disney property. You can walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from there and the bus rides to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom shouldn't be too long. There are several dining options there, too.
Here's a list of ratings of Boardwalk Inn: http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=10&cat=3
[NOTE: some people didn't like the wait for the buses at this hotel, but the wait is pretty much the same at ALL hotels, so don't take that into account.]
Photos: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_bwi.htm
Fact Sheet: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_bw.htm#fact
If that's too pricey for you or just not your "thing", here's a complete list of all the resorts at WDW and some within close proximity: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_hot.htm
I definitely recommend staying on property; it's just flat out the most convenient option.
I hope you have a great time!
Anonymous
It depends on which area you want to be closer too. If you want to be closer to Magic Kingdom, I would suggest the Polynesian. If you want to stay near Epcot and Hollywood Studios, all the resorts near that area are perfect (Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, Boardwalk) There is also the Animal Kingdom Lodge which is one of Disney's newer resorts. Those are just a few of Disney's Deluxe Resorts. You could also check Disney's Moderate Resorts (like Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach) which are smaller and not near any one park in general.
Staffie1
Animal Kingdom is the best. We stayed in a Savannah room that had bunks beds. My daughter enjoyed watching the many animals graze from our room's balcony. Book now to get the best rates and rooms! Enjoy!
Josh
Yacht or Beach club has nice suites. Stayed there during the hurricanes awesome pool walking distance to Epcot.. And away from Boardwalk which is always swarming with people.