Best Deluxe with kids?

[battgyrl]

We are planning a DW vacation for August 2012 and we want the full Disney experience as our boys (7 & 9) haven't been before. As the official planner of the family, I am having a difficult time narrowing down where to stay so I seek advice from all of you experienced DW lovers!

Our needs:
*Close to services (food, pool)
*Will spend most of our time at MK (for the boys) and Epcot (Mom and Dad), though we will visit all 4 parks and Downtown Disney.
*Transportation times will be an issue - the shorter the better
*Nice pool is essential for my sanity :animwink:
*Decent beds: Queens and bunk beds ok; no double beds

I hear great things about Wilderness Lodge, but we are from Oregon so we basically live this "theme" everyday! Animal Kingdom sounds fantastic, but with picky eaters I am concerned about food choices. I think the food sounds wonderful, but my DH and boys will primarily want American fare. The Poly is also a consideration, but I've been hearing mixed reviews. Is it really worth the extra cost?

I want to feel like I'm in Disney. My DH wants "a nice hotel that is close to everything." (LOL!!) Value resorts and Villas are out. We are willing to pay extra for a nice room, but the Contemporary might just be too pricey for our budget. Should we consider splitting between two resorts? Moderates are ok too if the rooms are nice.

Thank you SO MUCH for any advice!
Maria

 

[Tinkwings]

Wilderness Lodge for all the reasons you listed...I too could spend ALL my time at the MK....the boat rides are quick and fun!!! It feels like your own personal launch. My children have requested to look nowhere else and I am happy to comply. They like visiting and exploring the other resorts to satisfy their curiousity as do I....but when they say Welcome Home coming in the door at the WL...it does indeed feel like my Disney home....So if doing deluxe? Widerness Lodge for theming, beauty, food, bunkbeds, close proximity to MK....fun pool and geyser to boot!:king:

 

[captainkidd]

Transportation - Poly.
Rooms - Poly.
Food - Wilderness Lodge.
Pools - Wilderness Lodge.

I would choose the Grand Floridian (and have) over the Contemporary. The old school Disney fan in me feels like I need to stay there at some point, but it has such a sterile, cold business feel to it, I wouldn't want to spend any vacation time there.

If you plan on spending the majority of your time at Magic Kingdom, I would not stay at an Epcot Resort. You have to share buses with 4 other resorts, which means a longer commuting time, and a better chance you'll end up standing on the bus. Plus, that area isn't nearly as kid friendly as the MK Resort Area.