Best resort with 3.5 year old?

[HRHPrincessAriel]

I've been given the official go ahead for next summer! I'm looking at hotels and trying to figure out where to stay. We won't stay at a value. I always feel like I'm at a cattle call for transportation etc.

I've been staying at POFQ(sans kiddo/DH). I enjoy it but kinda want to try something new. I'm looking at 5-6 nights and want on property. Do you think forking over $ for a deluxe is worth it? I'm thinking Contemporary or Boardwalk.

The kiddo is pretty much a trooper and will go full force but I know we will need a nap. Napping in the stroller usually isn't an option as she doesn't want to miss the action and flat out wont sleep.

I'm unsure of DDP so even thought about Swan/Dolphin.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

 

[DisneyJoe]

Is the kid afraid of clowns? Be sure to check the photos of the Boardwalk pool/slide....

Sounds like you want the convenience of an easy trip back to your resort for a nap. I like the Epcot area resorts for that and the Contemporary if they are in your budget.

If you will be spending much time at the MK, you may also want to consider the WL...

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

We've never run into clowns. She loved abby and Elmo at Sea World if that counts ;-)

What's the boat ride like?

 

[DisneyJoe]

We've never run into clowns. She loved abby and Elmo at Sea World if that counts ;-)

What's the boat ride like?

WL Boat ride? It's nice between the MK and WL, it will make stops at Ft Wilderness too. It's relaxing. They also run a bus between the MK and WL, it's a very short ride.

The Epcot area resorts boat can seem a little long at times, it's usually quicker to walk from Epcot to your resort. You can also walk to Studios, but that walk is longer.

Link to the Luna Pool clown slide face
http://allears.net/acc/bw/boardwalk-luna-pool-7.JPG

 

[Tinkerbell397]

Many years ago....we visited The World for the first time with our 5 year old DD and 3.5 DS. The Contemporary was our first choice, primarily for convenience. We took the monorail back during the hottest hours in the afternoon for a nap or restful swim in the pool. You really cannot beat the convenience of the Contemporary or the Poly for that matter, since I would assume that you would spend most of your time at the MK. You grab the monorail and in 10 minutes you are "home"...and the monorail is another wonderful Disney experience in itself. You don't have to walk from a bus stop or boat ramp....the doors open and you are there. Have a wonderful trip. We are going again in September....Can't wait!

 

[Disvillain63]

If you're looking at a Deluxe resort, you might consider renting points. It has saved us a lot of money over the last 2 years. We use dvcrentalstore.com. Most of the time they won't be able to tell you that they have a confirmed rental until 7 mos. out from your date, but they've always had a rental for us. We just reserve online @ disneyworld.disney.go.com and then cancel as soon as dvcrentalstore contacts us. You won't have daily mousekeeping, unless you pay extra for it...but most of the mousekeepers will help if asked.

Whatever you decide and do, have an amazing trip!!!

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

If you're looking at a Deluxe resort, you might consider renting points. It has saved us a lot of money over the last 2 years. We use dvcrentalstore.com. Most of the time they won't be able to tell you that they have a confirmed rental until 7 mos. out from your date, but they've always had a rental for us. We just reserve online @ disneyworld.disney.go.com and then cancel as soon as dvcrentalstore contacts us. You won't have daily mousekeeping, unless you pay extra for it...but most of the mousekeepers will help if asked.

Whatever you decide and do, have an amazing trip!!!

I have thought of this and DH seemed interested in the idea. Ill need to do a bit more research!

 

[Bob]

Personally I think that the deluxe resorts are worth the extra cost. Which would be best for you? That really depends on what parks you feel that you will be at most of the time. MK, definitely stay at one of the monorail resorts (Contemporary). Epcot or DHS, pick one of the local resorts which would afford you the luxury of being able to walk or take the boat (Boardwalk).

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Mind you - there are going to be some days where your resort is not as convenient for nap/rest time as others, but trying to go with the park(s) you'll frequent the most can really help. Contemporary is good if you spend a lot of time at MK as well as Epcot time while the monorail is running. BWI is good if you spend a lot of time at Epcot and DHS. We have stayed at the Contemporary and the kids loved it, but we've also walked around BWI and the kids were begging to stay there b/c of the pool...which surprisingly didn't creep me out in person (only in photos). You might also want to factor dining into the equation. While every hotel has transportation...it's much easier to make that early ressie at Chef Mickey's when you're already staying at the Contemporary...and obviously, an early morning at Cape May is easier from resorts in the Epcot/DHS area.

 

[jlsHouston]

Is the kid afraid of clowns? Be sure to check the photos of the Boardwalk pool/slide....

Sounds like you want the convenience of an easy trip back to your resort for a nap. I like the Epcot area resorts for that and the Contemporary if they are in your budget.

If you will be spending much time at the MK, you may also want to consider the WL...

hahaha we are staying there next week for the first time and that clown totally looks wicked to me too...

 

[jlsHouston]

IMHO deluxe is worth every penny, simply because the rooms are larger, and the WIFI works pretty good at the Epcot and MK monorail resort I have stayed at compared to CSR, POP, and AKL. If you are going to do alot of MK then I think one of the monorail resorts would be great, but I wouldn't rule out an Epcot resort for convenience either...

 

[Disneykidder]

If you're going deluxe, I'd say AKL. There is a lot of activities for the littles to do and even a kids club.

If you're thinking of a moderate, I'd say maybe CSR. The slide is cool and even though it is large, it is well themed and a fun place.

 

[tare]

I would choose por or pofq because of the pool themes. Very nice for kids. Also cb!!