Hi all! Getting ready to book a 6 night stay at Disney for November and undecided on a resort to book. I've narrowed it down to Contemporary and Beach Club but also still thinking about Polynesian (although not sure I'm willing to give up walkability to MK for better theming). Pricing wise my agent quoted me prices for all 3 resorts that are all within $400 total for the 6 night stay so no significant pricing considerations.
My husband and I are traveling with 3 children (ages 9, 7 and 4) and this is our second trip with the kids. We stayed at the Contemporary the first time in a garden view room and were happy with it. I would say the only drawback was the theming. Having gone to the Polynesian and GF for dinner, my kids were kind of bummed by the theming at the Contemp in comparison. They enjoyed the pool at the Contemporary - but having watched endless videos of the pool at Disney, they recognize the pool at the Contemp is underwhelming. For our stay, I'm roughly planning on 2 days at MK, 1 day at Epcot (maybe 1 1/2 days at Epcot if we arrive early on arrival day), 1 day Disney Studios and 1 day AK. We don't do a lot of park hopping or leaving the park and returning later. We pretty much get to the park near opening and leave by mid-afternoon to give the kids time to rest and swim before dinner. We prefer to stay fairly close for dinners - which at Poly/Contemp would mean staying on the monorail. At Beach Club I think that would open up restaurants in the Epcot world showcase as well as the Boardwalk as dinner options.
I love the idea of Beach Club - I have a number of friends who sing the praises of the Beach Club. And certainly the theming, pool and increased dinner options are a huge advantage. I think my reservation is with the bussing situation to MK. My husband detests the bussing so having to now do 2 days of the bus to MK and 1 day to AK is a drawback. My understanding also is that Beach Club does not have a dedicated bus for the resort and makes numerous stops.
Given our family preferences - does anyone have any advice suggestions on deciding between Contemp, Poly or Beach Club? Thanks in advance for all your insight!
My husband and I are traveling with 3 children (ages 9, 7 and 4) and this is our second trip with the kids. We stayed at the Contemporary the first time in a garden view room and were happy with it. I would say the only drawback was the theming. Having gone to the Polynesian and GF for dinner, my kids were kind of bummed by the theming at the Contemp in comparison. They enjoyed the pool at the Contemporary - but having watched endless videos of the pool at Disney, they recognize the pool at the Contemp is underwhelming. For our stay, I'm roughly planning on 2 days at MK, 1 day at Epcot (maybe 1 1/2 days at Epcot if we arrive early on arrival day), 1 day Disney Studios and 1 day AK. We don't do a lot of park hopping or leaving the park and returning later. We pretty much get to the park near opening and leave by mid-afternoon to give the kids time to rest and swim before dinner. We prefer to stay fairly close for dinners - which at Poly/Contemp would mean staying on the monorail. At Beach Club I think that would open up restaurants in the Epcot world showcase as well as the Boardwalk as dinner options.
I love the idea of Beach Club - I have a number of friends who sing the praises of the Beach Club. And certainly the theming, pool and increased dinner options are a huge advantage. I think my reservation is with the bussing situation to MK. My husband detests the bussing so having to now do 2 days of the bus to MK and 1 day to AK is a drawback. My understanding also is that Beach Club does not have a dedicated bus for the resort and makes numerous stops.
Given our family preferences - does anyone have any advice suggestions on deciding between Contemp, Poly or Beach Club? Thanks in advance for all your insight!