Doing WDW without doing the parks? Which resort?

[Disney_Belle]

After returning from our trip in January my husband and I got to talking about something.

We love WDW (I am much more the fanatic, as he just goes with the flow of it, but does enjoy it). In my trip report I had said that after going to WDW so many times year after year, we are finding we aren't as eager to wait in longer lines for things because we just did them the trip before. (I don't mind re-doing attractions over and over, but Rich however, isn't such a fan of lines lol). So we end up skipping things.

That being said, we know WDW has so much more to offer than just the theme parks, and we want to experience it. We have considered just taking a relaxing vacation to WDW and doing more of the recreational things. We love being on the boats, my husband LOVES golf, I love horses... so there is so much I know we would love to do!

Has anyone ever done this before???

We normally stay in a value resort, simply because we just sleep and shower there because we are at the parks all day. But if we were to go to WDW strictly for recreation and relaxation - which resort would you recommend?

Its just something we discussed. We love WDW, the quality, the feeling, everything you want and need is there. We just need a break from the parks, and really want to experience the rest of WDW.

We also have a $344 credit on Southwest Airlines to use too. We considered going to South Carolina for 4 or 5 days, but Southwest doesn't fly there.

So that being said, what resort would you recommend staying at? We have never stayed at a deluxe (well, I stayed at Poly when I was 4 but don't remember much of it lol) so I would like to get opinions/experiences/recommendations on the hotels, which one offers the most for the money.

Thanks guys :wave:

 

[Pioneer Hall]

If you were going this route, then I would definitely recommend a Deluxe Resort that can offer you a lot of extra amenities. My mom is the same way at this point too, and doesn't spend a lot of time in the parks anymore. She prefers to go to the gym, spa, and relax by the pool. So we pick a deluxe resort that offers the top selections in these things. Our favorites are the Polynesian and Yacht/Beach Club.

 

[yankspy]

That is a tough one. I like the WL or any of the Boardwalk area hotels. One of my best memories from WDW was simply reading a paper with my morning coffee sitting on the balcony overlooking the courtyard at the WL. It was so peaceful and relaxing. It is also nice to just walk around the Boardwalk in the morning or at night. My wife is not as big a fan of the parks as I so a lot of the time we do "park one day, off the next". It is a nice way to do it. Sometimes we just spend a day visiting all of the other resorts. There really is a lot to do outside of the parks.

 

[disneychic71]

I think if I was in your boat I would also choose one of the boardwalk area resorts. We stayed at the Beach Club about a year ago with my parents who don't do too many rides, but they loved to walk around the lake, visit the Boardwalk, sit on the beach and read, etc. There are very good restaurants, a great pool, and best of all you can walk into Epcot for a great dinner or Illuminations!

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Hands Down go with the Polynesian, you will feel like your in the park due to the views of the Magic Kingdom. They have boats that you can rent and take around the lakes, you could take a short trip to Fort Wilderness to ride horses and for your husband there are two near by golf coarses located across the street at Shades of Green. Aside from those activities you might find yourself just wanting to hang out around the Resort, learn to Hula then show off your new found talent at a Luau, taking a walk around the Lake, Oh and on certain scheduled nights they have the water parade of lights which is a real treat. Whatever you choose I know you will find many things to do, so many options and activites outside of the parks. I think it's hard to be bored in WDW, have a wonderful trip!:wave:

 

[Edisto Pluto]

YC/BC....either one. I could stay there a month and not need to go into the parks. Nice restaurants,wonderful landscaping,beautiful views,movies on the beach at night,cozy bars,remote spots to sit and relax,great solarium for reading,view of the fireworks,dance club,piano bar,the best staff,Art,shops..................... and last but not least Beaches and Cream.

 

[BrerMouse]

Polynesian. There is so much to do. Two great pools. Lobby you can look at for hours. Art exhibits. Easy access to restuaraunts at GF and Contemporary. Stay in the Tahiti building and you'll be a 5 minute walk from the TTC and you can take buses there to any resort or area you like. More choices and times offered than at the resorts themselves. You have the views of the Magic Kingdom and ability to look around essentailly 3 resorts because of the monorail. Watch the Water Parade. Just my opinion. Have fun wherever you choose.

 

[KaliSplash]

I'd go with the Wilderness Lodge. You have boat access on WDW's largest body of water. The horses are just a short boat ride away at Fort Wilderness, or you can hike over or bike over.

Also, no park is visible from the WL, so you can feel like you're somewhere else, if that's what you're looking for. You'll have to travel for golf, but you'll have to do that no matter where you stay.

 

[wolf359]

I'd recommend staying at one of the EPCOT resorts if you wanted to go deluxe. You are centrally located within Disney property, so accessing all of the resort's amentites should be fairly easy. All of the resorts are interconnected by footpath or boat, so you have a much larger "home base" to explore, a great array of dining and entertainment options, and I think the theming and overall community feeling of the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Clubs, and the Swan and Dolphin are very special and unique without being overly "Disney."

I think another good choice if you wanted to stay at a moderate resort would Port Orleans. It is connected to Downtown Disney by boat, which is a very nice and relaxing trip. Both resorts are very wonderfully themed and feel a bit more isolated from the high traffic theme park areas.

Personally, I'd avoid any of the Magic Kingdom resorts. I don't think I could have a relaxing vacation that didn't include much or any theme park time if I had THE MAGIC KINGDOM in plain sight at all times. It would probably kill me, actually.

 

[slappy magoo]

well, let me be the first to suggest the red-headed stepchildren of the dvc resorts - old key west & saratoga springs. Not as expensive as deluxe resorts, with occasional great deals like a studio for $165/nt. OKW is more secluded & has boat rentals on premises. SSR has many sections with easy walking distance to downtown disney, ferry service to OKW if you want any of their amenities, great gym, great spa, turf club is really good, and a decent delection of quiet pools. Both have ferry service to downtown disney, making it easier to spend a night at raglan road or cirque, or have spurofthemoment shopping excursions. The grounds are lovely for romantic walks. Golf courses are pretty much right there. Like the other dvc resorts, you have Options for suites if you want a full kitchen, or a washer/dryer so you can pack less and not worry about spending an afternnoon hovering by the laundry room, a whirlpool tub, king sized bed...

Most important for you: They're not within a sightline and/or walking distance of ANY of the parks. Much easier to abstain from going to the parks, if they're not in your face. Plus, they're the least Disney-feeling of the resorts, which will also make the pull of the parks not as strong.