Hotel decision - thoughts?

[Kate Alan]

Trying to decide between a few different hotel options for our upcoming trip. We're spending two days at MK (plus doing the Halloween party one of those nights), one day each at the other parks. There are four adults traveling, and we will have a two year old with us.

We are looking at the following options, all of which would be new stays for us:
- 2 regular rooms at the Coronado
- 2 regular rooms at POR French Quarter
- a 1 bed villa at Bay Lake Tower
- a 2 bed villa at Old Key West

What would be the one you'd choose out of these options (and is there a particular reason why)?

 

[Tom P.]

Depends on the situation. If it were all members of my immediate family, I'd prefer us to all be together in a villa. However, if it's other adults, like just friends on a trip together, then probably having a little bit of separation and personal space would be a good thing. So that would decide two standard rooms vs. villa for me.

As for which location, if you were going with standard rooms, my preference would be French Quarter. It is just an absolutely beautiful resort and I like the small-ish atmosphere of it compared to many other resorts as well. For villas, I'd probably do Old Key West. Others may disagree because Bay Lake Tower has such a good location, but I'd rather have the extra bedroom to spread out and relax.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

For me? French Quarter but that’s cause port orleans is my favorite resort (I prefer Riverside but FQ is great too - I always visit both no matter where I stay).

If you want to use a kitchen at all during your stay - the villas might make a lot more sense.

 

[JTT]

- Coronado it's OK. It's too big.
- POR French Quarter Quaint, quiet, nice, small resort. Great theming and bus service.
- Bay Lake Tower Good resort. Awesome to have walkable access to the Magic Kingdom.
- Old Key West Great themed resort. Great bus service. It is big.

 

[Pirate's Life]

Since you are spending 2 days at MK, I would suggest Bay Lake. Being able to walk to MK makes everything easier, especially with a 2 year old with a stroller I'm guessing. You can always take the monorail or boat as well. The 1 bedroom sleeps 5 and has two full bathrooms. Food options along the monorail resorts are also a benefit.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

Agree with Pirate, if you are all close enough (and the vaca is only 2 or 3 nights) then Bay Lake would be my choice. Longer than that or with another group of adult friends you havent stayed with before, it could be a little tight. The 2nd bathroom is big b/c each party doesn't have to encroach on each others area to use it at night, etc. This location has so much to offer and to me really feels the most 'Disney'. Try to get a newly renovated 1 bed - they are much nicer.

The other options all get you on the bus - unless you rent a car, not a bad option with free parking at resorts for hotel guests. If you want the privacy of your own rooms, I prefer the atmosphere at FQ, but others may choose Coronado, especially if they are a Destino person.

Out of those hotels, if I wanted a lower cost separate room situation, I'd probably get two rooms or studios at OKW, rent a car and park right outside my room for convenience. This would also get you any deluxe benefits, early and extended evening hours if happening during your stay.

 

[Kate Alan]

Thanks everyone for your insights. We decided on Bay Lake Tower. Between my son, my mother, and my sister who is dealing with some health issues, the close proximity to MK (especially with the Halloween party) was the deciding factor. Filing away the rest of these to be used in the future!

 

[tanc]

The only reason to get a villa imo is if you spend a substantial amount of time at the room. The 2 bedroom villa back then was much more worth it, but honestly the price is so ridiculous now that it's hard to justify to me. Old Key West also has a horrific bus layout, and if you get placed in a bad spot then you're SOL. It gets annoying fast when it legitimately is faster in the Florida heat to walk back to your room from a certain spot than to keep using the bus.

POFQ is probably my favorite resort on property now, quiet, very easy to navigate, and extremely small. Even the furthest buildings aren't that far. I've stayed probably 5+ times at OWK and each time to me is getting harder to justify. If you don't plan on spending a substantial amount of time in the room, or don't need specific sleeping arrangements, I don't see the value in getting a 2 bedroom or 1br villa.

 

[MouseEarsMom33]

Thanks everyone for your insights. We decided on Bay Lake Tower. Between my son, my mother, and my sister who is dealing with some health issues, the close proximity to MK (especially with the Halloween party) was the deciding factor. Filing away the rest of these to be used in the future!

We love being close to monorail resorts for after hour parties at MK. I think you will be happy with that decision.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Trying to decide between a few different hotel options for our upcoming trip. We're spending two days at MK (plus doing the Halloween party one of those nights), one day each at the other parks. There are four adults traveling, and we will have a two year old with us.

We are looking at the following options, all of which would be new stays for us:
- 2 regular rooms at the Coronado
- 2 regular rooms at POR French Quarter
- a 1 bed villa at Bay Lake Tower
- a 2 bed villa at Old Key West

What would be the one you'd choose out of these options (and is there a particular reason why)?

Really depends on the price…

The old key west one gives you the most space by far…two bedrooms and the space for at least 8 comfortably…but dvc 1 bedrooms don’t add “that much” sleeping area. And bay lake is horrible due to the “ingenious” round building shape…all the rooms taper inward and that is far more inconvenient than one would think.

Promos are also gonna go crazy…though if it’s October that’s a bit iffy.

Call around/check around…they’re desperate for people and some of the big travel agencies get good exclusive rates

Good luck and enjoy your trip