epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
Cool, thanks for sharing.
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Planning our return
- Thread starter aw14
- Start date
jlsHouston
Well-Known Member
I've seen the one in Grapevine from the toll road when we would travel between my BFF's in Garland and his daughter's house in Hurst. The rooms sort of cheesy at Great Lodge looking from the website IMO compared to WL but in a fun kind of cheesy manner especially for families. But yah similar decor and theme.
If she has her heart set on BWI...that should settle it for you.
Dwarful
Well-Known Member
If it is your wife's bday and she is leaning towards BW then I'd say go for BW. We have stayed at BWI and Yacht and love both of them for different reasons....however, the one thing we LOVE is being so close to Epcot and the studios...esp. Epcot...walking into world showcase quiet and peaceful. The resort itself is very nice as well. Yes the nightlife can be crazy...but there are other things to do and explore as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
My wife never changes her mind....what dear? Oh...OK.It probably will. Ironically, it seems every time we are "set" she starts to thin about another one.
awheartsdw
Well-Known Member
DH said I should create an account, so I created one this morning so I could follow along on the thread. Yes, I'm still indecisive and everything that DH has said is true, I can't make a decision to save my life! We've been making our "Top 5" list and I'm just torn. So while I know DH would leave the hotel making decision to me, I want DH and DD to be happy with the hotel also. Concern could be the 'nightlife' at BW and being close to it would not allow for a restful sleep after long days at the park. I don't want to be far away from MK & Epcot, so I thought maybe CR would be a good choice, but it doesn't have the special Mickey touches that DH likes. We've never spent a great deal of time at the resort pools before, but we are doing this vacation a little different than times past. We plan on doing all of the parks, but also plan on taking the time to chill out and relax! DD is still 100% sold on BW. I'm leaning towards one of the 3 hotels in the BW area. If I'm in Florida, I want to feel like I'm in Florida, I feel like WL won't give me that feel. Making this decision has NEVER been this difficult for our family. Insight would be most appreciated! Thanks all!
awheartsdw
Well-Known Member
Btw, I should mention aw14 is my DH!
jlsHouston
Well-Known Member
Trust me WL does make you feel like you are in the Disney bubble. No it doesn't scream POP or AoA theming but you really won't find that at the deluxes. I fell in love with the lobby at WL. In the evening get a cheese sampler and a bottle of wine from Territory Lounge and sit and relax..Easy boat ride to MK or the CONT or the Campgrounds. I am on my way back for a 2nd stay because I loved it so much when we were there in November.
I've stayed at BW twice on both sides, the Inn side and the Villa side. Never heard a lot of traffic or commotion because of night life at BW. I like that resort and the CM's working there are very service oriented. I think any of the EPCOT resorts are awesome. Have stayed BC but not YC yet. Stayed at the Dolphin. Because I travel with small children I prefer BW pool over BC/YC pool, easier to track them. But the food and lounge choices at BC/YC are my favorite over BW.
Never have stayed at CONT but I am dying to stay there. Now that resort SCREAMS Disney to me because it so reminds me of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim and I have stayed there years ago.
I have stayed at the POLY and it is my happy place, but I am avoiding it this year because of the construction and remodel going on.
Honestly my personal opinion is an EPCOT resort for relaxing, food choices, location, ambiance....
Whatever y'all go with I am sure it will be a wonderful vacation!
JillC LI
Well-Known Member
I agree with @jlsHouston that "Whatever y'all go with I am sure it will be a wonderful vacation!" Don't make yourself crazy. If quiet is what you want, WL is probably it. If close to EPCOT is what you want, go for BW. If you want tradition, go for CR. The inside of WL is more rustic, but you will feel like you are in Florida and in Disney World at any of the resorts, trust me.
slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
Welcome to the forums as a participant and not a filthy lurker, first of all 
Wilderness Lodge really is charming. I also like Boardwalk as well (my wife's not crazy about the clown water slide, but she's not crazy about clowns, so grain of salt there). The parks that you think you'll spend the most time might influence your decision a bit - if Epcot and or the Studios, BW should get more of a bias, if MK then WL and Contemporary. I don't know how old DD is and how Disney-fied she is, so consider where you'll spend most of your time.
What's great about the Contemporary (one great thing anyway) is that you don't need the monorail to get to the MK; it's the only resort that has a walkway to MK, as well as the monorail and water launches. But by being on the monorail, you have access to the Poly and GF and the amenities THEY offer. You have boat access to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness and the amenities THEY offer. And you can monorail to TTC and transfer to the Epcot monorail. The big negative is if you like to get all swept up in theming, Contemporary is decidedly different than Wilderness Lodge & Boardwalk, more abstractly Disney, less in-your-face.
At BW, if you opt for a view that's not of the Boardwalk, that mutes the noise considerably. Not sure how much a view factors into your decision. Wilderness and Contemporary have access to very nice views and there tends to be much less of a noise issue (for me anyway, the times I've spent there).
If you prefer something of an out-of-the-way feeling, WL is your best bet by a long chalk, but what's nice is that there's plenty to do there and you're close to more. There's a boat, a shuttle bus AND a walkway to Fort Wilderness; if you want to go over for Hoop De Do one night, you can walk over to do it. Also, just like Contemporay has a boat to Wilderness Lodge, they take people back too, in case you want to do a meal at Cali Grill or Chef Mickey's. I can see the resemblance to Great Wolf Lodge though.
I'm not helping at all, am I?
Look, I have two little girls, so were I in your shoes, I'd choose Contemporary. Technically, I have; we're Disney Vacation Club member, and our next trip is booked at Bay Lake Tower. It's also where we stayed our last trip, and will probably be my first choice until the kids get into their teens at which point I'd branch out more. For all the reasons I wrote before - proximity/walking distance to MK, monorail and boat access to so many more resorts, monorail access to Epcot, great pool (2 Great pools since we're in the Tower), one of the better food courts in my opinion (one of the things I don't like about WL is how cramped and slow Roaring Forks can be). I actually dig the theme of the Contemporary, as I've written before it reminds me of what we all thought "THE FUTURE" would look like when I was a kid. That's what I would choose. I know no one else has in this thread yet. But those people would sell their grandmother's for a quick buck, I'm the only one you can trust. Have I lied to you yet?
Good.
Now what's your ATM PIN #?
Wilderness Lodge really is charming. I also like Boardwalk as well (my wife's not crazy about the clown water slide, but she's not crazy about clowns, so grain of salt there). The parks that you think you'll spend the most time might influence your decision a bit - if Epcot and or the Studios, BW should get more of a bias, if MK then WL and Contemporary. I don't know how old DD is and how Disney-fied she is, so consider where you'll spend most of your time.
What's great about the Contemporary (one great thing anyway) is that you don't need the monorail to get to the MK; it's the only resort that has a walkway to MK, as well as the monorail and water launches. But by being on the monorail, you have access to the Poly and GF and the amenities THEY offer. You have boat access to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness and the amenities THEY offer. And you can monorail to TTC and transfer to the Epcot monorail. The big negative is if you like to get all swept up in theming, Contemporary is decidedly different than Wilderness Lodge & Boardwalk, more abstractly Disney, less in-your-face.
At BW, if you opt for a view that's not of the Boardwalk, that mutes the noise considerably. Not sure how much a view factors into your decision. Wilderness and Contemporary have access to very nice views and there tends to be much less of a noise issue (for me anyway, the times I've spent there).
If you prefer something of an out-of-the-way feeling, WL is your best bet by a long chalk, but what's nice is that there's plenty to do there and you're close to more. There's a boat, a shuttle bus AND a walkway to Fort Wilderness; if you want to go over for Hoop De Do one night, you can walk over to do it. Also, just like Contemporay has a boat to Wilderness Lodge, they take people back too, in case you want to do a meal at Cali Grill or Chef Mickey's. I can see the resemblance to Great Wolf Lodge though.
I'm not helping at all, am I?
Look, I have two little girls, so were I in your shoes, I'd choose Contemporary. Technically, I have; we're Disney Vacation Club member, and our next trip is booked at Bay Lake Tower. It's also where we stayed our last trip, and will probably be my first choice until the kids get into their teens at which point I'd branch out more. For all the reasons I wrote before - proximity/walking distance to MK, monorail and boat access to so many more resorts, monorail access to Epcot, great pool (2 Great pools since we're in the Tower), one of the better food courts in my opinion (one of the things I don't like about WL is how cramped and slow Roaring Forks can be). I actually dig the theme of the Contemporary, as I've written before it reminds me of what we all thought "THE FUTURE" would look like when I was a kid. That's what I would choose. I know no one else has in this thread yet. But those people would sell their grandmother's for a quick buck, I'm the only one you can trust. Have I lied to you yet?
Good.
Now what's your ATM PIN #?
Mukta
Well-Known Member
I vote for BW. Staying in the Epcot area can't be beat. It is so quiet and peaceful in the mornings. I grab breakfast at Kouzzina and walk into the World Showcase. The lagoon is still and the park is quiet.
When I want to get back to my room after Illuminations, I stroll through the WS and enjoy the countries at night. After a leisurely stroll, I am back in my room without having to take any kind of transportation.
When I want to get back to my room after Illuminations, I stroll through the WS and enjoy the countries at night. After a leisurely stroll, I am back in my room without having to take any kind of transportation.
Glasgow
Well-Known Member
We've stayed at WL 2 or 3 times and loved it each time .. there is A LOT to offer. We're not crazy about the restaurants though, strangely. Several poor experiences at both table service places, which is probably pretty rare. I think AKL has the best tandem of restaurants though with Boma and Jiko .. best two meals we've had on property.
However, we're going to stay at BW or BC in the fall to try something different, plus we love the Epcot area. So let us know what you go with!
However, we're going to stay at BW or BC in the fall to try something different, plus we love the Epcot area. So let us know what you go with!
sissa216
Well-Known Member
I can at least make that one easy for you- there is a lot if construction at the Polynesian this year. It is a wonderful choice, but since you're already leaning towards others, I would personally save the Poly for the next trip!
WL definitely wins for the cozy, warm atmosphere. The location isn't as prime as the others, but is still a nice short boat ride away from MK. The rooms are a bit smaller too, as well as the price!
All of the Epcot area resorts have the wonderful walkway to Epcot- walking through International Gateway is one of my favorite areas on property. However, the walk from the Contemporary to MK is so fantastic and convenient. We were somewhat worried about the noise factor before we stayed there, but honestly loved it. Being able to have our own room in the middle of everything, and to be able to shut the door and escape for the energy and excitement going on below really gave us a cozy feeling as well. Not to mention, being able to sit in bed and watch the lights of the Magic Kingdom was fantastic! (Depending on room category, as well as which way your bed faces).
WL definitely wins for the cozy, warm atmosphere. The location isn't as prime as the others, but is still a nice short boat ride away from MK. The rooms are a bit smaller too, as well as the price!
All of the Epcot area resorts have the wonderful walkway to Epcot- walking through International Gateway is one of my favorite areas on property. However, the walk from the Contemporary to MK is so fantastic and convenient. We were somewhat worried about the noise factor before we stayed there, but honestly loved it. Being able to have our own room in the middle of everything, and to be able to shut the door and escape for the energy and excitement going on below really gave us a cozy feeling as well. Not to mention, being able to sit in bed and watch the lights of the Magic Kingdom was fantastic! (Depending on room category, as well as which way your bed faces).
lilclerk
Well-Known Member
The Poly is normally a great choice, but it's undergoing some major construction. I'd hold off staying there for a year or two.
awheartsdw
Well-Known Member
Thanks, jls. We really do love Epcot
awheartsdw
Well-Known Member
Thanks to all for your insight. Yes, as DH indicated, he threw in a monkey wrench this morning. But, if we went the Poly route, it would cut our trip by a day. Personally for me, I'd rather have the extra day and stay some place that isn't as costly as Poly.
That being said, I spoke with a friend this morning who has stayed at BW, BC, WL and the Bay Lake Towers and will be making their first stay this summer at AKL. She loves BW because of the convenience to Epcot. She said BC wasn't anything great, enjoyed WL because it's off the beaten path and the Towers was just convenient to everything. We've looked at staying at Poly in the past, but now that I see it's undergoing some renovations, perhaps it isn't such a good idea.
I'm still leaning towards BW. I said that we can still get to MK via the monorail if we walked from BW, through Epcot and then pop on the monorail.
We've never had a bad stay at any of the resorts, again, this visit we were planning on doing the parks and some relaxation time at the hotel, swimming, activities, etc., which we really haven't ever done. I was told that our DD (who is 11) would really enjoy the pool at the BC, but that the atmosphere and the guests come across as 'snooty', which is a turn off.
I guess the bottom line is that I'm still leaning towards the BW. There's something about being able to sit with a drink or an ice cream with my DH and DD and people watch or take a nice walk back to the resort after an evening at Epcot and not feel like we are constantly rushing to make a bus.
That being said, I spoke with a friend this morning who has stayed at BW, BC, WL and the Bay Lake Towers and will be making their first stay this summer at AKL. She loves BW because of the convenience to Epcot. She said BC wasn't anything great, enjoyed WL because it's off the beaten path and the Towers was just convenient to everything. We've looked at staying at Poly in the past, but now that I see it's undergoing some renovations, perhaps it isn't such a good idea.
I'm still leaning towards BW. I said that we can still get to MK via the monorail if we walked from BW, through Epcot and then pop on the monorail.
We've never had a bad stay at any of the resorts, again, this visit we were planning on doing the parks and some relaxation time at the hotel, swimming, activities, etc., which we really haven't ever done. I was told that our DD (who is 11) would really enjoy the pool at the BC, but that the atmosphere and the guests come across as 'snooty', which is a turn off.
I guess the bottom line is that I'm still leaning towards the BW. There's something about being able to sit with a drink or an ice cream with my DH and DD and people watch or take a nice walk back to the resort after an evening at Epcot and not feel like we are constantly rushing to make a bus.
slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
What sissa216 & lilclerk said - until construction is done at the Polynesian, I wouldn't give it a shot, unless they're offering such ridiculous deals you're willing to put up with the less-than-ideal view and noise. To my knowledge, those deals are not forthcoming.