Resort advice!

[Sparkle81]

After taking a Disney break to have my little boy (wow, the withdrawals have been hard!), we're now planning to take our first family trip in Jan 2014, when our boy will be 2 and a half. Although it's ages away yet, I'm starting to plan because, let's face it, it makes me feel that little bit closer to WDW However, I'm having the hardest job choosing which resort to stay at. We won't be hiring a car, so will be depending on on site transportation. Our budget isn't in the Grand Floridian/Contemporary league, but a bit under it. I'm looking for advice for which resort would be best for 2 big kids & an energetic toddler! (I guess good pools won't be a factor in January!).
Thanks in advance for all help and advice

 

[real mad hatter]

Well lots of things to consider.How long are you planning to stay? How old are the big kids? Do you want a value resort or moderate? But the main thing to consider is what is your budget.Start with that then let the planning begin.Everyone on this site has their favourite resort.We have stayed at three different mods and PORS is our personal favourite.

 

[Sparkle81]

Haha, sorry- I meant big kids as in me and my hubby The only actual child will be our two year old!
Our budget can certainly do moderate, maybe stretch to some of the cheaper deluxe & deluxe villa properties too. Trying to balance proximity to parks with budget, and figuring out which parks it will be best to stay closest too.

 

[real mad hatter]

Well I see you plan on going in jan 2014, that gives you 18 months to plan.I can recommend "Passporters WDW " book.It has everything you need to know from resorts to parks and restaurants.Like I've said on here many times,everybody has their favourite resort but planning is great fun and all part of your WDW vacation.

 

[Monty]

With a toddler, I'd recommend any of the Monorail resorts if you can possibly swing it. Magic Kingdom will be your primary park if you're concentrating on your son's enjoyment and the ability to take a quick Monorail trip back to your room for a break will be well worth the money IMO.

Talk with a trustworthy Disney-knowledgeable Travel Agent [They're a sponsor here and I can't recommend them enough - Kingdom Konsultants are excellent!] and they can help with getting the best possible discounts for you and keep your booking updated with any new discounts as they come out. Depending on how long you plan to stay, discounts at a Deluxe resort can be quite good at that time of year [January, after the holidays].

If the Monorail resorts are still too expensive, I personally love Port Orleans French Quarter amongst the Moderates. It's small, quaint and very pleasant.

With your toddler, plan to take lots of breaks and relax. The longer your stay the better, so you can still experience lots without burning the little guy out. There's nothing worse than dealing with a tired, cranky child that's experiencing significant sensory overload [which is very easy to do at WDW!]. Make sure to take lots of pictures/video of the boy with characters, on rides and everywhere. He likely won't remember much in the way of specifics, but he'll remember having fun with Mum and Dad and a good photo/video album will help perpetuate the memories.

Also, if you're there for a while, don't be afraid to book a parents' night out. There are babysitting services you can hire that will come to your resort room. A nice, romantic dinner and a bit of adult time in EPCOT can be a wonderful thing.

For meals, I wouldn't book very many, if any, table service restaurants. Trying to time meals to when the boy is ready and not tired/grumpy is virtually impossible. There are lots of reasonably good to great, sometimes even nutritious quick service options available and during January walk-ups at Table Service restaurants aren't entirely out of the question.

 

[dsnylvr]

My recommendation would be Wilderness Lodge. It is on the less expensive side of the deluxe resorts and is close to MK. We have stayed here on several occasions with our kids and the decor, pools, ammenities, and ferry to MK make it a great choice for younger ones.

 

[coltow]

My oldest is 8 he still has some memmories of Wilderness Lodge when he was 2 1/2. He remembers that it was a "log hotel" and that the room had a balcony. I think it's a great place for kids. It's close to MK but not as busy as the monorail resorts. It does have a great pool too.

 

[jmargarone27]

I wouldn't discount the Grand Floridian because 1) January is not too busy which means lower rates and 2) the deluxe resorts often have good discounts. The Grand is amazing and the location can't get much better.

 

[KaliSplash]

Wilderness Lodge is what you're looking for. Seize it!

 

[coachwnh]

Haha, sorry- I meant big kids as in me and my hubby The only actual child will be our two year old!
Our budget can certainly do moderate, maybe stretch to some of the cheaper deluxe & deluxe villa properties too. Trying to balance proximity to parks with budget, and figuring out which parks it will be best to stay closest too.

As far as a "cheaper" deluxe goes, you cant beat the AKL!!! Its the cheapest of the deluxe resorts. If you can swing it, im sure your young son (as well as you and your husband) would love seeing the animals from your room. We have stayed AKL club level and are staying there this summer as well as christmas this year, and the price you get staying there in club level is still in may cases thousands cheaper than other standard deluxe rooms. if you are saving starting now, try to save the little extra and stay here. you will love it!!!

 

[bethymouse]

Wilderness Lodge is nice- the Geyser is pretty cool.
Grand Floridian of course is best as well as POLY and Contemporary. See if you can catch some deals.
Fort Wilderness cabins are nice and fun w/ lots of activities including horseback riding. You can rent a golf cart to get around.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is very good for watching the animals. Book a standard room, and then ask for the closest Savannah view you can get.
The Beach Club is convenient to Epcot and DHS. The pool complex is the best @ Disney (IMHO) and the atmosphere can't be beat!
Good luck, and have fun planning!

 

[IndyDisney]

I'm a +1 for WL. It's a favorite of mine and is on the less expensive end of the Deluxe spectrum. You're right next to MK, have Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist's point to dine at, and are reasonably close to EPCOT and DHS.

Having never done it, I hesitate to suggest it, but I will because I've heard good things. Based on where you said your budget is, you could always rent DVC points from one of the various organizations that do it. If you play your cards right and find a decent deal, you might be able to get a BLT studio in your price range. It's at least something to look into. Maybe someone else can chime in with more info, but it is something I'm looking into for our next stay.

Happy Planning.

Cheers,
Indy

 

[jenluvswdw]

I vote Wilderness lodge! Like stated, you are close to MK, your son will love taking to boat there and it is a little less $ than the other deluxe options. Perfect choice! Have fun planning!

 

[tracyandalex]

I vote for WL too for the same reasons others have stated. We stayed there with DD3 twice and she loved it and so did we.

 

[BamaDisneyFan]

I agree the Wilderness Lodge. I wouldn't choose the AKL, it is far from everything.

 

[Sparkle81]

Wow. I have to thank everyone who has taken the time to reply to my post- you guys are awesome

It has really given me a lot to think about, and your input has been so, so helpful. I think we will definitely be seriously considering WL. Price-wise, it seems to sit in our budget and it looks like a beautiful resort, whilst also being convenient. We will be on the lookout for offers on the monorail resorts too, just in case....
I just can't wait for 2014 to roll around, and I can immerse my son in Disney magic for the first time!

 

[vinnya1726]

My vote is for AKL...the atmosphere is out this world.

 

[coachwnh]

I agree the Wilderness Lodge. I wouldn't choose the AKL, it is far from everything.

its not as far as so many people think!! we avoided it for awhile, and we were very surprised with how easy the transporation was. we never thought we were on the bus long!!! plus, you just cant beat the theming. its a fantastic resort!! staying there three more times this year!!!

 

[CaptainShortty]

I'd recommend Wilderness Lodge as my top choice for you for the following reasons.

- You'll get the proximity to MK (via the boat) without having to pay the top dollar associated with the monorail resorts.
- If it is warm enough to swim the resort has a great pool for both big and little kids including one of the longest slides at the resorts.
- It's a spacious resort with lots of children's activities and you have the ease of access to the campground for more activities.
- The rooms are being currently renovated so you'll have a "newer" room.
- You have three very tasty and different restaurants. Roaring Fork for a QS option with a lot of choices, Whispering Canyon which is great for kids (and kids at heart) and Artist Pointe if you guys can get away without the toddler.
- If you do need the extra room, I'd look into the Wilderness Studio Villas.