Where to stay?

[mrtoad]

Hello,

I have am a long time WDW travler. I have been going since I was a kid in 73. With my family we use to stay at the Polynesian but it is out of my range, though we might do the last couple days there. We have been staying at Dixie Landings the last 3 trips. I know that the Port Orleans French Quarter is currently under rehab and next will be Dixie (PO Riverside). We are planning on going in January 05. I read that when they do Riverside's rehab they won't close the whole thing but my wife is concerned about staying there durning a rehab.

So I have a few questions, if the rehab will be on when we go where should we stay? I have heard Coronado Springs is nice but too big and is used more for conventions. The Caribian Resort does not look like our style but are really not sure though.

We were thinking of the Wilderness lodge but I read that transportion from there is not as consistant as the other resorts.

Can someone let me know a few things:

If you have stayed at Dixie would be best but if now I would still like your input.

First is the Caribian Resort or Coronado Springs as nice?

Second, I have heard many great things about Wilderness lodge but can you answer about the transportion from there to the other areas of the world.

Third, if we stay at someplace the like the Wilderness Lodge is it going to ruin staying at Dixie in the future? Will Dixie seem not as nice is what I mean. The only reason I ask that one is I really can't afford to stay there every trip.

Forth, should I book now for something a year and 2 months in advance?

Lastly, how do you go about booking usually? I have always gone right through Disney but want the best deal I can get.

Thanks for reading my long winded message and for any help any of you can give me.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Personally I think that the Carribean is great. We use to stay at the Polynesian too, but since it is out of our range now too we decided that we could still get the tropical theming at the Caribbean. The bus service was a little slow last time we were there this summer, but I have heard that complaint from other resorts as well. The food court has been revamped and even though there are a lot of kids around there are still places where you can find respite from it all.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Yes going from a Mod to a Deluxe can spoil you and make it hard to go back. But having said that I don't think I would not do it just for that reason.

We have stayed at all mods in the past, DL is our fav. We did like CSR second. It is very nice and the themeing really good. The mood can changed depending on the convention. There can be good things about this. (Less crowded on busses and not as many noisey young kids.) I would recomend this as an other choice then POR. We were not as impressed with CB personally.

We haven't stayed at WL yet. (will in a few months at VWL, if you think staying at a Deluxe spoils you, try a DVD, you won't want to go back ever.)

I would wait to make ressivations. Codes, expedia and other sources can make for better deals (even AAA travel sometimes.) look on Mousesavers.com for deals. (closer to the time.)

Also if you are trying for a mod and they can't book you sometimes the can offer a deluxe as a deal.

 

[MichRX7]

The last time we stayed at FW the bus service stopped at WL. They also have boat service to MK and the Contemporary. From the campground we do not find transportation to be a problem, actually very convenient. Especially to MK.

If the bus seems slow, you could take the scenic route. Boat to Contemporary. Monorail to TTC. Than it's your choice. Bus to DS or AK, or Monorail to Epcot. Just get your boat patterns down. One boat goes clock-wise (Contemporary, FW, WL, back to Contemporary) and another counter...so avoid the one that is going to FW next, it'll shorten your trip.

From the water-side WL looks awesome on the outside. If you aren't looking for it, you might miss it the way it blends into the surroundings. I should stop in there this December and check it out.

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by MichRX7
The last time we stayed at FW the bus service stopped at WL. They also have boat service to MK and the Contemporary. From the campground we do not find transportation to be a problem, actually very convenient. Especially to MK.

We will mostly be spending time in the MK so that is good to hear. My daughter will have just turned four when we go so I'm sure that will be our main location.

 

[tigsmom]

We love the WL...The theme just suits us best. (we've stayed at the Poly and Contemp also)

We usually take the launch to the MK, or to the Comtemp to connect to the monorail and go from there. It was very crowded in August when we went but never waited more 10 minutes for a bus. You share a boat with Fort Wilderness, but we don't mind the extra ride and its a great place to explore with kids. Looking at the WL as you approach it is breathtaking! The pools are very nice, my kids love the slide and there is a kiddie pool and a nice hot tub for mommy and daddy. The restaurants are great, esp the Whispering Canyon...loud, pony express races for the kids and great CMs that really get into the spirit. The Roarin' Forks snackbar has quick sandwiches, soup, cereal and daily specials.(my kids love the chicken fingers)

Can you tell I'm just a little biased?

If you want any more info just PM me and I'll try to help.



:wave:

 

[MichRX7]

Originally posted by mrtoad
We will mostly be spending time in the MK so that is good to hear. My daughter will have just turned four when we go so I'm sure that will be our main location.

Than I highly recommend the WL or one of the FW cabins. If you take a day off from the parks, catch one of the boats over to FW and take her to the petting zoo. She'll love it.

Also, every night in FW Chip & Dale do a campfire sing-a-long and than they show a classic Disney movie. It's right in the middle of the campground, a short walk along some beautiful forest paths from the FW boat launch.

(now don't everyone go and crowd up FW...lol)

 

[tigsmom]

There is also a path from the WL to FW...a nice stroll thru nature.

 

[maelstrom]

I fully recommend the Caribbean Beach. I haven't stayed at Coronado Springs, but I did like the Caribbean Beach more than Port Orleans or Dixie Landings. The atmosphere in Old Port Royale is very festive and colourful and I love the caribbean music. The rooms are brightly coloured (they weren't always though!) and comfortable. And I personally think that the Caribbean Beach has the best food court; the garlic breadsticks and penne pasta at the Italian stand are delicious! :slurp:

 

[polyman 65]

Not sure what rehad needs to be done at Dixie they have been rehabing the rooms the last couple of trips,maybe gator rooms I know they just got done with the mansions and food court.We love Dixie we have stayed in every resort and Dixie is our second favorite one,of course the Poly will always be number 1.I to have stayed in the Poly since 72 didnt stay on property in 71 I was in first grade I had no choice.:lol: Anytime you stay in a deluxe resort its hard to move back to a moderate. In November we are staying two nights at Coronado and six nights at the Poly(no Im not rich Im a cast member and we get great prices on rooms)thats why we can stay at the Poly,Coronado is nice we just ask for a room by the pool,the food court stinks not ran by Disney other than that its great.Many people will not like this but we hate CD resort this was Disneys first moderate resort and they learned from there mistakes there for Dixie.It doesent matter where you stay your at Disney thats all that matters have a great trip.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Originally posted by polyman 65
Many people will not like this but we hate CD resort this was Disneys first moderate resort and they learned from there mistakes there for Dixie.It doesent matter where you stay your at Disney thats all that matters have a great trip.

Well I would agree with you. I think they did OKW at the same time and they learned not to make the busses go through the resort, but send them in a circle around instead. I don't like the lay outs at both CB and OKW. Also a check in is way away from the rest of the resort instead of in the center at DL and CS. We were at CB in March of 98, they were rehabing it while we were there andthe weather was down right chilly. This many have neg infulances our opinion.

I do think where you stay colors the feel of the trip, however, I think all WDW resorts are great, some are better then others. We don't hate CB, but like the others better.

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by MichRX7
Than I highly recommend the WL or one of the FW cabins. If you take a day off from the parks, catch one of the boats over to FW and take her to the petting zoo. She'll love it.

Also, every night in FW Chip & Dale do a campfire sing-a-long and than they show a classic Disney movie. It's right in the middle of the campground, a short walk along some beautiful forest paths from the FW boat launch.

(now don't everyone go and crowd up FW...lol)

The cabins are out of my range. They are in the $300 range, correct?

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by polyman 65
Not sure what rehad needs to be done at Dixie they have been rehabing the rooms the last couple of trips,maybe gator rooms I know they just got done with the mansions and food court.We love Dixie we have stayed in every resort and Dixie is our second favorite one,of course the Poly will always be number 1.I to have stayed in the Poly since 72 didnt stay on property in 71 I was in first grade I had no choice.:lol: Anytime you stay in a deluxe resort its hard to move back to a moderate. In November we are staying two nights at Coronado and six nights at the Poly(no Im not rich Im a cast member and we get great prices on rooms)thats why we can stay at the Poly,Coronado is nice we just ask for a room by the pool,the food court stinks not ran by Disney other than that its great.Many people will not like this but we hate CD resort this was Disneys first moderate resort and they learned from there mistakes there for Dixie.It doesent matter where you stay your at Disney thats all that matters have a great trip.

Not sure of the rehab but I got the latest edition of the Unofficial Guide to WDW and it talked about the rehab currently at PO French Qtr and said that Dixe was being done when that was complete and would be done a few buildings at at time.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by mrtoad
The cabins are out of my range. They are in the $300 range, correct?

Here is a link with a price chart, etc.

http://www.wdwig.com/faq_fw.htm

 

[MichRX7]

$229-$329 on the cabins, depends on when you go.

I am pretty sure they consider it a *moderate*

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by tigsmom
Here is a link with a price chart, etc.

http://www.wdwig.com/faq_fw.htm

That is great, thank you very much.

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by MichRX7
$229-$329 on the cabins, depends on when you go.

I am pretty sure they consider it a *moderate*

Thanks. That is much more than the other moderates. I think Dixie at the time we are thinking of going is currently $133.00. I don't know what to do. According the site that tigsmom just gave me, the WL is a little cheaper and I think more what I would prefer. I do like the idea of being close to Fort Wilderness though becuase we can go over to Pioneer Hall for the Hooptie Doo or do the campfire stuff or go to River Country. Oh yeah, I forgot another one of my favorite memories that has been taken from me.

Regardless, I know it will be a great trip. It will be my daughters first trip to the world and our first trip just the 3 of us. We usually do a trip with family. We are very excited.