Which hotel with little ones?

[slappy magoo]

Read the whole post. Read this one as well, which really just confirms my own.

IIIIIIIIII'm not sure you did.

 

[slappy magoo]

I don't have kids - BUT! - as a kid I loved staying at the Poly and visiting the Contemporary. I think I would have also liked Animal Kingdom Lodge and the All-Stars and Art of Animation as a kid as well had they been around back then. Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge may have also been fun for me as a kid. Ft. Wilderness has a ton of stuff to do.

So when you were a kid, you stayed at Poly, you visited Contemporary, AKL/AS resorts/AoA are moot because they didn't exist back then, and knowing what you know now, you think you would have enjoyed WL and FW.

My question, if you don't mind: Do you have any resentment over the fact that you had stayed where you stayed? Is there any part of you that goes "man now that I think back, I really wish my mom/dad/parents/guardians picked Fort Wilderness or the Wilderness Lodge because those joints look like the shiznit and I really resent staying at the Poly?"

Followup question, and if you don't know the answer, or you don't want to, it's of course fine: Whoever picked the Poly, do you know what made him/her/them choose that resort? Was it specifically to make "the kids" happy, or was it just where the grownups who made that decision decided/chose/prefer to stay?

I'm working on the theory that grownups should make the decision where they'd like to stay and the kids will probably enjoy themselves regardless of where that place might be.

 

[OneofThree]

I'm working on the theory that grownups should make the decision where they'd like to stay and the kids will probably enjoy themselves regardless of where that place might be.

Sort of like. . . pets.

 

[jaklgreen]

I hate to be this blunt, because I know it makes me sound like a jerk...but YOU are the grownup. YOU are paying for the trip, I'd presume unless your kids are child models and you're using their income. Your kids will be 6 and 3 and they're going to Disney World. Chances are, more than likely, they're going to be thrilled no matter where you stay, no matter what you do, and it will be YEARS before there's a thought of "wait, we could have done THIS and stayed HERE instead while we were there?"

Stay where YOU want to stay. Do what YOU want to do. They will more than likely have just as fine of a time - and at times be just as upset because they'd rather be over THERE doing THAT instead of HERE doing THIS - as they would be if you made an effort to cater every nanosecond of your trip to their whims and fancies.

Would your kids' minds be blown walking into AOA and seeing those giant statues of King Triton and the like? Yes, no doubt, and if you got a suite, they'd probably feel like they were living in the world's coolest clubhouse. And just as likely, they'll be exhausted and miserable the days where buses take forever to get them to a park, or back from a park, and make you more exhausted and miserable, too.

But most of our past trips have been spent, in part, at the DVC section of the Contemporary resort, Bay Lake Tower. One of those trips, my kids were close to the ages yours will be, my older was 6 and my younger was nearly 3. And they went batpoop crazy eating in, of all places, Contempo Cafe, because they got to see the monorail roll by (and believe me the batpoop craziness went to 11 when we actually dined in Chef Mickey's right next door). The idea that we're walking or taking a monorail to Magic Kingdom is what blows their mind. Every time I've awakened them or let them stay up a little later so they can see the Water Pageant is one of their favorite memories. That resort is so Disney to them, on one vacation where we didn't stay there, there was straight up legit separation anxiety (it passed, haha). For about a year after that particular trip, my younger would ask me on a fairly regular basis: "Daddy, maybe this weekend...we can go to Disney? And we can go to the hotel? And swim in the pool? And I can go down the slide and you can catch me?" That little baby slide at the Bay Lake Pool, a slide where many times she had to scooch herself down in order to get to the bottom was one of her biggest memories for a long time.

We spent a night in Art of Animation once, in a Little Mermaid room, having driven and arrived a whole day early. And they enjoyed it, especially the pool. Mom and Dad having to squeeze into a double, not so much. But if I ever talk to them about going back, they always ask if we can stay at BLT. It's never giving in to them because it's where *I* want to stay and they're along for the ride.

Contemporary rooms are significantly bigger (unless you get a suite at AoA). You're walking distance and monorail rides away from 3 character breakfasts and some of the best/most fun restaurants on property (to say nothing of the boat ride away to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness in case you'd like to go to Hoop De Doo Revue one day). Hell there ARE restaurants on property, not just a cacophonous food court. You've got watercraft rentals and cool pools and great views and when you're at MK and want to take a break, you're a monorail stop away. You also have monorail access to Epcot. Any kid that you give that to, if they ever turned around and said "yeah, but I really would've preferred that pool where you can hear the music underwater," write those ungrateful curs out of your will.

I second this. Kids have no frame of reference about this kind of stuff. We have stayed at numerous WDW hotels with our kids, including the Contemporary and they enjoyed EVERY SINGLE TRIP. It did not matter to them what hotel we were in, just that we were at WDW. All of the resorts there are good for kids.

 

[jaklgreen]

I hate to be blunt but -not everyone is so incredibly self-centered. One of the first things you learn when you have kids (hopefully), is that life is no longer about just you.

I think you are missing his point. Kids that age will be happy wherever their parents are happy. A 3 and a 6 year old are not going to go comparing different hotels, that is just silly. I think some well meaning parents go a bit too far in the "whatever little Timmy wants" direction. We are talking about WDW here. ALL of the resorts are kid friendly. And frankly, if my 6 year old started complaining to me that they did not like the $600 a night room at the Contemporary then I would seriously question how I was raising them.

 

[slappy magoo]

Sort of like. . . pets.

Wow, your kids must have you freaking wrapped around their fingers. To think every decision you make is based on "will my kids like it" is really quite sad. I bet your car has spiffy flame decals and you have PB&J for dinner most nights because after all, it's what the kids want.

 

[OneofThree]

I second this. Kids have no frame of reference about this kind of stuff. We have stayed at numerous WDW hotels with our kids, including the Contemporary and they enjoyed EVERY SINGLE TRIP. It did not matter to them what hotel we were in, just that we were at WDW. All of the resorts there are good for kids.

Of course the kids are going to enjoy a vacation at Disney; that was never in question. This is what the OP said:

We are a family of four travelling from Scotland in July 2019, first time with our kids who will be 6 and 3. We’re staying on property for the first 5 night, to be ‘closer to the magic’, take advantage of free dining plan and just make the kids’ first trip extra special.

The AOA is geared toward kids the ages of the OP's own children. The CR is one of the last resorts I'd take them to.

if my 6 year old started complaining to me that they did not like the $600 a night room at the Contemporary then I would seriously question how I was raising them.

I've got 5, and they wouldn't dream of complaining, ever. Check some of my other posts That doesn't mean my wife and I are oblivious to there preferences. Going to CR rather than AOA under the guise that "it doesn't matter to them" is just dishonest.

 

[OneofThree]

Wow, your kids must have you freaking wrapped around their fingers. To think every decision you make is based on "will my kids like it" is really quite sad. I bet your car has spiffy flame decals and you have PB&J for dinner most nights because after all, it's what the kids want.

Yeah, I've got 5, all in the 99th percentile of IQ, all better behaved than 99% of children out there, and all of whom have been taught gratitude and to avoid any sense of entitlement. Probably helps to be married to a developmental psychologist .

 

[julzinthebox]

Thanks for all the replies, they’ve been so helpful.

Slappy magoo, you’re absolutely right. It does make you sound like a jerk. But thanks for the good advice regardless

 

[jaklgreen]

The AOA is geared toward kids the ages of the OP's own children. The CR is one of the last resorts I'd take them to.

Why would you pick a value resort with smaller rooms and less amenities over a deluxe? Just because of some big colorful stuff outside. Of course you are welcome to your opinion on the Contemporary, but many people love it, including kids.

I've got 5, and they wouldn't dream of complaining, ever. Check some of my other posts That doesn't mean my wife and I are oblivious to there preferences. Going to CR rather than AOA under the guise that "it doesn't matter to them" is just dishonest.

There is a reason why it takes so long to raise kids. They do not make rational choices. Just because a 3 year old sees a big colorful exterior does not make it the best choice of hotels. They don't see the smaller rooms, or the uncovered bus stop, or the extra time it will take to get to MK. I am not knocking the values. There have been a few trips that we have stayed there. But that was for financial reasons and I decided we stayed there. It was there or nothing and my kids are happy at ANY resort as long as they are going. My kids are almost grown(16&17). They have been 15 times and they have their favorites but they never once felt like they had less of a special experience because of what hotel we stayed at. Look, I am the first person to say that parents should make their kids the priority. But something like choosing a hotel that you will be spending thousands of dollars on, that is just something that is an adult decision. Oh and I don't think there is anything more "special" then to be able to look out of your room and look at MK and watch the fireworks. Which you can do at the Contemporary.

 

[BASS]

Well, if the children are attracted to a certain character, one resort may be better suited than another. I mean, if your kid is a Little Mermaid or Nemo nut, then AoA is a great choice. I've stayed at hotels simply because it's what the children are interested in at that moment, but otherwise . . . I agree with the premise that kids will enjoy the trip regardless.

 

[slappy magoo]

Yeah, I've got 5, all in the 99th percentile of IQ, all better behaved than 99% of children out there, and all of whom have been taught gratitude and to avoid any sense of entitlement. Probably helps to be married to a developmental psychologist .

Oh, you're married to a developmental psychologist? That's great, so you probably know there's a big difference twixt "sacrificing for your children's needs," and "sacrificing for your children's wants," and thus you know that taking your kids on a vacation at the Disney hotel of YOUR choice isn't all that emotionally scarring, especially if they're too young to "know what they're missing."

Now you best sign off before one of your 5 kids demands the screen for their wants which apparently always, ALWAYS take place over your wants, or your needs, or your online squabbles or whatevs.

 

[slappy magoo]

Slappy magoo, you’re absolutely right. It does make you sound like a jerk. But thanks for the good advice regardless

You should be here once I sober up. Cuh-RAY-zee!

 

[OneofThree]

Oh, you're married to a developmental psychologist? That's great, so you probably know there's a big difference twixt "sacrificing for your children's needs," and "sacrificing for your children's wants," and thus you know that taking your kids on a vacation at the Disney hotel of YOUR choice isn't all that emotionally scarring, especially if they're too young to "know what they're missing."

Now you best sign off before one of your 5 kids demands the screen for their wants which apparently always, ALWAYS take place over your wants, or your needs, or your online squabbles or whatevs.

You might speak to something I actually asserted next time. Regardless, good parenting begins with the realization and acceptance that sacrifice is part of the equation, painful as that might be for some.

 

[slappy magoo]

You might speak to something I actually asserted next time. Regardless, good parenting begins with the realization and acceptance that sacrifice is part of the equation, painful as that might be for some.

Welp, when you first wrote

One of the first things you learn when you have kids (hopefully), is that life is no longer about just you.

what exactly were you trying to say? I do have kids, and I do sacrifice for them. For example, were it not for them, I'd go to WDW far more often and for far longer periods of time. Ba-dum bump.

But I fail to see how "the hotel a family stays at is based on the parent's preference" constitutes being an inconsiderate parent unless a: the kids are picking up the tab or b: the hotel is wholly inappropriate for kids, and last I checked Contemporary isn't exactly Hedonism.

So enlighten me oh-spouse-of-a-developmental-psychologist, how is mom and/or dad choosing the hotel for the family an inability to sacrifice for their young?

Personal anecdote - when I was a kid, the youngest of 5, the two vacations my father took us on were to California where we visited relatives, stayed with them, went to Disneyland, Uni, Knott's Berry, the beach, etc. Each time, my father, a handy guy who learned how to work on cars during his time in Korea with the Marines, would buy a junked limousine, restore it, drive the 3000 miles to California in a 3 day burst. But hey, I would've preferred to stay onsite, and I didn't need to go to the beach, we lived on the Jersey Shore, water is water as far as I was concerned. So by your estimation I guess my old man was some kind of pantload who sacrificed for his family BUT NOT NEARLY ENOUGH.

 

[note2001]

Not everyone's goals in life are the same. Only you know what will make your and your kid's hearts flutter. Watch some videos from people who have stayed at the resorts (not just the trackers who walk through) decide on what sort of accommodations will be best for the four of you to live with for 5 days. It passes by in the blink of an eye, but if anyone is miserable it will feel like torture.

Look at reports, stats, pictures. Go with your gut feeling. Oh, by the way - as a child I would have died to have the chance to stay at the Contemporary.

 

[allgiggles]

Hi there, hoping for some help from the experts! We are a family of four travelling from Scotland in July 2019, first time with our kids who will be 6 and 3. We’re staying on property for the first 5 night, to be ‘closer to the magic’, take advantage of free dining plan and just make the kids’ first trip extra special. After that we’re in a Kissimmee villa for 9 nights. We’re torn between staying at the Contemporary or one of the more kiddie friendly hotels like Art of Animation or Pop Century. I love the idea of being so close to MK at the CR - but would the kids be missing out on the magic of one of the more fun hotels? We’re planning to visit Orlando every few years, but want to nail this first trip! Feel like we’ll already be asking a lot of two little boys with the heat, park trekking and general fun overload, so keen for things to be as easy and stress free as possible while we’re staying on property. Any advice much appreciated!

I'll chime in here and skip the craziness that's been going on in the thread. Since you're going to be staying in an offsite villa for the majority of your trip, I would absolutely pick something that will be appealing to the kids while at Disney. While they will most likely be happy wherever you stay (as long as it has a pool, it's great! Right?) I would go with a resort with lots of kid appeal. We love the suites at AoA. They're larger than standard deluxe rooms (the AoA suites are about 530 square feet where the rooms at the Contemporary are about 420). And they are cheaper than the Tower rooms (and especially the theme park view rooms) at the Contemporary (with the right discount, we could sometimes get a Garden View room at The Contemporary for about the same cost as a suite at AoA. But if I'm staying at the Contemporary, it's going to be in a tower room). The suites have a master bedroom (queen size bed) with it's own bathroom (walk-in shower....no stepping over the side of the bathtub. The table bed and sofa bed are both comfortable for the kids. There are two TVs in the room (if that's important...I don't like watching Disney cartoons every minute we're in the room so I head to the master bedroom where I'm stuck watching CNN because my husband has beat me to the remote. ). The kids bathroom has a bath tub/shower and is a split bath so someone can be brushing their teeth at the sink while someone else is taking a shower. The pools at AoA are amazing. You can hear characters talking and music playing under the water in the Big Blue Pool. There are private cabanas at the Cars pool. We've stayed at AoA four times now (and our kids are all teens and adults...and they don't want to stay anywhere else, they love AoA even though we've stayed other places and last month our one son stayed at Boardwalk and said he'd prefer to stay at AoA. We were at AoA a few weeks ago and found the bus service to be phenomenal. It's always been good when we're there in June but this year was the best. We were there for 7 days and rode the buses at least 4 times a day. We only had 2 waits that were longer than 10 minutes and that was at the end of the night at park closing so we expected a long wait. We still waited less than 20 minutes those 2 times. The rest of our waits were under 10 minutes and the vast majority of those were under 5 minutes with numerous occasions where we got to the bus stop and there was a bus waiting for us. AoA is close to EP, DHS, & AK, the ride is 5-10 minutes to each of those parks. The ride to MK varied from 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
.

 

[crxbrett]

So when you were a kid, you stayed at Poly, you visited Contemporary, AKL/AS resorts/AoA are moot because they didn't exist back then, and knowing what you know now, you think you would have enjoyed WL and FW.

My question, if you don't mind: Do you have any resentment over the fact that you had stayed where you stayed? Is there any part of you that goes "man now that I think back, I really wish my mom/dad/parents/guardians picked Fort Wilderness or the Wilderness Lodge because those joints look like the shiznit and I really resent staying at the Poly?"

Followup question, and if you don't know the answer, or you don't want to, it's of course fine: Whoever picked the Poly, do you know what made him/her/them choose that resort? Was it specifically to make "the kids" happy, or was it just where the grownups who made that decision decided/chose/prefer to stay?

I'm working on the theory that grownups should make the decision where they'd like to stay and the kids will probably enjoy themselves regardless of where that place might be.

Oh, I have no problem answering as this is a topic I find a lot of fun to discuss! No resentment at all from me that my parents picked the Poly. I loved it so much that I have only stayed there on all my subsequent DW vacations. It by far is my favorite resort. I've even turned down free upgrades twice at the GF so I could stay put at the Poly when they overbooked.

I actually do not know the answer to the 2nd one with 100% certainty. But going off of recollections and memories of planning the trip, I was only 10 mind you, I think my parents chose it because they loved Hawaii and figured my brother, sister and I would probably enjoy it, too.

I'm not arguing any points made, just wanted to point out the resorts I did enjoy as a kid and the ones I think I might have enjoyed as a kid had they existed back in the '80s. In fact, I kind of agree that most kids will probably go with whatever resort the parents choose.

Sorry if my post sounded like I was disregarding anyone's opinions, including yours. I didn't mean to.

I am sure my passionate love for the Polynesian stems from the fact that it was the first Disney resort I stayed at. Had my parents chosen a different resort, who knows, maybe I would be a Contemporary or a Ft Wilderness fanatic!

Again, apologies if I sounded like I disregarding ywhat you said. That was not my intent at all.

 

[Spash007]

When I was a kid we always stayed at Contemporary. Actually, we did split stays like you are. I loved the Contemporary. I knew it was more adult but that never bothered me. I loved the pool on the water, going down the slide (which they won't have at Values), and of course watching the monorail inside. You can watch the electrical water pagent from the beach or fireworks from the hotel, and I'm not sure if they still do this, but back then Goofy would sometimes go water skiing which was great. Having stayed at All Star Music with my daughter last September there was nothing wrong with it, and she enjoyed the bright colors, but I don't think I would say it was better. Something better at the Contemporary is that it is all inside, rather than having to walk further to get back to your room (or to food).

IMO, if the cost isn't a factor I'd say the Contemporary has enough hotel benefits like the pool and monorail to put it at an even ground for kids as a value, and then being so close to MK would make it more special.

 

[Chars0704]

I would look at Wilderness Lodge too. It has a lot of kid appeal

I was going to suggest this as well. We stayed here with our 2 year old and will be going back. She loved it and it was really close to magic kingdom.