BEST Hotel at Disney???

[Hesky]

Originally Posted by soulsurv

Again, your info is GREAT, and I heartily appreciate your taking the time to respond to a non-Floridian.

I have sent away for the free WDW DVD, so that should contain good info and have been reading the Disney link you have sent me. My idea of theme parks is limited to Hershey Park and Great Adventure in South Jersey, so the gargantuan scope of WDW really blows my mind./

I think my niece and I would love the Polyneisian or Contemporary best, but my nephew would adore the Animal Kingdom - Just HOW LONG of a bus ride to Magic Kindgom are we talking about? And is Epocot near the MK as well? Didn't realize I could rent a car for inside the park.

About 20 minutes probably, honestly I don't think its that long.

Epcot is not near the Magic Kingdom in the sense that you can't walk from one to the other. However, the monorail connects them, so its actually very easy to travel between the two parks. Also, both the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts are served by the monorail.

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by Hesky

About 20 minutes probably, honestly I don't think its that long.

Epcot is not near the Magic Kingdom in the sense that you can't walk from one to the other. However, the monorail connects them, so its actually very easy to travel between the two parks. Also, both the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts are served by the monorail.

And you can actually walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary faster than you will get there on the monorail.

I would sit down with the kids and ask questions about what they would like to see and do.

[soulsurv]

Thanks, you two!! Actually, we're not telling my nephew until a bit before leaving. He seriously wouldn't sleep...I kid you not - LOL!!!

[lovfl]

Before we lived here, we were at DW more times than I can count with our family and we always stayed at the "Carribbean Beach". It has a fun atmosphere and colorful rooms. Also is less expensive than the ones mentioned. bus rides are short and fun. don't worry about that.

[hgebel]

I work at the Contemporary, so of course I think it's best one!

My favorite restaurant is O'hana's at the Polynesian (a quick monorail ride from the Contemporary), you have to book it way ahead of time though.

Someone suggested the Wilderness Cabins, which are a very nice option for a medium-sized group. The have a boat directly to the Magic Kingdom and a launch that goes to the Contemporary where you can get on the monorail.

Another option if you were thinking about connecting rooms is a two bedroom villa at one of the DVC resorts (we have one, Bay Lake Tower, at the Contemporary). They have three bathrooms and a full kitchen, and can sometimes be cheaper than two standard rooms at a Deluxe resort like the Contemporary or Polynesian. They are usually attached to a Deluxe resort, although Old Key West and Saratoga Springs are on their own.

With a cabin or a villa you know you won't be separated. For standard rooms we don't guarantee connects; although we do try very hard to fulfill those requests we can't guarantee it and sometimes it can be quite disappointing when they aren't available. Also, if you want a door between the rooms make sure you request a connecting room, don't ask for an adjoining room. A lot of guests think that connecting and adjoining are the same, but they aren't; adjoining rooms are next to each other but they don't have a door.

-Harry

[IAm_FloridaBorn]

Check out the new Art of Animation Resort!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort | Walt Disney World Resort

Generally I'm a Disney Freak! But I have to admit I'll be checking this out myself!

[nekochan999]

people are extremely passionate about Disney. If you ask 20 people, you will get 20 different answers as to their favorite hotels.

I would definitely STAY AWAY during the Christmas/New Years time due to the crowd level.

A really useful book (you should be able to check it out from the library) is the 'unofficial guide to disney world'. Even if you get an older one, the information is basically the same - obviously the newer rides and attractions are not included. In addition to the 'disboards' there is also 'intercot' which is also a pretty active website.

First of all, you need to consider your budget - one of the 'deluxe' hotels on the monorail vs. a moderate or value. My favorite hotel is the polynesian - it is lush and gorgeous and on the monorail. If you will be spending most of your time at epcot and magic kingdom then a hotel on the monorail is your best choice if you can afford it. The contemporary is too modern for my taste compared to the polynesian.

If you are going for only 3 or 4 days you will definitely NOT be able to see everything. Epcot alone is easily at least a two day park to do it properly. You should probably start by looking at which parks interest you the most, then look at the hotels nearest there, then look at your budget.

Good luck!!!

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by nekochan999

people are extremely passionate about Disney. If you ask 20 people, you will get 20 different answers as to their favorite hotels.

I would definitely STAY AWAY during the Christmas/New Years time due to the crowd level.

A really useful book (you should be able to check it out from the library) is the 'unofficial guide to disney world'. Even if you get an older one, the information is basically the same - obviously the newer rides and attractions are not included. In addition to the 'disboards' there is also 'intercot' which is also a pretty active website.

First of all, you need to consider your budget - one of the 'deluxe' hotels on the monorail vs. a moderate or value. My favorite hotel is the polynesian - it is lush and gorgeous and on the monorail. If you will be spending most of your time at epcot and magic kingdom then a hotel on the monorail is your best choice if you can afford it. The contemporary is too modern for my taste compared to the polynesian.

If you are going for only 3 or 4 days you will definitely NOT be able to see everything. Epcot alone is easily at least a two day park to do it properly. You should probably start by looking at which parks interest you the most, then look at the hotels nearest there, then look at your budget.

Good luck!!!

Excellent considerations - wish I could be there for a week...but just couldn't leave my dogs for that long.