Hi, my name is Michelle and I am addicted to Disney. The first step is admitting you have a problem. I don't want cured, but I need to unload some Disney thoughts. So, why not give some unsolicited Disney advice right before summer! To all those going to Disney World in the near future let me just say that I am jealous. Have you been before? Awesome! No?? Why not?? The first thing you should decide is when you are going. Oh, you already know when? Then the second step is WHERE are you staying? This blog today focusses on the different resorts that I would recommend.
Where are you staying??
I LOVE staying on property when going to Disney World. I have stayed at hotels in every category and I don't really have any complaints! The busses can be a hassle sometimes, but they are FREE (or at least included in your overpriced hotel room.) They are convenient. Here are some of my favorite places to stay -
8. Art of Animation Resort - Let me first say that I have not stayed here YET. This is one of the newest value resorts on property. They have the regular room that would sleep a family of 4 with young kids or 2 adults comfortably. They have 2 double beds (not queen). The cool thing about this resort is that they have 2 bedroom family suites that will sleep 6 (I think only 4 adults would sleep comfortably.) This is the resort that I am planning on staying at next summer for my 30th birthday celebration!
7. Caribbean Beach Resort - I like this resort because it is divided into many sections based on islands in the Caribbean. When I went I stayed in a Pirate Suite. I loved the theming of the room. The only real complaint I have is that it is far away from the main building where the pool and food is located. This is considered a moderate level resort. The rooms are a little larger.
6. Grand Floridian Resort - This is the epitome of Disney luxury. It is I believe the most expensive resort on property. It has many good restaurants inside including 1900 Park Fare. This buffet is a character dining experience. Breakfast is themed with characters from Alice and Wonderland and Mary Poppins. Dinner is themed with characters from Cinderella; including Prince Charming! To get to the parks you can catch a bus to Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. To Magic Kingdom you hop on the monorail. There are beautiful pools and you can watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the resort. This is considered a DELUXE resort.
5. Coronado Springs Resort - This is a Mexican themed resort. The pool has a Mayan Temple with a water slide. The food court is really great here. This is considered a moderate resort. I have not stayed here in awhile but it is my Aunt's favorite hotel.
4. Boardwalk - This resort did not make my top 3 picks. I always get a resort mug so that I can stay hydrated and there are unlimited refills. This resort is hard because it does not have a coke machine inside. You need to visit the surrounding shops to refill your mug. This can be hard because they have to give you a cup of soda and then you pour it into your mug. I think this is a waste of materials... Oh well, just my preference. This is considered a Deluxe resort.
And now for Michelle's Top 3 picks for Disney Resorts!
3. Fort Wilderness Cabins - I LOVE the cabins! There is a bedroom with bunk beds and a queen bed. There is a murphy bed in the main room. You also have a full kitchen! It was so nice to be able to cook breakfast in the morning, make sack lunches, and have cold water to bring to the parks. The busses are pretty fast and you can catch a boat to Magic Kingdom. You get the camping feeling without having to camp! There are many outdoor activities offered at the resort (at an additional cost) and there are stores/restaurants on site. This is in the Moderate resort category.
2. Pop Century Resort - A value resort makes my top 2?? I have to say that I don't usually like the value resorts because they are loud and the busses usually take longer. BUT, I had a wonderful experience here for the Marathon weekend. I wish I had more time to enjoy all the sights of this resort. We stayed in the 1960s section which was close to the pool and main building where the food and busses are. It wasn't too loud. Pop Century shares a bus route with Art of Animation. The food court was really good. There are many meeting places if you have a big group. The pool bar was really nice as well.
1. Beach/Yacht Club - If I won the lottery this would be the resort I would stay at every time! I love that you can WALK to Epcot or take a BOAT! The friendship boats go from the resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is nice not to have to wait for a bus every time you want to go to the parks. The rooms are spacious. The hotel is beautiful! The pool has a sandy bottom and there is a slide out of a pirate ship. You can also walk or take a boat to the Boardwalk where there are many shops/restaurants. There is also fun entertainment along the walkways. If you can afford it, this is the resort to stay at!
Stay tuned for the next blog - Animal Kingdom!
