Secrets of Walt Disney World: Accommodations

  1. 3boys says:

    We stayed in the animal kingdom lodge and it was perfect for kids who are around 8 to 10. The pool is very nice, stays open very late and adults can get a beverage. They had real night vision goggles with attendants there to help the kids to look at the wildlife at night. Rooms were kind of smallish and had squeaky bunk-beds for the kids.

    We had problems with the buses also, not that they were full but that it took a long time for the scooter people to board with their vehicles. Mind you, these weren’t handicapped people or even people with mobility problems related to weight, but ordinary healthy folks who didn’t want to walk so they rented these things. come on people! Then in the parks they would stop abruptly – as a group – in the middle of the walkway and you’re supposed to squeeze around them. Tell me this has changed for your visit.

    My dream would be for Disney to connect the parks and hotels with bike paths that are away from the roads and just include a bike rental in your fees. It’s very flat in Florida. I’m guessing it’s an insuranceliability issue.

  2. Amanda says:

    We have stayed twice at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Once in a pirate room when my son was 5 and it was absolutely perfect! The next year we stayed in a regulary room. We spend A LOT of time at the parks and so we have unfortunately not enjoyed many of the amenities you described. We spent a short amount of time at the pool, but I wish we’d taken more advantage of some of the activities now. We did eat at the food court at the resort one night and it was great because they had line dancing and the kids danced the night away while we got to enjoy a few kid-free dining moments. In October we are staying at Port Orleans. We wanted to try something new and we are staying in a Beauty and the Beast room for my 4 year old daughter. I can’t wait!!

  3. catfang says:

    When you noted “inside the resort” I was under the impression that you may have stayed at The Polynesian, The Floridian or The Contemporary. After all, those three are the only ones the monorail services.

    I guess that “inside the resort” has changed in meaning over the years.

  4. dixondialogue says:

    We went to Disney in March with our 3 & 1 year old and had a great time! We stayed at the Pop Century which is a “value resort” and thought it was great – no complaints! We spent most of our time at the parks but they had several nice pools {they weren’t overly themed but nicer than your average hotel pool} and the food court had tons of options that were delicious! The rooms were efficient, clean and although we weren’t close to the main building it was only a 5 minute walk and a pool was right outside our door. We also got the free dining plan and loved it – can’t wait to read your thoughts. I agree with the buses but I was expecting the crowd and sometimes my husband and I grumbled b/c the driver would say the bus was full but we knew after living in NYC that at least anther 10 people could have fit 🙂

  5. Castlebeckons says:

    We did a family trip (13 people!) in 2010 and stayed at Caribbean Beach. I was reluctant because we had stayed there in 1996 on our honeymoon and wasn’t overly impressed. I was pleasantly surprised! The food court was great for breakfast, and the kids loved exploring all the beach areas. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to use the pools – we went in December and it was unseasonably cold! We are going back to WDW in December and will be staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

  6. Cking218 says:

    We have stayed at almost all of them at one time or another. Now if we take the kids it’s the Pop Century everytime. Clean, comfortable, lots of pools and great food court. Very family friendly. Like you I was so less than impressed with the All Star but not all budget resorts are the same. If it’s just us I prefer the Coronado and Hubby likes the Wilderness Lodge. But no matter what always get as close to the main building as you can. And as for the busses: If you are an early riser one park is always open to resort guests an hour before the normal time. WHAT EVER YOU DO: DO NOT GO TO THAT PARK! You will waste your extra hour in line for the bus or fighting crowds at the unbelieveably understaffed security/bag check line. Oh yeah: don’t carry a bag if you can possibly avoid it. 45 minutes I waited one morning to be cleared for entry. 20 minutes in we were wondering just how much of the crap in it could go in the trash. I was amazed how much we could have dumped. UMMMM…The dining plan is awesome! Always make reservations though during the season if you are going to brave the heat. But really (and I live in Jacksonville, FL, we have annual passes) my number one Disney tip: Avoid summertime and spring break. November (NOT the week of Thanksgiving) and February are the best times to go. Cool, for FL at least, quiet, not so crowded. Really nice.

  7. Thesocalsoccermom says:

    We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and although it was amazing to see all the animals, it’s really far from many of the parks.  We spent a lot of time just sitting on buses.  My favorite by far is the Wilderness Lodge.  It’s absolutely beautiful with a great pool, but the best part is that you can just hop on a boat to get to the Magic Kingdom.  It’s quick and fun. 

  8. Cranrazz says:

    We have twice stayed in the Ft. Wilderness cabins in the campground. Our kids ranged in age from 4 to 13 and they all loved it. The campground has a western theme. The cabins sleep up to six with plenty of room, including a full kitchen so you can cook at least some meals. They are at least as clean and comfortable as a hotel room but with added privacy, as each stands alone on a site and they are a nice alternative to two or more rooms for a larger family. If you go to the Hoop-de-Doo dinner show (the kids will love the corny jokes) its a short walk to the cabin afterwards.

    The best thing I have taken away from repeat trips is to build in plenty of downtime. Maybe take a whole day at the pool or a Disney waterpark, allow at least one sit-down, air conditioned meal per day (dining plan is great!) and try to go during non peak times, even if you have to take the kids out of school. Waiting in long lines and rushing around to squeeze in a too-crowded agenda are fun killers for sure.

  9. Planning Mama says:

    Where do you find the special savings weeks? I haves searched and searched and just don’t see them. And the meal plan included with park-hopper passes, where does one find such a deal?

  10. Sarah says:

    hi i work at Disney!! i think that one of the great places to stay with little children is the Polynesian resort! the cast is great and the children’s activity people are fun! also they are going to remodel the main pool this august to make it bigger, add a hot tub and a Lilo and Stitch themed aquatic play area!!(Kids areas) they have also moved the marshmallow roasting to 7:30 to 8:30 and the movie starts at 9. but from the main pool you are able to see the castle and the WISHES fireworks! with out the large bags (for kids with sensitive ear’s). There is also a night time electric water parade that goes by and you are able to see that happens a 9 ish the cast will pause the move for the parade and the fireworks! but the best part is that they are remodeling some of the rooms to make them bigger and to go with the Disney Vacation Club members. but i believe other people can get them also. Some will include a fully stocked kitchen and two bedrooms. You also have the convenience of having the brand NEW Club Disney!! you may have heard of the Nerverland Club well they re-imagined it and made it Club Disney. You also have the convenience of the monorail, a boat or bus. You can also take the Monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC for short) and get on the monorail to Epcot! by the way while the fireworks are going on they are playing the soundtrack that plays in MK at the Polynesian.

  11. […]   6. Plan to stay at the resort. I never thought I would stay inside Walt Disney World but once I tried it as an adult, I became a convert. We’ve stayed in the “Disney bubble” ever since. When you stay in the resort (and meticulously plan out your visit,) your entire vacation experience is filled with Disney magic 24/7 and with kids, this is just awesome. Read on and you’ll see why. We stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort each year- You can read more about that and the other WDW resorts we’ve visited here. […]

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