What Disney resort for a 50th birthday trip no kids?

We stayed at the Boardwalk a couple of years ago . . Very comfortable with "adult atmosphere" . .

If you can go low season, and get great rates while the kids are in school; you have access to the better destinations as well. Best properties and least likely to have kiddies: Grand Floridian, Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Beach, and Yacht.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is another option, but because of the Savannah view rooms, they might be more likely to have kids at all times. Wilderness Lodge is a scenic hotel with a great restaurant, but it's been swarming with Mouseketeers every time I have been.

Let me say right up front that I am not a fan of the "Disneyfication" of literature, legends and little ones. So I'm curious - what about a Disney resort vacation is appealing to you as a way to celebrate a 50th birthday?

I just re-read my post and it sounds kinda snarky. Sorry. I really AM interested in what the appeal is for an adult vacation at a Disney Resort.

I'm celebrating my 50th there this January (although a few months later) and I think it's a great place for it. I would recommend if you want to stay at one of the EPCOT resorts you rent points at a Villa (Beach Club or Boardwalk, both are nice) through the DIS Boards. We're getting a preferred view at the Boardwalk Villas for less than a moderate resort hotel room this time, which is typical. If you are a teacher, you can usually get a discount at the Swan or Dolphin, also great resorts for adults. If you don't really care about money, I would recommend the Boardwalk Inn. We once had a room over the main doors to the quiet pool area with a view of Paris at EPCOT. Wish I could remember the number...but it was a very romantic view, with the higher fireworks visible every night.

For those who wonder why WDW for a grown up vacation: No need to drive. Staying at the EPCOT resorts allows access to a huge number of good to excellent to superb dining experiences within walking distance (at the Boardwalk, the resorts, EPCOT, and MGM); fireworks every night you want them; shows; and yes, even rides. Just do your research. There is also a lovely scotch flight at the Bel Vue Lounge at the boardwalk resort for a nice evening event. I can't wait for this trip...it's the first without kids, and I've been looking forward to it for several years.

I agree that an Epcot resort would be an excellent choice for your 50th birthday celebration at Disney. It is very nice to be able to walk to Epcot and Disney Studios (or you can take a ferry). My favorite Epcot resort is the Boardwalk Inn, but The Beach Club and Yacht Club are beautiful too. These are all Deluxe resorts and are comparable, except for theming. It's really just a matter of which theme appeals to you. The Swan and Dolphin are in the Epcot resort area, but are not owned by Disney.

I spent my 50th birthday at Disney and it was great fun.

When are you going? Disney announced a promotion yesterday offering seven nights for the price of four at moderate and deluxe resorts for some weeks in November and December and early 2010. Go to disneyworld.com and click on special offers.

Also, I suggest disboards.com for help in planning a trip to Disney World.

I recently stayed at the Polynesian and it was lovely. But my favorite is the Grand Floridian.

I do Disneyland Paris or Tokyo

I'd rather stay at one of the Universal hotels. Does it have to be Disney?

I'd stay at the Portofino Bay or the Royal Pacific
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Cities/Orlando.aspx

I'm with a couple of others - don;t get Disney for a 50th birthday. I spent mine in real Paris - not fake Parisland.

I get Disney for kids - and Epcot is mildly interesting for adults if you're in Orlando for a meeting and have to take clients somewhere. But would never do it voluntarily.

And i fyou want a nice hotel with fewer kids why not try the Hyatt Grand Cypress - lots of activities, a couple of good restaurants and not too many little ones.

Here's the thing: It's the OP's birthday. He/she doesn't have to defend or explain to Fodorites their choice of vacation. There is no one and only one way to travel, vacation, or enjoy a birthday.

Actually the brand new Waldorf-Astoria just opened at Disney. Would be worth checking out, I believe it is the only other WA in the US ouside of New York.

321: I hear you!!! The OP has made it clear that a Disney vacation is the way to go for his 50th!

The last time we went to Disney, our kids were in their early teens and my husband and I made sure that our schedule didn't completely revolve around the mouse. We actually based our itinerary around the restaurants we wanted to go to. It was nice that WDW actually had several excellent restaurants to choose from. We were able to enjoy the nicer ones, like the two restaurants in France (World Showcase), the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (dessert was served as the fireworks started), the Grand Floridian's Prince Albert, etc. We had a relaxing lunch at the Coral Reef restaurant a few feet away from the gigantic aquarium (we just had to ignore the commotion and activity around us).

Even the luau/show at the Polynesian was well received not just by the kids! And high tea at the Grand Floridian! The OP will also definitely enjoy Downtown Disney.

Like starrs, the next 3 trips to Orlando (because the kids were then too "old" for the WDW parks), we stayed at the Portofino. I include this info, because I wanted to tell the OP that it's not too much of a hassle to go to the restaurants at the Universal area from WDW - there's an Emeril and Tchoup choup (also an Emeril restaurant located at Universal's Royal Pacific Hotel) - two restaurants that we absolutely loved.

Have a fun 50th birthday gidlaurie!!!

nytraveler,

Yours has got to be one of the most condescending posts I have ever seen. Oooh, we're all impressed you've been to Paris. It may come as a surprise to you that many people do not have the means to go to paris!

Disney is many things to many people. I may be biased since I live in Orlando, but I have been to disney with kids and with adults only, and have enjoyed both experiences. There are many many things disney that appeal to adults (restaurants, shows, bars, nightclubs, hotels, golf, tennis, etc.) In fact right now the food and wine festival is going on at EPCOT which is very enjoyable and very adult.

Happy 50th gislaurie, I hope you post a trip report when you get back.

Disney tip of the day - sit at the back bar at bongos on a Sat. night for a great time and the best mojitos (calle ocho mojito is da bomb) and caipharinas you will ever have.

Sorry - did not mean to be condescending - but I really just don;t get it.

I did, however, make a suggestion that I thought adults might enjoy - letting them do Disney AND other stuff and not be constantly surounded by other people's small kids.

I just checked the new Waldorf-Astoria website and they are offering opening specials starting at $179/night.

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/

I've always wanted to stay at Boardwalk Inn...that would be a possibility for me. Animal Kingdom Lodge looks great for vegging out but is not terribly convenient. I'd probably choose the Contemporary, however...new more modern decor, plus super convenient, plus there's really not a bad view.

I spent my 50th at Universal, at the Royal Pacific with my youngest daughter. The oldest two kids were on a school trip, Husband coudln't leave town and I wasn't going to do NOTHING for my 50th, so off we went. Front of the line is SWEET!

NYtraveller.. just because you want to go to Paris, doesn't mean everyone does. I don't have a real inclination to go to Paris. Back to the original poster, I have no children and have travelled from Australia to Disneyworld and Disneyland numberous times and I am heading up towards 50. I would love that as a 50th present... Perhaps try Grand Floridian....

Thanks everyone! I wasn't bothered by the question about "why", as I know "why" - because I love the parks and I have never been without the pressure of what the kids want to do/are up to. Also, we've never splurged on a nicer place as we were a large family unit. SO I'm thinking nice hotel, relaxed pace, good restaurants, see some night life, and laugh like loons on the silly rides around Disney!
Will let you know!

If you can afford it, go for the Grand Floridian. It is my pick of the bunch. Polynesian would be my 2nd pick. Eat at one of the upscale meals that Disney offers.

I use to feel the way you do about Parks, but then we discoved national parks 4 or 5 years ago. We have enjoyed them far more than Disney. Disney does offer tours other than Disney Parks. Even to Yellowstone area.

Have a great 50th whatever resort and whatever you do. Really can't go wrong with Disney. I always think they do things right for the most part. I can certainly see how you could have a great time for your 50th at Disneyworld.

Grand Floridian would be great. It's very beautiful and has lots of nice dining options - plus the monorail to get to the restaurants and bars of the other monorail resorts (Polynesian and Contemporary). Poolside cabanas, spa next door to the hotel, pianist and orchestra playing in the lobby every afternoon & evening.
I also recommend the Boardwalk Inn, especially if you can book club level. Don't stay at Beach Club for an adults-only trip - too many kids (same w/ Polynesian).
If you don't want to break the bank, though, I really, really love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Beautiful resort. Very unique. Great dining at Jiko. Amazing S. African wine selection!

Gidlaurie, I have to ask, are you really sure that you want to spend your precious adults only time at a Disney resort with children running all around? Why not find a charming b & b on Sanibel or Captiva instead?

I would daresay that most WDW fans, while on a trip to WDW with their kids, have fantasized about a trip without the kids, where they could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Just because WDW is not your cup of tea, don't assume that the OP doesn't know what she wants. I'm not a fan of Las Vegas, but I wouldn't assume that a person wanting to vacation there really wouldn't if she'd thought it through.

My dear daughter just did this last June with her entire spouse's family, plus some of her old college friends and their kids.

They did a lot of research. It came down to location and some other accessiblity issues- plus the ratio of kids in the resorts and other factors. It was NOT about money, this time.

Anyway, I have stayed at 5 myself- and one or the other of my kids has stayed at 3 or 4 others- and we have concluded that the location behind EPCOT is good but that the Port Orleans FRENCH QUARTER is excellent- for this purpose. It is NOT one of the resorts with 1000's and 1000's of guests and you have EXCELLENT dining and transportation choices. Pool is good and less crowded as well. The other possible is Coronado Springs, but that pool is far more crowded. French Quarter gives you water craft options and transport too, you know.

I have stayed at every single level of cost and stayed at the Polynesian, Floridian, Car. Beach., An. Kingdom Lodge, Disney Institute, and Yacht Club (very good too- but it's too congested in that area now)and they all have some problems, IMHO, for reunions- where you might not want to rather "lose" each other in the size, so to speak.

My DD's went so well- that she sounds like a ad.

BTW, my LEAST favorite place to stay was A.K.Lodge. It's too far- like a commute. Also- too dark, (SO was crazy about this aspect- couldn't see- we felt we needed flash lights, no kidding) although it has two good higher end restaurants, you are way too removed from everything else- especially those park closing shows etc.

I should have added- this was in all different eras. The first time I went to WDW my older kids were under 10 and they are over 40 now (more than 30 years ago).

And guess what, I've seen Paris. And I have been to Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium and numerous other European locations- even once going to East Germany when it was behind the "curtain" and we needed to have guards with us 24/7.

And that didn't hurt my appreciate for and joy in WDW one tiny parcel. I and a grown daughter together had more fun at WDW together (6 day trip I won at a raffle)-than could be described. Wonderful, wonderful memories.

And one of those vacation experiences doesn't negate the other, not in any way.

And I agree, the Boardwalk is also a doer.

Whoa, whoa, whoa MissyPie. You misunderstood my point. I didn't assume anything, I just tried to be helpful and encourage the OP to think about her options. It really doesn't matter to me where she stays because it's not my trip.

whoa whoa, Pam, perhaps you should read all of the posts. poster made it clear Twice as to "why" she waas going to Disney. I didn't know that this board was about trying to talk someone totally out of a destination. I think the poster would like info on just Disney, not the other 100,000 places to travel in the US.

Had a bad day did you, Spirobulldog? It's not your trip either, so get over it.

Try the Wyndham Bonnett Creek Resort. Its a timeshare but all units are gorgeous 2 2 condos with great views. It is on Disney property but not Disney owned. I have a friend who is a member and he sets us up there every year. I think you can get a unit by looking on ebay or try calling them directly. They have shuttles to all attractions and everything is very close since you are on Disney property.

If it's not too late for some thoughts....

We spent a week at WDW to celebrate a major anniversary. We stayed at Grand Floridian,Animal Kingldom Lodge and Boardwalk. You can probably find deals at most deluxe resorts and, when we moved, we went to the parks (or wherever) in the morning and arrived at the new hotel to find our bags in the room. If you are at the parks at the time of your birthday, make sure you mention it to absolutely everybody you deal with. All three resorts had, at some point,something special in our rooms...champaign,balloons,a free gift,etc. The restaurants made a big deal of our anniversary. When we checked into Boardwalk they were unable to provide the king bed we had asked for. When we mentioned we were celebrating our anniversary, they upgraded us to a honymoon cottage, which is a two level cottage in the courtyard, complete with picket fence and garden. If it is your actual birthday,you get in the parks for free. Get a birthday pin at MK. You will get special treatment all day. In my opinion, the best place for mature adults is one of the Epcot resorts. There are several adult club venues on the boardwalk and it is easy to walk into Epcot where World Showcase is the most adult oriented attraction at the world with plenty of places to shop, eat or get a drink.

PamEwing,

Believe or not there are lots of things for adults at WDW. I live in Orlando and my wife and I have taken many kid free weekends staying at a disney hotel and have had wonderful times. Actually a B&B on Sanibel or Captiva would bore me to tears (I can only lay on the beach for so long). When we want a B&B we go to St. Augustine or Fernandina Beach.

Gmoney, to each their own. Let it go already! As I've already said, I was only trying to be helpful, and it really doesn't matter where the OP decides to go. If you and your wife want to waste precious alone time surrounded by other people's kids, God speed. I work too hard for my money to do that.

Pam,
It sounds like you are the one having a hard time of "letting it go already"

I still think that WDW is a great destination for all ages with or without kids. Disney wants your money and they make it pretty darn easy to appeal to just about everyone in every category. Their cruises and other destinations even look inviting to me.

I vote for the Boardwalk Inn. Hubby and I split a stay between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boardwalk Inn(and we don't have kids) for a trip last December. Although I loved being at the AK Lodge because of the savannah view, I think overall the BW Inn was a better fit - walking distance to Epcot and loved the street entertainers at night and convenient to most everything. Would definitely do it again!