Looking to go to an all inclusive in the DR (or any other area you may have been to that meets the criteria) this coming October and would like some advice from recent travelers.

Two couples in our mid sixties.

My husband and I own Disney points and I'm looking for a resort that would compare somewhat to the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Beach Club, Boardwalk, Saratoga Springs type of accomodations. Updated and clean, lovely grounds, pool and oceanfront.
We are close to Manhattan so do not expect to have NYC dining at a Caribbean all inclusive resort but, would like to know that it is good food and not watered down drinks.

Thanks for any guidance.

Karen59

Karen,
Can't speak to the other locations, but I would highly recommend that if you go to Barbados you not go with an AI situation. We were so surprised at all the neat things to do and places to go that we lamented our decision to use an AI plan; too many missed opportunities because we felt obligated to eat and play on site rather than explore to the fullest.

The majority of AI resorts are located in Mexico, Jamaica and the DR. There are a few in other destinations, but you really have to look carefully as many can be double to triple the price and you don't get as much as those destinations; ie, Aruba and Barbados.

We have been to 14 AI resorts. Mostly in Mexico and love them. Sorry, I'm not familiar with Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Beach Club, Boardwalk, Saratoga Springs type of accomodations.

Here's a list of AI resorts in the Caribbean:

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com...ve_resorts.cfm

Here's a list of AI resorts in Mexico:

http://www.mexicoallinclusive.com/me...ve_resorts.cfm

Also, October is prime hurricane season. If you must go then do get the trip/hurricane insurance that you can cancel for any reason and not just if your flight is canceled or hotel closes. It costs a little more, but so worth it. If you can, you will find better prices, better weather and lower crowds if you wait until the 1st week of November or December. We go somewhere every year during those times periods for those reasons. Heading back to Mexico this year.

Just my opinion, but food at DR AIs are just passable. Not even close to what Disney offers.

For me, it's the worse food in carbbean.

If food is important, you might want to stick to Mexico AI.

We had pretty good food at Excellence Punta Cana. Adults only AI on a beautiful beach. Great pools, good drinks, good service.

Blue Waters in Antigua is lovely.

There are also plenty of beaches to explore in Antigua. They have a unique Antiguan culture and I hope you would be willing to go and see the island - too many visitors at AI's do not, and I really feel that it is a must to do a bit more than simply stay at the resort.