We are planning the 3 day land, 4 day cruise package for May with a 3 year old and are having a hard time choosing a hotel and room category. If we choose a room category with an ocean view we can stay at either the New Orleans Riverside or Carribean beach. For not that much more we can choose a Deluxe room with a balcony and then we can choose between the Polynesian, Beach Club or Animal Kingdom. My question is this: Are the deluxe hotels much nicer and if so which one? HELP!

Both Riverside and Caribbean Beach hotels are nice hotels, but the three other are of the top Disney hotels which means better amenities and restaurants. If you are planning on spending alot of time at the Magic Kingdom, Polynesian is very close. The Beach Club is spitting distance from Epcot and Animal Kingdom is obviously very close to the AK (but furthest out from the other parks.) Both Caribbean Beach and Riverside are very close to the marketplace/downtown disney and the water parks. None are far from anything but with a 3 year old, it may be most convienent to be at the hotel closest to where you anticipate spending the most time.

Thanks for your reply. Since we only have 3 days, I assume they will be spent going to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and maybe Epcot. Is there one hotel that is most convenient to all three? Also which of the deluxe hotels is the nicest for us, yet the most fun for a three year old as well?

I would suggest staying at the Animal Kingdom. There are marvelous views of the animals from the rooms. If your 3 year old is a girl, I encourage you to take a "princess" dress on the cruise. My daughter wore her Belle dress (halloween costume) to dinner and to a princess photo shoot. She loved it.

I think we are now trying to choose between the Polynesian and the Beach & Yacht CLub. They seem to be the most convenient to the Parks. Any suggestions on one over the other?

I would personnally choose yacht and beach. It's a great location with a great pool. You can use the back entrance of Epcot to avoid lines and it's right across from the Boardwalk where you can rent sullybikes. It also has a mini "beach" and sand bottom pool that your 3 yr. old will love.

www.wdwinfo.com has great information, reviews, pictures, etc.

I would choose Beach Club or Yacht Club. Very nice resorts and walking distance to the Boardwalk and Epcot. Personally, I like the Yacht Club, but the only difference between the two is theming. Beach Club is light and airy, while the Yacht Club is a little more sophisticated - darker color scheme. Also, the rooms at Yacht Club all have queen sized beds and full sized balconies. Some of the rooms at the Beach Club have double beds and single balconies.

Thanks again for all your info. I do not think the YAcht club is a choice, only the Beach club. IS it difficult to get to the magic kingdom from the Beach Club? The only reason I was leaning toward hte Polynesian was because of the vicinity to the Magic Kingdom and with a 3 year old we will probably be there more than Epcot.