Two adults, 17-year-old girl, 14-year-old girl, 13-year-old boy. We're thinking sometime in mid to late October.

We are considering Beach Club Resort, Old Key West, Animal Kingdom Lodge or maybe Fort Wilderness. Truthfully, when I look at the pictures the decor of AKL and FW don't appeal to me. The other two do appeal to me, but I have also heard of them being run down since they are older.

I guess I'd rather have a clean, kept up AKL or FW, even though I don't like that atmosphere, than a "beach" atmosphere that does appeal to me if the beach atmosphere places are run down.

Any advice?

Would like someplace, too, where we might be comfortable enough to let the kids take off without us, although not sure I would be comfortable enough anywhere to let them do that.

See the "Guess what time it is?" posting. There's a recommendation in there.

I've beend to WDW 5 times in the last 5 yrs. and have stayed at two on your list AKL & Beach. I like both and personally preferred the AKL. However, I have young-uns, based on the ages of your kids, I'd probably recommend the Beach Club. There's a lot more things to do right outside your hotel (arcades, restaurants, ESPN club, etc). In addition, the pool at the Yacht Club (you can use it if you stay at Beach) is probably my favorite of all the WDW properties I stayed at. Also, you can walk out to Epcot in a matter of minutes. Take walkie talkies and your kids should be fine.

Beach Club is in a very convenient location. For a TON of info on Disney, go to www.disboards.com

Perd, I gave you a very long, very detailed explanation last night which, for some strange reason was deleted by the Fodor editors. It's getting frustrating to make the effort to reply only to have replies deleted.

Bottom line: Stay ar Yacht/Beach CLub, or Boardwalk Inn, which is newer and just as convenient, located right on the bardwalk. Great spots for all the reasons Gail mentioned and then some.

Second the recommendation to go to disboards.com; it's part of www.wdwinfo.com, which will give you a wealth of description and tips on the resorts. Also check www.mousesavers.com.

what ever you do dont stay at allstar resort it worse than a bad days inn.I went in october and the lines are great.

ttt

Thanks to everyone who replied. Did decide on Beach Club. I came back several times to check responses, and could never find this thread until today.

May I be so bold as to ask what one can expect to pay for one night at The Beach Club?
We will be going in early November.
Thank you.

Me again. I went to wdwinfo.com.
Listed there for the Beach Club:
$295.-450. per night.
I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
I'll stay with the moderates! Enjoy!

We're near WDW and every year when we're trying to plan a summer trip, WDW is brought up. Then we compare the expense of going there with other trips and go elsewhere. WDW is a fantasy world, but you pay dearly. There are ways to go cheaper but between the theme parks, costs of meals, etc..it gets pricey. Some summer we'll stay closer to home and go there.

Yes, you may be so bold. I am paying $319 a night minus 10% because I joined Disney Club for $40 at disneyclub.com the way it stands right now, but there are often discounts that come along and the travel agent checks daily and applies any discounts. Disney is just now offering discounts for summer, though, so if they offer any for October it won't be until later.

We've stayed at The Boardwalk, Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Contemporary and The Beach Club was our favorite. It has a great pool and is in a great location.

Forget about your Disney Club and the measly 10% discount <g>- you can get up to 40% off if you purchase one annual pass - for about $100 more than a 5 day park hopper.

By day two you have recovered your costs.

The Disney Club card can save you the tax on the rest of your hopper passes.

I highly recommend the Beach/Yacht Club. Spent 8 nights there in the fall and it was very nice. However, the concierge was not up to par with comparable properties with similar rack rates.

As for the kids - they will be fine wandering on their own - IMHO.

For more info on the Y/B Club take a look at the discusion board at: http://www.disboards.com/forums/

Stash

I realize you're pretty much set on staying at Disney and apparently that kind of lodging cost doesn't bother you. But I just thought I'd mention that there are plenty of comparable hotels right outside of Disney for less than $150 per night.