Disneyworld with children 21 and 24....
Oct 25th, 2006, 07:44 AM
#21
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 26 year old and wife went last winter. They moved from AKL to Boardwalk (where we all had stayed before)after the 2nd day of a 5 day stay.
AKL was too far for them to walk to the venues at night that they liked the most.
Anything behind EPCOT works the best for nightclubing Disney or for water sports. Boardwalk would my pick too.
AKL was too far for them to walk to the venues at night that they liked the most.
Anything behind EPCOT works the best for nightclubing Disney or for water sports. Boardwalk would my pick too.
Oct 25th, 2006, 07:52 AM
#22
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Boardwalk Villas or Beachclub Villas--more room and right in the center of lots of walkable enjoyment!! If you reserve a "dedicated" 2 BR at Beachclub, you will have a LR, *2* baths and 2 BR's, one master that has a jacuzzi and a second one w/both a bed and a pull-out sofa in BR as well another pull-out in LR....ie lots of room to spread out.
Oct 25th, 2006, 08:03 AM
#23
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've stayed at the Swan and there were very few children around. It's a short walk to the Boardwalk.
I'd also recommend any of the Boardwalk properties. (I like the look of the Yacht club but I've not stayed there) The Boardwalk is very pretty at night when it's all lit up and there are several good restaurants.
I'd also recommend any of the Boardwalk properties. (I like the look of the Yacht club but I've not stayed there) The Boardwalk is very pretty at night when it's all lit up and there are several good restaurants.
Oct 25th, 2006, 08:21 AM
#25
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Escargot,
My husband & I went to DisneyWorld for our honeymoon so I am not surprised at all that your kids picked it!
I'd recommend staying at the Yacht or Beach Club. Being so close to the Boardwalk has its advantages, especially at night when there's so much to do there.
The other place I've stayed that was nice was the Hotel Royal Plaza. It's not a Disney hotel, but it's on Disney property and within walking distance to Downtown Disney. It's also close to the road going to Universal. They had some hurricane damage a few years ago and have since remodeled. For other hotels near Downtown Disney, visit here:
http://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com
My husband & I went to DisneyWorld for our honeymoon so I am not surprised at all that your kids picked it!
I'd recommend staying at the Yacht or Beach Club. Being so close to the Boardwalk has its advantages, especially at night when there's so much to do there.
The other place I've stayed that was nice was the Hotel Royal Plaza. It's not a Disney hotel, but it's on Disney property and within walking distance to Downtown Disney. It's also close to the road going to Universal. They had some hurricane damage a few years ago and have since remodeled. For other hotels near Downtown Disney, visit here:
http://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com
Oct 25th, 2006, 12:54 PM
#26
If you really want to go on Disney and Universal overload, go to
www.disboards.com Everything you could ever want to know.
www.disboards.com Everything you could ever want to know.
Oct 25th, 2006, 03:26 PM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
THANK YOU ALL ! Now that I am settled from work and dinner, I am going to hit the internet and look into all these great suggestions and see if I can narrow it down and send some info off to my daughter. you guys are great ! as always.....
Oct 25th, 2006, 03:38 PM
#28
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can sometimes save some money by renting Disney Vacation Club points for places like the Beach Club or Boardwalk. We did that - rented through someone on the disboards - and it went very well.
It sounds like the Deluxes are more to your tastes but Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside might be a good option just because there is the boat right to the Downtown Disney / Pleasure Island area.
Saratoga Springs is a new Disney resort and it is literally right next to Downtown Disney.
Here is a good link for Disney nightlife options: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com...nightlife.html
It sounds like the Deluxes are more to your tastes but Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside might be a good option just because there is the boat right to the Downtown Disney / Pleasure Island area.
Saratoga Springs is a new Disney resort and it is literally right next to Downtown Disney.
Here is a good link for Disney nightlife options: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com...nightlife.html
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:14 PM
#29
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As the above post indicates, Saratoga Springs is right next to Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney. You can walk or take the water taxi. I think you can find 2 BR accomodations for Saratoga as well as other Disney Timeshares on most of the travel sites such as expedia, travelocity, etc.
A good website to preview Disney properties is "allearsnet.com".
It shows photos's and spec's of properties for most all the hotels and timeshares in WDW including interior pix of most of the units. Gives you a good idea of what you are getting. Another place we like but not quite so close is Old Key West Village. A little older but like all Disney properties, very well kept and has nice amenities.
A good website to preview Disney properties is "allearsnet.com".
It shows photos's and spec's of properties for most all the hotels and timeshares in WDW including interior pix of most of the units. Gives you a good idea of what you are getting. Another place we like but not quite so close is Old Key West Village. A little older but like all Disney properties, very well kept and has nice amenities.
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:44 PM
#30
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dh and I went last year (we were 25 at the time).
We loved, Jellyrolls. A dueling piano bar on the boardwalk. A lot of fun.
Also liked pleasure island - the comedy club and adventurers club were definete highlights.
We loved, Jellyrolls. A dueling piano bar on the boardwalk. A lot of fun.
Also liked pleasure island - the comedy club and adventurers club were definete highlights.
Oct 26th, 2006, 05:23 PM
#32
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi:
The Swan and Dolphin are convention hotels that do not have the Disney feel. Once inside it could be a Westin in Cleveland. I stayed at the Dolphin and it was very conveinent to Epcot by boat and the Boardwalk.
Kristen
The Swan and Dolphin are convention hotels that do not have the Disney feel. Once inside it could be a Westin in Cleveland. I stayed at the Dolphin and it was very conveinent to Epcot by boat and the Boardwalk.
Kristen
Oct 26th, 2006, 07:17 PM
#33
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi escargot--we are going next week w/our son whose fond memories of the place go back to his first trip when he was just 6 years old. Now, well into his 20's and living on the opposite coast (sigh) he can still always be counted on for a trip to WDW. Some great memories really are good for a lifetime.....Like you, we have traveled to many other places, but there is just something about Disney World. I look forward to hearing about where you decide to stay and the reports of your family "reunion".
A dining tip is the California Grille on the top of the Contemporary. Gets a 26 in Zagat. Expensive, but very good.
A dining tip is the California Grille on the top of the Contemporary. Gets a 26 in Zagat. Expensive, but very good.
Oct 29th, 2006, 05:26 PM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, I am now officially on Disney Overload.
With all the web sites, (allears, disboards, all the great ones you all recommended), googling, note taking, and having multiple pages open on my laptop comparing resorts, looking at resort map, figuring out which location gives us best options for other places we want to visit, and my daughter doing the same.....which is fine, this was the kids choice after all, and since her brother is in India and not always readily available, it's in her lap so to speak:
here's where we are at:
No to Universal/Hard Rock: she wants to see mouse ears everywhere....although wants to visit it.
No to Grand Floridian, which was her first choice from memories there, but thinks as many of you suggested, they'd be better off at their ages at Boardwalk or Yacht Club or Beach Club.
So, looking at those, and getting confused, but leaning towards the Boardwalk Inn: but a few more questions....
1. It seems from the maps, the Boardwalk Inn is right at the "Boardwalk" from what I can figure - this is the area with restaurants/clubs/night time activities for them.. if we chose Yacht or Beach they can also walk to Boardwalk activities - is this a short walk, a long walk at night?
Is it so noisy right at the Boardwalk Inn with all those activities that you are better off a bit removed at the Yacht or Beach Club?
2. You can walk to Epcot from all 3. You can walk to MGM from all 3, but the walkway is behind the Boardwalk area, so easier access from the latter.
3. You can 'boat' from all 3 to these destinations to Epcot, but walking looks faster and easier from Boardwalk
4. At any of the 3, you have to take the bus to Magic Kingdom, which looks to be about 20-30 minutes, but that would be ok, since we would likely only spend one day there. OR it appears you can walk to Epcot, take the monorail from there to Magic Kingdom, but that would likely take as long anyway.
5. To visit Universal - I have absolutely no recollection of the distance - I'm thinking it was about 10 miles? But we had a car last visit, and I'm hoping to avoid that this visit - so any advice easiest way to get there?
6. Or, do we need a car? - we are planning likely the following:
a day of Disney World and hanging out, Epcot, Universal and MGM. NIghts at Pleasure Island, Epcot and perhaps Universal Citywalk - or is that so similar to Boardwalk we don't need to bother going back for that and/or should we just plan on extending the Universal day into a bit of the night?
Also, don't know if this matters in choosing lodging - Boardwalk INN vs. Boardwalk/Beach or Yacht villas- but daughter says not to bother with extra expense of villa - not going to be in the rooms that much and they can go back to their room when they are out later than we are, without disturbing us.
Anyone prefer the rooms at any of these over the others? Have anything to add?
THANK YOU !
With all the web sites, (allears, disboards, all the great ones you all recommended), googling, note taking, and having multiple pages open on my laptop comparing resorts, looking at resort map, figuring out which location gives us best options for other places we want to visit, and my daughter doing the same.....which is fine, this was the kids choice after all, and since her brother is in India and not always readily available, it's in her lap so to speak:
here's where we are at:
No to Universal/Hard Rock: she wants to see mouse ears everywhere....although wants to visit it.
No to Grand Floridian, which was her first choice from memories there, but thinks as many of you suggested, they'd be better off at their ages at Boardwalk or Yacht Club or Beach Club.
So, looking at those, and getting confused, but leaning towards the Boardwalk Inn: but a few more questions....
1. It seems from the maps, the Boardwalk Inn is right at the "Boardwalk" from what I can figure - this is the area with restaurants/clubs/night time activities for them.. if we chose Yacht or Beach they can also walk to Boardwalk activities - is this a short walk, a long walk at night?
Is it so noisy right at the Boardwalk Inn with all those activities that you are better off a bit removed at the Yacht or Beach Club?
2. You can walk to Epcot from all 3. You can walk to MGM from all 3, but the walkway is behind the Boardwalk area, so easier access from the latter.
3. You can 'boat' from all 3 to these destinations to Epcot, but walking looks faster and easier from Boardwalk
4. At any of the 3, you have to take the bus to Magic Kingdom, which looks to be about 20-30 minutes, but that would be ok, since we would likely only spend one day there. OR it appears you can walk to Epcot, take the monorail from there to Magic Kingdom, but that would likely take as long anyway.
5. To visit Universal - I have absolutely no recollection of the distance - I'm thinking it was about 10 miles? But we had a car last visit, and I'm hoping to avoid that this visit - so any advice easiest way to get there?
6. Or, do we need a car? - we are planning likely the following:
a day of Disney World and hanging out, Epcot, Universal and MGM. NIghts at Pleasure Island, Epcot and perhaps Universal Citywalk - or is that so similar to Boardwalk we don't need to bother going back for that and/or should we just plan on extending the Universal day into a bit of the night?
Also, don't know if this matters in choosing lodging - Boardwalk INN vs. Boardwalk/Beach or Yacht villas- but daughter says not to bother with extra expense of villa - not going to be in the rooms that much and they can go back to their room when they are out later than we are, without disturbing us.
Anyone prefer the rooms at any of these over the others? Have anything to add?
THANK YOU !
Oct 29th, 2006, 05:46 PM
#35
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello escargot - overload on Mickey? Never! 
You've sure done your homework. Congratulations!
In order of your questions:
1. About 5-10 minute walk is all, over a little bridge, to the Boardwalk from Beach/Yacht Clubs. No problem at night. You're at Disney.
2/3. From Beach/Yacht, it's soooo much fun to take the boat to MGM. Take advantage of your bennies! From Boardwalk, walking is probably easier. If you have to wait for the boat, probably walk. If boat is there, I'd take it. Save your legs for the park.
4. DO NOT go to Epcot to catch monorail to Magic Kingdom - TOO FAR! Epcot is huge; first you go through World Showcase, then thru FutureWorld to get to front gate. WAY too far. Bus is not so bad, only makes a couple stops. The less expensive hotels make more stops. Beach/Yacht make fewer stops, I think at Swan/Dolphin and that's it. But you'll be surprised how large the actual footprint of all the parks is. It's HUGE. That's why it takes so long to get there.
5. The Mears Shuttle has regularly scheduled shuttle service to/from Universal for a fee. Hotel will know how much, or check on allears.net or disboards.
6. I've not been to Univ.City Walk, prefer Pleasure Island (plus it's included on our passes). Comedy Club, dancing, movies, restaurants, etc. Plus we stay in the parks as late as possible so we're usually pretty tired to think of going to Universal. If your kids want to do it, I'd just extend the Universal day.
7. Smart daughter. Save the money; have a good meal at Chefs de France or somewhere else.
And if you do go to Beach/Yacht Club, be sure to try Beaches & Cream (or is it Peaches, I can't remember) - ice cream parlor - the brownie sundae is delish!
Oh, and the rooms. We've always just taken the cheaper, parking lot view rooms at Beach Club. As your daughter says, you're not in the room that much anyway.
Fire away with any other questions.
You've sure done your homework. Congratulations!
In order of your questions:
1. About 5-10 minute walk is all, over a little bridge, to the Boardwalk from Beach/Yacht Clubs. No problem at night. You're at Disney.
2/3. From Beach/Yacht, it's soooo much fun to take the boat to MGM. Take advantage of your bennies! From Boardwalk, walking is probably easier. If you have to wait for the boat, probably walk. If boat is there, I'd take it. Save your legs for the park.
4. DO NOT go to Epcot to catch monorail to Magic Kingdom - TOO FAR! Epcot is huge; first you go through World Showcase, then thru FutureWorld to get to front gate. WAY too far. Bus is not so bad, only makes a couple stops. The less expensive hotels make more stops. Beach/Yacht make fewer stops, I think at Swan/Dolphin and that's it. But you'll be surprised how large the actual footprint of all the parks is. It's HUGE. That's why it takes so long to get there.
5. The Mears Shuttle has regularly scheduled shuttle service to/from Universal for a fee. Hotel will know how much, or check on allears.net or disboards.
6. I've not been to Univ.City Walk, prefer Pleasure Island (plus it's included on our passes). Comedy Club, dancing, movies, restaurants, etc. Plus we stay in the parks as late as possible so we're usually pretty tired to think of going to Universal. If your kids want to do it, I'd just extend the Universal day.
7. Smart daughter. Save the money; have a good meal at Chefs de France or somewhere else.
And if you do go to Beach/Yacht Club, be sure to try Beaches & Cream (or is it Peaches, I can't remember) - ice cream parlor - the brownie sundae is delish!
Oh, and the rooms. We've always just taken the cheaper, parking lot view rooms at Beach Club. As your daughter says, you're not in the room that much anyway.
Fire away with any other questions.
Oct 29th, 2006, 06:08 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kopp: thanks - lots of info !
I wasn't worried , ie: safety, walking at Disney - I was trying to figure out how close are all those 3 resorts to each other - the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach - as in, is the Boardwalk so much closer to the walkway to Epcot, etc that it is far more convenient than the other two or are they literally in a line and you walk from one to the other -
and so then, if kids go to Boardwalk in evening, how much further a walk for them to get to Yacht or Beach or is this distance just minutes..
I remember how huge Epcot is, but it's been years and years since we went when the kids were little and I couldn't quite figure where the 'entry walkway' from Boardwalk Inn was in relation to monorail -
So wherever I can get the best room/rate wouldn't really matter for them to have easy access to Boardwalk area for at night - or to return from Pleasure Island and get to any of these 3 hotels?
ANd thanks for the info on Mears shuttle !!
.....so am I right to assume it would be a tad quieter at Beach/yacht than overlooking the actual "Boardwalk area" ?? Kids might be out late - but I'll want to sleep
I wasn't worried , ie: safety, walking at Disney - I was trying to figure out how close are all those 3 resorts to each other - the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach - as in, is the Boardwalk so much closer to the walkway to Epcot, etc that it is far more convenient than the other two or are they literally in a line and you walk from one to the other -
and so then, if kids go to Boardwalk in evening, how much further a walk for them to get to Yacht or Beach or is this distance just minutes..
I remember how huge Epcot is, but it's been years and years since we went when the kids were little and I couldn't quite figure where the 'entry walkway' from Boardwalk Inn was in relation to monorail -
So wherever I can get the best room/rate wouldn't really matter for them to have easy access to Boardwalk area for at night - or to return from Pleasure Island and get to any of these 3 hotels?
ANd thanks for the info on Mears shuttle !!
.....so am I right to assume it would be a tad quieter at Beach/yacht than overlooking the actual "Boardwalk area" ?? Kids might be out late - but I'll want to sleep
Oct 29th, 2006, 06:10 PM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kopp:
sorry just re read your post - so basically it sounds like those 3 resorts are lined up and distance from one to another is about 10 min short walk -
so i could pick any of them and basically in the same area, same distance to things like boardwalk, bus stop, walkway to Epcot, etc -
5 - 10 min difference in a walk doesn't bother any of us.
thank you !
sorry just re read your post - so basically it sounds like those 3 resorts are lined up and distance from one to another is about 10 min short walk -
so i could pick any of them and basically in the same area, same distance to things like boardwalk, bus stop, walkway to Epcot, etc -
5 - 10 min difference in a walk doesn't bother any of us.
thank you !
Oct 30th, 2006, 04:06 AM
#38
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, they're not lined up. There is a small lake that separates B/walk and the other. Beach/Yacht are literally next to each other, but then you just cross the little footbridge and you're at Boardwalk.
I'm not sure about noise as I've not stayed at B/walk. There are shops and restaurants that line the walkway in front of the hotel, but noisy? Couldn't help you there. I know it wasn't a factor at Beach Club where our room was. But rooms facing the pool area (it's a huge area), that may be noisy if the pool is open. January? who knows. There is also some sort of club at the end after you come over the bridge.
As far as getting back at night from Pleasure Island, wouldn't they just be taking the shuttle? So they'd just get dropped in front of the hotel, no? I don't know. Maybe there's another way to get to/from other than the Disney shuttle. Maybe that's what you're talking about??
I'm not sure about noise as I've not stayed at B/walk. There are shops and restaurants that line the walkway in front of the hotel, but noisy? Couldn't help you there. I know it wasn't a factor at Beach Club where our room was. But rooms facing the pool area (it's a huge area), that may be noisy if the pool is open. January? who knows. There is also some sort of club at the end after you come over the bridge.
As far as getting back at night from Pleasure Island, wouldn't they just be taking the shuttle? So they'd just get dropped in front of the hotel, no? I don't know. Maybe there's another way to get to/from other than the Disney shuttle. Maybe that's what you're talking about??
Oct 30th, 2006, 05:45 AM
#39
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When we go to Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney, we drive our rental car over there, just so we can come and go strictly at our own convenience. But on one trip when our son and his cousin had a night out w/o the 'rents, they went on their own, on the Disney buses. That way there is no concern if one has had a couple of drinks...
Oct 30th, 2006, 07:49 AM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
kopp & socialworker thanks -
I get the set up now and we are going to try and book the Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach if not Boardwalk and will forget a car and have kids use shuttles at night so there are no worries.
Thanks for everyone's help - it was so many years ago we went and always stayed on the monorail, and wow has that place built up and so many options now my head was spinning !!
I get the set up now and we are going to try and book the Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach if not Boardwalk and will forget a car and have kids use shuttles at night so there are no worries.
Thanks for everyone's help - it was so many years ago we went and always stayed on the monorail, and wow has that place built up and so many options now my head was spinning !!
