Hi,
I am from Sydney Australia. I am 45 years of age and am taking my two sons aged 10 and 13 to Disney World late September/early October (12 days). We plan to stay on site. However I would appreciate some advise on whether to stay at a moderate resort like the Caribbean or go for a deluxe resort like the Poly or WL etc.? Are there any huge benefits with staying at a deluxe resort over a moderate resort? I have a bad knee and we plan to take our time visiting the different theme parks that is why we will stay 12 days. Is this overkill? We plan to visit parks early and go back to hotel for afternoon swim and probably return to a park for the evening. Any assistance with our trip would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Sue.

Hi Sue,

We went last year and stayed at the moderate resort. It was fine since the only time we were in our rooms was to sleep. We hope to stay at one of the more deluxe resorts someday but at this time, the moderate was fine. I guess only your finances can dictate.

If I were to stay at one of the more deluxe, I would stay at the one in the Animal Kingdom (I forget the name). It overlooks some of the animals. Also, you might want to check out one of the resorts that is more like an apartment so you can cook or snack in you room.

Finally, 5 days was enough for 2 adults but I don't think 12 days is overkill if you check out Universal Studios, Discovery Cove (swimming with dolphins) and maybe some of the nearby sites. Once again, I guess only your finances and patience level can dictate.

Check out this website:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/index

Hope this helps.

JB

Hi Sue...I don't have children but I just took my honeymoon at Wilderness Lodge (WL) last October and had an absolutely wonderful stay!!! (I am 30 my husband is 44) They have activities for children and the pool was wonderful. They have a brook that starts in the lobby and flows outside and eventually flows into the pool. They also have an active geyser. I would highly recommend the WL. It was very convenient in location to the Magic Kingdom. By staying there, you have a choice of transportation (boat or bus). The boat only goes to the Magic Kingdom, but the buses worked out extremely well for the other parks. As for staying 12 days to see all the parks...I wish I had the 12 days to see everything!! My husband and I were there for 7 and it went way too fast!!! Its nice to have the 12 days to take it easy in between...because its VERY tiring!! I am a big fan of Disney World and will happily answer anymore questions...in the meantime, this website was extremely helpful...especially in the forum. People are always looking to help out each other with questions.
http://www.disboards.com/
Good luck!

We've gone to Disney World twice and stayed at two moderates (Port Orleans and Coronado Springs) and one deluxe (Wilderness Lodge). We enjoyed each resort. All the hotels are themed, have terrific pools, food courts, gift shops, etc.

The biggest difference, besides additional amenities, between moderates and deluxe is location. If you look at a map of the property, you will see that the deluxe hotels are very close to the parks. So instead of always taking busses, there is the monorail and also boats, which is our favorite.

We are leaving Tuesday for WDW and will be staying at the Swan Hotel. From this hotel, you can walk or boat to both Epcot and MGM Studios.

Twelve days is a long time at Disney, but there is much to see and do in WDW as well as the surrounding area. And it can get extremely expensive.

If you have any other questions, write me.

If you are considering a deluxe resort, I highly suggest the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We stayed there in May and thought it was amazing. We had a savannah view room. There was nothing like waking up to the animals right outside our balcony in the morning. It is also a beautiful resort with wonderful restaurants and a great pool. As a huge Disney fan (this was my 20th visit), I don't think 12 days is too much, especially if you want to take it slow. There is so much to do in the area that you will not have a problem filling the time.

We went 2 years ago w/ two 8 year olds and are taking them back again in October. We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings) and it was very nice, great grounds and pool, nice room but it was a little small. Unbelievably good service. We are staying at Yacht Club this time to try the "nicer" resort, but I don't think it is necessary (my friend I am travelling with likes a more luxury hotel). I would go back to Port Orleans in a heartbeat! We toured the "all star" resorts last time (the least expensive Disney hotels) and I would only stay there if on a tight budget. They were OK, but not wonderful like the others. I normally hate to change hotels during a trip, but we are moving to the Hard Rock Hotel for the last 3 nights this next trip because then we will get "front of the line" passes at Universal Studios, which I have heard is definitely worth it. We were in Orlando a week last time and broke up the trip with a drive to the coast in the middle of the trip. A day at the beach rejuvinates you to return to the parks! I don't think 12 days is overkill if you mix in lots of poolside time and maybe go to the beach or even Kennedy Space Center. Other things we enjoyed outside of the parks were Cirque de Soliel (voted a favorite by everyone!) and Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues (you need a reservation for this!). Great live music! We also had the best meal at the Flying Fish in downtown Disney area. I can't wait to go back!

Discount codes just became available for a lot of the Disney hotels.
For more info go to www.disboards.com and www.mousesavers.com People there have great information and can help you access good prices.

Dear Sue,
I would agree with others that part of your decision will be financial as you go through a lot of money at Disney World. Staying at the deluxe resorts makes it easy to go to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on the monorail. The Animal Kingdom resort is beautiful but farther from some of the theme parks. Perhaps you would like to stay at two places since you will be there 12 days. It makes it easier to go back to your room to swim in the afternoon if you are on the monorail route also. The kids will also love Disney Quest at their ages. Also Universal Studio--which is not part of Disney but transportation can be arranged there. There are lots of activities in the World to keep one busy and not go into one of the theme parks. Plan to spend some days at the Water Parks when you don't go into the theme parks as you will easily use the day for each or any of them. Mostly, take lots of money. Have a great time. Linda

I've been 6 times in the last yr and stayed at all levels of hotels on property. While I probably like the Yacht Beach Club or Boardwalk the best, the rooms are not that much better than the lesser ones. If money is an issue, I'd encourage you to stay at the Carribean or Dixie Landing / Port Orleans and save the $$$. Go to www.mousesavers.com to see about specials and advice. Enjoy!

Hi Sue,
I've been to Disney several times and have stayed at the moderate hotels and at the Wilderness Lodge. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend the Wilderness Lodge... we loved it, we could see the fire works from our room every night, the kids loved the pool and the atmosphere is just great. They also have a water parade everynight that goes by you can sit out on the beach and watch it, it's a light and laser show. You can also take the boat over to Magic Kingdom instead of the buses which is kind of nice, you can always take the bus as well but it's another option that we thought was fun. Have a great time, let me know if you have any other questions. Your kids would be a great age for the water parks as well.

Sue, I have included a link that will give you FAQ's of each resort & pictures. It all depends on what you are looking for. If I was staying 12 days *you lucky devil you!*

I would probably stay at the Swan or Dolphin (not a Disney owned hotel). That is going to give you the most transportation options without using the buses. I don't like waiting on buses! They have a launch that will take you to either Epcot or MGM & you can either take the bus to the Magic Kingdom or the launch over to Epcot & then monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. The other plus is that you are within walking distance to the Boardwalk! Great restraunts & entertainment there.

You've said that you have a bad knee so you might want to look into getting a wheelchair. It sounds like overkill but it could help you last for 12 days! If you are a nurse or a teacher you can get a discount at this hotel, you also can get deals through Priceline.

Going back to the room is a wonderful idea, the pool, "the grotto", is shared by the hotels but it is a 3-acre water playground complete with waterfalls, slides, water volleyball, and hot tubs.

The Wilderness Lodge is another good choice. The launch takes you over to the Magic Kingdom & then you can take the monorail to Epcot. The Wilderness has a wonderful pool also. Wherever you stay make sure you eat at the Whispering Canyons Cafe in the Lodge. Wonderful BBQ & the staff is a hoot!!

Explore this site, they have answers to questions you didn't even know you had!!

http://www.wdwig.com/faq_hot.htm

We have been to Disney a number of times and loved the Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans. I also agree that waiting for the bus transportation is not always great.
Our last trip, last January, our 11 and 13-year-olds enjoyed Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure better than Disney World. So I agree with previous posters, if you can switch and stay there a few days (the express entry at those parks is worth staying on-site), I would do so. If your kids like roller coasters, this place is awesome! And the Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure is undoubtedly the best ride we have ever experienced!
As our kids get older, we have spent less time at the Magic Kingdom and more at Epcot and MGM. Do use the timed entry tickets at the most popular rides (you get a ticket for a particular time to come back and ride that ride). Tower of Terror, the Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Star Tours are great at MGM, and don't miss Test Track at Epcot.
Pam B.

Your boys will also love Disney Quest! In the same area, be sure to check out Murder Watch Mystery Theatre at the Grosvenor Hotel; it's a fun murder mystery musical comedy show. Also be sure to go to Discovery Cove. The $90 fee includes snorkeling equip and beach access, lazy river ride, aviary, lovely lunch, and a second full day at Sea World. For an extra $90 you can include a half hour dolphin encounter.
Since you'll be there 12 days, you might want to consider splitting your time between two hotels at different ends of the complex. There is a definite plus to being right on the monorail, which indicates Polynesian, or Grand Floridian if you can swing it.
The WL is really neat, and has super easy access to Magic Kingdom. Staying around the Boardwalk would also be fun for the evenings, and has easy access to Epcot.
Have a great time! I'd love it if you post the outcome upon your return!

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far. I really appreciate it. There is so much to take in. I am currently on information overload. I have been checking out the Disney World sites all week. Regards, Sue.