gidlaurie

Thanks everyone! I wasn't bothered by the question about "why", as I know "why" - because I love the parks and I have never been without the pressure of what the kids want to do/are up to. Also, we've never splurged on a nicer place as we were a large family unit. SO I'm thinking nice hotel, relaxed pace, good restaurants, see some night life, and laugh like loons on the silly rides around Disney!
Will let you know!

spirobulldog

If you can afford it, go for the Grand Floridian. It is my pick of the bunch. Polynesian would be my 2nd pick. Eat at one of the upscale meals that Disney offers.

I use to feel the way you do about Parks, but then we discoved national parks 4 or 5 years ago. We have enjoyed them far more than Disney. Disney does offer tours other than Disney Parks. Even to Yellowstone area.

Have a great 50th whatever resort and whatever you do. Really can't go wrong with Disney. I always think they do things right for the most part. I can certainly see how you could have a great time for your 50th at Disneyworld.

lantana

Grand Floridian would be great. It's very beautiful and has lots of nice dining options - plus the monorail to get to the restaurants and bars of the other monorail resorts (Polynesian and Contemporary). Poolside cabanas, spa next door to the hotel, pianist and orchestra playing in the lobby every afternoon & evening.
I also recommend the Boardwalk Inn, especially if you can book club level. Don't stay at Beach Club for an adults-only trip - too many kids (same w/ Polynesian).
If you don't want to break the bank, though, I really, really love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Beautiful resort. Very unique. Great dining at Jiko. Amazing S. African wine selection!

PamEwing

Gidlaurie, I have to ask, are you really sure that you want to spend your precious adults only time at a Disney resort with children running all around? Why not find a charming b & b on Sanibel or Captiva instead?

missypie

I would daresay that most WDW fans, while on a trip to WDW with their kids, have fantasized about a trip without the kids, where they could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Just because WDW is not your cup of tea, don't assume that the OP doesn't know what she wants. I'm not a fan of Las Vegas, but I wouldn't assume that a person wanting to vacation there really wouldn't if she'd thought it through.

JJ5

My dear daughter just did this last June with her entire spouse's family, plus some of her old college friends and their kids.

They did a lot of research. It came down to location and some other accessiblity issues- plus the ratio of kids in the resorts and other factors. It was NOT about money, this time.

Anyway, I have stayed at 5 myself- and one or the other of my kids has stayed at 3 or 4 others- and we have concluded that the location behind EPCOT is good but that the Port Orleans FRENCH QUARTER is excellent- for this purpose. It is NOT one of the resorts with 1000's and 1000's of guests and you have EXCELLENT dining and transportation choices. Pool is good and less crowded as well. The other possible is Coronado Springs, but that pool is far more crowded. French Quarter gives you water craft options and transport too, you know.

I have stayed at every single level of cost and stayed at the Polynesian, Floridian, Car. Beach., An. Kingdom Lodge, Disney Institute, and Yacht Club (very good too- but it's too congested in that area now)and they all have some problems, IMHO, for reunions- where you might not want to rather "lose" each other in the size, so to speak.

My DD's went so well- that she sounds like a ad.

BTW, my LEAST favorite place to stay was A.K.Lodge. It's too far- like a commute. Also- too dark, (SO was crazy about this aspect- couldn't see- we felt we needed flash lights, no kidding) although it has two good higher end restaurants, you are way too removed from everything else- especially those park closing shows etc.

JJ5

I should have added- this was in all different eras. The first time I went to WDW my older kids were under 10 and they are over 40 now (more than 30 years ago).

And guess what, I've seen Paris. And I have been to Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium and numerous other European locations- even once going to East Germany when it was behind the "curtain" and we needed to have guards with us 24/7.

And that didn't hurt my appreciate for and joy in WDW one tiny parcel. I and a grown daughter together had more fun at WDW together (6 day trip I won at a raffle)-than could be described. Wonderful, wonderful memories.

And one of those vacation experiences doesn't negate the other, not in any way.

JJ5

And I agree, the Boardwalk is also a doer.

PamEwing

Whoa, whoa, whoa MissyPie. You misunderstood my point. I didn't assume anything, I just tried to be helpful and encourage the OP to think about her options. It really doesn't matter to me where she stays because it's not my trip.

spirobulldog

whoa whoa, Pam, perhaps you should read all of the posts. poster made it clear Twice as to "why" she waas going to Disney. I didn't know that this board was about trying to talk someone totally out of a destination. I think the poster would like info on just Disney, not the other 100,000 places to travel in the US.

PamEwing

Had a bad day did you, Spirobulldog? It's not your trip either, so get over it.

GeoffS

Try the Wyndham Bonnett Creek Resort. Its a timeshare but all units are gorgeous 2 2 condos with great views. It is on Disney property but not Disney owned. I have a friend who is a member and he sets us up there every year. I think you can get a unit by looking on ebay or try calling them directly. They have shuttles to all attractions and everything is very close since you are on Disney property.

hvsteve1

If it's not too late for some thoughts....

We spent a week at WDW to celebrate a major anniversary. We stayed at Grand Floridian,Animal Kingldom Lodge and Boardwalk. You can probably find deals at most deluxe resorts and, when we moved, we went to the parks (or wherever) in the morning and arrived at the new hotel to find our bags in the room. If you are at the parks at the time of your birthday, make sure you mention it to absolutely everybody you deal with. All three resorts had, at some point,something special in our rooms...champaign,balloons,a free gift,etc. The restaurants made a big deal of our anniversary. When we checked into Boardwalk they were unable to provide the king bed we had asked for. When we mentioned we were celebrating our anniversary, they upgraded us to a honymoon cottage, which is a two level cottage in the courtyard, complete with picket fence and garden. If it is your actual birthday,you get in the parks for free. Get a birthday pin at MK. You will get special treatment all day. In my opinion, the best place for mature adults is one of the Epcot resorts. There are several adult club venues on the boardwalk and it is easy to walk into Epcot where World Showcase is the most adult oriented attraction at the world with plenty of places to shop, eat or get a drink.

gmoney

PamEwing,

Believe or not there are lots of things for adults at WDW. I live in Orlando and my wife and I have taken many kid free weekends staying at a disney hotel and have had wonderful times. Actually a B&B on Sanibel or Captiva would bore me to tears (I can only lay on the beach for so long). When we want a B&B we go to St. Augustine or Fernandina Beach.

PamEwing

Gmoney, to each their own. Let it go already! As I've already said, I was only trying to be helpful, and it really doesn't matter where the OP decides to go. If you and your wife want to waste precious alone time surrounded by other people's kids, God speed. I work too hard for my money to do that.

spirobulldog

Pam,
It sounds like you are the one having a hard time of "letting it go already"

spirobulldog

I still think that WDW is a great destination for all ages with or without kids. Disney wants your money and they make it pretty darn easy to appeal to just about everyone in every category. Their cruises and other destinations even look inviting to me.

lindsyb

I vote for the Boardwalk Inn. Hubby and I split a stay between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boardwalk Inn(and we don't have kids) for a trip last December. Although I loved being at the AK Lodge because of the savannah view, I think overall the BW Inn was a better fit - walking distance to Epcot and loved the street entertainers at night and convenient to most everything. Would definitely do it again!

spirobulldog

I think the places with monorail service are easier to get around and less stressful. The AK lodge has always looked interesting though.