What deluxe resort is best at Disney World?

Question

I am sure the Grand Floridian tops them all, but we have a three year old and have to consider him too. I have been looking into the Contemporary with the tower view of the Magic Kingdom. Has anyone stayed in that area of the Contemporary? What on earth makes so much difference in one of the deluxe compared to the moderate or value? It's alot of money to spend unless you know just what you are paying for. Is it worth it to go Deluxe? It will be our little boys birthday and we want to make it special for him. I realize the characters are there for the breakfast I believe, but what else can we expect for two thousand dollars for four nights? Thanks

Answer 1

With a 3-year-old, I would definitely stay focused on the three deluxe hotels overlooking the lagoon, which would be the Floridian, the Contemporary and the Polynesian -- because likely a 3-year-old is going to want to spend the bulk of their time in the Magic Kingdom and the monorail service to each of these resorts makes going back to the room for a quick nap or a swim in the heat of the afternoon that much easier.

I can understand your feelings about the Floridian and its fit for a 3-year-old, but can attest that it, like all Disney property hotels, are set up to more than accomodate children of that age.

The Contemporary is cool with the monorail running through it, as long as you get in the main tower. But depending on what level you are at, there can be problems with the noise and for every person who says they loved the view of the park from their room, there is a room on the opposite side of the hotel that doesn't have it.

My recommendiation would be the Polynesian. It's probably the most laid back of the three and, perhaps most importantly, if Mom and Dad would like to get some time to go out alone, the Polynesian is the site of the Peter Pan Club ... a baby-sitting club that offers the kids dinner, entertainment (lots of Disney movies) and even a place to crash. You have to pick them up by midnight, but that's more than enough time for a night out in one of the nice EPCOT restaurants or a trip over to Pleasure Island and all the clubs and restaurants over there. It also has a lovely beach overlooking the Magic Kingdom across the lagoon and is a great place to watch the fireworks without the congestion of being on Main Street. The beach hammocks strung between two palm trees can also be entertaining for children who aren't used to seeing them.

Whichever hotel you pick though, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Answer 2

The Grand Floridian is supposed to be good, but I am not sure about the location. We are going in a couple months and picked the Boardwalk Inn over The Grand Floridian. I just figured it would be fun to have all that to do after park hours on the Boardwalk. I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge recently and over 10 years ago did the Beach Club and Contemporary. My favorite so far has been the Animal Kingdom (Pretty New). Only problem is the location is bad with that one, no monorail or boat. Have to take a bus everywhere.

To be honest, the deluxe resorts just pay more attention to detail in terms of the environment. If you are going at a time when the parks are open late and just using it to sleep you are still in the resort and close to everything wherever you choose to stay. Chances are your little boy will not remember much. You, however, will remember it for the rest of your life. If you think it is worth it and have the money I am sure the tower view of the Magic Kingdom is quite a memory!

Answer 3

It all depends on what you want. Disney has moderate priced resorts like Port Orleans French Quarter that are VERY nice and cost a lot less than the deluxe resorts. French Quarter has a cool pool that kids love, a cafeteria-style restaurant, and the bus service is better than any of the other moderate-priced resorts. Problem is the rooms and beds are smaller than at the deluxe resorts. The Wilderness Lodge is also very nice with bigger rooms and more restaurant choices, but transportation is really a pain. If you are bent on the deluxe resorts, go for the Polynesian Village. The Grand Floridian is pretty stuffy for children (not to mention the fact that it costs more than any other resort) and the Contemporary is very noisy because of the A-Frame construction -- all the people talking and the monorails going through just echo and reverberate throughout the place. The Polynesian Village is on the monorail, so you can go right over to the Magic Kingdom, and bus service is pretty darned good.

Answer 4

While the moderate hotels, like Coronado Springs and Port Orleans are nice, the Delux resorts top them all. The rooms are nicer, the service is a bit more top notch (although Disney guest service is excellent all over the Resort), and you get little extra things that each hotel offers. The Grand Floridian is wonderful, but I do not recommend it to folks with small kids. It's more a grown up place. I highly recommend the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is very nice but it is also fun for kids. They have all sorts of activities and what kid doesn't enjoy waking up to a giraff outside his room? :) If you would prefer to stay at a resort near the Magic Kingdom, I recommend either the Polynesian Resort or the Wilderness Lodge. Those hotels offer more things for families where as the Contemporary and Grand Floridian are more for grown ups. However, the contemporary does have a fun dine with the characters restaurant, Chef Mickey's. So be sure to stop there for a meal. Breakfast is best!

If you would like any help researching or planning your trip, or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, I'm All Ears at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/

Have fun!

Answer 5

The Grand Floridian is probably the best deluxe resort because it's very elegant and sophisticated. But I agree that it's probably not the best resort for a three year old because the decor and design is very antique, 19th century Florida style. I've stayed at both Deluxe and Moderate resorts and the differences are not very obvious. The Deluxe resorts have slightly fancier hotel rooms and usually have additional amenities like concierge service, fitness centers, room service, etc. The Moderate resorts have just as nice amenities, but not as "high quality" as the Deluxe resorts. Personally, I like the Grand Floridian o.k., the Boardwalk was nice, but my favorite is Port Orleans - Riverside. It's a moderate resort, but the atmosphere is very relaxing there. And it's a nice large resort, with plenty of places to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Plus convenient boat shuttle service to Downtown Disney. I think that you would be happy with the Moderate resorts, but depending on your preferences, you may feel better paying extra to stay at the Deluxe resorts.

As far as recommendations for the three year old, the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts are on the Seven Seas Lagoon facing the Magic Kingdom, which provides for nice views of the park and the fireworks. Chef Mickey's is at the Contemporary and is very popular so make sure you book ahead. There are other character meals around property, including Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare among others. Your boy may also like the Wilderness lodge or the Animal Kingdom lodge because they are themed around national parks and safaris, respectively. At AK lodge you can get a view of the savanna and watch the animals. Wilderness lodge as a great swimming pool and other recreations.

Answer 6

The main differences of a deluxe is that you get a larger room, more amenities, etc. Is it worth the extra money, in my opinion, yes. Are the moderate hotels at Disney nice, definitely. If you have the money to spend on a deluxe, then you should definitely go with it. If you are spending a little more than you like, you will probably be just as happy at a moderate.

The main benefit of staying at Contemporary, especially with a 3 year old, is having the monorail. It is quick and easy, and really nice to have right there. However, if you plan to stay at contemporary, you really should spend the extra money to get in the main builiding if the monorail is one of the big reasons you are staying there. If you stay in one of the other buildings it can be quite a walk and you are better off just taking a bus.

I always stay at deluxe resorts when I go to Disney, but I have also stayed at each of the moderates. They are nice hotels and work perfectly, especially for a smaller family.

One other thing to consider would be Animal Kingdom. If you sun loves animals, he will love the hotel. It is the lowest of all the deluxe resorts in cost. You can get the Savannah room so you he can look right out to see the animals, it is great, especially for the little ones.

All the Disney hotels have places to eat, the deluxe resorts just have more, and nicer options than the other hotels. If one of the reasons you are thinking of Contemporary is because of Chef Mickeys, just remember that you can still eat there, even if you aren't staying there. It isn't as easy to get there, but you can always go if you like. Plus, there are tons of character meals in Disney.

I hope this helps!

Answer 7

The contemporary is very nice. Yes its an original so it may seem "old" but it well kept and always being renovated to keep up with the changes and the times. Its a great view to see the castle! You can also get a good view at the Polynesian which is my FAVORITE. You can get a building by the lagoon and see the castle, the light show at night that is right in the lagoon, the fire works and hear the music to the fire works all on the beach there. I think the pool is very kid friendly and its worth the money. Or there is Animal Kingdom Lodge, that is very kid friendly and not as expensive(i don't think any way!) there you can see animals right from your room if you get a view like that. or from the lobby!! Great pool, very nice rooms. Where ever you go i know it will be worth it. Have fun!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

The deluxe resorts have nicer rooms, more and better restaurants, nicer pools, and are usually more themed than their moderate and value resorts. I recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge since it is one of the newest resorts, has a great theme, good restaurants, and the best - views of wild animals on the savanah. If you want to be closer to the Magic Kingdom, but don't want to go for the Grand Floridian, I suggest Disney's Polynesian Resort. It is older, but has been kept well and updated over the years. It has a great volcano pool that kids love, is on the monorail for easy transportation, has views of the Magic Kingdom across the lake, a great family restaurant, character meals, the luau, and more. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort are usually cheaper than the Grand Floridian.

Have fun!

Answer 9

i have stayed at the contemporary tower with magic kingdom view, it was really nice, and you can't hear the monorail at all in your room. its also magical falling asleep at night looking out your window and seeing the castle. you can take the monorail to magic kingdom, or you can just walk, its only a 5-10 minute walk-i really liked that about the contemporary.
all the other deluxes are great too, if he likes animals i recommend a savanna room at the animal kingdom lodge. however, your son will probably have just as good a time at a moderate or value resort. the values have brightly colored oversize statues all around, would appeal to a 3 year old.

Answer 10

At three years old your son will not remember the experience into his adulthood. You however will. If you are going for your son then moderate accommodations are more than enough. If you are going for yourselves and want to splurge then by all means go for the deluxe. The Floridian is a beautiful resort. As is the Contemporary. There are many other hotels surrounding Disney World that are very fine yet not as expensive. If you have AAA then I urge you to take advantage of their expertise. They can show you from the travel guide for Florida which hotels meet their individual Star rating system.