Going to Disney World, where to stay?

Question

My family and I are headed to DW in Oct. I am thinking I would like to stay at either the Floridian or the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Any one stay at either and what's the pluses and minuses. The Floridian is only $300 more, so that's not an issue
Thanks

Answer 1

I stay at Grand Floridian all the time. It is a great resort. Polynesian is also one of my favorites.

There are two big differences. First, Animal Kingdom is one of the two lowest price deluxe resorts. Therefore the rooms are not quite as nice and it sits out further than the other resorts. So, your bus ride will be a little longer. Another thing that a lot of people don't like is that the rooms are made to look like a safari theme, which means low lights. A lot of people actually request more lamps in the room so they can see better at night.

The biggest benefit to Grand Floridian is the monorail. It is really quick and convenient. Of course, if you aren't staying in the main building, which I am assuming because of the small price difference, it can be a little walk to the main building so you may be better off at Animal Kingdom.

Both resorts are great, it just depends on what you are looking for. The savannah view at AKL is really spectacular though. I prefer to go to different resorts each time I go, so as not to become bored with one. But I tend to stay at the monorail hotels more than the other deluxes and then at Yacht and Beach and Boardwalk, followed by Animal Kingdom and Wilderness, just my preference.

Also at Grand Floridian you get a few little extras, the spa, a little nicer dining locations, etc. But they all have their benefits, but to me the two main things is that Grand Floridian has 1). A closer/better location and 2). Better transportation with boats and the monorail.

I've included a link to info on each hotel just so you can see a little breakdown. If you have any other questions or need me to explain something a little more, please e-mail me!

Have a great time, both choices are great!

Answer 2

Well, it's quite obvious that Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is more expensive because it's "better." Not everyone agrees that it's better, but it's considered to be better because it offers other amenities, it's just moments away from the Magic Kingdom, and it's a Monorail Resort. I haven't stayed at either of these Resorts, but my little sister has stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and loved it. If you have young children, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge would likely be a better bet. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is Walt Disney Worl'd Flagship Resort. It's an upscale, luxurious Resort, and families with young, energetic children sometimes feel out of place at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. However, it's Walt Disney World and each of the Resorts was designed to accomodate families with children, so there's really no need to feel out of place. My sister really loved Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge because of the savannah view rooms, of course. She definitely enjoyed waking up to giraffes and zebras grazing outside of her room in the morning.

I always stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort which is only a short walk away, right next to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. It is the best Resort on Walt Disney World property with the highest Guest return rate of all the Resorts. It was also one of the first Resorts which opened the same day as the Magic Kingdom, October 1, 1971. It's a really gorgeous Resort and it has the most incredible views of Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and the Magic Kingdom. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort.

I would never choose to stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort rather than Disney's Polynesian Resort, but if I had to choose between Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, I'd probably choose Disney's Grand Floridian Resort just because it has similar views and is located along the Monorail. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge only offers shuttle transportation. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort offers shuttle transportation, water launch transportation, and transportation via the ever-reliable Monorail, so it's quite easy to get anywhere on property.

Hope I could help!

Answer 3

I agree that staying on property is worth it for the convenience. We like to try different resorts when we go, but we're a little spoiled as only the deluxe resorts offer concierge. In Epcot we love the Yacht and Beach Club especially for the pool. We are hoping to try the Boardwalk later this summer.
In Magic Kingdom, you can't beat the Polynesian. And by the way, their concierge service can't be beat. Being on the monorail is fantastic, and you can walk to the ferry area.
As far as Animal Kingdom, other people are right, it is definitely out of the way and a bus ride to everything. However this year we are thinking of doing 2 nights there enjoy the resort and park, and then 2 nights elsewhere, and more convenient.
It is nice to split your stay while in Disney. Last year we did 2 nights at the Beach Club and 2 nights at the Poly. It was very fun and the kids loved the changes of scenery and we got to enjoy the convenience of being on property in 2 different areas.
There are a few web sites that can give you a lot of information and show you the pictures of different resorts. Give these a look.

Answer 4

It all comes down to your personal taste. I prefer the Animal Kingdom Lodge myself. My favorite restaurant on all of Disney property is also located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma is an all you can eat buffet which offers foods from Africa and other Pacific Rim Countries. The food is amazing and the desserts are the best part of the entire restaurant! The lodge also has spectacular views of wild animals grazing in Disney's own version of the serenghetti. The shopping at the lodge is also one of a kind. You can purchase home decor and collector art peices that come from Kenya! And I've found that the lodge has more activities for children, where as the Grand is more geared for adults traveling without children.

The Floridian is lovely and my husband and I always visit. The only restaurant we enjoy there is 1900 Park Fare. It is a character buffet restaurant and is a lot of fun.

I just prefer African culture and architecture to the victorian style.
Check out Disney's site and take the virtual tour of each resort.
http://www.disneyworld.com

If you would like any help researching or planning your next trip, or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas which are updated monthly, check out our Disney Vacation Service Myspace Page at:

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

Or check out our Disney Vacation Services Blog page at:
http://www.myspace.com/disneymickeyvacation

Have a great time!

Answer 5

they have some really cool hotels there.if you go to disney .com and choose destinations you can tour the hotels.the upside to the grand floridian is that its on the monorail so you dont have to wait in long bus lines and take a twenty minute ride to the park.it can be an issue after the parades at nite.the lines are crazy and the ride is pretty long to the animal kingdom especially.the ones on the monrail are so much more conveniant.either the polynesian which is really pretty and cool,the contemporary or the floridian which is the nicest in the park.also alot of the theme breakfasts or dinners. are located in these hotels.if you are traveling with kids,definitely stay in one of these three.it will definitely improve your stay.

Answer 6

Stay at the -Yacht and Beach club -near the grounds. It is an amazing hotel its a blast

Answer 7

Honestly, I think some disney hotels are even cooler. you should check them out at disney.com and look at the hotels and such, there are LOTS.