I am planning a vacation for us when my husband gets back from deployment. We have an autistic son who will be 5 by the time we embark on this trip. I want to know who has stayed where and what you would do different. I have been there many, many times, but not with my child. The more ideas the better this trip can be for him. Thanks all!!!
2007-03-22 03:38:58 · 12 answers · asked by Boo Boo Head 4 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
The best resort is going to be different for each situation and party, what you are looking for, it also depends on what you are wanting to spend, etc.
The value resorts are the least expensive, but also are more popular for young kids and groups. The resort can be noisy and the rooms are a little small. However, the big icons at each of the values (All Star Sports, Music, and Movies and Pop Century) are always a huge hit with young children. Generally, children like the values more than the more expensive resorts just because of these icons. If you don't plan to spend much time in the room, then the value should be fine for you, it is a clean room, with everything you need, a nice pool and an inexpensive place to eat.
For a larger room, and a resort that is a little more quiet, I would go for a moderate. You get the extra space, a few extra little things and there are usually fewer kids. French Quarter is usually a big hit with children as well because of the great pool.
The deluxes are more expensive, but offer more benefits right at the resorts, such as more dining options, and better transportation (except for Animal Kingdom) The best part about the deluxe resorts is that they have more onsite, so you don't have to go outside of your resort as often and they also offer more transportation options, so you can usually get where you are going a little quicker. Each of the deluxe resorts offers a benefit, Wilderness and Animal Kingdom are the least expensive, Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club have boat transportation and you can walk to EPCOT. Then Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian are the most expensive but have the monorail. Of course, these are just a few of the benefits.
You also have your villas and then the Wilderness Cabins. This is if you are wanting more space and/or a kitchen. Also, the All Star Music resort now offers a family suite with a small kitchenette if you are needing a fridge or anything like that, you can request medical fridges or pay to have a fridge in regular rooms as well.
All the Disney resorts are great and they each have their own benefits, it just depends on which offers the most to you and which is in your price range.
For your son, I would go with Movies or Pop for a value. Pop Century resort is newer and the bus transportation is a little better, it also seems to be more popular for adults, so tends to be a little more quiet. The movies is great because of all the childrens favorite characters from the movies are larger than life. For a moderate, they are all great, I think it kind of depends on what you like best. Coronado is more like a deluxe resort (just not as many benefits) Caribbean Beach has great themeing, is a huge resort, etc. Port Orleans is a little smaller property and also offers the boat transportation. Deluxe, they are all great, I kind of prefer Wilderness over Animal Kingdom, because of the location. I like Boarwalk and Yacht and Beach Club pretty much equally. I personally like Polynesian and Grand Floridian the best of the monorail hotels. All the Villas are really great. I spend a lot of time at Downtown Disney, so I like being at Saratoga because of how close it is.
I'm not sure what you needs may be with your son, since you have been to Disney before, I'm sure you aware of how great they are at accomodating your needs. So no matter where you stay, they will be great with that. Also, I'm not sure if there are any mobility issues or anything like that. If so, the monorail resorts may be a good idea to look into because of the added conveneince they offer to getting to a few other places around Disney.
I've included some links to more info on the resorts, as well as some info on traveling with an autistic child, hopefully these will help with your planning.
I hope this gives you some answers. If you have any other questions, please e-mail me, I go to Disney all the time and love to help!
2007-03-22 06:07:25 · answer #1 · answered by tech_fanatic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok, first with an autistic child I would try to go during an off season or at least during a time when the crowds are not insane, we have 2 children in our extended family who are autistic and during Disney trips the pressing crowds tended to be the biggest issue and cause of a melt down. But overall both handled it very well. Also, bring a note from the childs Dr or diagnostician telling about his limitations. Disney will give you a pass that will allow you to bypass the lines because this close crowd as well as extended wait can be difficult. Depending on the level of autisim and discomfort with people you may want to still get a stroller. 5 is an age where they usually want to walk, but get worn out after a bit. My cousin seems to have a harder time coping when he is physically tired.
Ok, about hotels. We have stayed in the Contemporary, Polynesian, Carribean Beach, Animal Kingdom Lodge, All Star Music, and All Star Sports.
My favorite is the Contemporary. I love both the tower and the garden wing. There are a few reasons for this. First it is a monorail hotel, which is always fun, and it is the least expensive of the 3. The monorail goes right through the building which is so neat to see as you are walking around. There are very nice shops within this hotel as well as Chef Mickeys, the BEST Mickey character meal on property. Also, no matter what room you stay in (wing or tower) you do not have to get wet in the rain (happens a lot in Florida) when you are going to the monorail or buses. There is a boat or monorail to take you to Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge. So if you want to try restaurants or other activites at these resorts they are easy to get to.
After that we enjoy the All Star resorts. They are inexpensive, very kid friendly, each have 2 nice pools (no slide) and a nice store. There is no sit down restaurant but the food court has a pretty good selection and reasonable prices. And for us they have one thing that none of the better resorts have, in the evening the resort has a sundae station where you can choose your ice cream and toppings including hot fudge. My son and I love to come back from the park late and have a swim and an ice cream treat. The rooms are an adequate size. We like a little more floor space for my son to play and the beds are a little high so we (on the recommendation of a maid) moved the nightstand out and pushed the 2 beds together. Worked really well for us, but might not be a concern with a 5 year old.
You might consider looking into Shades of Green. I am not sure how their program works, but it is only available to active and retired members of the armed forces. Here is a link that tells more about it. http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_sog.htm
My family stayed there years ago when it was the Golf Resort and it is still my dad's favorite. Now he makes do with the Contemporary.
The Best planning site for Disney is http://www.allearsnet.com/ They have picture and prices of all resorts, menus and prices for all the restaurants, Anitas Answer an AWESOME question and answer column, lots of other information that can really help. Here is a link to their page that has information about traveling with an autistic child. http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/special.htm
Hope some of this helps. Good luck and have a great time.
2007-03-22 06:19:40 · answer #2 · answered by micheletmoore 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All the answer are great. Thumbs up to everyone. :) I like staying at the Swan (or Dolphin if the Swan is full) because of the steep discounts that are available.
Special Swan and Dolphin Hotel Offers:
Discounted rates starting at $149* per night!
From $189 (now - 4/28), $169 (4/29- 6/14), $149 (6/15- 8/5)
*Discounts based on hotel availability and not all dates are available.
The Swan and Dolphin Hotel also offers special discounts for teachers, nurses and government workers and the military . Other great discounts offered to Annual Passholders, AAA/AARP and Entertainment Book members. This discount is based on hotel availability and not all dates are available. Check Rates and Availability .
So, when your husband gets back from deployment and if he is still in the military you can book a room at the Swan (a deluxe resort) for prices that are equal or cheaper than the moderates. You get a great hotel with great location. You get those Heavenly Beds !! You can walk to Epcot or the Studios. The boardwalk area is great in the evening. You can exit from Epcot out the back gate while the masses head out the front gate when it is time to leave.
Bad things. You can't charge Disney things to your room like you can when you stay at Disney Resorts. Also, you are a wee bit away from the Magic Kingdom where I suspect the 5 year old will want to spend most of his time. However the busses to come regularly and do drop you off at the Magic Kingdom and not the TTC. The price is great and they have a nice pool that both hotels share. It is best to use a travel agency to get the discounts. If you try to book them yourself, you will not find too many discounted rooms. I use the link below and I have no hidden interests or relationship with them.
The Shades of Green offers rooms that are cheaper than Disney Resorts The Shades of Green is reserved for the use of active and retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Reserves, National Guard, as well as currently employed DOD civilians and U.S. Public Health Officers are eligible.
allearsnet has a nice page about this resort with current prices.
Hope you have a great trip.
2007-03-22 06:49:34 · answer #3 · answered by Luther 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have stayed at several of the Disney resorts. The All-Star Resorts are definitely the least expensive. They have many great features for kids; my son is especially fond of All-Star Movies, which has stories-tall dalmatians and characters from Toy Story, etc. There are cute play areas, movies in the lobby, playgrounds, themed pools, etc. There is a food court with many options. The downside to the All-Stars is they can be crowded and noisy - that could be a factor for your son.
The Wilderness Lodge is a lovely place to stay, and is a bit quieter. The pool area is fabulous, and the rooms are spacious. There is a family-style restaurant in the lobby, which is a lot of fun. It is surrounded by trees, and is on the lake - you can take a boat to the Magic Kingdom.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is my family's favorite. The pool is great for kids, with a shallow entry and a water slide. There is a nice playground for young children, and there are several activities each day near the pool area kids can participate in. The animal areas surround the resort, and you can see many animals fairly closely and safely. There are refrigerators in the rooms, and several dining options. You don't need a savannah view room to see the animals. We have found the staff really caters to children - our son loved the little animals made from towels he found around the room, and the activities in the lobby. There is a wonderful childcare area; my son and our friend's daughter didn't want to leave when they spent time there. We have stayed there twice, and would go back.
We have stayed at the Carribean Beach Resort, but we were there only 2 nights and it rained the entire time. The bus stops can be a bit confusing. The pool looked lovely, and the rooms were gorgeous. We didn't have much time to take in the amenities.
The Disney website has a great deal of information about each resort, and you can do virtual tours on many of them. Have a wonderful trip!
2007-03-22 03:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by tech_girl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well in my opinion i is best to stay at the value resorts. Because even if you have the money to stay in a moderate or deluxe resort you're not there most of the time. Just to sleep for a few hours each night and some people come back to swim but I believe that all the hotels have pool. And I just think that its better to save the money to spend on souvenirs rather than spend it on a hotel that you're only there at night to sleep.
And I think that the Pop Century is the best of the value resorts. Because Disney provides transportation by buses to the parks,downtown Disney, and water parks. And at night when the parks are closing the lines for the buses are very long so you have to wait a while sometimes. And with the all star resorts most of the time they send buses for all three resorts so the line is three times as long! And with Pop there is only one hotel. So that's where I have stayed the last few times I have been and I and all my family love it and agree that its the best place to stay.
But then again of your son is very into sports,Disney movies, or music one of the all stars might be better with design. Pop Century is pretty cool with design too. With the themes of the different eras in time such as the 50's,70's,and 90's just to name a few. I hope I helped! :)
2007-03-23 05:04:24 · answer #5 · answered by kgs732003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many great Disney resorts to choose from of all themes and price ranges. The Disney resort system is divided into four different categories, understand these categories might help you choose a resort, here are some brief descriptons of each:
Deluxe Resorts -
The name pretty much says it all, these are the best-of-the-best resorts at Walt Disney World. They each have a very unique theme, offer many great amenities, and have the best views and in most cases best access to the parks. I highly recommend these resorts to everyone seeking a full Disney experience. These resorts are very well worth the price if you can afford it.
Moderate Resorts -
If the deluxe resorts are over your budget then these resorts are a somewhat more affordable option. These resorts are very popular and also have very unique themeing and the same great customer service you will experience anywhere at Disney.
Value Resorts -
If your on a tighter budget these resorts offer the most affordable room rates at Disney while maintaining the Disney quality and standards. These resorts are the furthest from the parks but like all Disney resorts offer free transportation to all the Disney parks and attractions.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts
(aka. Home Away From Home Resorts)
These resorts offer villa-style accomodations that are popular among families seeking spacious and comfortable accomodations, especially in large families. These resorts are very nice and are comparable to the deluxe and moderate resorts with unique themeing and excellent amenities. These resorts are built primarily for members of the Disney Vacation Club but offer open reservations for all guests like any other Disney resort. The newest and biggest of these resorts is the Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa which has been very successfull with its beautifull grounds and ideal location.
I recommend you visit the Watl Disney World website for more information:
http://www.disneyworld.com
Have Fun!
2007-03-22 06:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by DCM 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Wilderness Lodge near the Magic Kingdom is great. Its a beautiful setting and in my opinon they have the best breakfast. Whenever I go down I make sure I go there for food at least one morning (even when I'm not staying at that hotel). It also is so close to the Magic Kingdom (not on the lake with the Grand Floridian, Polynisian, and Contemorary but still connected to them) so you can head over for the Luau at night for a great family dinner. You'll also be able to rent the little sprites and ride around the lake. Over by Epcot the Yacht and Beach club are very nice and have a great pool. You can also walk right into the back door of the park which will drop you right by France. There is also a great miniature golf course near the Dolphin/Swan which is next to the Yacht and Beach and near the Boardwalk. I haven't stayed at or know anyone who has stayed at the All Star resorts or Port Orleans, but depending on budget I've heard they are very nice as well.
2007-03-22 04:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by kmjurewicz 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All of the above are great answers. But don't forget to look into a resort called Shades of Green. It's a resort specifically for people who are/have served in the military at some point in their life. Also, from experience, don't spend lots of money on a resort if you plan to be keeping really busy. For my mom and sisters, it was a waste to spend more on a delux resort because the only time they were there was when they were sleeping. Besides, all the resorts are nice and they all have the same things you would look for in any resort.
2007-03-23 11:04:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's definitely a tough question, as there is no "right" answer -- it all depends on several factors. But, for a quick way to figure it out, base your decision on Price and Interest.
If you're looking to save money, and your child is enthralled with the Disney movies, then try and choose All-Star Movies. If he's into sports, choose All-Star Sports.
If you want to splurge a little, go with one of the Moderates. Although all of them offer kids activities, none are likely to hold his interest.
Definitely head over to http://www.disneyworld.com/ and take a look at the resorts.
Then, check reviews and http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and see what others say.
If you want a full package, then stick with Disney. Otherwise, hit one of the many online hotel reservation sites -- http://www.hotels.com/ , http://www.expedia.com/ , etc. and book there.
You can do a quick availability check here as well:
http://www.resideo.com/us/florida/lakebuenavista/
Have a great trip!
2007-03-22 03:50:41 · answer #9 · answered by dr_nigel_c 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best walt disney world resort for your son will be a value resort such as all stars, sports, for you and your husband the floridian grand resort, also the swan and the dolphin are nice to
2007-03-22 06:49:58 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Mrs. Graham ♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋