WDW Resort Upgrade WWYD?

[picksthemusic]

Hi!

So we're booked for Caribbean Beach Resort, but after reading some reviews (and coming into some money that was unexpected), I would like to see about upgrading to a different resort since it sounds like this one is a little long in the tooth and we could be in for some not so fun issues. I was also thinking about going for Club Level if possible with our upgrade.

I looked at the Polynesian, but there aren't any rooms available for our dates (9/29-10/3) that I can see. Animal Kingdom is available, but not sure about that one since it doesn't have the Skyliner or anything. DS will be 8 and is super into animals, so I know he'd love it (I'd love it too, if I'm honest haha).

We're working with a travel agent, and she mentioned the Riviera - how is that resort? It's much more expensive, but I don't think they have Club Level.

WWYD? Should I call Disney directly to see if they can help? This is our first trip, so I'd like it to be as easy/fun as possible.

Thanks!

[TamiTaylor]

I would do Beach Club and the Club level.

[mrsslocombe]

I've never stayed at Riviera, but walking around the resort and the restaurant, it's very nice. And the Skyliner access is great.

I agree with Tami though, I'd vote for Beach Club or Boardwalk. Great pools and you can walk to HK and Epcot, plus travel time to MK is pretty short.

I have stayed at AKL and while it's a beautiful hotel, it's so far from all the parks, and even our room was really far from the lobby. Overall, I wasn't impressed with the room size either, given the price. The pool is fine, but not nearly as good as most of the other resorts (including cheaper ones like Art of Animation).

[Wines Not Whines]

My favorite resorts are the Polynesian and Beach Club/Yacht Club, based on their location, pools, and theming (theming is more relevant to Poly).

[picksthemusic]

I'll take a look! Thanks!

[redheadk]

Beach Club is my favorite! That's a great time of year for the pools there. Plenty warm but not horribly hot and you can just pop in to World Showcase in Epcot for dinner at the food & wine festival booths if you have park hoppers.

[EloiseWeenie]

I don't think Riviera has club level either. We loved the Beach Club's club level in 2016. We did Poly Club Level in March, and while we loved it, the food service area seemed very small compared to the size of Beach Club's. While small, it was definitely adequate, just busy at times. We stayed at Yacht Club a week ago, but club level was sold out.

I prefer the Epcot resorts location to the Magic Kingdom resorts. We like eating at the booths in Epcot for dinner, and their nightly show. My kids (and I) love the lazy river at the Beach/Yacht club pool. We had an excellent bus experience with Polynesian. I didn't ride the bus last week at YC, but my H said it was fine and everyone had a seat. While Boardwalk Inn is looking dated, it's supposed to have an excellent club level experience.

[christy082]

We just got back Friday and stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was AMAZING. My 7 year old (and my H and I) loved seeing the animals on property- we lucked out and got a savannah view without booking or requesting one.

I've never stayed on property before and I didn't feel like it was that far from any of the parks. Magic Kong is farthest but even that was only 20 minutes or so.

The pool with waterslide was great. Simbas Cubhouse has a movie playing all the time8, free games and coloring and some ceramic painting and jewelry making to buy. Free marshmallow roasting by campfire every evening.

They do outdoor movies (we didn't do any, can't remember if it's every night or not).

Nice, shaded playground on property.

Boma (restaurant) has an amazing breakfast buffet- they have dinner buffet too but we didn't try it).

Highly recommend. I would absolutely stay again.

ETA- they have Club level but we didn't stay there.

[milano]

We usually stick to the monorail resorts but did AKL club level in 2020 and my family loved it. I didn't want to do AKL since buses are the only transportation option, but it was no big deal (we used some Minnie vans too though) and the food was incredible- both in the lounge and the restaurants. We would do it again! Great savanna views too with the club level rooms.

[ksun]

fwiw, DH and I really liked CBR. The bar was awesome, quiet pools were great, and proximity to the skyliner couldn't be beat.