Resorts? Wilderness Lodge/Grand Floridian/Beach Club

[brooke77]

We are planning for our first trip to Disney with our 6 year old son. We are going in April and trying to decide on where to stay. We got quotes for Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Beach Club. Not a significant price difference between the three. Any one want to weigh in with opinions?

If it matters, we are planning Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and one more - maybe Epcot? We aren’t super foodies and don’t eat a lot. Would have one resort day and DS loves swimming. DS doesn’t know the Disney characters, so specific theme is lost on us.

Thoughts?

[nsl]

The biggest plus to Beach Club is that you can walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the resort. The pool is amazing, but I'm not sure I'd pay Beach Club prices if you're not planning to spend much time in those parks. One of our favorite things to do is come back to the hotel in the late afternoon from MK or AK, rest up for a bit/swim, and then head to Epcot for dinner/snacking in World Showcase, so we always stay in one of the Crescent Lake resorts.

[ksun]

WL is my absolute favorite. I love taking the boat to MK, and we spend a lot of time at Geyser Point. It feels like a vacation on a vacation

[mccallister84]

If you’re going to do park hoppers Beach Club is probably the best bet with plans to hop to Epcot for dinner often.

But personally, I love, love, love the monorail resorts. I would pick Grand Floridian. I really love that resort.

I have never been to Wilderness Lodge.

We were there in December and on our rope drop through fireworks day at MK it was so great to just be able to roll the stroller (5 and 7 year old) on to the monorail at 9:30 at night. They passed out in it while we were waiting for the monorail.

Also, unsolicited advice, rent the stroller. I am so glad we did. Yes they are 5 and 7 but we were walking 20,000 steps per day and we spent so much money on the trip I’m glad I didn’t have to listen to them complain about all the walking.

[callmekd]

We love the Grand Floridian - we own DVC there. You can take the monorail to MK and Epcot. There are 2 pool areas - one geared towards kid stuff.

All 3 resorts have a lot of amenities. Maybe look at the food options at each and also narrow down your other park.

Animal kingdom isn’t close to any of these so I wouldn’t base it on that.

Yes to a stroller. Be sure to have a plan for each park and know how to use Genie Plus and Lighting Lane if you’re going to do rides and purchase extras.

IMO Disney isn’t a place you can “wing it” with small kids.

For perspective my kids are 10,6,6 and we go at least 1x a year.

[mrsslocombe]

They've been renovating Grand Floridian for 2+ years now, there's still some work being done. I don't think it's very disruptive but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Beach club rooms were just refurbished this summer, and I like having access to the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Swan/Dolphin food options. There's a mini golf course over at Swan/Dolphin as well. The walk to Epcot is 5 minutes, Hollywood studios its 15 minutes without much shade, it can be a very hot walk. There's also a boat.

I've never stayed at Wilderness Lodge but have always wanted to, that would be my first choice. Boat ride to MK, you can see the fireworks from the lodge (or go to TTC or Poly for a better view).

[redheadk]

I agree with nsl, Beach Club is generally my favorite but wouldn't by my first choice for your trip.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of your other 2 choices so just pick based on the vibe you'd prefer. We've stayed at Ft Wilderness and loved the boat ride to MK and back, which Wilderness Lodge also has. We never waited long for a boat and the ride itself is a good way to unwind on the way back. I like the counter service food options at GF slightly more plus it is fun to just hop on the monorail and hit the other monorail resorts for dinner if you want something else.

[curbsideprophet]

I would go with Wilderness Lodge. I think the theming there would be more interesting for a six year old than the Grand Floridian. Taking the boat to MK is usually pretty easy.