Any hotel suggestions?

[#7ismynumber]

Planning on a trip in about September. We want to stay on-site, does anyone have a hotel suggestion? All we know is that we are NOT staying at an all-star resort because we heard really bad stories about them so anywhere but those.

thanks

[aurora, ariel, and bell]

We always stay at Port Orleans Riverside. One day I would like to try the French Quarter because i have read such good things on board here. But we enjoy Riverside mansions so much it is hard to change. We are going again in September and are staying at riverside.

[mook3y]

A lot of it depends on how much time you plan on spending in the room.

Last year, we spent a couple nights at AS Music. But we did not get the preferred room and the walk was all the way to the back of the resort.

Preferred rooms were much closer.

If you were not spending much time at the resorts, the $ savings could be worth staying (preferred).

Now, if you spend a little bit of time at resort, we have stayed at both POR and POFQ. We personally like POR better. Again it is a large resort, but we were in Aligator Bayou and were close to the food court, main pool, bar, etc. POFQ pool was awesome for our kids 3 and 5.

We are now DVC members too and last year stayed at BWV and WLV. The Deluxe resorts are definately "Deluxe". Interior opening doors, nicer, bigger beds, nicer pools, etc.

You get what you pay for at WDW.

But, it is all relative to how much time you spend at the resort. If you are going to spend all your time in parks, then a bed and bath is all you need (right?).

For us, we spend close to half of our time at the resorts since our kids are so little. Thus, we like the nicer resorts.

Keep your eye out for specials in September. Last 3 years, we have gotten free dining in that time period. So if you figure that into your plans, you might want to consider a nicer resort if you spend time there.

On that note, when you book, I would highly suggest Magical Journeys. If they release a special promotion in Sept, then they will get it applied for you with no work on your part. AND trust me they are super knowledgeable about WDW vacations! have used them for 3 years now for non DVC vacations and will continue to way into the future! Wendy rocks! but.. we all feel that way about our MJ vacation specialists! lol.

[Disnamic Duo]

We've stayed at all levels (value, moderate, deluxe), and we've never had a bad experience at any of them (including All Star Music). We actually really liked ASMu. As a previous poster said, you get what you pay for. From what I've read here on Intercot, it seems that most bad experiences at the AS resorts have to do with crowds. That being said, September is a relatively light crowd time of year, and I'd say that'd reduce the chances of having one of those experiences. So, if your budget says "value", I'd say go value and enjoy the resort you choose. If you've got the budget for moderate or deluxe, it'll make for an even nicer stay. I don't think you can beat the CR (if you'll be spending a lot of time at the MK), or BWI (if EPCOT's your thing), or AKL (if you like getting away at the end of the day). Any way you go, you can't go wrong staying on property.

[faline]

I, too, have stayed at all resort levels and have not had any issues with any of them.

You don't say what your budget is. That will be one of the determining factors in which resorts you want to look at.

Secondly, you'll want to determine what you want out of your resort. Do you want to be close to the Magic Kingdom and on the monorail? Is Epcot your favorite park and you want to stay close to there?

One you answer those questions, folks can give you feedback on what might be a good location for you.

[GrmGrninGost]

We've stayed at all the values and moderates and a few of the deluxes. I can say we've never had a bad experience. I will say however, the more you pay, the more you receive. The values are exactly that. A value. If you are on a tight budget, they are great. The rooms are fair sized and clean. The theming at the values is big and bright and fun! My kids love them! As far as moderates, we love them all! My favorite is Port Orleans Riverside. Of the deluxes, my favorite is Wilderness Lodge. It is so beautiful! Any way you go, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[JuicyMoose17]

Beach Club or Animal Kingdon Lodge are my top picks!

[#1donaldfan]

We love POR ..... if you want a mod, I'd go that way...... for a deluxe I'd try WL .... for a value .... POP........

by the way Welcome to Intercot !!!!

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

For moderate - I recommend CSR. My DH and I love it!

For deluxe - I like BC. Absolutely beautiful resort and I love the how they have movies on the beach at night.

[playdead88]

i suppose it depends on what your needs are - like what park do you plan on spending the most time at and what ages are your kids and are there kids? i think with younger the kids the monorail hotels seem to make the most sense - if kids aren't part of the decision then i would decide which park you're spending the most time at at pick a close resort - whatever hotel you choose you can't go wrong cause you're at disney!

[speedmouse93]

Thanks for all the great tips!