What's my "perfect" resort?

[GeorgeOfTheJungle]

Is there a "perfect" resort for me? Based on my criteria, which resort do you think I'd enjoy best? Interested to see your responses.

- At least two forms of transport between resort and parks (ex: monorail and bus, monorail and boat, boat and bus, OR bus but you can walk to one park or DS). And the bus doesn't take FOREVER to get around due to making too many stops.

- More of an adult resort (good spot to grab a drink is a must). Hot tub? Adult pool?

- Foodie-approved dining option at the resort that is open late (since I eat most meals in the park, I'd probably only take advantage of a drink or dessert at the end of a long day).

- Resort isn't too sprawling/huge, and it's easy to get to the parks transportation no matter where you stay on the resort.

- Resort feels lively in the evenings, with people hanging out in the common areas.

- I've always been drawn to the feel of resorts like Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Polynesian that have this sort of romantic Disney-ness to them, if you know what I mean. Never been drawn to resorts like the Grand Floridian or Beach Club that just feel like they could be a nice hotel anywhere, not necessarily at Disney.

What are your thoughts?

[faline]

None of the resorts will be an adult resort and have an adult pool.

The resorts that have more than one mode of transportation to get to parks (though both modes of transportation do not go to the same parks or all parks) would be the resorts in the Magic Kingdom area or the Epcot area.

While you don't like the Beach Club, the Boardwalk may be better suited to you as this area has more of an adult night life component to it and has quick access to Epcot. The Boardwalk certainly has quite a few folks who will be in common areas.

[buzznwoodysmom]

First hotel that comes to mind, based on your post, is Boardwalk.

[TracyL]

Boardwalk was also my first thought given your list of criteria. "Adult" atmosphere is too much to ask on Disney property; everything is going to be family-oriented and family friendly. But the foodie options, nightlife, hotel size, location and transportation should be about right. And it has more of a fun theme vs. Beach Club. Second vote would be Polynesian.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and while the lobby is beautiful we did not find it to be rooms to be all that special. The balcony was small and cramped and the room not much bigger than the one we stayed at in Coronado Springs. I did enjoy hanging out it the lobby but you can visit to do that without staying there. I know you said you weren't as drawn to the Epcot resorts but we stayed at Yacht Club last trip and it is our favorite to date. The theming isn't over the top but it was other aspects that did it. First of all service from bell hop to front desk to mouse keeping was excellent. Bus service was spotty usually not too bad but we did have one issue one night trying to get to the MK for an ADR. However, the boat service that goes to Hollywood Studios was wonderful. You can also take it to Epcot, but why bother because it is a 5 minute walk to the back entrance of Epcot. There was never a long line to wait in like the front entrance which was a big plus for us. Plus you can walk to the Beach Club in less than five minutes and the Boardwalk in about five so dining options are endless. You have three resorts plus epcot's restaurants all within a 5 minute walk. In addition the beds were the most comfortable yet we slept like babies. I highly recommend it.

[MizMissy]

I agree on the Boardwalk, but I would also suggest the Contemporary - it's big, but not sprawling. It has three forms of transportation - monorail, bus, and walk to MK. I'm not sure how "adult" any Disney resort is or if the restaurants are open late, but you have The Wave and California Grill with lounges. We found the quiet pool by the Marina to have more adults than kids. And, if you stay in the Tower, it's definitely more lively with the monorail running and the shops and Chef Mickey's being open on that floor.

[Arielfan98]

I also have to agree with boardwalk. In addition to what everyone else said, the Boardwalk will have a bakery, ice cream shop I believe, and street food like funnel cakes for you to devour after you return from the parks. Jellyrolls is the adult only club there. Hope it all works out!

[BrerGnat]

Boardwalk or Contemporary would be my suggestions as well, based on your criteria.

[mydisneygirls]

My "resorts" would be Poly and WL....our favorites! Neither resort is huge and easy to get from room to common areas quickly. And since we frequent the Magic Kingdom mostly, we love the ease of transportation.

[TikiLounger]

Okay. I'm going with The Boardwalk, too. The first time we stayed at The Beach Club after spending many trips in the MK area (Polynesian and The Wilderness Lodge), we weren't all that impressed with the general area. Now that we try and book our trips around the Food and Wine Festival, we can't imagine NOT staying in the Boardwalk area. The theming has really grown on us, too. Plus, it's really pretty fun around there! Lots of people walking around to Epcot and the Boardwalk. Hollywood Studios is a nice walk, as well. Last November, we stayed in WL while there for the Food and Wine. We decided on the trip very last minute and the Epcot resorts were booked. Of course we had a great time at the WL, but our Epcot visits didn't feel quite the same knowing that we couldn't just walk back to our resort whenever we felt like it.

[SBETigg]

The Polynesian seems to be the best fit for you based on what you put out there. You have the monorail (to the MK or to Epcot via the TTC next door), bus (to AK, DHS, Disney Springs, etc), or boat launch (to MK) options for transportation. There are plenty of spots for adults to unwind, including two lounges (Trader Sam's and Tambu lounge) and a beach/pool bar. No "adult pool" but there is now a hot tub and the more adult-feeling quiet pool option.

Captain Cook's is open 24 hours and maybe not "foodie-approved" but not bad, plus there's 'Ohana, Kona Cafe, and the Kona sushi island, plus easy access to the GF and Contemporary's dining options. The resort is not sprawling or large despite being made up of several longhouses, with everything like pools and lobby in a central area, and it takes only minutes to cross the resort and walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center from the Great Ceremonial House. And finally, it is a very lively resort with plenty of people and activity in the daytime and evenings.

[lawgirl]

I was thinking the Yacht Club...last time we stayed there it was hopping at night. I don't know if it was just super crowded when we went...I think there was some kind of DNC going on, but there were people hanging out at all the bars, the lobby was a happening place, haha. And you'd be in the loop to walk to Boardwalk, Epcot, Swan and Dolphin. We loved the nautical theme. And the room was amazing. It was fairly compact, so I didn't feel like we were walking 10 miles to get to the lobby. Out of all the resorts we've stayed in the Yacht Club seemed the most adult to me. We really didn't see that many families there (we've got 2 little ones who loved the pool area). The majority of the people I saw were professional types.