Best sit down restaurant at MK is easily Jungle Skipper Canteen but it's also a bit adventurous to those used to regular theme park fare .
OT: Disney World
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Staying at the yacht club as we speak. I second this recommendation. Great location and feels like a higher end hotel
At 72 years of age you are more aware of heat index of 108 which it was on 2 days . You can always cool off inside a restaurant or store or of course the rides.
This is all accurate. Lower crowds, but hot and humid weather. A day at Typhon Lagoon would be ideal to cool off and have fun! Here is a pretty accurate crowd calendar:
Rebuilding the lobby? You mean, tearing the heart and soul out of the resort! Also, those stupid bungalows gotta go. They wreck the view and harm the vibe of the place.
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Look into renting Disney Vacation Club points. You have to do it way in advance but it tends to be cheaper than renting an actual room. There are websites that do the rentals - David's DVC and DVC Rental Store are two I recall.
Like someone mentioned, we stayed at Bay Lake Tower and it was a great location. We could walk to Magic Kingdom and then hop on the Monorail at Contemporary to get to the Polynesian for a character breakfast and then to Epcot. Being able to walk to the hotel from Magic Kingdom came in handy one night when we stayed for the Christmas Party (we went in mid-November a few years ago). When the party (fireworks) start to wind down, people bolt to leave and the Monorail station is total chaos.
We avoided buses for other parks. We used Lyft. Yeah it cost us a bit more but it was easy. FWIW, my kids were 7, 5 and 2 at the time we went.
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Good idea with MK and Hollywood Studios. I would spend 2/3 to 3/4 of your time at MK. HS is a good walkable park with a bunch of things for young kids.
We seem to agree on logistics. Target BLT or the Contemporary. BLT has villas and more elbow room. They also have full kitchens, if that would be useful. The Contemporary has traditional hotel rooms. You can use the pools and amenities at either place. The Grand Concourse at the Contemp has a great quick-serve eatery and Chef Mickeys which has all the main characters for meeting. The California Grill on the top/15th floor of the Contemp is awesome for a fancier dinner. You can see the MK and Seven Seas Lagoon, so the view is a big hit with kids!
Good idea to focus on 2 parks and a water park. That's plenty for 6 days or so. One other thing to plan for is a few super special experiences for your GD. Does she like Princesses? Book a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table. This is a restaurant in the castle! You also get to meet a ton of princesses. Is she into fireworks? Perhaps a private fireworks cruise for the family? The Hoop-Dee-Doo dinner show is corny as hell, but a blast (and an easy boat ride from BLT/Contemp). A few years ago, my daughter was selected as a volunteer and got to help with the final song on stage. Got the video on my phone! :)
There are tons of extra special experiences/meals. Just depends on what she likes.
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We did the Cinderella Royal Table as well. But after we had dropped an ungodly amount of money on the meal, a friend told us we should have skipped it and eaten at Akershus in Norway in Epcot. It also has most of the princesses' and was cheaper and less chaotic.
We did enjoy our meal at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. We were in the side room with the changing painting, etc. You typically don't get the best food in Disney. In other words if you are looking for Michelin level food given the prices, prepare to be disappointed. But honestly, the meal at Be Our Guest was actually pretty good, relatively speaking.
Worst meal was Mama Melrose in Hollywood Studios. People seem to like it but our meals were blah.
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Took our daughters when they were 5 and 7. I told my wife we should wait a few years until they were older and they would enjoy it more. I was right.
Yes, CRT is very expensive, but quite an experience for kids. Be Our Guest is one of our favorite restaurants. We always do a dinner there so we can take a photo with the Beast. The West Wing room with the enchanted rose is the best!
Kids really liked Be Our Guest even the dessert at the end.
We've only gone once with kids and probably will go back next November. From what I can gather, if you want some good meals you are more likely to find it in Epcot. But we only ate that the Japanese Hibachi place. It was pretty decent and the kids liked it.
I wanted to try Polynesian next November, one of their DVC rooms. But the construction thing has me questioning that. I think the existing DVC rooms are on the other side of the resort away from the new DVC construction. What about the restaurants and lobby? Are/Will they be done by then?
A lot of great advice. Years ago, we used the Mousesavers website quite a bit. Not sure if it still has useful info, but it was gold to us. BTW, we had a friend who owned a home about 15-20 minutes from the Disney Parks. Everybody is different in their needs/likes, but we had a wonderful time despite not staying in one of the Disney properties. But we were able to relax and unwind in a huge house with a pool and a hot tub all to ourselves. Our friend sold the house, so it is not available!
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One other thing to consider. If you are Marriott points holder, the Dolphin and Swan are two Marriott hotels inside the park gates. They aren't on the Monorail system. They are located near Epcot. It's not close but also not a far walk to Epcot. From Epcot you could take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. There is also a new Skyliner at the one Epcot entrance that would take you to Hollywood Studios.
Yes, Epcot is overall the best for restaurants. Via Napoli in Italy is probably our #1 fav in all of WDW. La Hacienda in Mexico is awesome. We also enjoy the Garden Grill in the Land for a family style meal with Mickey and friends. Tons of great places in Epcot! Too bad that half the park is still a crater! LOL. The middle of Future World is still being rebuilt.
The current DVC rooms at the Poly at only studios, which are essentially glorified hotel rooms. No idea why. It was a stupid idea. However, you are correct. All of them are on the other side of the resort near the Transportation & Ticket Center. The construction is on the Grand Floridian side. I hate where and what is being built. It's not going to match the rest of the resort well. However, it will contain 1BR and 2BR villas, so the Poly is finally getting more room types. The Great Ceremonial House lobby and restaurants aren't under construction that I'm aware of.
The Swam and Dolphin (and also Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk resorts) are all in a great location if you are focused on Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios. Short walks or boat rides to either park. Also right next to Fantasia Gardens for mini-golf! :)
Yeah the studio thing is weird but honestly, for us, it would work. We don't spend a ton of time around the room anyway. But when you see some of the other DVC offerings, you can see why Disney is pouring money into that new spot on the other side of the hotel.
Monorail runs clockwise, so Contemporsry is first stop after MK but 4 stops to go there.
Just got back last week. Did week at Polynesian. Similar to Nick, had room that faced the lake so could watch fireworks. We often went outside.
Would recommend staying on site as it's just easier to take monorail or buses, although it's clearly more expensive. We also did Club Level at Poly which gives you access to 24/7 lounge with drinks, food, alcohol. Was great for breakfast every morning, snacking after park, and drinks at night.
Depending on when you go, the pool could be huge asset. Our daughters arguably loved the pool / water slides at Poly more than anything else. Also depending on timing, they have certain nights at Magic Kingdom where they do holiday themed stuff. We did the Halloween parade one night, which clearly is extra, but kids loved it.
Would recommend 2 days at MK. I really liked Animal Kingdom and would do that as well. Epcot isn't bad but if you have a grand daughter that's where the Elsa ride is.
I thought Hollywood Studies was bleh. It was out last day and post parade night, but just not that much to do IMO.
Few other points...
- We did Hotel day, MK, Animal, MK, Epcot / MK Halloween, Hollywood, home
- Makes no sense to switch hotels
- It takes a shit ton of planning
- This will stress parents out way more than kids who don't care
- You need lightning lane without question
Lastly, you're going to love it. My parents came when girls were 3/5 and I was so special for all of them. They were supposed to come with us last week (6/8 now) but had to cancel because of health issues (Disney refunded them entirely actually), but my girls were devastated. The memories will last forever.
- We did Hotel day, MK, Animal, MK, Epcot / MK Halloween, Hollywood, home
- Makes no sense to switch hotels
- It takes a shit ton of planning
- This will stress parents out way more than kids who don't care
- You need lightning lane without question
Lastly, you're going to love it. My parents came when girls were 3/5 and I was so special for all of them. They were supposed to come with us last week (6/8 now) but had to cancel because of health issues (Disney refunded them entirely actually), but my girls were devastated. The memories will last forever.
We went in late June/Early July with an 8 and 6 year old. We stayed 8 days, but only did parks every other day. Did 2 days of NK, 1 at Animal Kingdom, and 1 at Hollywood Studios. In between, we did things like character meals and pool time. We got a stroller and were extremely grateful we did.
This^^^. It’s been a minute but we loved the Polynesian when we went. Lots of good advice in this thread and I’d agree with the stroller suggestion. We bought a throwaway down there instead of lugging one on the plane. For a 5 yyold girl I’d also recommend the princess breakfast inside the castle. Well worth it if they still do it. Being at a hotel in the monorail was a big plus at the end of the night too
I’m a huge Disney nerd. Fricken love it. Disney vacation club owner (their timeshare program) and annual pass member even though I live in NJ. Been there a ton.
With a 5 year old, I’d say stay in a monorail resort as you will spend most of your time in magic kingdom. Polynesian and contemporary would be great. Grab a character meal at the Crystal Palace in magic kingdom. Chef Mickeys is also really popular although not my thing. Your daughter would love both of those.
for higher end dining I highly recommend the California grill. Great sushi and you can watch fireworks.
And pack your patience. Post Covid the crowds have been insane.
With a 5 year old, I’d say stay in a monorail resort as you will spend most of your time in magic kingdom. Polynesian and contemporary would be great. Grab a character meal at the Crystal Palace in magic kingdom. Chef Mickeys is also really popular although not my thing. Your daughter would love both of those.
for higher end dining I highly recommend the California grill. Great sushi and you can watch fireworks.
And pack your patience. Post Covid the crowds have been insane.
We found the Parks were surprisingly crowded in the third week of August and Genie and Lightening Lane were essential. Don't dismiss the heat and humidity. It was a huge issue for us - we literally spent hundreds of dollars on water bottles. Also, no Covid precautions anymore and 3 in our party came home with Covid, as did every other family that we know who went to Disney World this summer. Just be prepared. I don't necessarily think the Contemporary gives you great access to MK - yes, you can walk there but in summer heat that may not be such a great bonus. Taking the boat from Wilderness Lodge was ideal. Transportation throughout the parks is so good that switching hotels really doesn't make sense. Once you settle in, I'd stay put.
I do not plan to pay for a blue check mark eitherApparently, it does for some things…
That’s how I can afford Disney
But that's even less money, no?
So is this guy: @T2Kplus10
In the literally AND figurative sense. LOL
Yes you need to reserve days in specific parks once you buy tickets. Once again, I advise to do everything well in advance. And use the Disney app, especially to order food during the day. It works very well to order food and will save you a lot of time and save you from standing on long lines.
Also, if your family likes the trip, consider Disneyland for the future. I live 20 miles from Anaheim and have an annual pass and without a doubt the single best, and prettiest, park is Disneyland, hands down. There is much more to do in the original park than the Magic Kingdom and some rides you won't find anywhere else (including The Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, Roger Rabbit). People in the eastern 2/3 of the US think Orlando is the best park and everything in Orlando is better and Disneyland is small and not worth visiting. They're entirely wrong.
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My recommendation is to sell the wife, daughter and granddaughter and head to Vegas.
Over the years, I've used Belushi's famous line a bunch of times, often with strangers. And now and then, it becomes instantly clear that the people, to whom I've quoted the line, have not seen or don't recall the movie.I have a buyer...
Oops. 🤣
Park Hopper pass was not worth it for us last time we went (a while ago when the kids were younger). Very difficult to effectively see & experience multiple parks on the same day.
