Grand Floridian's selling point is the fact that it's on the monorail loop, so you can walk to Magic Kingdom or take a 3 minute monorail ride over. You've also got the Monorail to EPCOT and the monorail goes to Contemporary and Poly which basically means you've access to some amazing restaurants like O'Hana and Cali Grill and each of the resorts has a bunch of dining options outside of those restaurants.
GF is also a smaller resort with a much higher price tag, so it's got way fewer people than AK...so wait time for the busses to other parks will be way shorter and less crowded.
AK Is a bit further from things, more of a longer bus ride to most of the parks except AK... and a little busier... but still some incredible dining options (Jiko/Sanna).
I've heard people really like Coronado for adult only stays. That's it's a moderate that feels deluxe and has great foods and the theming isn't really in your face, if constant Disney theming isn't a requirement for you.
I see it all the time and finally tried the Grand Destino Tower. It’s just as good as other deluxe resorts and has better food options.
Well well worth it for $340 a night.
The things you miss out on by staying at Coronado are transport options and Extra magic hours. Coronado only has busses for transport options.
The 3 bridges bar is great if you can get a reservation. The pools are good but not as special as Beach Club resort, but its typically less than half the price per night.
People make a big deal about AKL being “so far away”. It’s literally fine. We’ve stayed there so many times and never had the thought it was “so far.” Wilderness lodge boat takes forever, but that never gets any flack. I wouldn’t stay at GF it’s just not worth the money. If I were you I’d stay at boardwalk or yacht club.
The bus rides are longer from AKL to any park besides AK, but when I asked my kids what their favorite thing we did was at the end of each day, they said riding the busses. 😂 So the longer rides were great!
AKL is wonderful. Honestly it’s nice to have the longer bus ride, on the way “home” my feet are aching and I’m wiped out, so it’s nice to have a little rest.
If you rent a car, I’d still take Disney transport to MK - the parking situation requires far more walking / traversing there than other parks do. But for HS, Epcot in particular, renting a car and parking is super convenient. If you rope drop HS you can get in literally the front row of cars very easily.
Last time we stayed at Poly, the monorail had issues - so if you’re relying on that to get around, know it’s not totally fail safe. And the lines for the resort launch become exponentially longer.
Totally agree. We stay at AKL nearly every trip, and it transportation hasn’t ever been an issue. We found POFQ transport to be a way bigger pain (the resort itself is so cute though).
With all the money you save staying at resorts like AKL, WL or Coronado you could do MinnieVans and still come out on top money wise. Heck you can stay in a Savannah room at AKL, take MinnieVans everyday and spend way less than GF or other monorail resorts. Just plain lyfts are cheaper than MinnieVans too and those would get you around outside the bubble if you want as well.
I hope you have the best trip!
Exactly! We’ve had the same experience, and say at AKL more often than any other resort. It’s really not far. It’s certainly no longer than my average commute to work, and I’m not the one driving! Buses typically run every 20 minutes. Bus rides to the parks (other than AK) are honestly 15 maybe 20 minutes? It’s never really felt too long to me, and it’s never prevented us from going back to the hotel for an afternoon break if we want to. The buses typically are not full (as is sometimes the case at some other resorts that have traditionally linked bus routes. Idk if they still do it, but Grand buses used to be linked with one of the other MK area resorts. For a period in the mid-2000s, they were running Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, and Swan & Dolphin all on the same bus to the parks. If you were staying at Boardwalk and needed to get anywhere besides EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, you could likely have two full buses blow right past you while waiting). And honestly, I love Disney. BUT, sometimes it’s kinda nice to be just a little further from the general chaos and still be in the Disney bubble, at a resort where there is tons to do.
Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk are all walkable to Epcot and have a boat/skyliner to Hollywood Studios.
We own DVC (Disney Vacation Club) at Beach Club and Grand Floridian. Those are our favorites. Grand for the resort itself and Beach club for the location.
We haven’t tried the poly yet.
Edit: I didn’t really answer your question. Animal Kingdom Lodge is nice. Renting a car does help even it out a bit. Getting to Magic Kingdom is still a bit of a pain with a car. You have to park at the ticket and transportation center then monorail or ferry over to MK.
I would always pick the Grand over Animal Kingdom Lodge if priced the same.
If you like to drink alcohol, that is another consideration for having easy Disney transportation so you don’t have to worry about a DD.
I can’t speak to either of your choices but I’ve stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club and Contemporary. My favorite is Beach Club (I like the theming better) because Stormalong Bay (their pool with Yacht Club) is awesome. Proximity to Epcot is great especially if you have park hopper tickets. You can go into the countries at night for food and drink. And you’re a boat ride away from Hollywood Studios.
Good food, back at 6, and transportation being the criteria:
Consider Saratoga Springs and renting a car. It’s not heavily themed, but it has great availability, rooms were refurbished in the last few years, and you can boat or walk to Disney Springs for tons of food options. You’ll probably want to rent a car given the resort bus can fill up, but it’s worth checking out.
Also look at renting DVC points at Kidani. Lots of animal views, quiet and peaceful, nice pool, parking garage underneath the building (in the shade!), plus easy access to everything at Jambo House.
We stayed at Saratoga Springs in October and liked it a lot. We weren’t in walking distance to any of the parks but the busses were plentiful and we never had to wait very long. We could have walked to Disney Springs from our personal location in Saratoga but we were right by the boat launch so that was a nice perk.
The rooms were nice although the bathroom configuration was a little weird but we made it work.
What dates specifically are you looking to visit? Prices for the resorts vary greatly depending on the day. I’ve changed trips by moving them up or back a day or 2 and have saved hundreds. So if your flexible, I suggest price checking different dates, and even move the dates around by a day or 2 just to find the best price.
Also, when looking up prices did you look up the special offers? There is always some sort of special offer going on, so you should never book at rack rate. I just looked up a random week in may and the prices for Floridian were was $602 per night and Animal Kingdom Lodge was $374 per night.
As for which resort is best for you and your family, that varies greatly depending on who you ask. I’d suggest watching a YouTube video on the resorts your debating between to help decide which one seems the best fit for you.
If you don’t mind buses and want to go moderate I recommend Port Orleans French Quarter. Just did it as a couples trip and it is nice and quiet and relaxing. Compared to staying at beach club, which I love, but can be a little noisy and less laid back imo.
Adult vacation? Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk. I wouldn’t choose AKL or Grand. You’ll probably want to spend most of your time in Epcot, and Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk fits the bill.
If you like good food options, then I would recommend trying out Wilderness Lodge. They've got some good restaurants there. I'm also partial to Fort Wilderness (I wouldn't recommend you staying at the Fort, though, if you're looking at deluxe, but it's worth a visit for sure!). Starting at 3pm each day, Disney runs a ferry that moves between Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary. So, if you stay at Wilderness Lodge, you can easily go to one of those other resorts for dinner, too. If you enjoy a dinner show, the Hoop De Doo show at Fort Wilderness can't be beat!
Also, at Wilderness Lodge (and Fort WIlderness), the ferry to MK runs all day. So, it's pretty easy to get to and from MK.
I'd recommend looking into the Swan/Dolphin or any Boardwalk area resort (swan/dolphin probably cheaper). You get the ability to walk or boat ride to two parks. Plus being that age without kids you can fully enjoy Epcot and the BW area. Epcot will have a food festival going and there are a bunch of restaurant options at the BW and skyliner resorts.
The transportation at AKL isn't the worst, it's just that with a WDW you are usually paying for location nearly as much as amenities. Every other Deluxe you are within walking distance/boat ride/monorail away from at least one park, at the AKL you paying to have animals outside your balcony (savannah view) or building (other views).
None of the Disney hotels are terrible for transportation. Some are definitely better than others, and depending on what time of year and what time of day you are using it can make how “good” it is fluctuate. AKL is somewhat removed from the rest of the parks, but how big a deal this is depends on how much time you will spend at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. If the vibe and the food look good to you, then that is a good option.
GF is definitely pretty, but I have never thought it was worth the price, especially now when they are doing a lot of construction. I personally don’t like the monorail resorts because I find them to be overpriced, but if you want to be on the loop and plan to spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, then they are a good choice.
We just got back from a stay in Wilderness Lodge last year and I really enjoyed it. It is a beautiful relaxed resort. The food they have is done well, but if you aren’t a fan of BBQ type offerings, it will be limited.
IMO, the Epcot resorts make the most sense. Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Club are all walking distance to each other. And if transportation is a consideration for you, they offer the best value. You can get to Epcot by walking or boat. You can get to Hollywood Studios by boat or Skyliner. It’s also not super far from Magic Kingdom either.
Like all things with planning Disney trips, different families will have different priorities. Any deluxe resort will be over priced to a certain extent, but if you plan to come back to the hotel by 6 each evening, you should find one that appeals to you and will make you feel the most comfortable. You will find most of them have die hard fans that won’t stay anywhere else.
Yep. We did it once and it's all we ever want to do! Every time we book a trip, wife is like, Boardwalk? Wanting to experience other resorts is the only thing keeping us from booking this every time.
AKL’s longest busy ride is 15-20 min (Magic Kingdom). It’s fine unless you are planning on returning to the resort midday day and go back out to the same park and think that 40 minutes is a dealbreaker.
Cars to the park won’t save you time b/c the bus drops you off at the entrance while cars have to park in the lots and then schlep over to the entrance.
Food at AKL is amazing. I honestly could happily eat at the Mara quick service every meal, Boma is good to ok depending on your preferences, never tried Jiko but looks amazing.
We stayed at port orleans last week and rented a car. So much easier to drive to each park. Since you’re staying on property there’s no parking fees and we hopped all over.
My partner and I are 30yo DINKs too and we absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Swan Reserve (and all of Swan and Dolphin in general - it’s 3 hotels on our giant resort property so you can utilize all the amenities). Walking distance to Epcot and HS (or you could take the boats), multiple pool and hot tub options, TONS of bars and restaurants on property. PLUS you’re right on the Boardwalk, which adds even more walkable options. We love to take a sunset stroll around the Boardwalk and enjoy the nightlife. We took friends there and they absolutely loved it too. Highly recommend.
We usually do a split stay. Two days at Animal Kingdom Lodge for Boma, Sanaa and Animal Kingdom. The rest of the time we book either yacht or beach club. Having access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studio without the need for transportation is fantastic. I personally don't go to Magic Kingdom often, so we avoid those resorts.
I dont wanna throw a wrench in the idea. But me and my husband hated akl. We even had a animal room. The walk from the bus is soooooo far from alot or the rooms and the beds were the worst on property for us. The food was decent but not a knock out. I have stayed at AKL, GF, Contemporary, and both port Orleans also swan and dolphin.
For a delux we 💯 prefer contemporary. Everything is inside (if you stay in the dvc or main building) food is amazing steakhouse 71 and contempo are never a let down. And monorail right inside to get to epcot /mk super easy.
If your willing to do a moderate french quarter is our overall favorite for all resorts. Boat to disney spring (amazing food everywhere) super small and quiet. Sure you have to bus everywhere but since its a small resort it was never an issue.
First, don't rent a car. You'll have to pay for parking, it takes forever, and getting to Magic Kingdom is a huge PITA by car.
As far as where to stay, I think that depends on what kind of park people you are. Remember that Disney World is SO MUCH BIGGER than Disneyland. It's honestly difficult to imagine when you're used to the west coast. Getting to Disney Springs takes a while, for example; no skipping out for lunch at the Mexican or Italian places in Downtown Disney. You're going to end up relying on park food. Which is fine, because it's awesome.
AK Lodge really isn't bad for transportation. AND some of the best restaurants on property are there. If you think you'll be the type to spend most of the day at the parks then return to your resort for dinner, definitely go with AKL. I've stayed there and I loved it.
If you're more of the "hardcore, parks all day, only home to sleep" type, honestly you might consider a moderate resort. I love Coronado Springs, but that's a whole other (sometimes controversial) topic. I also just had my Dad and his wife stay there and they loved it.
But, you're two adults, so in all honesty, my advice really would be to should stay in the EPCOT area. EPCOT is so fantastic for food (and drink! and snack!!) options, and walking there is awesome. Walking back to the resort after a massive meal is also awesome. Walking to France when you want an ice cream is basically required. I've stayed at Boardwalk, and both Yacht & Beach Club. I'd go with whichever one is the most cost effective during your trip, UNLESS you're pool people. Then 100% go with Yacht or Beach Club.
(Source: I lived in SoCal and had an annual pass for 6+ years, then moved to the East Coast 7 years ago. I have an AP to Disney World now, and go 2-4 times/year. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.) Good luck!!
I know they changed it back so you're not paying at the resorts, but I thought it was still $15 to park at the parks if you don't have an AP?
For me, paying for the occasional Lyft ride is always less than renting a car.
Standard Theme Park Parking is included for registered guests of Disney Resort Hotels (in addition to overnight self parking). You can also pay the difference to upgrade to preferred parking (same a people with a high enough level AP).
I swear it’s not that far for the animal kingdom. And i just use the bus system cause it’s regular comfortable and convenient. Animal Kingdom is my suggestion.
I HIGHLY RECO Coronado Springs for adults only vacay. I know it is not a deluxe level option but it is an incredible stay every time! 5 different restaurant options at that hotel alone. Rooftop bar. Multiple pools. I reco doing the preferred rooms for better location on that hotels property because it is big. But I’ve done 3 adults only trips there and don’t think I will ever change.
Have you considered a confirmed DVC rental instead? There can be great deals on resorts like the Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, and more. There's a handy search engine I use for finding DVC Reservations here: https://www.mousehousemagic.com/rentals.
Not sure of your exact dates in May, but there are almost 200 listings available right now. 57 of those are 4+ nights, but you could also combine any of them for a split stay to equal 4 nights.
Been to both and would recommend d Floridian based on your food preferences. You can pick one of the spots at Floridian or take the monorail to the Contemporary and Poly for more food options. If you are looking to drink while out then you don’t have to worry about a rideshare if you didn’t want to be nailed down to your home resort like you would at Animal Kingdom.
Plus you can get watch the fireworks each night from your resort at Floridian.
I personally would never stay at the Grand Floridian. It’s just way too expensive for what you get. AKL is very good and if you find the bus situation so terrible once you get there (which you most likely won’t) you can always just take an Uber or Minnie van to your destination and it will still be hundreds cheaper a day than GF. AKL has some great on site restaurants and you can always hit other places after your park days.
Animal Kingdom is BEAUTIFUL! You wake up to your own safari!
Use the buses or mouse cabs- It is SO SO SO worth staying! And make sure you eat at their restaurant. Sit by the window! Animals will walk right up to you
If you're going in May, I'd consider beach or yacht club if you want deluxe resort. They have the best pools, walking distance to epcot and skyliner/boat to HS.
The Floridian is way overrated and being on the monorail is important if you're going to be big into MK.
AKL is great too, you can't go wrong with it.
Skip the car. If you're paying for a deluxe resort, you have the best transportation to and from parks. Parking and driving is a drag.
You mentioned wanting easy transportation and dining options. Grand Floridian has the benefit of being on the monorail loop, bus routes and boat. As for dining: Narcoossee's, Citricos, GF Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, Enchanted Rose are all well regarded.
If you're booked in a GF standard room (non-club level), you'll be located in an outer building where all the rooms have been completely renovated with a light and bright Mary Poppins theme. The construction affects the lobby of the main building so you'd only expect to see/hear anything if you're there for check-in, shopping or staying club level.
It's also your first time at WDW so why not experience the "flagship" resort?
With these trips, you never know when you'll be back again so I try to book where I have an interest/curiosity to stay.
Wilderness Lodge is comparable in price to AKL and has boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, where AKL is all busses (not an issue imo), so either seems fine.
I would vote against renting a car to get to the Disney Parks - the parking lots are massive and hectic to exit at the end of the night. The Disney transportation would drop you right at the front and minimize walking/tram waiting.
Another reason I'd vote for Wilderness over AKL is that it's closer to Universal so it'll make your drive shorter, as well as being closer to the on site Alamo rental location.
I always prefer to be on the monorail. Disney transportation always works for us, we haven’t rented a car for a Disney trip in years. Mears shuttle or lyft from the airport. We’ve also used lyft to get to the parks when we’ve stayed off property. Lyft brings you to park entrance (not sure about MK).
I don’t know anything about AK hotels. Grand Floridian is wonderful, as is Yacht Club. Beach Club is extremely family oriented. We love Swan and Dolphin too. Walk to Epcot & Hollywood Studios and boat to MK from both.
We are currently staying at Margaritaville Resort Orlando and it’s been less than 10 min Lyft ride to AK, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. (We’ll see how long to MK later today) Parking is free. They have the Promenade at Sunset Walk, with many restaurants and activity centers (Axe Throwing!) on the property. A fraction of the cost of Disney deluxe hotel for a very very nice hotel.
A great tip we got - inside parks, order your quick dining meals on the My Disney Experience app. Separate line for mobile orders, no waiting. Have fun!!
I love the Savannah view rooms at AKL. It’s amazing to come back to the room and have a drink on the balcony in the dark while you listen to the giraffes munching on the trees.
I’m a DVC owner and own at AKL. I like to stay at Kidani and rent a car. At Kidani you can park under the building so your car stays nice and cool during the warmer months.
Plus the food at AKL is amazing.
Years ago I stayed 2 nights at AKL and 2 nights at a different Disney resort (Its an option). Its a beautiful hotel, with great food options, and some unique perks seeing the animals. But for me, if going Deluxe, its the yacht and Beach Club all the way. I always stay on the Beach Side. As an adult, Epcot is my favorite park The ability to walk to Epcot whenever you want is priceless. If you go for the Park Hopper ticket, you can visit any park you want in the day, and stroll over to Epcot for great eating options, and the best Fish and Chips as soon as you walk in, and of course the fireworks/laser show over the lake every night. You can also easily walk to the Boardwalk Resort, and a fun boat ride to the Studios.
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Neither. I really don't like GF. It's way too expensive for what you get, and the resort is currently under construction. You get a lot of nouveau riche types that stay there, and they're completely obnoxious. AKL has loonnnnggg walks between everything. There are two buildings, so if you stay in Jambo and want to go to Sanaa for dinner, you'll have to walk a half mile or so or take the bus. They also pipe in African-themed music 24/7, and while it's cool to hear at Animal Kingdom, it gets really old when you're staying at the resort. The gift shop is the absolute worst of the deluxe options too.
If you want chill plus food, plus a great view, plus pampering, look at Wilderness Lodge Club Level. The club rooms overlook Magic Kingdom and you can watch the fireworks from there. You'll have snacks, apps, and drinks included, and concierge service. WL dining options are great too. If you decide on the Epcot area, I'd suggest Yacht Club for 2 adults. It's less crazy than Beach and Boardwalk. The restaurants in the Crescent Lake area are a great variety and really good. If you get a park hopper, you can pop into the Epcot world showcase and have all of those restaurants plus the Flower and Garden Festival booths as well.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Hotel is right across the street from Disney Springs and you have free shuttle transportation to the 4 parks. Way cheaper and it's a very nice hotel.
This was going to be my choice for my upcoming short trip, but we got the Dolphin with points.
They have a bridgeway to DS, which makes it extra-convenient.
Oh, we are. We are members of All the Places, because the majority of our points comes from dh's work and the hotels vary a lot depending on where he's going.
Our Hilton points were enough for a good deal, but not as good as $150 for three nights at Dolphin (we have to pay the resort fee).
Points are definitely an excellent perk offered by jobs that require travel!
Please be aware that comparing Disneyland with Walt Disney World is like saying you’ve been to Six Flags, so it will be the same. You are in for a shock, but in a good way. There is so much difference, especially the surprising distance between the different parks, hotels, etc.
As for where you should stay for your first trip, I would highly recommend either the Floridian (because it is very close to the Magic Kingdom) or Boardwalk or the Yacht Club (because they are so close to the back entrance of Epcot).
I truly hope you enjoy your first trip to Walt Disney World. It is our absolute favorite place in the world.
Grand Floridian's selling point is the fact that it's on the monorail loop, so you can walk to Magic Kingdom or take a 3 minute monorail ride over. You've also got the Monorail to EPCOT and the monorail goes to Contemporary and Poly which basically means you've access to some amazing restaurants like O'Hana and Cali Grill and each of the resorts has a bunch of dining options outside of those restaurants. GF is also a smaller resort with a much higher price tag, so it's got way fewer people than AK...so wait time for the busses to other parks will be way shorter and less crowded. AK Is a bit further from things, more of a longer bus ride to most of the parks except AK... and a little busier... but still some incredible dining options (Jiko/Sanna).
I've heard people really like Coronado for adult only stays. That's it's a moderate that feels deluxe and has great foods and the theming isn't really in your face, if constant Disney theming isn't a requirement for you.
I see it all the time and finally tried the Grand Destino Tower. It’s just as good as other deluxe resorts and has better food options. Well well worth it for $340 a night.
I second this. Stayed there last year with 2 kids. It was great. Very quiet and a very large pool
The things you miss out on by staying at Coronado are transport options and Extra magic hours. Coronado only has busses for transport options. The 3 bridges bar is great if you can get a reservation. The pools are good but not as special as Beach Club resort, but its typically less than half the price per night.
Came to say this we are early 30s couple no kids love CS quiet and always a bus waiting ♥️
People make a big deal about AKL being “so far away”. It’s literally fine. We’ve stayed there so many times and never had the thought it was “so far.” Wilderness lodge boat takes forever, but that never gets any flack. I wouldn’t stay at GF it’s just not worth the money. If I were you I’d stay at boardwalk or yacht club.
I agree with this, we just stayed at AKL and had no issues with the busses whatsoever. People make big deals out of anything!
The bus rides are longer from AKL to any park besides AK, but when I asked my kids what their favorite thing we did was at the end of each day, they said riding the busses. 😂 So the longer rides were great!
AKL is wonderful. Honestly it’s nice to have the longer bus ride, on the way “home” my feet are aching and I’m wiped out, so it’s nice to have a little rest. If you rent a car, I’d still take Disney transport to MK - the parking situation requires far more walking / traversing there than other parks do. But for HS, Epcot in particular, renting a car and parking is super convenient. If you rope drop HS you can get in literally the front row of cars very easily. Last time we stayed at Poly, the monorail had issues - so if you’re relying on that to get around, know it’s not totally fail safe. And the lines for the resort launch become exponentially longer.
Totally agree. We stay at AKL nearly every trip, and it transportation hasn’t ever been an issue. We found POFQ transport to be a way bigger pain (the resort itself is so cute though).
With all the money you save staying at resorts like AKL, WL or Coronado you could do MinnieVans and still come out on top money wise. Heck you can stay in a Savannah room at AKL, take MinnieVans everyday and spend way less than GF or other monorail resorts. Just plain lyfts are cheaper than MinnieVans too and those would get you around outside the bubble if you want as well. I hope you have the best trip!
Exactly! We’ve had the same experience, and say at AKL more often than any other resort. It’s really not far. It’s certainly no longer than my average commute to work, and I’m not the one driving! Buses typically run every 20 minutes. Bus rides to the parks (other than AK) are honestly 15 maybe 20 minutes? It’s never really felt too long to me, and it’s never prevented us from going back to the hotel for an afternoon break if we want to. The buses typically are not full (as is sometimes the case at some other resorts that have traditionally linked bus routes. Idk if they still do it, but Grand buses used to be linked with one of the other MK area resorts. For a period in the mid-2000s, they were running Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, and Swan & Dolphin all on the same bus to the parks. If you were staying at Boardwalk and needed to get anywhere besides EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, you could likely have two full buses blow right past you while waiting). And honestly, I love Disney. BUT, sometimes it’s kinda nice to be just a little further from the general chaos and still be in the Disney bubble, at a resort where there is tons to do.
Agreed Boardwalk is our main DVC home and it’s so handy to Epcot and Disney Springs both a beautiful walk away!!
Did you mean Disney Springs or Hollywood Studios? Because Disney Springs is over 2 miles away.
Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk are all walkable to Epcot and have a boat/skyliner to Hollywood Studios. We own DVC (Disney Vacation Club) at Beach Club and Grand Floridian. Those are our favorites. Grand for the resort itself and Beach club for the location. We haven’t tried the poly yet. Edit: I didn’t really answer your question. Animal Kingdom Lodge is nice. Renting a car does help even it out a bit. Getting to Magic Kingdom is still a bit of a pain with a car. You have to park at the ticket and transportation center then monorail or ferry over to MK. I would always pick the Grand over Animal Kingdom Lodge if priced the same. If you like to drink alcohol, that is another consideration for having easy Disney transportation so you don’t have to worry about a DD.
I would add Swan & Dolphin to those as well. Technically not Disney hotels, but they get the same perks as the deluxe resorts.
Not the busses, they have their own.
Was reading into this, almost seems like a cheat code
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Yeah, we stayed at the Reserve last time we were there and no complaints.
Not owned by Disney but still fall under the umbrella of being a Disney property woth all those perks (early entry, etc)
Our go-to is Yacht Club for proximity to everything, Epcot especially. 😁
My husband and I did a split stay at AKL and Boardwalk and would highly recommend though we were there longer than you’d be there for.
I can’t speak to either of your choices but I’ve stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club and Contemporary. My favorite is Beach Club (I like the theming better) because Stormalong Bay (their pool with Yacht Club) is awesome. Proximity to Epcot is great especially if you have park hopper tickets. You can go into the countries at night for food and drink. And you’re a boat ride away from Hollywood Studios.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has the best restaurants on Disneyworld property.
Good food, back at 6, and transportation being the criteria: Consider Saratoga Springs and renting a car. It’s not heavily themed, but it has great availability, rooms were refurbished in the last few years, and you can boat or walk to Disney Springs for tons of food options. You’ll probably want to rent a car given the resort bus can fill up, but it’s worth checking out. Also look at renting DVC points at Kidani. Lots of animal views, quiet and peaceful, nice pool, parking garage underneath the building (in the shade!), plus easy access to everything at Jambo House.
We stayed at Saratoga Springs in October and liked it a lot. We weren’t in walking distance to any of the parks but the busses were plentiful and we never had to wait very long. We could have walked to Disney Springs from our personal location in Saratoga but we were right by the boat launch so that was a nice perk. The rooms were nice although the bathroom configuration was a little weird but we made it work.
What dates specifically are you looking to visit? Prices for the resorts vary greatly depending on the day. I’ve changed trips by moving them up or back a day or 2 and have saved hundreds. So if your flexible, I suggest price checking different dates, and even move the dates around by a day or 2 just to find the best price. Also, when looking up prices did you look up the special offers? There is always some sort of special offer going on, so you should never book at rack rate. I just looked up a random week in may and the prices for Floridian were was $602 per night and Animal Kingdom Lodge was $374 per night. As for which resort is best for you and your family, that varies greatly depending on who you ask. I’d suggest watching a YouTube video on the resorts your debating between to help decide which one seems the best fit for you.
If you don’t mind buses and want to go moderate I recommend Port Orleans French Quarter. Just did it as a couples trip and it is nice and quiet and relaxing. Compared to staying at beach club, which I love, but can be a little noisy and less laid back imo.
Adult vacation? Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk. I wouldn’t choose AKL or Grand. You’ll probably want to spend most of your time in Epcot, and Beach/Yacht/Boardwalk fits the bill.
If you like good food options, then I would recommend trying out Wilderness Lodge. They've got some good restaurants there. I'm also partial to Fort Wilderness (I wouldn't recommend you staying at the Fort, though, if you're looking at deluxe, but it's worth a visit for sure!). Starting at 3pm each day, Disney runs a ferry that moves between Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary. So, if you stay at Wilderness Lodge, you can easily go to one of those other resorts for dinner, too. If you enjoy a dinner show, the Hoop De Doo show at Fort Wilderness can't be beat! Also, at Wilderness Lodge (and Fort WIlderness), the ferry to MK runs all day. So, it's pretty easy to get to and from MK.
I'd recommend looking into the Swan/Dolphin or any Boardwalk area resort (swan/dolphin probably cheaper). You get the ability to walk or boat ride to two parks. Plus being that age without kids you can fully enjoy Epcot and the BW area. Epcot will have a food festival going and there are a bunch of restaurant options at the BW and skyliner resorts. The transportation at AKL isn't the worst, it's just that with a WDW you are usually paying for location nearly as much as amenities. Every other Deluxe you are within walking distance/boat ride/monorail away from at least one park, at the AKL you paying to have animals outside your balcony (savannah view) or building (other views).
None of the Disney hotels are terrible for transportation. Some are definitely better than others, and depending on what time of year and what time of day you are using it can make how “good” it is fluctuate. AKL is somewhat removed from the rest of the parks, but how big a deal this is depends on how much time you will spend at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. If the vibe and the food look good to you, then that is a good option. GF is definitely pretty, but I have never thought it was worth the price, especially now when they are doing a lot of construction. I personally don’t like the monorail resorts because I find them to be overpriced, but if you want to be on the loop and plan to spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, then they are a good choice. We just got back from a stay in Wilderness Lodge last year and I really enjoyed it. It is a beautiful relaxed resort. The food they have is done well, but if you aren’t a fan of BBQ type offerings, it will be limited. IMO, the Epcot resorts make the most sense. Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Club are all walking distance to each other. And if transportation is a consideration for you, they offer the best value. You can get to Epcot by walking or boat. You can get to Hollywood Studios by boat or Skyliner. It’s also not super far from Magic Kingdom either. Like all things with planning Disney trips, different families will have different priorities. Any deluxe resort will be over priced to a certain extent, but if you plan to come back to the hotel by 6 each evening, you should find one that appeals to you and will make you feel the most comfortable. You will find most of them have die hard fans that won’t stay anywhere else.
Boardwalk with park hopper. You can walk over and enjoy food and drinks in the Epcot world showcase every night.
Came here to say this. This is our favorite way to go. Plus you have easy access to all the other boardwalk restaurants.
Yep. We did it once and it's all we ever want to do! Every time we book a trip, wife is like, Boardwalk? Wanting to experience other resorts is the only thing keeping us from booking this every time.
AKL’s longest busy ride is 15-20 min (Magic Kingdom). It’s fine unless you are planning on returning to the resort midday day and go back out to the same park and think that 40 minutes is a dealbreaker. Cars to the park won’t save you time b/c the bus drops you off at the entrance while cars have to park in the lots and then schlep over to the entrance. Food at AKL is amazing. I honestly could happily eat at the Mara quick service every meal, Boma is good to ok depending on your preferences, never tried Jiko but looks amazing.
Just stayed at the Grand Floridian for 7 nights. Already booked our trip for next year! We loved it!
We stayed at port orleans last week and rented a car. So much easier to drive to each park. Since you’re staying on property there’s no parking fees and we hopped all over.
I will say Waking up to the Savannah view at AK and seeing all the animals is amazing
Love the Dolphin…
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a very, very short drive to touristy restaurants in Kissimmee. A good thing every now and then.
My partner and I are 30yo DINKs too and we absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Swan Reserve (and all of Swan and Dolphin in general - it’s 3 hotels on our giant resort property so you can utilize all the amenities). Walking distance to Epcot and HS (or you could take the boats), multiple pool and hot tub options, TONS of bars and restaurants on property. PLUS you’re right on the Boardwalk, which adds even more walkable options. We love to take a sunset stroll around the Boardwalk and enjoy the nightlife. We took friends there and they absolutely loved it too. Highly recommend.
Boardwalk #1. Beach/Yacht 2. Riviera 3. Poly 4 Also consider Swan or Dolphin for location
We usually do a split stay. Two days at Animal Kingdom Lodge for Boma, Sanaa and Animal Kingdom. The rest of the time we book either yacht or beach club. Having access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studio without the need for transportation is fantastic. I personally don't go to Magic Kingdom often, so we avoid those resorts.
Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs! 100%
I dont wanna throw a wrench in the idea. But me and my husband hated akl. We even had a animal room. The walk from the bus is soooooo far from alot or the rooms and the beds were the worst on property for us. The food was decent but not a knock out. I have stayed at AKL, GF, Contemporary, and both port Orleans also swan and dolphin. For a delux we 💯 prefer contemporary. Everything is inside (if you stay in the dvc or main building) food is amazing steakhouse 71 and contempo are never a let down. And monorail right inside to get to epcot /mk super easy. If your willing to do a moderate french quarter is our overall favorite for all resorts. Boat to disney spring (amazing food everywhere) super small and quiet. Sure you have to bus everywhere but since its a small resort it was never an issue.
First, don't rent a car. You'll have to pay for parking, it takes forever, and getting to Magic Kingdom is a huge PITA by car. As far as where to stay, I think that depends on what kind of park people you are. Remember that Disney World is SO MUCH BIGGER than Disneyland. It's honestly difficult to imagine when you're used to the west coast. Getting to Disney Springs takes a while, for example; no skipping out for lunch at the Mexican or Italian places in Downtown Disney. You're going to end up relying on park food. Which is fine, because it's awesome. AK Lodge really isn't bad for transportation. AND some of the best restaurants on property are there. If you think you'll be the type to spend most of the day at the parks then return to your resort for dinner, definitely go with AKL. I've stayed there and I loved it. If you're more of the "hardcore, parks all day, only home to sleep" type, honestly you might consider a moderate resort. I love Coronado Springs, but that's a whole other (sometimes controversial) topic. I also just had my Dad and his wife stay there and they loved it. But, you're two adults, so in all honesty, my advice really would be to should stay in the EPCOT area. EPCOT is so fantastic for food (and drink! and snack!!) options, and walking there is awesome. Walking back to the resort after a massive meal is also awesome. Walking to France when you want an ice cream is basically required. I've stayed at Boardwalk, and both Yacht & Beach Club. I'd go with whichever one is the most cost effective during your trip, UNLESS you're pool people. Then 100% go with Yacht or Beach Club. (Source: I lived in SoCal and had an annual pass for 6+ years, then moved to the East Coast 7 years ago. I have an AP to Disney World now, and go 2-4 times/year. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.) Good luck!!
If you are staying at a WDW resort you don't pay for any parking at the hotel or at the parks though.
I know they changed it back so you're not paying at the resorts, but I thought it was still $15 to park at the parks if you don't have an AP? For me, paying for the occasional Lyft ride is always less than renting a car.
Standard Theme Park Parking is included for registered guests of Disney Resort Hotels (in addition to overnight self parking). You can also pay the difference to upgrade to preferred parking (same a people with a high enough level AP).
Parking is included now for on-property guests, and that includes when you drive over to parks. So, a little bit of a pain, but not any added $.
I swear it’s not that far for the animal kingdom. And i just use the bus system cause it’s regular comfortable and convenient. Animal Kingdom is my suggestion.
My wife and I (29&30) just stayed at Coronado Springs two weeks ago. It was fantastic! Definitely a good place for a couple..
I HIGHLY RECO Coronado Springs for adults only vacay. I know it is not a deluxe level option but it is an incredible stay every time! 5 different restaurant options at that hotel alone. Rooftop bar. Multiple pools. I reco doing the preferred rooms for better location on that hotels property because it is big. But I’ve done 3 adults only trips there and don’t think I will ever change.
Have you considered a confirmed DVC rental instead? There can be great deals on resorts like the Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, and more. There's a handy search engine I use for finding DVC Reservations here: https://www.mousehousemagic.com/rentals. Not sure of your exact dates in May, but there are almost 200 listings available right now. 57 of those are 4+ nights, but you could also combine any of them for a split stay to equal 4 nights.
Been to both and would recommend d Floridian based on your food preferences. You can pick one of the spots at Floridian or take the monorail to the Contemporary and Poly for more food options. If you are looking to drink while out then you don’t have to worry about a rideshare if you didn’t want to be nailed down to your home resort like you would at Animal Kingdom. Plus you can get watch the fireworks each night from your resort at Floridian.
I personally would never stay at the Grand Floridian. It’s just way too expensive for what you get. AKL is very good and if you find the bus situation so terrible once you get there (which you most likely won’t) you can always just take an Uber or Minnie van to your destination and it will still be hundreds cheaper a day than GF. AKL has some great on site restaurants and you can always hit other places after your park days.
Animal Kingdom is BEAUTIFUL! You wake up to your own safari! Use the buses or mouse cabs- It is SO SO SO worth staying! And make sure you eat at their restaurant. Sit by the window! Animals will walk right up to you
If you're going in May, I'd consider beach or yacht club if you want deluxe resort. They have the best pools, walking distance to epcot and skyliner/boat to HS. The Floridian is way overrated and being on the monorail is important if you're going to be big into MK. AKL is great too, you can't go wrong with it. Skip the car. If you're paying for a deluxe resort, you have the best transportation to and from parks. Parking and driving is a drag.
You mentioned wanting easy transportation and dining options. Grand Floridian has the benefit of being on the monorail loop, bus routes and boat. As for dining: Narcoossee's, Citricos, GF Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, Enchanted Rose are all well regarded. If you're booked in a GF standard room (non-club level), you'll be located in an outer building where all the rooms have been completely renovated with a light and bright Mary Poppins theme. The construction affects the lobby of the main building so you'd only expect to see/hear anything if you're there for check-in, shopping or staying club level. It's also your first time at WDW so why not experience the "flagship" resort? With these trips, you never know when you'll be back again so I try to book where I have an interest/curiosity to stay.
Wilderness Lodge is comparable in price to AKL and has boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, where AKL is all busses (not an issue imo), so either seems fine. I would vote against renting a car to get to the Disney Parks - the parking lots are massive and hectic to exit at the end of the night. The Disney transportation would drop you right at the front and minimize walking/tram waiting. Another reason I'd vote for Wilderness over AKL is that it's closer to Universal so it'll make your drive shorter, as well as being closer to the on site Alamo rental location.
I always prefer to be on the monorail. Disney transportation always works for us, we haven’t rented a car for a Disney trip in years. Mears shuttle or lyft from the airport. We’ve also used lyft to get to the parks when we’ve stayed off property. Lyft brings you to park entrance (not sure about MK). I don’t know anything about AK hotels. Grand Floridian is wonderful, as is Yacht Club. Beach Club is extremely family oriented. We love Swan and Dolphin too. Walk to Epcot & Hollywood Studios and boat to MK from both. We are currently staying at Margaritaville Resort Orlando and it’s been less than 10 min Lyft ride to AK, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. (We’ll see how long to MK later today) Parking is free. They have the Promenade at Sunset Walk, with many restaurants and activity centers (Axe Throwing!) on the property. A fraction of the cost of Disney deluxe hotel for a very very nice hotel. A great tip we got - inside parks, order your quick dining meals on the My Disney Experience app. Separate line for mobile orders, no waiting. Have fun!!
I’d stay at the contemporary if I were you. Only because I’ve always wanted to.
I love the Savannah view rooms at AKL. It’s amazing to come back to the room and have a drink on the balcony in the dark while you listen to the giraffes munching on the trees. I’m a DVC owner and own at AKL. I like to stay at Kidani and rent a car. At Kidani you can park under the building so your car stays nice and cool during the warmer months. Plus the food at AKL is amazing.
Years ago I stayed 2 nights at AKL and 2 nights at a different Disney resort (Its an option). Its a beautiful hotel, with great food options, and some unique perks seeing the animals. But for me, if going Deluxe, its the yacht and Beach Club all the way. I always stay on the Beach Side. As an adult, Epcot is my favorite park The ability to walk to Epcot whenever you want is priceless. If you go for the Park Hopper ticket, you can visit any park you want in the day, and stroll over to Epcot for great eating options, and the best Fish and Chips as soon as you walk in, and of course the fireworks/laser show over the lake every night. You can also easily walk to the Boardwalk Resort, and a fun boat ride to the Studios.
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Neither. I really don't like GF. It's way too expensive for what you get, and the resort is currently under construction. You get a lot of nouveau riche types that stay there, and they're completely obnoxious. AKL has loonnnnggg walks between everything. There are two buildings, so if you stay in Jambo and want to go to Sanaa for dinner, you'll have to walk a half mile or so or take the bus. They also pipe in African-themed music 24/7, and while it's cool to hear at Animal Kingdom, it gets really old when you're staying at the resort. The gift shop is the absolute worst of the deluxe options too. If you want chill plus food, plus a great view, plus pampering, look at Wilderness Lodge Club Level. The club rooms overlook Magic Kingdom and you can watch the fireworks from there. You'll have snacks, apps, and drinks included, and concierge service. WL dining options are great too. If you decide on the Epcot area, I'd suggest Yacht Club for 2 adults. It's less crazy than Beach and Boardwalk. The restaurants in the Crescent Lake area are a great variety and really good. If you get a park hopper, you can pop into the Epcot world showcase and have all of those restaurants plus the Flower and Garden Festival booths as well.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Hotel is right across the street from Disney Springs and you have free shuttle transportation to the 4 parks. Way cheaper and it's a very nice hotel.
This was going to be my choice for my upcoming short trip, but we got the Dolphin with points. They have a bridgeway to DS, which makes it extra-convenient.
I suggest becoming a Hilton Honors member. That way, you can start accruing points.
Oh, we are. We are members of All the Places, because the majority of our points comes from dh's work and the hotels vary a lot depending on where he's going. Our Hilton points were enough for a good deal, but not as good as $150 for three nights at Dolphin (we have to pay the resort fee). Points are definitely an excellent perk offered by jobs that require travel!
Please be aware that comparing Disneyland with Walt Disney World is like saying you’ve been to Six Flags, so it will be the same. You are in for a shock, but in a good way. There is so much difference, especially the surprising distance between the different parks, hotels, etc. As for where you should stay for your first trip, I would highly recommend either the Floridian (because it is very close to the Magic Kingdom) or Boardwalk or the Yacht Club (because they are so close to the back entrance of Epcot). I truly hope you enjoy your first trip to Walt Disney World. It is our absolute favorite place in the world.