Your Absolute Favorite WDW Resort

[JenMuse]

I grew up camping at Fort Wilderness (typically Big Bear or Little Bear Trail) with the family and have such fond memories that it's hard to think critically about it as a "resort." As a campground, it was fabulous. A barbeque grill, electrical and water hook-ups at each camp site. Lots of playgrounds for us kids, clean restrooms and showers every few camp sites (and in January during the 80s, we didn't have to share too much), the petting zoo (is it still there?), the horseback riding, bike rentals, the heated pool (which was new one of those years) and tennis courts, the nightly s'mores making and sing-along with Chip and Dale who pilfer cookies from the audience (we always brought cookies specifically for them) before the outdoor movie plus the boat ride to the MK was awesome. I know the monorail is cool, but for me nothing beats seeing the MK entrance from the boat docks. I think my mom and dad appreciated the short boat ride too since it made for easy midday nap and break times (we usually ate all meals at the campsite; seriously, I didn't KNOW there were real restaurants in the MK for years--I thought all you could get was a hotdog or burger at Pinocchio Haus).

In college, I went with friends and we stayed at All-Star Movies. The decor was just too over top cheesy for me, but the price was great (no preferred rooms back then so we got one close to the main hall but away from the pool which was perfect). Stayed at the Music resort in a preferred room a few years back, and it too was cheesy and the pool noise was bothersome, but not enough to trade it for the 20 minute walk of a quiet room. And the staff were amazing. All just super kind and friendly and helpful.

I'm not really one to care about my room whilst at Disney--I'm barely there and never eat at the resort restaurants (that's what the World Showcase is for, right?). So for the price and convenience I'm not going to turn down the All-Stars, but I'd stay at Sports if I went value again as it is the first stop on the bus route.

The second half of that same trip, I stayed at Pop century and was completely disappointed. My room was horrible. A crack in the ceiling, mold & mildew in the bathroom and vanity, fraying towels, a live cockroach, ripped and peeling wallpaper, paper thin walls that forced me to hear the lovemaking going on next door (seriously, who has energy for that after a day in the parks?), plus less than friendly or helpful staff (with the exception of one standout Barb, I remember her name because she was so awesome). Smokers everywhere were completely ignoring the no smoking signs; one smoker was actually pointedly blowing smoke at the no smoking sign and cast members walked by without saying a word. Best thing about the grounds was I saw tons of bunnies every morning and evening which was the only good I found at Pop Century. I took pictures of my room and sent them to Disney in a very friendly but disappointed letter. Never heard back. But from reviews by other subsonic folks, perhaps my room and experience was irregular.

In Jan 2012, I magically got to stay at the Caribbean Beach. I had used my Hilton Vacation points to book my family in a 3 bedroom condo on International Dr (like we had done in 2008 & 2010). My parents take the master, I was in the smaller room (with two double beds), my older sis took the lock-off 3rd bedroom, and my younger brother slept on the pull out in the living room. But as usual when we travel as adults together, we all got sick and since my bro was the most sick (missed a day and a half in the parks whilst a nasty flu bug ran its course), I gave him the extra bed in my room and from my iPhone whilst walking round in Frontierland booked a room for myself for the last 2 days at all-star movies. When I tried to check-in, the CM said there was a note on my reservation and she had to make a call. I was worried that something had gone wrong, but instead she told me that I had been upgraded to a Caribbean Beach preferred room. She gave me a taxi voucher and sent me off to CB where they seriously took care of me. I was so totally impressed. Felt kinda like royalty so I can only imagine what it must be like to stay at one of the deluxe resorts. The room design was pretty much exactly like the All-Stars (maybe a teeny bit bigger), but the service was so much better. The bus line for getting to the park was no problem, but the return from EPCOT during EMH was considerable. I was in line way outside the designated queue area but made it on the third bus (standing because I gave my seat to a woman holding a sleeping toddler--she definitely needed & appreciated it more than I). I think the line just looked longer due to all the strollers taking up so much space.

For my next trip, I'm staying at Port Orleans - Riverside for the first time and apparently I'm going to love it and staying there will make me an official subsonic-er apparently since it seems to be a favorite of many posters. I grew up in the South but now live in California (back where I was born), so I think the theme of PO will make me feel like I'm back home in the swamps or mansions of South Carolina.

I would love to stay at the Poly one day, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money on a room I spend so little time in...

[Amy]

Wow ~ what a postJenMuse! I haven't met many people that camped at WDW yet. I suppose it would be more fun if you were a kid, or enjoyed camping a lot. A little too much work for me for a vacation.
What a horrible experience at Pop Century. I thought that hotel was fairly new, I'm surprised it was so run down.
That is pretty neat that you got bumped up from All Star Movies to the Caribbean Beach! Did they ever say why you were moved, or was it simply a surprise?
I'm like you, we spend very little time at the resort, pretty much only to sleep and eat breakfast, so a fancy room just isn't worth the cost. I would like to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge one time. I think it would be neat to wake up and see the animals outside your window

[JenMuse]

Wow ~ what a post JenMuse! I haven't met many people that camped at WDW yet. I suppose it would be more fun if you were a kid, or enjoyed camping a lot. A little too much work for me for a vacation.
What a horrible experience at Pop Century. I thought that hotel was fairly new, I'm surprised it was so run down.
That is pretty neat that you got bumped up from All Star Movies to the Caribbean Beach! Did they ever say why you were moved, or was it simply a surprise?
I'm like you, we spend very little time at the resort, pretty much only to sleep and eat breakfast, so a fancy room just isn't worth the cost. I would like to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge one time. I think it would be neat to wake up and see the animals outside your window

If it didn't cost half my annual salary to buy and then ship or check the camping gear to Florida, I'd still be camping at Ft. Wilderness for my WDW trips. It's got great proximity to the MK and TTC and is hardly like roughing it in Yosemite what with the comfort stations, general store, playgrounds, and all. And of course tons of memories. This from a woman who thinks of a hotel without room service as roughing it!

Depending on the year and vehicle we drove, our parents always slept in a tent (a huge tent with a floor that fit a double mattress) and we the kids slept in sleeping bags in the truck-bed on a big mattress or the three van benches which folded down to form a massive sleeping area. For some reason, we owned a huge portable flat grill which we brought with us for pancake making every morning. We rented a pop-up trailer one year when Dad got a big Christmas bonus (our trips always being in January), but it wasn't really much better than the van set up while we kids were all under the age of 12. We usually made friends with folks at other campsites and shared meals and swapped kid watching so the parents could have one nice meal out. It was very communal until the RVs started taking over. Towards the end of our camping years, most of our fellow campers were staying in rented RVs and rarely if ever came out of them. Kinda lost the spirit, but I understand Disney figured that out and made adjustments.

And no, no reason was ever given for the upgrade. Just that Disney touch making my trip more magical.

If I ever play and win the lottery (they tell me I'll never win since I never buy tickets), I would definitely have a hard time choosing between the Poly and the AK Lodges. They possibility of giraffes grazing outside my window might win out!

[cy1229]

Jen I loved reading about your memories of camping. When I was a kid we had a little (as in, 16 feet, max. Maybe 14 ft.) travel trailer and went camping in northern Lower Michigan every summer. FUN TIMES.

Has anyone ever stayed in one of the cabins at Ft. Wilderness? They look really nice but I wonder how isolated we would feel there as compared to a resort. As for winning the lottery, Boardwalk is on my list. Or Beach Club. Or AK Lodge. Or all three. Then again, I might just buy one of those houses they're building.

[JenMuse]

Jen I loved reading about your memories of camping. When I was a kid we had a little (as in, 16 feet, max. Maybe 14 ft.) travel trailer and went camping in northern Lower Michigan every summer. FUN TIMES.

Has anyone ever stayed in one of the cabins at Ft. Wilderness? They look really nice but I wonder how isolated we would feel there as compared to a resort. As for winning the lottery, Boardwalk is on my list. Or Beach Club. Or AK Lodge. Or all three. Then again, I might just buy one of those houses they're building.

The cabins seem tempting, but when I look at google maps, they are even further from Pioneer hall than the worst campsite we ever had which was on Spanish Moss Ln. We rated it worst because we couldn't walk to the nightly campfire or store for milk and eggs and had to take the campground bus to the main route then transfer to another bus to get anywhere. Highly inconvenient location unless you rented or brought your own golf cart.

I have a friend who likes to take luxury style vacations in resorts that are twice as fancy as her home so she really feels like she's away from it all (she saves and budgets accordingly all year). I have another who prefers cheap accommodations so as to make home seem even better when he returns also he makes vacations more frequent. I guess I fall somewhere in between.

[Sharonofwindham]

I grew up camping at Fort Wilderness (typically Big Bear or Little Bear Trail) with the family and have such fond memories that it's hard to think critically about it as a "resort." As a campground, it was fabulous. A barbeque grill, electrical and water hook-ups at each camp site. Lots of playgrounds for us kids, clean restrooms and showers every few camp sites (and in January during the 80s, we didn't have to share too much), the petting zoo (is it still there?), the horseback riding, bike rentals, the heated pool (which was new one of those years) and tennis courts, the nightly s'mores making and sing-along with Chip and Dale who pilfer cookies from the audience (we always brought cookies specifically for them) before the outdoor movie plus the boat ride to the MK was awesome. I know the monorail is cool, but for me nothing beats seeing the MK entrance from the boat docks. I think my mom and dad appreciated the short boat ride too since it made for easy midday nap and break times (we usually ate all means at the campsite; seriously, I didn't KNOW there were real restaurants in the MK for years--I thought all you could get was a hotdog or burger at Pinocchio Haus).

In college, I went with friends and we stayed at All-Star Movies. The decor was just too over top cheesy for me, but the price was great (no preferred rooms back then so we got one close to the main hall but away from the pool which was perfect). Stayed at the Music resort in a preferred room a few years back, and it too was cheesy and the pool noise was bothersome, but not enough to trade it for the 20 minute walk of a quiet room. And the staff were amazing. All just super kind and friendly and helpful.

I'm not really one to care about my room whilst at Disney--I'm barely there and never eat at the resort restaurants (that's what the World Showcase is for, right?). So for the price and convenience I'm not going to turn down the All-Stars, but I'd stay at Sports if I went value again as it is the first stop on the bus route.

The second half of that same trip, I stayed at Pop century and was completely disappointed. My room was horrible. A crack in the ceiling, mold & mildew in the bathroom and vanity, fraying towels, a live cockroach, ripped and peeling wallpaper, paper thin walls that forced me to hear the lovemaking going on next door (seriously, who has energy for that after a day in the parks?), plus less than friendly or helpful staff (with the exception of one standout Barb, I remember her name because she was so awesome). Smokers everywhere were completely ignoring the no smoking signs; one smoker was actually pointedly blowing smoke at the no smoking sign and cast members walked by without saying a word. Best thing about the grounds was I saw tons of bunnies every morning and evening which was the only good I found at Pop Century. I took pictures of my room and sent them to Disney in a very friendly but disappointed letter. Never heard back. But from reviews by other subsonic folks, perhaps my room and experience was irregular.

In Jan 2012, I magically got to stay at the Caribbean Beach. I had used my Hilton Vacation points to book my family in a 3 bedroom condo on International Dr (like we had done in 2008 & 2010). My parents take the master, I was in the smaller room (with two double beds), my older sis took the lock-off 3rd bedroom, and my younger brother slept on the pull out in the living room. But as usual when we travel as adults together, we all got sick and since my bro was the most sick (missed a day and a half in the parks whilst a nasty flu bug ran its course), I gave him the extra bed in my room and from my iPhone whilst walking round in Frontierland booked a room for myself for the last 2 days at all-star movies. When I tried to check-in, the CM said there was a note on my reservation and she had to make a call. I was worried that something had gone wrong, but instead she told me that I had been upgraded to a Caribbean Beach preferred room. She gave me a taxi voucher and sent me off to CB where they seriously took care of me. I was so totally impressed. Felt kinda like royalty so I can only imagine what it must be like to stay at one of the deluxe resorts. The room design was pretty much exactly like the All-Stars (maybe a teeny bit bigger), but the service was so much better. The bus line for getting to the park was no problem, but the return from EPCOT during EMH was considerable. I was in line way outside the designated queue area but made it on the third bus (standing because I gave my seat to a woman holding a sleeping toddler--she definitely needed & appreciated it more than I). I think the line just looked longer due to all the strollers taking up so much space.

For my next trip, I'm staying at Port Orleans - Riverside for the first time and apparently I'm going to love it and staying there will make me an official subsonic-er apparently since it seems to be a favorite of many posters. I grew up in the South but now live in California (back where I was born), so I think the theme of PO will make me feel like I'm back home in the swamps or mansions of South Carolina.

I would love to stay at the Poly one day, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money on a room I spend so little time in...

Love how detailed you were about your experiences...stayed at the CB way back and had a great experience too. Have also had some amazing experiences with CM's, and above and beyond treatment from Disney in general. In 2003 my little nephew, 2 1/2 yrs, had a horrible ear infection that had been treated before he left home, but the meds weren't working. The poor guy was so sick. After one call to the front desk we had a ride to the on property clinic. The Dr prescribed a new med, and we got another ride to the drug store where they insisted on waiting while the prescription was filled. After a ride back to the Boardwalk, and no charge...just a "happy we could help", Cooper was better and raring to go and enjoy the parks the next day ! My family will never forget what they did for us, and little Cooper...

[Sleepy90]

Wow that was some post Jenmuse nice to hear about your different reactions to places.

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside this time. I will be there right behind you it is one of my favourite resorts but I will let you make your own mind up it will be good to see how you rate it.
For years people told us Le Cellier was a great place to eat and finally we took the plunge about three years ago. What can I say never again the atmosphere was good but not the food, so now I like to let people do their own thing and let them make their own mind up.

[Amy]

...In 2003 my little nephew, 2 1/2 yrs, had a horrible ear infection that had been treated before he left home, but the meds weren't working. The poor guy was so sick. After one call to the front desk we had a ride to the on property clinic. The Dr prescribed a new med, and we got another ride to the drug store where they insisted on waiting while the prescription was filled. After a ride back to the Boardwalk, and no charge...just a "happy we could help", Cooper was better and raring to go and enjoy the parks the next day ! My family will never forget what they did for us, and little Cooper...

That is great customer service there! Well done Disney

Wow that was some post Jenmuse nice to hear about your different reactions to places.

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside this time. I will be there right behind you it is one of my favourite resorts but I will let you make your own mind up it will be good to see how you rate it.
For years people told us Le Cellier was a great place to eat and finally we took the plunge about three years ago. What can I say never again the atmosphere was good but not the food, so now I like to let people do their own thing and let them make their own mind up.

I still like to hear what people like. I could see where you would be disappointed when the experience doesn't live up to the hype, but there are lots of things that people might not try if they weren't going on someone else's recommendation. It sounds like Le Cellier is one place that has been very hit or miss over the last few years...

[Sleepy90]

Wow that was some post Jenmuse nice to hear about your different reactions to places.

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside this time. I will be there right behind you it is one of my favourite resorts but I will let you make your own mind up it will be good to see how you rate it.
For years people told us Le Cellier was a great place to eat and finally we took the plunge about three years ago. What can I say never again the atmosphere was good but not the food, so now I like to let people do their own thing and let them make their own mind up.

I still like to hear what people like. I could see where you would be disappointed when the experience doesn't live up to the hype, but there are lots of things that people might not try if they weren't going on someone else's recommendation. It sounds like Le Cellier is one place that has been very hit or miss over the last few years...

Aw man I was soooooo disappointed and especially since the other place that we ate that year was the one that I thought I would not like and it turned out to be really good. The Biergarten has that piped saurkraut smell in the courtyard which makes me feel ill but inside it is not there and the band was really good.

[dstrawn9889]

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[Amy]

Wow that was some post Jenmuse nice to hear about your different reactions to places.

Staying at Port Orleans Riverside this time. I will be there right behind you it is one of my favourite resorts but I will let you make your own mind up it will be good to see how you rate it.
For years people told us Le Cellier was a great place to eat and finally we took the plunge about three years ago. What can I say never again the atmosphere was good but not the food, so now I like to let people do their own thing and let them make their own mind up.

I still like to hear what people like. I could see where you would be disappointed when the experience doesn't live up to the hype, but there are lots of things that people might not try if they weren't going on someone else's recommendation. It sounds like Le Cellier is one place that has been very hit or miss over the last few years...

Aw man I was soooooo disappointed and especially since the other place that we ate that year was the one that I thought I would not like and it turned out to be really good. The Biergarten has that piped saurkraut smell in the courtyard which makes me feel ill but inside it is not there and the band was really good.

I've turned up my nose at the Biergarten due to that smell ~ it's definitely stomach churning for me, but F1gment loooooooves kraut!, but I have since read here and elsewhere that the smell isn't so bad inside. It certainly might be on our list to try next time...but we'll see. Even though we are partly German, I'm more of a fan of Italian food The lure of the Oom Pa Pa band could swing it. I had fun in Germany when I got to see a band perform live. Made the food a little tastier
was the restaurant that surprised you the Biergarten or a different restaurant?

[JenMuse]

Love how detailed you were about your experiences...stayed at the CB way back and had a great experience too. Have also had some amazing experiences with CM's, and above and beyond treatment from Disney in general. In 2003 my little nephew, 2 1/2 yrs, had a horrible ear infection that had been treated before he left home, but the meds weren't working. The poor guy was so sick. After one call to the front desk we had a ride to the on property clinic. The Dr prescribed a new med, and we got another ride to the drug store where they insisted on waiting while the prescription was filled. After a ride back to the Boardwalk, and no charge...just a "happy we could help", Cooper was better and raring to go and enjoy the parks the next day ! My family will never forget what they did for us, and little Cooper...

Oh, that just warms my heart. I love reading these kinds of stories. Makes Disney feel more like a community and less like a business.

[Sleepy90]

I've turned up my nose at the Biergarten due to that smell ~ it's definitely stomach churning for me, but F1gment loooooooves kraut!, but I have since read here and elsewhere that the smell isn't so bad inside. It certainly might be on our list to try next time...but we'll see. Even though we are partly German, I'm more of a fan of Italian food The lure of the Oom Pa Pa band could swing it. I had fun in Germany when I got to see a band perform live. Made the food a little tastier
was the restaurant that surprised you the Biergarten or a different restaurant?

Yes the restaurant that surprised me was the Biergarten if there had of been anyone else at the table up for it I would have been down on the floor doing the polka to the music that the band was playing.

[Amy]

I've turned up my nose at the Biergarten due to that smell ~ it's definitely stomach churning for me, but F1gment loooooooves kraut!, but I have since read here and elsewhere that the smell isn't so bad inside. It certainly might be on our list to try next time...but we'll see. Even though we are partly German, I'm more of a fan of Italian food The lure of the Oom Pa Pa band could swing it. I had fun in Germany when I got to see a band perform live. Made the food a little tastier
was the restaurant that surprised you the Biergarten or a different restaurant?

Yes the restaurant that surprised me was the Biergarten if there had of been anyone else at the table up for it I would have been down on the floor doing the polka to the music that the band was playing.

The music really does make you want to dance! I would have joined you! Not that I know how to polka, but I'm up for trying

[Searlproudbottom]

It was somewhere in time, June I think The year was 1972 I was 17, My Father and I hit the road, A road trip from Northern California to Delaware Ohio. Dad wanted to see the farm and to show me where he grew up. After a couple of days looking up his family and old friends He asked me if I wanted to take a side trip down to Florida to see the newly opened Walt Disney World. What could I say but let’s do it. Walt Disney World was literally out in the sticks. We had a hard time finding the place. The only thing open was the Magic Kingdom and it wasn’t completed. I remember that Tomorrowland still had a lot of work going on. At the end of the day we took a Monorail Ride and got off at the Polynesian Resort. I remember walking in and looking down at the atrium in the Grand Ceremonial House. Walking out to the pool I was totally in awe. Growing up in a small town I had never seen anything like this before. I asked my Dad if we could stay there and he said he would check out the price of a room. As I remember it was like $38 dollars a night way too much money for us to spend on our Budget. I vowed that someday I will stay there. The Year was 1984 my wife and I had taken the plunge we were on our way to the Polynesian. I can remember that trip like it was yesterday. We took a night flight from Reno Nevada arriving at the Poly early in the morning, checking in and walking upstairs to look down at the atrium just like my father and I did when I was 17. Four More trips came later so the Polynesian is my Favorite.

Searl Proudbottom