Grand Floridian/Fort Wilderness/Coronado Springs?????

[everest]

HELP!!

when at wdw at xmas we upgraded to Animal Kingdom Lodge for last 3 nights and it was fantastic!! Off to WDW again in February and are in a quandry as to which to upgrade to again!! Hoping to go round all eventually.

Bearing in mind we will have a 10 year old and 13 year old (boys) in tow, which would you choose from your personal experience??

Grand Floridian - Fort Wilderness - Coronado Springs??

[Clare]

I've voted for Coronado Springs based on your boys' ages, Coronado has a brilliant pool and a good arcade, it's not in the same league as the deluxe resorts but it is a very nice resort, although some say too spread out I personally didn't find it so. Grand Floridian is very nice but (and I'm sure others may say different), I feel is more suited to romance, Fort Wilderness looks great fun but as I've never stayed there I can't comment on experience.
Clare

[rusty30]

Thats an interesting choice of resorts!

Having visited all 3, but not stayed at any I cant give you too much advice, however here is my opinion for what its worth!

Grand Floridian. Probably the weakest pool area of any of the Deluxes. Also, not a great selection of restaurants with boys of that age. Advantages would be the monorail and beach, but have you considered the Polynesian which has a fantastic pool area and beach, plus more kid friendly places to eat? This is what we picked this year.

Fort Wilderness. I take it you are considering a cabin? This might be a good choice, as the boys would have their own bedroom, giving you and your partner a bit of time on your own..and you can watch TV and have a drink when they have gone to bed! Disadvantages are the transport links from here can be long winded.

Coronado Springs. The cheapest option by quite a bit. Great pool complex. Well served by the buses and pretty close to most of the parks. Disadvantages would be the room would be smaller than that of a deluxe. Might get cramped with 4 of you in there!

If I had to pick from your choices, I think I would probably pick Fort Wilderness if you like a bit of space or the GF if proximity to the parks is a priority. If money is a factor then CSR is one of the best Moderate hotels for room size and facilites.

Happy choosing! (Ive voted for Fort Wilderness!)

[ian180]

We love the GF and always have since our honeymoon 7 years ago.

Aswell as some fine dining restaurants, there is the 1900 Park Fare character breakfast and dinner, buffet style with a huge range for all to eat, specialising in a kids buffet too, with wine/beer for adults. Food excellent, and of course the characters make it. In addition to this there is a 24 hour Casparillos Grill, where you can eat in/take out all kinds of stuff, including burgers, pizza's, chicken strips etc. and breakfast rolls, eggs, muffins, all drinks. It has improved over the years and is not bad if you want something quick and cheerful or even a quick cup of coffee in the morning.

The pool areas have improved in my opinion and 2 years ago a new pool opened with water slides/chutes overlooking the bay/lake and MK itself. Very popular.

The huge lobby is amazing, very informal but breathtaking, where we quite happily could sit for an hour a time, watching the world go by, as many did. Either the grand piano is being played or the brass band plays late afternoon/evening.

The monorail is one stop from MK which is great, and a boat ride back with the fisr stop being the GF takes only 5 minutes too. Regular shuttle coaches take you all over the parks too.

This hotel is fun for all the family - beautiful decor, amazing lobby, many restaurants to choose from, good service in an informal atmosphere, 2 good pools and a great location. In my view, this is the best! And of course it is Disney's Flagship hotel.