Hotel or Villa?

[toots82]

The view from our wee patio in Grandstand area of SSR. You could see the Disney springs boats go past too.

[lov2dibb]

If you want to try the on-site experience you might as well go for a resort as close as possible to the parks. For that reason and the fact you like Epcot, I would recommend one of the Crescent Lake resorts - Beach Club, Boardwalk, Yacht club.

Although AKL/AKV are quiet and have the nature you like I don't think you would get as much benefit from being on-site as it is a bit out of the way.

If you are looking at a studio in the villa resorts then there's not a lot of difference compared to the hotel rooms other than the small kitchenette. There's no washer/dryer in the studios so you won't be able to do your own washing in the room (you'd need to go for a one bed or bigger for your own laundry facilities) but there are laundry rooms.
I've stayed in both rooms and studios and I would say rooms are a bit nicer.

If its just the two of you and price isn't a big factor then I'd say a king room at the Yacht club as it's the quietest resort in the area or else the same at BCR or BWI.

[Ridersmom]

If I had the choice of a hotel room or villa at WDW, I would always choose the villa and a one bedroom at that. The room in a one bedroom is lovely and it's nice to have a little privacy. I agree with the previous poster who said OKW or SSR (although I strongly prefer OKW).

I know there are people who sign the praises of the Epcot resorts, personally, I feel they are over priced and much prefer the tranquility of OKW.

[lov2dibb]

Originally Posted by Ridersmom

If I had the choice of a hotel room or villa at WDW, I would always choose the villa and a one bedroom at that. The room in a one bedroom is lovely and it's nice to have a little privacy. I agree with the previous poster who said OKW or SSR (although I strongly prefer OKW).

I know there are people who sign the praises of the Epcot resorts, personally, I feel they are over priced and much prefer the tranquility of OKW.

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Yes, OKW is lovely and tranquil IF you get the right room. I've not had a lot of luck with that and out of the 4 times I've stayed there I've had to change rooms 3 times because of noise - 2 rooms backed onto the road and 1 was beside a bus stop. Never again

[duchy]

Not sure I'd describe AK as quiet, always seemed to be someone drumming plus as it's a bit of attraction in itself it probably is one of the hotels that has the most non residents wandering about at all times of day.

[Ridersmom]

Love2Dibb,

We have always had a one bedroom with a patio/deck on to a golf course or fountain. I do not request being near the hospitality house or a pool so maybe this helps. We have never been far from anything though. I love how spread out the resort is though.

I have only stayed at SSR once and again, we had a view of a fountain. That stay I requested walking distance to DS.

[English Tim]

My TA tried several 1 bed villas and all that was available was OKW, which we chose not to stay at.

We have opted for a Savanna room at AKL, as it reviews well and is close to our favourite park.