https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:18:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2129357 Wed, 01 Apr 2015 11:47:38 +0000 sheskrafty 2129357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122728 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:54:30 +0000 BananaPancakes 2122728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: oh god, I forgot about the ketchup. Ha ha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122721 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:52:51 +0000 kjpugs 2122721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: haha yes they did that while we were there. And the KETCHUPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the buckets full of drink refills! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122714 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:51:49 +0000 BananaPancakes 2122714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122698 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:48:10 +0000 kjpugs 2122698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: GRRRRR! I was there!!!! But I had chocolate chip pancakes on the brain. Plus that place stressed me out a little with the whole "sassy" optional waitstaff. Oh and keeping my daughter from eating the crayons, haha. We walked the grounds... my DD loved the stream and the beach area looked amazing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122687 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:43:32 +0000 BananaPancakes 2122687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: @Mrs. Rabbit: Ok, it's at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, and you need to order the All-You-Care-to-Enjoy breakfast platter. It tastes as serious as it sounds. And they must be the Mickey-shaped waffles for ultimate enjoyment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122684 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:40:59 +0000 kjpugs 2122684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: as far as I know, you can eat anywhere! I've gone to eat any many resorts, none of which I was staying at. If you want to do a pricey but memorable breakfast, the character one at the Contemporary is amazing. DH worked there when he injured himself and was on light duty when he couldn't cook (just sweeping) and said it was ADORABLE. He said it was best before 9am - after that it got VERY busy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122676 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:39:00 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 2122676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: @BananaPancakes: Do you have to stay at the lodge in order to have breakfast there? Because now I want some waffles! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122658 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:27:36 +0000 kjpugs 2122658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: I didn't!!! We had a sit down brunch- not sure if they had them there even at that restaurant. Oh my goodness now I want to go back, find them, and have some there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122649 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:23:55 +0000 MrsRcCar 2122649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning on staying at AoA! I know my boys will love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122642 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:19:38 +0000 BananaPancakes 2122642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Did you have Mickey Waffles at the lodge? No joke, we've gone and stayed at the lodge with no plans on actually going to the parks, just to have the Mickey Waffles in the morning at the lodge. I swear they make them better than anywhere else on the property. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122617 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:09:46 +0000 kjpugs 2122617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: oh yeah, that place would be a dream for J!!!! SO much fun!!!!!!!! I think when my family comes in October they'll stay at a resort and we'll definitely mooch and spend a ton of time there!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait! They're all so fantastic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122612 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:08:13 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 2122612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Yup, AOA has suites, and they look like they could be perfect for our needs! I'd LOOOVE to stay in a nicer place, but I think J will totally dig it there, and I'm all about saving money! (I'll for sure text you once we figure out some sort of plan!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122598 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:03:02 +0000 BandDmommy 2122598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sunshine1810: just did.. D woke up :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122586 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:58:04 +0000 Sunshine1810 2122586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BandDmommy: Hmm hasn't shown up yet for some reason? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122579 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:54:36 +0000 BandDmommy 2122579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sunshine1810: wrote on your wall </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122572 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:52:53 +0000 kjpugs 2122572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks like @jmarionsmith: had a suite there so I'm probably mixing AoA up with the Movies type resort. I'm horrible at the names for some of them. And omg the Wilderness Lodge is HEAVEN. We had breakfast with a friend there recently and I want to live there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122569 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:51:17 +0000 kjpugs 2122569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I believe art of animation is a value resort? The value resorts are basically like the motels you see with the walkways on the outside? Hard to describe. They're really nice, but I didn't think they had suites? They do have adjoining rooms, which is what all my friends/family have done when staying there. Maybe AOA is not value... I may be just thinking about places like Pop Century etc. I truly don't think there's a bad resort. I think some of the higher level resorts just offer additional perks (like views, proximity, events, better restaurants, etc.) Feel free to text me, I have a somehwat limited knowledge base since we dont ever need to stay, but DH knows a lot! Of course I'm biased and the contemporary is the best :) but I dont think we could afford more than a night there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122546 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:39:04 +0000 MrsTal 2122546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with those that recommend looking into renting DVC points. We've stayed with my aunt and uncle who have points in DVC and it was awesome, so nice to have a kitchen, separate bedrooms and in room washer and dryer. If that's too much I have heard awesome reviews for art of animation suites. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122517 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:12:20 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 2122517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: Found it! I'm so glad you remembered that someone wrote about it! </p> <p>Here it is in case anyone else is wondering: <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2014/09/09/art-of-animation-resort-review/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2014/09/09/art-of-animation-resort-review/</a></p> <p>and here's the rest of her posts on DW (hopefully I can add to it after I visit later this year)! <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/tag/disney-world/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/tag/disney-world/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122511 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:08:14 +0000 MrsADS 2122511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram I haven't actually done it but I know a lot of people who have. You can rent points from DVC owners directly but I would probably not do that unless it's someone you know.</p> <p>I think the points system basically works like - if you "buy in" to the vacation club, you purchase a contract with a certain number of points (say, 100 points a year). The points are worth various amounts and you can use them toward your stays at DVC resorts. For example, 1 night at the Grand Floridian Villas in summer might be 50 points, 1 night at Saratoga Springs in September might only be 15 points. </p> <p>There's several travel services that basically run a business where DVC owners "sell" them their unused DVC points. Then, people can basically "rent" the points to stay at nicer DVC hotels for less money. Like, an owner sells 100 points and they are paid $15 a point. The business will then rent the points to anyone who wants to buy them for, say, $16 a point. </p> <p>You can actually book the larger DVC rooms/suites from Disney directly and pay cash if you don't own DVC, but it's CRAZY expensive. Like, you might pay $350-$400 a night for a studio. But if you rent points, you might be able to get that same studio for $150 a night. It's basically a way to stay at a deluxe resort for a lot cheaper.</p> <p>Hope that makes sense? I haven't actually done it but I know a lot of people who have. I think a lot of the online services are pretty reputable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122496 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:59:49 +0000 NorthStar 2122496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One of the bloggers did a whole post about Art of Animation, so look for that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122486 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:56:02 +0000 Anagram 2122486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: how does that work, exactly? I mean how do you rent if you aren't a DVC member? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122478 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:53:22 +0000 Mrs. Rabbit 2122478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jmarionsmith: So glad to hear you had a great time, and that you stayed where we're considering! Which themed room did you guys stay in? Do you know if you can specifically request a specific theme? And, do you have any tips (just in general re: disney world) since it looks like my kids will be around the same age yours are?</p> <p>@MrsADS: I'll definitely look into DVC—thanks for the idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122462 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:46:10 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2122462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've heard great things about Art of Animation. That's probably where we'll stay next time we go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122400 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:11:34 +0000 babynumber1 2122400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: Art of animation is awesome. The suites are amazing and affordable. We stayed there last year and loved. it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122328 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:27:03 +0000 Sunshine1810 2122328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a DVC member and I would recommend staying in a DVC resort if you can get a room (shouldn't be a problem). The suites would probably be perfect for what you need. We bought at the Floridian, but it is $$$ to just get a room there. </p> <p>I would recommend Beach Club: <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/beach-club-resort/" rel="nofollow">https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/beach-club-resort/</a>. You can walk from the Beach Club to Epcot, and it's a boat ride to Hollywood Studios. Lots of DVC members really like the Beach Club!</p> <p>If being on the monorail is important to you with little ones, you might want to check out the Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, or the new DVC property at the Polynesian. You will pay more for any of those properties, but the convenience is nice.</p> <p>I have not stayed at Kidani Village, but I have heard wonderful things from my friends who have. I hope to stay there soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122297 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:17:11 +0000 SleepyMonkey 2122297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Rabbit: yes the bedroom was separate and closed off from the living room. Kidani village is the dvc part of the animal kingdom lodges. The suite we stayed in had 2 full bathrooms and a full kitchen which was really nice with a toddler. It was dark, though...the furnishings and the lighting. I didnt mind though. Disney was smart about setting up subtle feed boxes so the animals come close but not too close, to the balconies. Would highly recommend it! Let me know if you have any questions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122217 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 09:26:46 +0000 MrsADS 2122217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Look into renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. It's the cheapest way to stay on-property in a larger suite. Plus the DVC resorts are a lot nicer than Art of Animation. You may be able to get a good deal depending on where you want to stay and what time of year you are going. </p> <p>You can Google and find several reputable sites. It's not as cheap as staying offsite but a better deal than paying cash for one of the larger rentals. Basically, the DVC rooms are larger "suites" (studio, 1 BR, 2 BR) at regular WDW hotels (usually deluxe-level), so the accommodations are going to be a lot nicer than, say, Art of Animation (which isn't bad, but you know). </p> <p>Still a little pricey but I'd personally rather rent points and stay in a 1BR at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk than Art of Animation if the prices are comparable (and they may not be, I'm not sure). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-world-where-to-stay#post-2122210 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 09:22:55 +0000 jmarionsmith 2122210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LOs are 2.5 years and 6 months and we just got back from Disney two weeks ago! We stayed at Art of Animation and loved it! The suite is small but works for having a separate room. Last year we stayed at Caribbean Beach and it was just ok. Like @bunnylove08: said it's HUGE which means a ton of walking after walking all day at the parks. Also, the food at AoA's cafeteria was better. </p> <p>We did stay at The Wilderness Lodge almost 8 years ago for our honeymoon and also LOVED it. But it was $$$ and I'm not sure if they have suites since it was just the two of us.</p> <p>Let me know if I can answer any more questions! </p>