Destination Disney – Three Favorite Resorts

Seems to be my running theme lately is “better late then never” and that is very true for this post.  However, sick kids and mamas prevailed in this household, , but we are back on top (or almost) so without further ado I present week eight in the Destination Disney meme hosted by Heidi’s Head!! Our topic is our Three Top Favorite Resorts and I decided to present my top pics in each of the categories the resorts fall into, that I have stayed at personally.

Top Value Resort – Pop Century

My daughter Emily and I had the opportunity to stay at the Pop Century Resort last December and we really loved it!    The resort is huge, as are all the Values, but one thing I appreciate about it is that it has it’s own parks bus.  By that I mean you do not have to anticipate dropping off or picking up passengers at other resorts when you are on your way each day.  This, in my opinion, is a time saver and cuts down on over crowded buses, well, at least in the morning. The rooms are comfortable enough and the decor is simple.  This trip it was just my daughter and I, however, if my son and husband were along I think we would have been a bit crowded.  But, when you factor in the amount of time spent in your room, it can be worth the cost savings to go with a Value.

The food court and shopping at Pop, called Everything Pop, is massive and it has to be considering the number of guests they serve each day.  The path leading to the food court has some cool decor.  Although we did not get to go swimming the main pool, called the Hippy Dippy pool is huge and every day there are games and entertainment of some sort.  Of course the main thing that attracts the eye when you get to the Pop Century Resort are the larger than life icons that represent various pop culture stages over the past fifty years.  From the giant yo-yos and bowling pins to the life size Rubix Cube and Big Wheels, these fun statues are perfect for photo ops.   Our favorite time of the year to visit Disney World is Christmas and the tree at Pop does not disappoint.

Top Moderate Resort – Port Orleans French Quarter

My family and I have stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter many times and it is, by far, my absolute most favorite resort to stay in.  The theme of this resort is New Orleans in the French Quarter and you are treated to beautiful grounds that summon the old world charm of Mardi Gras while jazz music floats around.  This resort is a bit smaller than you might expect, which I love!  Even the furthest building away from the main lobby, The Mint, the store, Jackson Square and the cool food court Sassagoula Floatworks takes mere minutes to walk to.

One of the reasons we love POFQ is that it is located right on the Sassagoula River.  You can stroll along the path all the way to the sister resort, Riverside, take a carriage ride or go by boat!  Yup, there is a dock at the French Quarter that will take you all the way to Downtown Disney for shopping and entertainment, any time of the day. It is a relaxing alternate to the bus and often more pleasant.   My daughter loves the pool at the FQ, Doubloon Lagoon and this is where you really can see the party happening!  The large pool is surrounded by festive dancing alligator band players and there is a huge sea serpent slide  that everyone adores!  The Port Orleans French Quarter will always hold a special place in my heart. How could I forget the beignets? Made everyday in the food court, these are a wonderful treat, any time of the day or night.

Top Deluxe Resort – Boardwalk Inn

The only Deluxe resort I have ever stayed at is the Boardwalk Inn.  Now I see why people save their pennies to stay in a deluxe!  What a beautiful place, from the location on the shores of Cresent Lake to the beautiful grounds and gorgeous rooms!  This resort is set in the 1940’s in Atlantic City and it does not disappoint.  The rooms are huge with two queen beds so you definitely do not feel crowded like you do in a Value.  Even the balcony was spacious and we had a view at night of IllumiNations when it happened over at Epcot!  The decor is fancy and the touches of Disney are more sophisticated.  Check out this Minnie Mouse lamp!

The decor through out the entire place is upscale, yet fun.  I adore carousels and was drawn to the various ones I found.   The pool is beautiful and without a doubt has the coolest slide on property, that being the Keister Coaster.   It got a two thumbs up from my daughter!  The buildings are well appointed and I love the design.  The look and feel of the forty’s is there.

When you need some refreshment or entertainment, you need only head down to the Boardwalk to find these.  We enjoyed our breakfast every morning while people watching, then had the joy of experiencing the nightlife with the street performers.  Epcot and Hollywood Studios are just a boat ride away and what a great way to get there!  I truly felt special staying in a Deluxe, but the extra ambiance of the Boardwalk made this a top pick for me.

Now that you have read about my favorite resorts why not share yours with me.  I would love to hear about them and why they are your top pick when staying on property at a Disney World Resort.  Make sure to check out Heidi’s Head and all of the other great posts!

FT&PD

Suz