We are DVC members and after years of going to WDW, we have decided to spend 10 days next May at a Disney resort without going to the parks. We do have an annual pass so we might pop in for dinner or a character breakfast.
So where would you stay ? And why ?
I would stay at Pop Century for 10 days. Being that I won't be going to the parks, I will be doing the following resort hopping in no particular order, so as to enjoy the more expensive resorts without paying the price
. After all, you have the time!
1. Take the bus to MK, then boat to the Grand Floridian. Look around the grounds, the lobby, and eat at one of the restaurants.
2. Walk from GF to the Poly on the beautiful walkway along the lake, visit the Poly lobby, and eat at Kona Cafe. Take the monorail back to MK, then take the bus back to Pop.
3. Take the bus to DHS, walk to Beach Club along the river, visit the lobbies of Boardwalk, Yacht Club and Beach Club, and eat at Cape May. Walk to Swan and Dolphin, take the boat to DHS, then bus back.
4. Take the bus to Epcot, transfer to bus to Port Orleans. Look around the huge and beautiful resorts Riverside and French Quarter, then take their water taxi to Disney Springs. Return to Pop by bus.
5,6. Repeat 4 with Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach. They both have long, beautiful paths around lakes, though no water taxi. Can sit and relax on the lounges by the sandy beaches.
7. Take the bus to DHS, transfer to bus to All Stars Movie or Sport. Walk around the hotels and admire their various humongous statues and decorations.
8. Take the bus to AK, then transfer to AKL. Visit the main building, then walk to the Kidani Village and admire the various animal viewings. Can also eat at the local restaurants.
9. Walk around Pop and Art of Animation and admire the various decorations, the lobbies, and the beautiful hourglass lake, which, in the evenings, is often glassy like a mirror.
Benefits of staying at Pop:
1. low budget price. For a 10 day stay, you can save $1000 to $3000 or more compared to staying at moderate or deluxe resorts. You can use the extra money on ADRs.
2. renovated rooms with bed in the wall. You can lower it if you need it, or raise it if you don't. Brand new shelves, sinks, bathtubs, fridge, USB plugs. Looks awesome! (All Star movies have some renovated rooms, but you don't know for sure if you are going to get it.)
3. Beautiful Hourglass lake and bridge to AofA. Can eat at both food courts.
4. Dedicated buses that don't stop anywhere, and are not crowded during non-rush hours. Fast elevators and convenient stairs right next to elevators.
5. 3 pools with plentiful tables and lounge chairs. 2 big video game arcades.
6. Being that you are not visiting the parks, there's no reason to be close to MK or Epcot or AK so that you can get in and out of there faster. Pop is a central location for resort hopping and is fairly close to Disney Springs as well.
