Best Resort for Anniversary Trip?

[neverlandsky]

Looking for a resort for our 25th Anniversary trip next year. We've done only YC with our teens and then 2 bed BRV @ WL with our adult kids. YC was a one and done for us. We were blown away by The Wilderness Lodge. It brought us to tears when we entered the room. This will be the first long trip we've had as a couple since our honeymoon trip. Although it's Disney, looking for less kids more adults experience. Sprinkle of kids is ok, which when we stayed at BRV @ WL it hit the sweet spot with 4 adults. It was so peaceful and quiet.

Narrowed it down to GF, WL, AKL, BW, or maybe BC?

 

[MICKIMINI]

Congrats on 25!! What about Riviera?

 

[Mle8308]

BRV was just remodeled in the past 18 months, maybe go back? And congratulations!!!

 

[neverlandsky]

Congrats on 25!! What about Riviera?

Thank you. A bit scared of the Riviera due to Skyliner.

 

[tinkerjo]

I really really wanted WL fireworks view for our anniversary trip, I just couldn’t justify the price. We love WL and stayed CCV last year with our adult kids and I agree with you. The lobby is majestic and the rooms just gorgeous!!! The resort wasn’t overly overrun by kids and my favorite place in the world is Geyser point at night, eating desert watching fireworks!!! (I ended up booking a BB for our anniversary trip at POFQ and almost a little sad. I keep reminding myself I’m at Disney, it doesn’t matter, but it does a little bit)

 

[mrsap]

Congrats! I recommend GF (Club Level, if you really want to splurge!) Rooms were all recently redone, as well as the lounge! It’s peaceful and beautiful! When you have time, look up review videos on YouTube. It will help give you a visual on each resort you’re interested in, and hopefully make it easier to pick one! Good luck and enjoy!

 

[focusondisney]

Although it's Disney, looking for less kids more adults experience. Sprinkle of kids is ok, which when we stayed at BRV @ WL it hit the sweet spot with 4 adults. It was so peaceful and quiet.

Narrowed it down to GF, WL, AKL, BW, or maybe BC?

IMO YC usually has the least amount of kids because it often hosts conferences. I would definitely rule out BC if you want less kids. That resort seems to draw more families & the lobby is full of families waiting for Cape May. Also, not sure when your trip is, but Storm Along Bay & YC rooms are scheduled for renovations from January to June next year.

Of your other choices, I haven’t stayed at AKL, but families seem to like it for the animal watching from the rooms. I think they all will pretty much have the same amount of kids at any of them. GF & BW have beautiful rooms & upscale atmosphere. But there are lots of kids at both. And the feature pools at all resorts are packed with kids. If you really liked WL, why not just go there again?

Again, not sure of when your trip is, but timing may be more important in having less kids than which resort you stay at. Avoiding holiday weeks & school breaks like spring break, Jersey week & fall breaks will help. The least amount of school aged kids seems to be the first 2 weeks in September, but that’s hurricane season & HOT.

 

[neverlandsky]

IMO YC usually has the least amount of kids because it often hosts conferences. I would definitely rule out BC if you want less kids. That resort seems to draw more families & the lobby is full of families waiting for Cape May. Also, not sure when your trip is, but Storm Along Bay & YC rooms are scheduled for renovations from January to June next year.

Of your other choices, I haven’t stayed at AKL, but families seem to like it for the animal watching from the rooms. I think they all will pretty much have the same amount of kids at any of them. GF & BW have beautiful rooms & upscale atmosphere. But there are lots of kids at both. And the feature pools at all resorts are packed with kids. If you really liked WL, why not just go there again?

Again, not sure of when your trip is, but timing may be more important in having less kids than which resort you stay at. Avoiding holiday weeks & school breaks like spring break, Jersey week & fall breaks will help. The least amount of school aged kids seems to be the first 2 weeks in September, but that’s hurricane season & HOT.

Thank you. Yes, we didn't go to the feature pool at all at WL. We were at the Boulder Ridge Pool. Mostly adults with a sprinkle of kids winding down from the day. Very relaxing. Trip would be mid-August. We know the hot since we visited this past July. When we go in August next year, planning just evenings/AH in the parks.

Could go to WL again. Was looking for something we've never done before since it's a special occasion. We do like the WL resort, a lot. Definitely some food for thought.

 

[Hisgirl]

We love GF as a couple. It's small and so intimate and easy to walk over to the lobby to sit and enjoy the beauty of it all while listening to the piano player on the grand piano. The grounds are stunning, so much green grass and flowers. Even the quick service food is a bit higher end and easy to make a nice meal. The casual dining is so nice and you can sit on the docks and watch the fireworks. It's beautiful resort and ruined us for anything else.

 

[bethclayton]

Hands down I am going to recommend GF CL if that is in the realm of possibility, or a non CL room if not. It is so relaxing and beautiful there. And there are some really nice adult things to do, like the Enchanted Rose, the shopping, and the dining is amazing. The pianist makes for wonderful ambience after about 3 pm. I even just love being outside there in the evenings, it is so relaxing and just such a cool vibe. Beautiful view of the fireworks from the marina. They have a fantastic spa. We have been doing Disney as a family for nearly 20 years, but this February will be the first time my husband and I are going just the two of us and that is where we chose.

 

[Marthasor]

I think I would choose GF in your case. I also love BRV and just had a lovely stay at AKL. If you didn't like YC, I'm not sure you will like BC and BWI is so loud, IMHO. Especially if you aren't planning on doing parks during the day, GF offers a lot - lovely pools, boat rentals, the monorail to explore other resorts, close proximity to WL and Ft. W if you want to visit, the spa, etc. The rooms are also gorgeous.

 

[neverlandsky]

Thank you all. Sounds like GF is the perfect fit.

 

[Babsy]

I love the GF and GF RPC (main building club level) is wonderful. Any resort at Disney will have children, but they are generally well behaved and perhaps a little bit more scarce in the deluxe resorts. The GF Club level is a sound choice. There are King rooms with a magical view of the castle and fireworks if you want to book theme park view! This option is quite pricey! Dining options at the GF are exceptional. Maybe book Victoria and Albert's for that special evening!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is another beautiful resort that my husband and I love. A club level room in Jamba House would be a very nice experience for fewer dollars. A savanna view room would also be nice. If you opt to stay here, I recommend renting a car so that you are not relying on the buses. Not that we had a problem with the buses, but they are not really romantic and will put you into close contact with children. The AKL is styled very similarly to Wilderness Lodge, but with an African theme. The dining options at AKL are also excellent.

I would rule out the BC if you weren't wowed by YC. It is much the same but with more kids and a busier atmosphere. The BWI is nice, especially at Club level. There are some romantic cottages that have club level access at the BWI. They have some disadvantages, IMO, but some people like them. You may want to check them out in a You Tube review, if interested.

Personally, I would let my budget and availability decide between The GF and AKL. Both are gorgeous and perfect for a romantic stay.

 

[summerlvr]

I realize this isn't on your list, but I would consider Club Level in the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. It's generally not teeming with kids since it is a convention hotel and there are tons of dining options.

 

[Mousetopia]

Looking for a resort for our 25th Anniversary trip next year. We've done only YC with our teens and then 2 bed BRV @ WL with our adult kids. YC was a one and done for us. We were blown away by The Wilderness Lodge. It brought us to tears when we entered the room. This will be the first long trip we've had as a couple since our honeymoon trip. Although it's Disney, looking for less kids more adults experience. Sprinkle of kids is ok, which when we stayed at BRV @ WL it hit the sweet spot with 4 adults. It was so peaceful and quiet.

Narrowed it down to GF, WL, AKL, BW, or maybe BC?

If you felt that for Wl the AKL Jambo alll the way!!!! Takes my breath away every time

 

[Jonnnyap]

Congratulations on your anniversary! I’ll add to the recommendations for Animal Kingdom Lodge/Villas. We’ve stayed there many times as a couple (and family), and it’s our DVC home resort. The animal viewing is phenomenal. There are many quiet spots to enjoy the view and take in the scenery. Between Jambo and Kidani buildings, which are an easy, quick walk/shuttle to each other, you have multiple restaurants, bars, pools, and gift shops. Check out the bar/restaurant options if you haven’t yet. Highly recommended, especially for a couple trip.

Hope you have fun wherever you decide!

 

[leebee]

I'd choose savanna view at AKL or a tower room at CSR. I don't get the lure of club level... too many great restaurant offerings to choose from to sit around eating snacky-things in the hotel, IMO.

 

[justme0729]

I would pick the Grand Floridian if you think you might like it- monorail or walk to MK, fireworks on property, nice restaurants, spa, etc make it nice for adults. But if you loved WL, I bet you would love a Savannah view at AKL too.

 

[Skippyboo]

Savanna view at AKL , great dining with Jiko, Boma and Saana . The Victoria Falls lounge. It’s a beautiful resort. Coffee on your balcony watching the giraffes.

 

[Bullseye]

AKL Savannah view is very relaxing. Personally though, I'd do a Poly studio because its such a beautiful resort with good dining, and all the perks of staying on monorail.