Which DVC resort would be best if you didn’t have a park pass?

[Lakegirl]

I'd say a BLT. You can use the pool area at the Contemporary in addition to BLT, you have the monorail close by and two other resorts to explore and dine/drink at on your doorstep. From many vantage points in the 3 resorts you can see the lighting up of the castle and fireworks. However on the down side I don't think I could be that close to MK and not cross the threshold.

Way too tempting!!

 

[gdrj]

Lots of good choices. I would select any of the monorail resorts so I could visit resorts easily to take advantage of shopping, restaurants, lounges, plus take a boat from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge (Really like Geyser Point outside bar there). Plus a quick boat ride to Ft Wilderness as well. I do like AKL especially Jambo House BUT other resorts due to proximity to nearby resorts would be my choice. You could do a split stay AKL for a few days and rest at a monorail resort.

 

[gdrj]

ESpn for fun., dueling pianos, Big river grill , Trattoria al Forno and more at BCV and Swan.Dolphin

I own at BWV and love the resort. Not as big on ESPN, if there is a big game on, it can be difficult to get in. Food is typical bar food if thats what you want.

 

[MrsBooch]

We are doing a no park stay in November (hopefully). I did a TON of research on the best resort - our family will be me, husband and an under 10 year old son. For us it was between OKW and WL/CCV

We went with Copper Creek/WL - and we'll be in a 1 bedroom. Here's why:
1. I looked up 2019's November resort Activities listing and it was pretty extensive, tons of both paid and unpaid activities and scavenger hunts and tours, craft making etc
2. Boat to Fort Wilderness, so we can enjoy Hoop Dee Doo, or the Chip and Dale (FREE) Campfire Sing a Long, or take a horse drawn carriage ride at night through the decorated for Christmas camp grounds, or just walk around - also they have horseback riding - 45 mins for $55 per person and my son is OBSESSED with horses
3. Rent a boat and tool around on the lake
4. You can see the MK fireworks from upper level rooms or other parts of the resort ANDDD my personal favorite, you can see the Electrical Water Pageant from Geyser Point
5. Boat directly to Contemporary resort to hit up Top of the World Lounge and also my fave non park activity - monorail resort hopping
6. The food! Artist Point - Character Dinner, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point, even Roaring Fork (those cupcakes...mmmm)
7. Everything is inside - if we need to run to Roaring Fork, or if we want to go to dinner or do anything - everything is in the building - we'll walk from our room to the elevator to the lobby - plus the walk to buses is all covered as well.
8. The Pool - the main pool slide is very tame (some may say lame) but my kid is a giant chicken - and that slide is totally open so he will actually use it, go down on his own, and I won't have to give him a Tony Robbins life talk every single time to encourage him to slide down.
9. The overall view, the actual geyser that spurts up, the fake waterfalls, right up against the water, it's just so pretty and close enough to the action so that we can see what we love (fireworks and water pageant) but far enough away that we aren't constantly pining for the parks.

 

[rkstocke5609]

We are doing a no park stay in November (hopefully). I did a TON of research on the best resort - our family will be me, husband and an under 10 year old son. For us it was between OKW and WL/CCV

We went with Copper Creek/WL - and we'll be in a 1 bedroom. Here's why:
1. I looked up 2019's November resort Activities listing and it was pretty extensive, tons of both paid and unpaid activities and scavenger hunts and tours, craft making etc
2. Boat to Fort Wilderness, so we can enjoy Hoop Dee Doo, or the Chip and Dale (FREE) Campfire Sing a Long, or take a horse drawn carriage ride at night through the decorated for Christmas camp grounds, or just walk around - also they have horseback riding - 45 mins for $55 per person and my son is OBSESSED with horses
3. Rent a boat and tool around on the lake
4. You can see the MK fireworks from upper level rooms or other parts of the resort ANDDD my personal favorite, you can see the Electrical Water Pageant from Geyser Point
5. Boat directly to Contemporary resort to hit up Top of the World Lounge and also my fave non park activity - monorail resort hopping
6. The food! Artist Point - Character Dinner, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point, even Roaring Fork (those cupcakes...mmmm)
7. Everything is inside - if we need to run to Roaring Fork, or if we want to go to dinner or do anything - everything is in the building - we'll walk from our room to the elevator to the lobby - plus the walk to buses is all covered as well.
8. The Pool - the main pool slide is very tame (some may say lame) but my kid is a giant chicken - and that slide is totally open so he will actually use it, go down on his own, and I won't have to give him a Tony Robbins life talk every single time to encourage him to slide down.
9. The overall view, the actual geyser that spurts up, the fake waterfalls, right up against the water, it's just so pretty and close enough to the action so that we can see what we love (fireworks and water pageant) but far enough away that we aren't constantly pining for the parks.

Exactly!

 

[BeachNut]

We are doing a no park stay in November (hopefully). I did a TON of research on the best resort - our family will be me, husband and an under 10 year old son. For us it was between OKW and WL/CCV

We went with Copper Creek/WL - and we'll be in a 1 bedroom. Here's why:
1. I looked up 2019's November resort Activities listing and it was pretty extensive, tons of both paid and unpaid activities and scavenger hunts and tours, craft making etc
2. Boat to Fort Wilderness, so we can enjoy Hoop Dee Doo, or the Chip and Dale (FREE) Campfire Sing a Long, or take a horse drawn carriage ride at night through the decorated for Christmas camp grounds, or just walk around - also they have horseback riding - 45 mins for $55 per person and my son is OBSESSED with horses
3. Rent a boat and tool around on the lake
4. You can see the MK fireworks from upper level rooms or other parts of the resort ANDDD my personal favorite, you can see the Electrical Water Pageant from Geyser Point
5. Boat directly to Contemporary resort to hit up Top of the World Lounge and also my fave non park activity - monorail resort hopping
6. The food! Artist Point - Character Dinner, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point, even Roaring Fork (those cupcakes...mmmm)
7. Everything is inside - if we need to run to Roaring Fork, or if we want to go to dinner or do anything - everything is in the building - we'll walk from our room to the elevator to the lobby - plus the walk to buses is all covered as well.
8. The Pool - the main pool slide is very tame (some may say lame) but my kid is a giant chicken - and that slide is totally open so he will actually use it, go down on his own, and I won't have to give him a Tony Robbins life talk every single time to encourage him to slide down.
9. The overall view, the actual geyser that spurts up, the fake waterfalls, right up against the water, it's just so pretty and close enough to the action so that we can see what we love (fireworks and water pageant) but far enough away that we aren't constantly pining for the parks.

I also love the WL so thanks for sharing your research!

 

[Bullseye]

Kidani because its' remote from the parks, animals on the savannah, plus great pools and dining choices. Or BC so I would have SAB to go to everyday plus the boardwalk nearby.

 

[zorro77]

I still like OKW, very relaxing and easy to vist springs with boat ride or nice walk down or back.

 

[pineapplepalms]

For a no park stay, I would definitely pick SSR preferred and request Congress Park for easy walking access to DS.
- The renovated rooms are great! We just stayed there in February for the first time and really enjoyed our stay.
- So many great restaurants at DS. Some of our favorites and lots more we have yet to try. We love Homecomin’, Jaleo, and WBG plus many others.
- Lots of shopping at DS, including LEGO for the kids.
- Live music and entertainment options at DS, including Cirque du Soleil, Splitsville, and AMC.
- Several pools at SSR to choose from, plus they also have a playground and Community Hall which our kids love.
- Senses Spa is at SSR and I’ve loved the spa services there.
- Bus access to other resorts and boat access to some resorts from DS.
- Plenty of paths at SSR for running/walking/biking.

I prefer other resorts for going to the parks, but SSR has so many things going for it when you’re not concerned with things like being able to walk to a park.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Your signature says you are from "Too far North." I would second an earlier poster's comment that you should try a non-WDW resort. I wouldn't drive all the way down to Florida if I weren't going to the parks --although there are lots of wonderful things to do.

I would suggest Hilton Head DVC. It is amazing and you have the entire island and the historic towns surrounding as well! It is truly a gem among the DVC resorts and some of the best CM's ever!

 

[BeachNut]

For a no park stay, I would definitely pick SSR preferred and request Congress Park for easy walking access to DS.
- The renovated rooms are great! We just stayed there in February for the first time and really enjoyed our stay.
- So many great restaurants at DS. Some of our favorites and lots more we have yet to try. We love Homecomin’, Jaleo, and WBG plus many others.
- Lots of shopping at DS, including LEGO for the kids.
- Live music and entertainment options at DS, including Cirque du Soleil, Splitsville, and AMC.
- Several pools at SSR to choose from, plus they also have a playground and Community Hall which our kids love.
- Senses Spa is at SSR and I’ve loved the spa services there.
- Bus access to other resorts and boat access to some resorts from DS.
- Plenty of paths at SSR for running/walking/biking.

I prefer other resorts for going to the parks, but SSR has so many things going for it when you’re not concerned with things like being able to walk to a park.

What kind of activities would you recommend for adults at Disney Springs? It seems like there’s a lot going on but I’m not sure what’s good.

 

[sethschroeder]

I just know if I buy into this I won’t want to go to the parks every vacation.

Then you bank or rent out your points.

DVC rooms are still way to expensive to be paying for if I wasn't going to Disney. For us we plan on taking two vacations each year Disney and Other.

I mean renting out your points likely can pay for hotel and flight over the similar timespan most places.

 

[pineapplepalms]

What kind of activities would you recommend for adults at Disney Springs? It seems like there’s a lot going on but I’m not sure what’s good.

Generally there are just so many great restaurants and also some fun shopping. They're also still adding new restaurants/shops. If you haven't tried a lot of the restaurants at DS, I'd highly recommend checking them out!

For entertainment, they often have live music. The new Cirque du Soleil show looks like it will be good. Bowling/dining at Splitsville, dine-in movies at AMC. The Void if you like virtual reality experiences. I also like checking out the seasonal food offerings they have, like for the holidays.

 

[BeachNut]

Generally there are just so many great restaurants and also some fun shopping. They're also still adding new restaurants/shops. If you haven't tried a lot of the restaurants at DS, I'd highly recommend checking them out!

For entertainment, they often have live music. The new Cirque du Soleil show looks like it will be good. Bowling/dining at Splitsville, dine-in movies at AMC. The Void if you like virtual reality experiences. I also like checking out the seasonal food offerings they have, like for the holidays.

Thank you - all this and you don’t need a park pass!

 

[jimmytammy]

Wow, you will get some verying replies here. For me, I prefer either VWL(Some call call it Boulder Ridge)because its relaxing, boat ride to FW, or CR, from there, monorail around to Poly or GF, plus EWP at night, or BLT for basically same reasons.

BWV for proximity to other resorts and eats

Or SSR for proximity for DS

 

[cm8]

I would absolutely pick SSR! We love it there! We love the ease of boarding a boat to go eat at our favorite restaurants in DS! I love the convenience of walking my meal off after dinner or lunch. The view from Saratoga’s is breathtaking most times.

The breeze on your skin and the bliss you feel pulling up at the docks are second to none. I say this as someone who owns VGF and BLT I love my resorts too. I could never in good faith stay at either one of them and be like..... no parks ..... It ain’t happening Especially since we have an AP.

The food in DS is hands down the best! I’d use all my DDP credits there if my child wasn’t insistent upon using them for most of her Character Meals .

 

[kimbodisney]

With a family/kids, I would say AK Jambo or Kidani for the pools and the animals. The resorts have many activities and even tours to take. Adults only I would choose Poly or VGF because of all the terrific restaurants and lounges along the monorail line. Plus of course terrific views of fireworks and other extra activities you can do at any of the monorail line resorts.

 

[BeachNut]

With a family/kids, I would say AK Jambo or Kidani for the pools and the animals. The resorts have many activities and even tours to take. Adults only I would choose Poly or VGF because of all the terrific restaurants and lounges along the monorail line. Plus of course terrific views of fireworks and other extra activities you can do at any of the monorail line resorts.

What are some of your favorite lounges and activities along the monorail line?

 

[lawgator]

OKW near HH just now because of COVID concerns. It is more spread out. You don't have to go through corridors inside to get to room and seems like you can distance yourself from people better in this resort with parking near unit and walking around. Some of the units have very nice views and rooms are larger. Could probably find a space away from others at their large pool near HH. AKL would also be good for sitting on balcony and enjoying seeing animals.

 

[kimbodisney]

What are some of your favorite lounges and activities along the monorail line?

My favorites have always been Tambu Lounge at Poly, Mizner's Lounge at GF, and Top of the World Lounge (DVC) at BLT. More recently I have enjoyed Outer Rim and Wave Lounge at Contemporary and Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Poly. The new refurbed at GF is The Enchanted Rose Lounge and it looks gorgeous. It was not open when I was there last at Christmas 2019. I have not tried the California Grill Lounge, but would like to as you can view fireworks there as well.

If going along the monorail line I would do:
GF (Enchanted Rose-catch the piano player or jazz band too)
Contemporary (Outer Rim and Wave Lounge)
Poly (Tambu and Trader Sam's)
BLT (Top of World for fireworks) OR
(California Grill Lounge for fireworks)

I have not mentioned the lounges at the pools either. Which most you have to be staying at the resort to get in them. I have enjoyed the Tiki Terrace and Oasis at the Poly and Beaches and Courtyard bars at GF.