Hi, Amy!
I'm so excited for you!! I can't think of a more fun way to celebrate such a milestone birthday! The fall is such a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World too, especially with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival going on.
I actually stayed at Disney's Wilderness Lodge last month and I have to tell you, it was pretty incredible! Being from the Pacific Northwest, I felt right at home there. The front lobby is just breathtaking and I really loved the boat ride over to Magic Kingdom Park. The pool area is just fantastic and it really feels like you're up in the mountains at a lodge. My other favorite is having the fabulous all-you-care-to-enjoy Canyon Skillet at the Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast before heading out for a busy day at the Parks!
Here's where the decision gets tough. Disney's Polynesian Resort is COMPLETELY amazing as well, and even better, it's right on the monorail line which makes getting everywhere an absolute breeze. If you plan on dining at
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort, all you have to do is hop on the monorail. The Resort grounds are just magnificent too. In fact, one of my very favorite activities is to watch Wishes nighttime spectacular while in a hammock on the sandy beach at the Polynesian. Ahhhhh! :)
I realize that $800 is a whole lot of money, but my vote is for the Polynesian if you can swing it, especially with this being your first Disney vacation. My philosophy at Disney is that time is money, and staying at the Polynesian will save you lots of travel time between Parks!
I hope this helps you decide, Amy! Please let me know if I can help with any other questions you have as you plan your magical vacation to
The Place Where Dreams Come True!
~Jackie