Back to Your Answers
Mom and daughter on Expedition Everest; Animal Kingdom
  • On Feb 27, 2012
    Celia from CO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Planning our first visit to DisneyWorld, usually go to Disneyland and stay at the Grand Californian. What hotel is comparable and has club level rooms? Are any of the hotels in or next to the park? How many days for the best experience for teens & 9 y

    Hi Celia!

    Thank you for sending in your question to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel!

    In terms of physical appearance, the Wilderness Lodge is most like the Grand Californian at Disneyland.  The Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Resort located on Bay Lake and is my personal favorite hotel at Walt Disney World.  It has boat service to the Magic Kingdom and bus service everywhere else.

    In terms of service, the Grand Floridian is probably the closest to the Grand Californian at Disneyland.  The Grand Floridian is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World and is located on the Magic Kingdom monorail line.

    The Contemporary Resort is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, while the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk are within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.  There's no hotel within walking distance of every park.  Walt Disney World is about the size of San Francisco to give you some perspective. 

    I would recommend spending at least 5 nights at Walt Disney World.  That will provide the opportunity to spend one whole day in each park.  However, even then, you will only be able to hit the highlights in some of the parks, especially if you come during a busy time of the year.  A week definitely gives you more flexibility and allows you to visit the two water parks as well.

    We are limited in our answers, and I know I'm only scratching the surface.  I've been to Walt Disney World over 100 times and Disneyland over 50 times, so feel free to send me questions directly!
thumbnail image for Bernie

Meet the Panelist: Bernie, Maryland

I am an engineer with NASA with prior Air Force service. My wife and I have two boys, ages 13 and 8. At home, I'm known as the "Disney Guy" and I've enjoyed helping guests plan their Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland vacations. Learn More About Bernie

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome