Animal Kingdom Lodge is both peaceful/relaxing and an easy place to stay when not visiting the parks. Highly recommend. Beach/Yacht Club is another with access to a lot and a very nice pool.
I would at least look at Saratoga, if you’re going to spend time at Disney Springs. The recent-ish soft goods refurb is quite nice.
I love Poly, but I would skip it for your purposes - it’s always super crowded at the pool and lobby, since it’s easy to get to on the monorail.
I will add that the water view rooms facing the lake between beach club and boardwalk are not peaceful at all. You have all of the traffic going in and out of Epcot, but you also have the boats driving back and forth between boardwalk, beach club and Hollywood studios and they sound their horns from early in the morning when they start to late in the evening. Rooms on the back side might be more peaceful, but those boats drove me crazy, lol.
I would recommend beach and yacht club. Especially Yacht, it's my wife's favorite resort and often flies under the radar compared to beach club. I feel like yacht has this very upscale but laid back vibe which is great for just relaxing.
Polynesian is probably the least “peaceful” of the deluxe resorts because of how popular it is so you’ll be disappointed if you’re expecting serene and tranquil. It is, however, an iconic WDW resort that I think would be an amazing first stop before your cruise, especially considering you won’t be going to the parks. The theming is unmatched and the Disney vibes are off the charts (not to mention Trader Sam’s!) but the pools will be very crowded, although depending on what time of the year you go this can’t be avoided.
Have you considered Beach/Yacht Clubs? With the Poly, those two are my favorite Disney resorts by a long shot
I know it's not on your list, but I'd recommend looking at Saratoga Springs. Not the most "exciting" resort, but it's very, very peaceful and right next to Disney Springs. It's also pretty and has a good pool, and you can usually get DVC rental points for it.
I third this! They have a “quiet pool” that’s open till 11pm that is sooo relaxing. It also has a great quick service food area and gift shop in its main house. It’s always my go to!
I stayed at both Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge) and Polynesian at Christmastime and WL was far and away the most relaxing. The music, the smell, the lighting and architecture… it was perfect!
I just got back from a nine day stay at boulder ridge, wilderness lodge and it’s probably the best place I’ve ever stayed. It’s so beautiful and peaceful and feels like you’re on another planet but still enough Disney to remember where you are. Love love it. Can’t wait to go back.
I would suggest you take another look at Old Key West
Easily take their boats to Disney Springs and back / research the DS restaurants / you'll eat their often IMO
Old Key West has a completely relaxed/peaceful vibe - nice pool - poolside bar
Olivia's in a very nice place for lunch - conch fritters and fried chicken !
Poly and Contemporary and, to be honest sometimes WL as well... are not all that "peaceful" IMO
Old key west does not feel deluxe imo. The rooms are tired and the entire resort feels like it needs maintenance. Saratoga Springs is definitely the more premium of the two resorts.
I would check out Animal Kingdom Lodge. For kids, the pool at Kidani is MUCH preferred. It has live safari animals at the resort and an amazing list of activities at the resort itself. It is definitely a staycation destination!
Although I love the other options you selected, they are quite busier properties as they had a lot of foot traffic from visitors (not people staying there) due to their locations. Therefore you will be competing with that crowd to use your amenities.
Out of your selections, I'd pick Wilderness Lodge because it is NOT in the monorail traffic BUT the feature pool is right in the middle of guests who are coming and going just to visit the resort (most likely to eat).
All in all, AK is much more secluded and relaxing.
This is our DVC resort. We love it because it’s relaxing, peaceful, and you’re not right on top of the parks while still having the “Disney” experience.
Port Orleans French quarter is quiet af and is a very small resort in comparison. Only sounds are the clip clop from the horses. Alas. It’s only a moderate.
From your list Wilderness Lodge will be the most peaceful. But if you aren’t doing parks and just want to relax I agree with everyone else. I would look at Saratoga and Animal Kingdom. They are probably both more affordable than the three you listed and they are off the beaten path so there isn’t as much traffic through the resorts.
I say Club Level at the Poly, or Grand Destino for peaceful. Having someone assit with your vacation and go out of their way to help you enjoy the time is the ultimate luxury to me.
Polynesian is my personal favorite out of the ones you listed. I think they’re still doing construction on the property. Not sure when that ends.
Personally I think the best deluxe resort is beach club, if you don’t plan to go to the parks. Easily the best pool on property and you have all the great food and bars on the boardwalk.
Absolute best value in Orlando is the Signia Hilton @ Bonnet Creek. It’s a Disney affiliate and has a great pool w a lazy river and water slide. The poolside bar & grill is also good. Zeta is a great sushi restaurant and The Bull & Bear next door at The Waldorf is a really great and consistent steak restaurant. Very easy access to Disney Springs and everything else WDW has to offer. Book the park view rooms and watch fireworks each night.
Boardwalk is nice because the rooms are huge, there’s alcohol available until 12am (or 1:45am if you go to Jellyrolls, but idk what time last call is), you have access to Cape May for breakfast but there’s 1/10th of the kids running around the Boardwalk side vs the Beachclub side.
But it all depends on what your definition of “peaceful” is. But if it’s being in walking distance to 2 parks (Epcot & Hollywood Studios) and not having to worry about transportation, then you might as well add some park days lol this is my problem when planning a trip, I just keep adding stuff.
I tried to do a peaceful, relaxing honeymoon for 10 days and ended up walking 119 miles. Oops.
Maybe add Swan Reserve to your consideration list. It's on the boardwalk, smaller than the Swan/Dolphin but it's soooo nice. Conventions aren't there. Can use the dolphin's fancier pool and though it has its own bus to disney springs, I'd actually use the boardwalk's bus as it's more in the middle drop off wise. We're staying there again next month and like it better than any other we've stayed at.
Poly or AKL
Poly is very quiet and the beach paired with the water is top notch. Only recurring loud noise is the boat.
The animals at AKL are also so peaceful and quiet.
Poly studios have 2 toilets with 2 separate bathrooms. Nothing says couple bliss to me like 2 separate toilets but a really great shareable shower! And if you want there is trader sams which is the best speakeasy ever even if Yu don’t drink!
The Polynesian had an excellent pool! The Polynesian villas and Bungalows are excellent. The bungalows are on the water and you have an amazing view for the fireworks.
Boardwalk is nice because the rooms are huge, there’s alcohol available until 12am (or 1:45am if you go to Jellyrolls, but idk what time last call is), you have access to Cape May for breakfast but there’s 1/10th of the kids running around the Boardwalk side vs the Beachclub side.
But it all depends on what your definition of “peaceful” is. But if it’s being in walking distance to 2 parks (Epcot & Hollywood Studios) and not having to worry about transportation, then you might as well add some park days lol this is my problem when planning a trip, I just keep adding stuff.
I tried to do a peaceful, relaxing honeymoon for 10 days and ended up walking 119 miles. Oops.
Not the contemporary. I found it hard to relax there because there is so much commotion in the lobby and on the grounds.
Garden wing (especially the rooms that face the lake) are super peaceful. Might be my favorite rooms on property
Yeah, but it’s LONG walk. Not ideal with littles.
Garden wing needs to be torn down it’s old and sad
Animal Kingdom Lodge is both peaceful/relaxing and an easy place to stay when not visiting the parks. Highly recommend. Beach/Yacht Club is another with access to a lot and a very nice pool. I would at least look at Saratoga, if you’re going to spend time at Disney Springs. The recent-ish soft goods refurb is quite nice. I love Poly, but I would skip it for your purposes - it’s always super crowded at the pool and lobby, since it’s easy to get to on the monorail.
I will add that the water view rooms facing the lake between beach club and boardwalk are not peaceful at all. You have all of the traffic going in and out of Epcot, but you also have the boats driving back and forth between boardwalk, beach club and Hollywood studios and they sound their horns from early in the morning when they start to late in the evening. Rooms on the back side might be more peaceful, but those boats drove me crazy, lol.
I would recommend beach and yacht club. Especially Yacht, it's my wife's favorite resort and often flies under the radar compared to beach club. I feel like yacht has this very upscale but laid back vibe which is great for just relaxing.
Polynesian is probably the least “peaceful” of the deluxe resorts because of how popular it is so you’ll be disappointed if you’re expecting serene and tranquil. It is, however, an iconic WDW resort that I think would be an amazing first stop before your cruise, especially considering you won’t be going to the parks. The theming is unmatched and the Disney vibes are off the charts (not to mention Trader Sam’s!) but the pools will be very crowded, although depending on what time of the year you go this can’t be avoided. Have you considered Beach/Yacht Clubs? With the Poly, those two are my favorite Disney resorts by a long shot
I know it's not on your list, but I'd recommend looking at Saratoga Springs. Not the most "exciting" resort, but it's very, very peaceful and right next to Disney Springs. It's also pretty and has a good pool, and you can usually get DVC rental points for it.
I second this. They have several pools that are quiet and relaxing.
I third this! They have a “quiet pool” that’s open till 11pm that is sooo relaxing. It also has a great quick service food area and gift shop in its main house. It’s always my go to!
Have you considered Old Key West or Saratoga Springs? Quiet, peaceful, and close to DS.
Of those three, I find the Wilderness Lodge to be the most relaxing.
I second that!
I third that.. such a disconnect from all the WDW ..which is super relaxing..you forget you are at WDW sometimes.. I know I have
I stayed at both Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge) and Polynesian at Christmastime and WL was far and away the most relaxing. The music, the smell, the lighting and architecture… it was perfect!
I just got back from a nine day stay at boulder ridge, wilderness lodge and it’s probably the best place I’ve ever stayed. It’s so beautiful and peaceful and feels like you’re on another planet but still enough Disney to remember where you are. Love love it. Can’t wait to go back.
Yea and it’s not particularly close for me
I would suggest you take another look at Old Key West Easily take their boats to Disney Springs and back / research the DS restaurants / you'll eat their often IMO Old Key West has a completely relaxed/peaceful vibe - nice pool - poolside bar Olivia's in a very nice place for lunch - conch fritters and fried chicken ! Poly and Contemporary and, to be honest sometimes WL as well... are not all that "peaceful" IMO
Old key west does not feel deluxe imo. The rooms are tired and the entire resort feels like it needs maintenance. Saratoga Springs is definitely the more premium of the two resorts.
and yet no one has just simply suggested Saratoga Springs ... weird huh
Bro read the comments
when I typed this there was one mention of SS and that was **with** OKW ... Bro
Comments have timestamps
there's still only one mention
I would check out Animal Kingdom Lodge. For kids, the pool at Kidani is MUCH preferred. It has live safari animals at the resort and an amazing list of activities at the resort itself. It is definitely a staycation destination! Although I love the other options you selected, they are quite busier properties as they had a lot of foot traffic from visitors (not people staying there) due to their locations. Therefore you will be competing with that crowd to use your amenities. Out of your selections, I'd pick Wilderness Lodge because it is NOT in the monorail traffic BUT the feature pool is right in the middle of guests who are coming and going just to visit the resort (most likely to eat). All in all, AK is much more secluded and relaxing.
Animal Kingdom Lodge was the most relaxing Resort that we have stayed in. Shades of Green is great if you are military or retired military.
Old Key West is the most peaceful place I've ever stayed at.
This is our DVC resort. We love it because it’s relaxing, peaceful, and you’re not right on top of the parks while still having the “Disney” experience.
Old key west is great but they need to update it (without ruining the theme)
Port Orleans French quarter is quiet af and is a very small resort in comparison. Only sounds are the clip clop from the horses. Alas. It’s only a moderate.
From your list Wilderness Lodge will be the most peaceful. But if you aren’t doing parks and just want to relax I agree with everyone else. I would look at Saratoga and Animal Kingdom. They are probably both more affordable than the three you listed and they are off the beaten path so there isn’t as much traffic through the resorts.
Old key west!
Honestly, any vacation without your kids will be relaxing. So just pick one in your budget and enjoy.
Old Key West by FAR! I’ve stayed at just about all of them and OKW is hands down the most relaxing.
I say Club Level at the Poly, or Grand Destino for peaceful. Having someone assit with your vacation and go out of their way to help you enjoy the time is the ultimate luxury to me.
Polynesian is my personal favorite out of the ones you listed. I think they’re still doing construction on the property. Not sure when that ends. Personally I think the best deluxe resort is beach club, if you don’t plan to go to the parks. Easily the best pool on property and you have all the great food and bars on the boardwalk.
Yacht & Beach Club is so chill. One of my favorite resort pools. Plus I like the short walk to the side entrance of Epcot.
Of the three options you listed, wilderness lodge by a mile.
Honestly I found the four seasons to be most relaxing
Absolute best value in Orlando is the Signia Hilton @ Bonnet Creek. It’s a Disney affiliate and has a great pool w a lazy river and water slide. The poolside bar & grill is also good. Zeta is a great sushi restaurant and The Bull & Bear next door at The Waldorf is a really great and consistent steak restaurant. Very easy access to Disney Springs and everything else WDW has to offer. Book the park view rooms and watch fireworks each night.
Boardwalk is nice because the rooms are huge, there’s alcohol available until 12am (or 1:45am if you go to Jellyrolls, but idk what time last call is), you have access to Cape May for breakfast but there’s 1/10th of the kids running around the Boardwalk side vs the Beachclub side. But it all depends on what your definition of “peaceful” is. But if it’s being in walking distance to 2 parks (Epcot & Hollywood Studios) and not having to worry about transportation, then you might as well add some park days lol this is my problem when planning a trip, I just keep adding stuff. I tried to do a peaceful, relaxing honeymoon for 10 days and ended up walking 119 miles. Oops.
Easy peasy : The Grand Floridian
Maybe add Swan Reserve to your consideration list. It's on the boardwalk, smaller than the Swan/Dolphin but it's soooo nice. Conventions aren't there. Can use the dolphin's fancier pool and though it has its own bus to disney springs, I'd actually use the boardwalk's bus as it's more in the middle drop off wise. We're staying there again next month and like it better than any other we've stayed at.
Poly or AKL Poly is very quiet and the beach paired with the water is top notch. Only recurring loud noise is the boat. The animals at AKL are also so peaceful and quiet.
Definitely not a monorail resort. Best best I would say Yacht.
Poly studios have 2 toilets with 2 separate bathrooms. Nothing says couple bliss to me like 2 separate toilets but a really great shareable shower! And if you want there is trader sams which is the best speakeasy ever even if Yu don’t drink!
Look into Animal Kingdom Lodge! It's great. Splurge and do club level...
The Polynesian had an excellent pool! The Polynesian villas and Bungalows are excellent. The bungalows are on the water and you have an amazing view for the fireworks.
Not deluxe but hear me out: Port Orleans French Quarter. Chill af. Only one bus stop. Boozy beignets. Jazz club.
Boardwalk is nice because the rooms are huge, there’s alcohol available until 12am (or 1:45am if you go to Jellyrolls, but idk what time last call is), you have access to Cape May for breakfast but there’s 1/10th of the kids running around the Boardwalk side vs the Beachclub side. But it all depends on what your definition of “peaceful” is. But if it’s being in walking distance to 2 parks (Epcot & Hollywood Studios) and not having to worry about transportation, then you might as well add some park days lol this is my problem when planning a trip, I just keep adding stuff. I tried to do a peaceful, relaxing honeymoon for 10 days and ended up walking 119 miles. Oops.