Wife and I are parents to 4 boys ages 11, 9, 7, and 4. Regular trips to WDW are harder and harder to come by due to rising costs and busy schedules. However, we are taking a trip for just the two of us 10/1-10/4 to celebrate her 40th birthday. We have not decided on hotel yet though we will stay on property. We will also purchase 3 day PH to maximize flexibility. We are looking to spend less on the hotel but hope to stay in the epcot area or at least have skyliner access. We have been many times over the years and I am also a Disney TA. With that said, I’m at a loss. Looking for ideas on hotel selection and how to spend our days in the parks for the perfect 40th celebration. I think if it was me planning for someone else, this would be easy but because it’s for my wife, I’m on the struggle bus. Many thanks in advance.
When I was thinking about planning our 50th anniversary trip I struggled also. Cuz he really wasn’t into Disney, and we’d always talked about Alaska but never went.
And then I thought, hmm, what is it that he really likes? He liked eating and chatting with folks. And where can we do that the easiest? When I asked him, where should we go, he considered awhile and then said Disney. Mostly for my sake. We did go to his favorite breakfast restaurant every morning. He rode two rides. And we chatted with lots of CMs, guests, others celebrating their 50th also.
As for room, my sister and I stayed at All Star Movies, in the Dalmatian section (a fav movie of hers), for her birthday. These rooms are so handy now, with the table and chairs, and no carpet. I didn’t mind the food court that trip. I don’t know if it’s different than the other all Stars.
But that doesn’t help you be close to Epcot. 
I’ve been hearing about less than awesome rooms at CBR. Which is sad. We’ve gotten great room discounts, the times we’ve stayed there.
I’m curious about which restaurant
Cape May at Beach Club.
We were at Saratoga Springs.
Took the bus to HS every morning
Walked around to the boat to BC
It was worth it
You could always try for a deal with point rentals…or stalk the confirmed reservations (are you familiar with the DVC Search Engine)?
@gamusicman and @OBNurseNH both say CBR is in rough shape right now (I hope I got that right, I think they’re the two that stayed recently) - so maybe avoid that. I never mind Pop!, but it isn’t luxury.
If your wife is a gal who likes a little bit of luxury or if she needs to be pampered, I’d dump a little more money into the hotel.
For my 40th, the year before last, I snagged a points reservation at CCV, did dinner at V&A, and did a Keys to the Kingdom tour. Beyond that, I really just soaked in the rest and relaxation and was glad to have a very nice room. I do not have children, so maybe just being adults only will be enough rest and relaxation for you and DW.
Yeah I cannot believe those rooms were refurbed any time recently. But it’s what I hear.
We don’t care about luxury though we have stayed deluxe to see what we may have been missing. Also very familiar with dvc rentals. I think nostalgia may be the key with this trip. And we want to maximize F&W
Always good 
Boardwalk.Boardwalk. (Sung by the Drifters)
The Swan and Dolphin are another good choice for the EPCOT area for a lower price.
We’ve stayed BW before and really enjoyed it. This was before the refurb a few years ago. Points rental for a studio seems very reasonable. This may be the direction we take.
The rates are low because the points are low which also makes it a popular spot. If you want to do rental here I would book it ASAP. Just as a heads up. Next week is 7 months.
We’ve done this in the past. It just didnt feel Disney to me.
The rooms at CBR are ok but you can have a short, pleasant walk to the Skyliner if you can get a preferred room in the Martinique section.
However, I highly recommend The Grand Destino tower. It’s a very nice option. The king room was very nice and even though it was a “standard view” we could see DHS (Thanks to the Touring Plans room finder!). The resort has a great pool, wonderful dining options and just a great atmosphere. There is only bus transportation but we were close to the pick up and had no problem getting seats even during a very crowded November trip
Just checked the travel agent rates and Boardwalk is available for your dates! I’d stay there! AKL is also available… that’s my personal fav and just stayed there and the construction is very not noticeable, and maybe you’ll luck out and get a refurb-ed room!
DVC studios are not though. 
So a rental might be out. A garden/pool 1-bedroom is available for 117 points?
Yeah… I think rough shape… probably 3 year old refurb… lots of wear..l