Disney resort question

Hi,
Really confused on what to do, and looking for any advice :)
We were planning to go to Disney World in July, staying at Grand Floridian, mostly for the use of the monorail. We have to change our plans to mid or end of August, and don't know what resort to book. We wanted a monorail resort because we have a 9 month old, and two kids 5 and 8. (I also have some health issues that would make a full day without breaks difficult.) We were planning to do parks at opening, break afternoon, go back, and I possibly return with baby for baby's bedtime while my husband possibly stays out with other kids. We are flexible with our days and are not focused that we need to be in the parks all day, everyday (staying for 9 days).
I just read yesterday that the monorail hours have been changed to a fixed schedule, and won't be available for early magic hours, and cutting it close for rope drops on normal hour days. Also, no early service to Epcot.
Now, my husband is interested in switching to Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a Sahara view room (our kids LOVE animals). We also found a good price for the Contemporary, which would allow us to walk to magic kingdom, but we really aren't fond of the theming, or lack of (it's our kids' first trip). The Grand Floridian is also an option,and we aren't interested in the Poly because of the construction.
Any advice? Also, are the crowds significantly better in mid or late (last week) August? I'm thinking if the crowds are much lighter, than maybe the buses from Animal Kingdom Lodge won't be too bad? I just don't know. This is probably the only trip we are taking there for a very long time, and we just want to make the most of everything. Thanks if you read this long!

Disney resort question

We are staying at the Yacht Club this month. I chose it for the awesome pool (which is great for August), and the fact that we can walk to Epcot or HS, or take the boat. It's a very relaxing resort, and there is a lot going on at night on the Boardwalk.

If your main focus is ease of getting to the MK then I would choose the Wilderness Lodge and take the boat to the MK. I personally wouldn't stay at the AK and have to rely on the bus to go to every park. We have done that at the values and I can't stand the bus rides.

Last week in August crowds are minimal since all the schools go back by then.

Re: Disney resort question

I would go with the contemporary or the wilderness lodge. WlL you will still have to take a bus to the other three parks and they are shared. I know the theming isn't fabulous at the contemporary but the walk to the MK alone makes it worth it if you will spend a lot of time there.

Personally I love the AKL and have not had bus issues in 99% of our trips. But I would not recommend it with a baby and two kids. If you had only the older ones then I would say go for it.

Personally I thought the buses at the poly were far worse than at AKL or POR. I would expect that group all to be bad because they share. So you go to one to two other resorts.

You know they have boat at the GF to the MK and they will be increasing their frequency once they reduce the monorail hours.

The EPCOT resorts are nice but won't help you if you want to spend most of your time at the MK.

I see mixed reviews about having to take your child out of the stroller at the WL for the MK bus.

Re: Disney resort question

I can't speak to hotels because we always stay at timeshares off site. But as far as crowds go, I would go as late into August as possible. Southern schools go back earlier then we do, so it will definitely be less crowded.

Re: Disney resort question

Thanks for the replies!
I think we will likely stay at the Floridian. The walk from the contemporary is sooo tempting, but we would be in one of the garden wing rooms, not the tower, and I just can't see us there, not for the first trip and we will be spending some time at the resort, not just parks.

I was interested in yacht club, but it's not discounted at all for the dates we need so that's out.
Do people with kids shy away from the Floridian?

Thanks!