Adding 2 extra days at the end - where to stay?

[Suzanne74]

Hi all!

We are staying at CBR for the first time the end of this month. Long story short, it will be a hectic 7 days with my 7yr old and I alone some days, DH coming in for a few days later and DD15 playing softball at Wide World of Sports most of the trip and us going to watch some games. We have two days with all 4 of us together at the end (once softball ends) and I jam packed them with hopping, dessert party, etc. Now I saw that flights decreased with Southwest so instead of leaving Thurs we could stay until Sat now - no fee to change it. We won't be increasing our tickets (I got great deals with UT) so these will be relaxing days that I know we will all need because we will be running around all over Disney. I envision pools and Disney Springs for most of those two days. As you can see from my signature, we have stayed at most of the Disney resorts. So here are my thoughts:

1. Stay at CBR - why move?

2. Stay at POFQ - haven't stayed at FQ before and only PO for 1 night. Pros are boat to Springs, 2 resorts in one. Transferring would be easy as we would go to Springs for lunch and take the boat back to check in. But then I think why bother switching those last 2 days to go from one mod to another.

3. Wilderness Lodge - have never stayed here. Always wanted to for a holiday visit though and not sure it is worth the cost if we are just relaxing. The proximity to MK is a perk we won't need. But I like the new bar area and really think this resort is beautiful.

4. Resort outside of Disney - we can stay at some really upscale resorts for cheaper than a mod. But we have to get transportation to there and back to airport which makes me just want to stay at Disney.

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions wanted!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I would pick the place that offers the most "non-park" activities for everyone and a nice pool area.

POFQ is nice because you can use both pools as I think the pool is a bit small and the slide also small for a 15year old. Out of the three you are considering I would choose Wilderness lodge for the best pool, fireworks and water pageant viewing and easy boat ride to CR.

If the AKL is in the right price range that would be my choice because of the beauty of it, great pool, food court and restaurants and the many activities for kids not to mention the animal viewing during the day and at night. My kids still talk about the stories at the fire pit, my next trip with non park days will be at AKL if it's in the budget.

Have fun choosing!

 

[Disneylover99]

I would just stay put. I don't mind split stays, but I prefer them to be at least three days at a second resort.

 

[Suzanne74]

I would pick the place that offers the most "non-park" activities for everyone and a nice pool area.

POFQ is nice because you can use both pools as I think the pool is a bit small and the slide also small for a 15year old. Out of the three you are considering I would choose Wilderness lodge for the best pool, fireworks and water pageant viewing and easy boat ride to CR.

If the AKL is in the right price range that would be my choice because of the beauty of it, great pool, food court and restaurants and the many activities for kids not to mention the animal viewing during the day and at night. My kids still talk about the stories at the fire pit, my next trip with non park days will be at AKL if it's in the budget.

Have fun choosing!

We stayed at week at Kidani savannah view about 4 years ago. We loved it but the costs now (without a discount) is really steep to justify the switch.

 

[tjmw2727]

We stayed at week at Kidani savannah view about 4 years ago. We loved it but the costs now (without a discount) is really steep to justify the switch.

OP quoted the Wilderness Lodge that's why I threw in Animal Kingdom Lodge as well since they are usually similarly priced unless you want a savannah view and IMHO you can enjoy this fabulous resort without the savannah view. But yes - its a bit of an upgrade from CBR

 

[Suzanne74]

OP quoted the Wilderness Lodge that's why I threw in Animal Kingdom Lodge as well since they are usually similarly priced unless you want a savannah view and IMHO you can enjoy this fabulous resort without the savannah view. But yes - its a bit of an upgrade from CBR

I am the OP

 

[Suzanne74]

I would just stay put. I don't mind split stays, but I prefer them to be at least three days at a second resort.

I keep thinking this too but since we aren't doing anything but relaxing at the resort and doing Disney Springs for those 2 days/nights, I thought it would be nice to check out at CBR after breakfast, let them transfer the bags, go to Disney Springs for the afternoon for lunch, take the boat back and check in. My only concern is the pool areas compared to CBR - but then again once we have been at CBR for 7 days, I think we would like a change of scenery. But yes, staying put would probably be so much easier. I just love going to every resort possible. Decisions...

 

[tjmw2727]

I am the OP

Oh My I am so embarrassed lol - but I had just looked for myself in mid June and the price for AKL was in the same ballpark (actually less) than WL so that was my thought pattern. Although if you have already done AKL something new would be nice!
Again happy choosing

 

[bamaliving]

Wilderness Lodge is AMAZING! They have a great pool complete with a water slide. You also have access to all of the water sports activities and the jogging/bike trails.
I could see why you'd want to stay put though. I'm sure you'll enjoy the extra 2 days either way.

 

[Disneylover99]

I keep thinking this too but since we aren't doing anything but relaxing at the resort and doing Disney Springs for those 2 days/nights, I thought it would be nice to check out at CBR after breakfast, let them transfer the bags, go to Disney Springs for the afternoon for lunch, take the boat back and check in. My only concern is the pool areas compared to CBR - but then again once we have been at CBR for 7 days, I think we would like a change of scenery. But yes, staying put would probably be so much easier. I just love going to every resort possible. Decisions...

Then I think you should go for POR or POFQ. The boat to DS is nice. You can check out both resorts and use the pools at both resorts too.

 

[rosiebean]

I'd go to POR or POFQ simply because the theming is beautiful at both, you can enjoy amenities at both, and the boat ride to DS is amazing and opens up your options for non-theme part entertainment.

 

[jolene63]

For the last two summers, we have gone to Disney and resort hopped. We did not go into the parks at all. Last summer, we spent one night at POR, three nights at WL, and one night at AKL. We loved it!!! It was a lot of packing up and moving around, but we had our car so it wasn't really a big deal. It was so much fun to try out different resorts and see which ones were our favorites. I would definitely say to spend your last two nights somewhere new. If you choose WL, you can always walk over to Fort Wilderness and check out the fun activities they have to offer. POFQ is also a very relaxing resort. We tried it out for one night before moving over to BWV this past December. We are planning another "non park" trip this summer and are excited to try out another resort or two. There really is so much to do without going into the parks.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Heck, yes, switch!! LOL! Especially as, it looks like you will be at CBR for seven days. I would be totally ready to check out a new resort! Yes, if your plan is to go to DS, the easiest thing to do would be to switch to POFQ or POR. WL is beautiful, but, I agree with you, why pay the upcharge if you aren't going to MK especially when you mention you could stay offsite at a higher-end hotel for less. I think I would do POR/POFQ or the off-site option. We are big Uber fans when in WDW. We take Uber around the resorts a lot. It's about $5 - $7 for any trip on property. The cars have always been new and clean and the drivers very nice. We've even taken Uber to the Amway Center from WDW (for a Magic game) and from BC to MCO (when our flight was cancelled and we had to hightail it out of WDW to get another one!), so I wouldn't let transportation factor into your decision if you are comfortable with Uber or a cab. I would pick the resort you think you'll enjoy most for your two relaxing days at the end of your trip.