AKL or Pop-spring break

[720L]

We are trying to decide between AKL and PC over spring break. The kids
are 6 and 3. It will cost about $650 more to stay at AKL for the week,
that extra money would go a long way for food and other incidentals during
the trip. We have stayed at both resorts before, here is a list of what
mattered to us when comparing the two.

- Queen size beds at AKL, Pop has doubles
- Buses were never full at AKL(even at peak season) at Pop you always have
to stand
- Animal Kingdom is a very short bus ride < 5 min. from AKL
- Water slide at AKL, the kids loved this
- Can view animals without leaving AKL
- Shorter walk to AKL bus stop when leaving parks (this makes all the
difference when you are carrying sleeping child.)
- It's nice to get into the AC shortly after getting off the bus at AKL or
being under the covered walk/bus stops if the sun is beating down or it's
raining.

These are the most important items that mattered to us. Of course AKL is
a much nicer resort in every aspect compared to Pop or any value, but
since we spend our days in the parks anyway and basically only use the
resort for sleeping I'm not sure we can justify the extra money for AKL.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

If you can swing it I would stay at AKL. You can tell from your post that is where you really want to stay.

 

[#1hockeymom]

money no object - AKL
A trip to Disney or no trip at all - POP

 

[ADisneygirl]

money no object - AKL
A trip to Disney or no trip at all - POP

I agree totally here -- if you can swing it, go for AKL. As you already know it is a beautiful resort and much more relaxing than Pop. If it is a matter of $$ worries on your trip, of course go for the value. No sense being stressed. Pop is cute!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just so you know, being a value resort, Pop will most likely be fairly booked for most (if not all) of the Spring Break time. So if crowds are an issue, Pop might not be for you.

However, if you wish to have a decent room at a value price, and wish to use that extra money for some wonderful treats, then Pop might work out after all.

 

[pigby]

Being from the UK, I have never quite grasped what queen size beds are! We have doubles and king size and that's it. Are queen size bigger than doubles but less than a king size, if so how much bigger than a double?

Last trip we found the beds at POP the same as POFQ - which resorts have bigger beds?

 

[720L]

pigby: Not sure the exact size of queen size beds, but they are bigger than a double smaller than a king. The queen size beds are much more comfortable for 2 people though. (although we're used to a king size bed at home that could be why). Not sure exactly what resorts have bigger beds.

 

[sjw4870]

You listed your reasons very logically - I guess it all comes down to how much that extra $650 you'd save by staying at Pop means to you.

If you plan on being in the parks from dawn to dusk, perhaps you should save the money and stay at Pop. However, if the extra $650 comes down to a little extra belt-tightening at home for a while, I'd go for AKL because, as you know - its amazing.

 

[eelvira]

Values and Moderates both have double beds. Deluxe have 2 queens per room. It's bigger than a double and smaller than a king as was mentioned. I'm 6' 1'' so the Queen is more comfortable for us.

Hope this helps,
Eric

 

[RayJay]

- Queen size beds at AKL, Pop has doubles
- Buses were never full at AKL(even at peak season) at Pop you always have
to stand
- Animal Kingdom is a very short bus ride < 5 min. from AKL
- Water slide at AKL, the kids loved this
- Can view animals without leaving AKL
- Shorter walk to AKL bus stop when leaving parks (this makes all the
difference when you are carrying sleeping child.)
- It's nice to get into the AC shortly after getting off the bus at AKL or
being under the covered walk/bus stops if the sun is beating down or it's
raining.

I'm not sure we can justify the extra money for AKL.

You just did! Go and have fun, splurge.
RayJay

 

[baleeve]

Old thread but I'm grappling with the same issue.

I booked POP then upgraded to AKL for $648 (pool view).

I am worried I'll regret spending the extra money.

The OPP makes some great points though. Especially Queen beds, bus closer to the entrance at parks and covered bus stops. This is important as I'll be there in August.

Any other advice from everyone?

Talk me out of buyers remorse? LOL

 

[mpetti]

I say if you can afford it go with your heart and go with AKL. Your children are still very young and you should do what makes it easier for you and them. It's your vacation enjoy it.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I also think it seems like you have your heart set on AKL. I would go with that unless it will break your budget.

 

[JennyDrake]

Dissenting opinion here <LOL!> Having stayed at both resorts more than once, I would go with Pop.

The rooms at AKL are small and darkish.
The food court can be a HIKE from your room and while the food there is very good, they have a weird system(as compared to other food courts) for getting your order and it takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
Mara is dark, with a low ceiling and it reminded me of church basement rec rooms!
Both times at AKL I experienced way less than stellar customer service from CMs at the front desk, baggage services (TERRIBLE experience there), check out, etc. I know this is an exception to the rule, but it sure left me with a bad taste--especially given the cost.

AKL IS beautiful!! Boma and Jiko are both amazing, but if you have a budget, you won't be eating there for regular meals.

By no means did I *dislike* AKL, but my experiences left me feeling as though the price was not justifiable.