AKL, YC, or PO-FQ?

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

I'm taking my Mom and my two daughters (both 5) on our first Disney Cruise next month -- so excited! We've decided to add on two nights in WDW and I'm having a hard time deciding where to stay!

Mom thinks we're staying at Pop but I'd like to upgrade a bit (or a lot!) to surprise her. Some background information -- we're not going to the parks. I was just there in March, Mom really doesn't have much interest, and my daughters were there in November and we'll be going back with DH and DS in the fall. They are fine with it, we're looking forward to hanging out at the pool, mini golfing, and Downtown Disney. We might hit a water park as well, not quite sure yet.

So with that in mind - which resort would you choose? The girls have stayed at Pop, PO-R, and AoA and they loved all of them - they're very easy to please! LOL Mom's stayed at Pop and PO-R and loved them as well. On my trip in March, I stayed at AKL so I'm kind of leaning towards PO-FQ or YC, but I'd be okay with AKL as well. It's a beautiful resort -- and we'll have a car so no worries about transportation.

As for the girls, one is a great swimmer, the other one is so-so, but there'll be two adults so watching them in the pool/swimming with them is no big deal. I've heard that SAB can sometimes have a scary current?

Thanks so much, looking forward to your input!

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

We stayed at YC in March and really enjoyed it. The pool is great and you are a short walk to Boardwalk. You also can grab some ice cream or a burger at Beaches and Cream. Haven't stayed at AKL. We've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside a few times and been over to POFQ and definitely think the YC area is much nicer.

We didn't encounter any strong currents at the pool. Lazy river pushes you along a bit but nothing I'd qualify as "scary."

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm taking my Mom and my two daughters (both 5) on our first Disney Cruise next month -- so excited! We've decided to add on two nights in WDW and I'm having a hard time deciding where to stay!

Mom thinks we're staying at Pop but I'd like to upgrade a bit (or a lot!) to surprise her. Some background information -- we're not going to the parks. I was just there in March, Mom really doesn't have much interest, and my daughters were there in November and we'll be going back with DH and DS in the fall. They are fine with it, we're looking forward to hanging out at the pool, mini golfing, and Downtown Disney. We might hit a water park as well, not quite sure yet.

So with that in mind - which resort would you choose? The girls have stayed at Pop, PO-R, and AoA and they loved all of them - they're very easy to please! LOL Mom's stayed at Pop and PO-R and loved them as well. On my trip in March, I stayed at AKL so I'm kind of leaning towards PO-FQ or YC, but I'd be okay with AKL as well. It's a beautiful resort -- and we'll have a car so no worries about transportation.

As for the girls, one is a great swimmer, the other one is so-so, but there'll be two adults so watching them in the pool/swimming with them is no big deal. I've heard that SAB can sometimes have a scary current?

Thanks so much, looking forward to your input!

My choice would be AKL. We haven't stayed at the YC but have stayed at the BC and while SAB is nice, the pool can get hectic and isn't as relaxing as the pool at AKL (this is, of course, just MY opinion). AKL is kind of out away from everything, which makes for a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, IMO. We've never stayed at POFQ, so I can't comment on that resort. Good luck deciding, however, I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which resort you choose .

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I've stayed at all and my choice would be AKL. So many activities that it is perfect for no-parks. I love the YC and the whole Boardwalk area but I can't imagine being over there and not going into Epcot for dinner. I'm not sure it is worth the upcharge without the location unless both DD really want to swim all day at SAB. I'm not crazy about the mods in general....just not as much excitement. I think with all the AKL dining options and activities (bead/rubbings/animal feedings) etc, youd be better there. I would take the shuttle over to the pool at Kidani. Probably better for you less enthusiastic DD with the splash area and zero entry.

 

[mmmears]

I would pick AKL for a 2-day no-park stay. It's a wonderful resort (only downside really is distance to the parks, which won't matter for this trip). The pool areas are fun and relaxing, there are LOTS of activities for kids (and they are totally different than the ones at other WDW resorts), animal viewing, etc. Great food choices as well, and just a general relaxing atmosphere.

YC is another favorite of ours, but the pool are is not so relaxing and there isn't as much to do there during the day (which isn't a problem since we generally are in the parks). Also, without park tickets (and Epcot) the dining choices are ok, but not spectacular. I also think it would be hard to be that close to Epcot and DHS and not visit them. SAB is a really fun pool with a great slide -- so that may be a big draw.

I think either would be great, but in this case I'd pick AKL.

 

[chasgoose]

I would probably do YC. AKL is great for a non-park visit, but the pool at YC is practically a park in itself. Also, you have the Boardwalk and Fantasy Gardens minigolf within walking distance and all the restaurants at YC/BWI/Swan and Dolphin. That said, AKL would probably have a bit more to do and as others have said, the main downside to the resort is its distance from the parks, which is a non-issue for you guys.

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Thanks so much for all your input! I think I'm gonna go with AKL, DDs will be sooo excited, they love animals and the activities will be great!!!