Best Option For First Timer?

[VisitingMickey]

So, I myself am not a first timer, but I'm traveling with one!
Using Disney's comparison tool I've planned three possible trips in our budget.
-5d/4n at the Contemporary
-7d/6n at POFQ
-8d/7n at Pop Century
I've stayed at Bay Lake and GF Villas with DVC members I'm no longer traveling with, so I'm not really familiar with lower tiered resorts.
Just trying to decide on a longer trip vs. a nicer resort!

 

[Gehrig1B]

I will always lean toward more park days although I would vote French Quarter over Pop if it means only a single day.

 

[deedubb]

First timer? More park days!!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Pop Century! We stayed there on our last trip and loved it! When are you looking on going?

And welcome to the DIS!

 

[joyjoy]

Pop is fun but a little overwhelming for a first timer. POFQ is a delight and small enough to not feel like you're at a Vegas hotel. More days for sure!

 

[D-Trick]

So, I myself am not a first timer, but I'm traveling with one!

What is the age of the first timer?

Generally speaking, I would recommend POFQ. That will allow you more days in the parks but at the same time not get the overwhelming feeling of Pop. Additionally you can take the boat to DS for a change of pace, and also better food options.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

I would vote POFQ too. More days is good. We stayed there when we were (essentially) first timers and really enjoyed it.

 

[Klayfish]

Without a doubt, I'd say maximum park days. I'm an off site person, so I haven't stayed in any of the ones on your list. However, to me, we're there for the parks. If we had to stay in a hotel, as long as it's clean and decent, I wouldn't care. We wouldn't be spending a ton of time there anyway, so why spend the extra money? Take more park days.

 

[LeiaIsAPrincess2]

I was a first timer this year (as an adult, I went about 25 yrs ago as a child), and stayed at POFQ. I think less than 7 days would be rushed to enjoy everything as a first timer. You also don't realize how much walking is involved and the small size of POFQ was a life saver!

 

[ejyip]

POFQ is the best middle ground, where it's potentially not over the top crowd-wise and not cost prohibitive to a degree. It also depends on if you want to enjoy the resort as part of your stay or not.

When my wife and I go for our "alone" trips, we tend to book the value (although not lately, because of the crowds there and buses are insanely packed) or the mid-level, because we usually "turn and burn" in the parks and Disney Springs every day and literally use the resorts just to sleep, then rinse and repeat. POFQ is our favorite resort thus far, because the vibe is great and whether you're planning pool/resort days or just using it as a place to hang your hat, you can't go wrong. The ability to take the boat ride to Disney Springs is a nice option as well.

We just had a family/friends trip last month and stayed at POR. While we enjoyed the resort, it is larger and got a little overwhelming to some of our party, especially the walking to the main lobby/restaurant area. We booked an "alone" trip for the end of February upon our return, since the group held us back from doing a number of things. We elected to stay at Pop Century this time, which is also a good option. It is a bit more crowded, but not All Star Resorts crowded.

 

[kenthanson]

I've really enjoyed pop every time ove stayed there, the theming is very fun. And if it gets you the most park days then that's a bonus.

 

[CAQDaddy]

I think more park days is always better for the first timer. It removes of a lot of pressure to get things done quickly. I think either of the longer options
would be a huge plus. And as others have stated, it really depends on how much time you plan on spending at the resort vs. at the parks.

 

[Kerriowl]

I have discovered that I just can't do the value resorts. They just feel to frenetic to me. I would vote for Port Orleans. It is a nice quiet, well themed resort and you only lose one day to Pop.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@VisitingMickey - FYI, I moved your post to the Resorts board.

Also, to the DIS!

 

[krose4]

I'd do POFQ, the contemporary is spectacular, but I'm not entirely sure you would appreciate everything is has to offer on a 5 day trip, or understand what makes it special without any frame of reference from previous trips. POFQ gives you more park time (you can do every park for a full day, MK two full days, and depending on your flight two other parks for half days on either side), is a nice enough resort to really feel the Disney magic experience. I just remember that my husband's uncle ended up not "getting" Disney at all because he elected to save money and stay at an All-Star resort instead of at the tree house villa in SS with the rest of us. He was so disenchanted with the "motel" he was staying in that he couldn't appreciate the rest of the parks and thought they seemed cheap with boring rides. I don't know the attitudes of the person you are bringing, but if they have the budget for contemporary they may end up feeling that a value resort sets the whole vacation on the wrong foot.

(not that there's anything wrong with Value, I loved my trip at all-star movies, but I also already loved Disney)

Edit: also! POFQ is a super manageable resort size, not NEARLY as sprawling as a Value or the other moderates, and will probably be much more approachable in size.

 

[FCDub]

Have you asked your friend how long he/she wants to stay? In a world of limited vacation, many people would not want to take an eight-day trip.

 

[Mome Rath]

FQ definitely has my vote, well-balanced resort with plenty of time. For me, there is such a thing as too much time at Disney in one sitting, so for a first timer I think 7 days is a good number.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you asked your friend how long he/she wants to stay? In a world of limited vacation, many people would not want to take an eight-day trip.

Possibly. But with weekends (or other consecutive free days) a four night trip involves just one less work or school day than a six or seven night trip.

 

[Magnoliafan]

My first trip as an adult was at Pop. At the time, I could only afford to stay Value and it was better reviewed than the All Stars. I loved it! The bright colors and ridiculously over the top icons screamed Disney to me and it was a perfect Resort for my 4 night rope-drop-to-close getaway. I enjoyed it so much that I booked it for my next 3 trips.

I’ve moved on to preferring more laid back vacations and now I rarely rope drop and spend much more time enjoying my Resort. And I’ve fallen in love with FQ. I love the tranquility of the Sassagoula, the compact size of the grounds, the quick walk to POR, the boat to Disney Springs. And I much prefer the bus situation over the guaranteed sardine can rides to and from Pop.

So I’d say that it depends on the trip that you and your friend want to take. If you’re planning on mostly park time, then I’d say Pop. But if you're going to be spending time and the resort (and at Disney Springs), then I’d do FQ even if it meant losing a night.

I have discovered that I just can't do the value resorts. They just feel to frenetic to me. I would vote for Port Orleans. It is a nice quiet, well themed resort and you only lose one day to Pop.

I definitely second the differing energies at Pop vs FQ. Pop is loud and energetic, while FQ is quiet and calm. I enjoy both, but I can see why the feeling of a Value could be a turn-off.

 

[Babsy]

I voted for POP, but it depends upon the age of the first timer. If young/able bodied then POP for extra days and upbeat atmosphere. If older or disabled in any way, then POFQ for the relaxed atmosphere, easy access to buses and amenities.