Better value: POR or YC for family of 5?

[cantwait4disney]

I booked our package for Easter at the YC through CRO. We are a family of 5 DH, DD11, DS8 and DD6 and while I've been to WDW 20 years ago, my DH and kids have not. So, I'd like to make it memorable. After previewing the DVD, the kids & DH chose YC hands-down because of SAB. Because it will be Easter, we do plan on spending the afternoons at the resort swimming and enjoying what the resort has to offer. The package price for YC came in higher than what was budgeted. For price comparison, I called AAA and the agent I spoke with wasn't very knowledgable. I called another TA, with whom I have a long-standing relationship (I used to work there). This TA has been to all the resorts and has a great knowledge of the parks/resorts. She asked if I considered POR, which is the only moderate for a family of 5. I hadn't. We continued to talk for about an hour about what my family likes, enjoys, expectations, etc. She is going to price both the POR and the YC for us. She also said that while sometimes something may be cheaper, it may not be a better value. With that in mind, I thought I'd turn to you, the experts, as to what your experiences are. Here's kind of a breakdown:

1) A week-long trip, family of 5 during Easter;
2) DH has a tendency to be impatient (I've warned him about the crowds and long wait times)
3) Transportation to and from the resort is important; multiple modes of transportation would be better than just one way.
4) DH is also hard to impress; which resort has a better WOW factor? It's important that he feels he gets his money worth
5) Swimming is very important to the kids
6) Size/space of rooms - family of 5 for a week in a tuna can isn't a "vacation."

I'd love to get your opinions if you think POR or YC is a better value based on the above. Or, please feel free to add something I may overlooked. Like I said, I haven't been to WDW since '86 and I'll feel like a newbie, too!

TIA!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

If you want your DH to be impressed - definitely go with YC. Also transportation problems have been reported numerous times at POR. At YC you can walk or take the boat to EPCOT, and take the boat to MGM. When we were at YC in July they were doing kids activities by the pool every afternoon and movies on the beach at night.

One thing that I noticed about YC rooms (besides being light and airy) is that they seem to have the most drawer space - even more than Poly or GF.

While YC is more expensive I think you will definitely get the WOW factor! Don't forget to try Beaches and Cream.

We stayed at YC for 2 weeks this summer (family of 5) and never felt like a "can of tuna".

If swimming is important SAB is the place to be!

 

[momof2minnies]

I would also like to add,look to Expedia for better pricing than a TA, sometimes it is amazing the difference!

 

[magicmouse2]

Whilst I love the look of the Yacht club and Beach Club resorts, I would like to point out if space is an issue that for the same price as 1 room at YC you could get 2 rooms at POR.

 

[YCFAN]

One of the things I like most about all the Epcot resorts is that at night you have the Boardwalk available for entertainment and also a quick walk into Epcot. YC has the benefit of being close to the Boardwalk and yet away far enough away for the peaceful feeling at the resort also.

 

[FrenchSnowWhite]

We never stayed at the YC, stayed at POR 3 times.

POR is very nice, but I also think, that if you're DH needs to be impressed go to the YC.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Based on what you've shared, YC would be the best option. Your DH would have much at hand - the walk to International Gateway, walk or boat to MGM, bus to MK and AKL usually shares with other resorts, but probably less during such a busy season.

To keep the cost and crowd size more managable, would it be posisble to plan for another time? If your DH does not like waiting, Easter week will seem like a nightmare to him...everywhere is going to incredibly crowded, including SAB.

Rooms are not huge at YC - after the Poly, CR and GF were built, deluxe rooms became considerably smaller..i.e. Poly rooms are 409 sq ft to 476 sq ft whereas YC rooms are 380 sq ft. Your munchkins are fairly young, so it should still be comfortable. We were fine with 2 adults, a 16 yr old, 6 yr and 4 yr old at BC one summer.

Definitely check Expedia...I am going to pm with another possiblity.

Hope you can have fun planning!

 

[cantwait4disney]

Based on what you've shared, YC would be the best option. Your DH would have much at hand - the walk to International Gateway, walk or boat to MGM, bus to MK and AKL usually shares with other resorts, but probably less during such a busy season.

To keep the cost and crowd size more managable, would it be posisble to plan for another time? If your DH does not like waiting, Easter week will seem like a nightmare to him...everywhere is going to incredibly crowded, including SAB.

Rooms are not huge at YC - after the Poly, CR and GF were built, deluxe rooms became considerably smaller..i.e. Poly rooms are 409 sq ft to 476 sq ft whereas YC rooms are 380 sq ft. Your munchkins are fairly young, so it should still be comfortable. We were fine with 2 adults, a 16 yr old, 6 yr and 4 yr old at BC one summer.

Definitely check Expedia...I am going to pm with another possiblity.

Hope you can have fun planning!

Thank you for all your advice - that's why I visit these boards almost every day! It sounds like the YC will probably be the best option for us. BTW, what makes the YC have the WOW factor?

 

[BrianD]

The WOW factor? To me it would be the lobby just of terms of it being an elegant, nautical theme. I think it may appeal more to men even, so he should like that.

Walking out of the resort and seeing the lake with the Boardwalk right across the water. A very nice setting.

But I think the biggest wow factor of the resort is Stormalong Bay. It is very large with different sections, including a lazy river sort of section. And the slide is very impressive.

You've definitely made the right choice with the YC. Everything you mentioned as important, the YC wins hands down over POR. But it is comparing a deluxe to a moderate, so it's not really fair to POR.

One word of caution though about your husband being impatient, which to me translates to does not like to stand in long lines. You've picked the second busiest week of the year to be at WDW, so it will be very crowded. It will be very important to have an organized touring plan to help you avoid as many lines as possible.

Good luck, and have a great vacation!

 

[cantwait4disney]

The WOW factor? To me it would be the lobby just of terms of it being an elegant, nautical theme. I think it may appeal more to men even, so he should like that.

Walking out of the resort and seeing the lake with the Boardwalk right across the water. A very nice setting.

But I think the biggest wow factor of the resort is Stormalong Bay. It is very large with different sections, including a lazy river sort of section. And the slide is very impressive.

You've definitely made the right choice with the YC. Everything you mentioned as important, the YC wins hands down over POR. But it is comparing a deluxe to a moderate, so it's not really fair to POR.

One word of caution though about your husband being impatient, which to me translates to does not like to stand in long lines. You've picked the second busiest week of the year to be at WDW, so it will be very crowded. It will be very important to have a very organized touring plan to help you avoid as many lines as possible.

Good luck, and have a great vacation!

I told him that we are going during the busiest time of the year and to prepare himself. I told him we'll have to wait for everything. The reason we're going during Easter is because it's during the kids' spring break. I've seriously thought about moving the trip, but I don't want to take the kids out of school. If DD11 was still in elementary school, that may be different. So, at this time, it will have to be Easter.

I also thought about evening activities at the Boardwalk, something that wasn't there when I went in '86. I'm excited about the YC and think we'll have a great time.

 

[disneydance]

Congraulations on your choice I absolutely LOVE the YC and I HATE the Beach Club I dont have a clue why but there is something about the Beach Club which I HATE and there is something about the YC which I absolutely LOVE only resort that is better to me is the Animal Kingdom Lodge which wouldnt work for your family due to size i'm in a family of 4 and it great since we can see all the animals but YC doesnt go that far behind we love the YC for location and all its great the pool being on the Boardwalk being able to walk to Epcot and ride a boat to Disneys Hollywood Studios (Cant say MGM no more got to say Hollywood Studios to get into the habit) what could be better

 

[daisyduck123]

Yacht Club....hands down!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I told him that we are going during the busiest time of the year and to prepare himself. I told him we'll have to wait for everything. The reason we're going during Easter is because it's during the kids' spring break. I've seriously thought about moving the trip, but I don't want to take the kids out of school. If DD11 was still in elementary school, that may be different. So, at this time, it will have to be Easter..

Would early to mid June be an option? It would not be nearly as crowded. Although you can try to prepare your husband and make a good touring plan, with mid day rest (consider Tour Guide Mike for such a busy season!) waits can still be at least an hour, even much longer.

I'm not a big fan of ADR's because we've no idea where we might want to eat - ADR's do not allow us enough freedom to go with the flow LOL Nevertheless, we always have at least one a day, so be sure to make several, even extra's, so you'll have some good options each day...and there is always counter service

You are going to have such a fantastic trip!!!! LOVE, Love, love, YC

Did you book a particular view? I'm excited for you!

p.s. We did go one yr over the 4th of July - was fine before the 4th, but from the 4th on (it was on a Tuiesday that yr) the 2 parks were mobbed! So, we just jumped in (no fast passes then) and chit chatted as we waited in line - we had a wonderful trip

 

[cantwait4disney]

Would early to mid June be an option? It would not be nearly as crowded. Although you can try to prepare your husband and make a good touring plan, with mid day rest (consider Tour Guide Mike for such a busy season!) waits can still be at least an hour, even much longer.

I'm not a big fan of ADR's because we've no idea where we might want to eat - ADR's do not allow us enough freedom to go with the flow LOL Nevertheless, we always have at least one a day, so be sure to make several, even extra's, so you'll have some good options each day...and there is always counter service

You are going to have such a fantastic trip!!!! LOVE, Love, love, YC

Did you book a particular view? I'm excited for you!

p.s. We did go one yr over the 4th of July - was fine before the 4th, but from the 4th on (it was on a Tuiesday that yr) the 2 parks were mobbed! So, we just jumped in (no fast passes then) and chit chatted as we waited in line - we had a wonderful trip

June isn't an option.The kids don't get out of school until the 2nd week of June. The first time I went in 1977, was in June and it was so incredibly hot & humid that it wasn't enjoyable, according to my mom, that is. So, I guess we're trading crowds for more pleasant weather. If it was hot and muggy when we went, it wouldn't matter the crowd level - that would lower everyones patience! But the thought of saving some money would be wonderful!

 

[tiggersmyguy]

I would go for YC 100%. I've stayed at both and even with only 2 DD's who were only 5 and 9 at the time, POR felt tight. Transportation is also hands down so much better for YC. We walked to both Epcot and MGM. I also would suggest early June if that is doable for your family. It's a little less crowded and also cheaper. Good luck

 

[byoung]

POR is the better deal.