Can't decide where to stay....help!!

[gatorgirl72]

We are making an impromptu trip for my birthday on 7/3 - 7/7 (this year) and I am having a difficult time deciding where to stay. I am trying to decide between Animal Kingdom and Port Orleans French Quarter. I have never stayed at either of these hotels so I'm not sure which one would be more suited to my trip.

I am actually going to only spend 2 days in the park and one day at Downtown Dis and outlet shopping so we won't be buying the dining plan. Any advice or help??

Thx all, so excited to be "home" for my b-day

 

[Shaden]

We are making an impromptu trip for my birthday on 7/3 - 7/7 (this year) and I am having a difficult time deciding where to stay. I am trying to decide between Animal Kingdom and Port Orleans French Quarter. I have never stayed at either of these hotels so I'm not sure which one would be more suited to my trip.

I am actually going to only spend 2 days in the park and one day at Downtown Dis and outlet shopping so we won't be buying the dining plan. Any advice or help??

Thx all, so excited to be "home" for my b-day

Hard call, have you checked the availability for those resorts on those days ?

Both are beautiful resorts, and I don't know if there is much difference in price for a shorter trip.

If you are planning on Eating at the AKL resort restaurants, that would also tip the scales towards AKL, just to make it more convenient.

 

[kmb584]

I love POFQ but since this is going to be your birthday trip, I say go for AKL. The lodege itself is incredible and there are a ton of activities to partake in. It's not everyday that someone can say they had a giraffe in their backyard!

 

[Coach81]

AK all the way.

 

[HopperFan]

Another vote for AKL. Stunning resort and a perfect treat for your birthday!

 

[DCbride]

AKL

We have eaten at Boma nearly every trip for the past 5 years. I swore the resort was too dark and I never wanted to stay. We stayed 2011 in 2 bedroom because we got a deal that was almost the same as 2 rooms at Dolphin. We were hooked. Stayed again 2012 in studio. We can't afford it every trip but will stay when we can.

 

[gatorgirl72]

Thank you all for weighing in!! I did check the 2 resorts and they are both available!! My other choice was the Polynesian but it is fully booked so it helped narrow it down. Sad to say I am not much of a foodie so the restaurants aren't a big draw for me.....I pretty much like southern foods, with the caveat that I don't care much for meat, and esp don't like to try lots of new foods. Last but not least, we will be visiting again in December for my dream of seeing the castle all decked out on lights and will be staying at the GF which may be another influence on my decision. I promised hubby I would make a decision quickly so I really do appreciate the input

 

[kddisney502]

I've stayed at both AKL & POFQ. If cost is not an issue, I would stay at AKL. It's very romantic and great to see the all the animals. Even if you don't pay extra for a savanna view, there are great public viewing areas. The pool is very nice. Although POFQ is closer to DTD, the bus from AKL wasn't too long. The atmosphere is elaborate and it's easy to immerse yourself in the Magic (IMO, much more than POFQ). Although we enjoyed the two fancy restaurants (Jiko & Boma) at AKL, the food is expensive and can be too adventurous for some. Based on your latest post you probably wouldn't enjoy Jiko or Boma.

 

[goopysolelady]

AKL

We have eaten at Boma nearly every trip for the past 5 years. I swore the resort was too dark and I never wanted to stay. We stayed 2011 in 2 bedroom because we got a deal that was almost the same as 2 rooms at Dolphin. We were hooked. Stayed again 2012 in studio. We can't afford it every trip but will stay when we can.

I'm the total opposite; thought it was to dark and depressing (and I'm not a huge animal fan anyway); stayed at Kidani and STILL think the lodges are to dark and depressing. And the hallways go on f-o-r-e-v-e-r . I'd try Port Orleans "in a heartbeat"; my sister and good friend have both stayed there and love the resort.

 

[bluejasmine]

I also didn't care for the rooms at AKL I love the resort but not the rooms.. For our upcoming trip in Sept we could either stay in a tower room at CR or for $29 at AKL CL, we have stayed CL several times in different resort we really love it but we just didn't want to stay at AKL again.

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[mdsouth]

Thank you all for weighing in!! I did check the 2 resorts and they are both available!! My other choice was the Polynesian but it is fully booked so it helped narrow it down. Sad to say I am not much of a foodie so the restaurants aren't a big draw for me.....I pretty much like southern foods, with the caveat that I don't care much for meat, and esp don't like to try lots of new foods. Last but not least, we will be visiting again in December for my dream of seeing the castle all decked out on lights and will be staying at the GF which may be another influence on my decision. I promised hubby I would make a decision quickly so I really do appreciate the input

If you like southern food. You may want to stay at PORFQ for meals. POR is close and would offer more southern style meals too

Would PORFQ be cheaper? You could spend the extra money shopping

 

[maxiesmom]

I would stay at POFQ. It has a more central location than AKL, plus POFQ has the boat ride to DTD. If you want to shop, I would take the resort that is much closer to DTD, and that is POFQ!

 

[gatorgirl72]

Well, I did it! I went ahead and booked the POFQ!! I am really excited about it, and asked for a corner room in bldg 4 as that is where most folks have said they liked to stay (although I know getting it will be a crap shoot)! I think I will love having the boat to DTD as I have never been there before. I have been to WDW over 20 times and just never ventured over there, choosing the parks instead Thank you again for your help and one day I hope to have such neat signatures with all my resort visits. I have been bitten by the WDW resort bug and can't bring myself to stay off property now