Can't decide which resort

[MDarling]

We had to switch our vacation time frame from mid-April to mid-June. I can't decide which resort between Animal Kingdom Lodge or Port Orleans Riverside.

My husband and I would be going with our 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge we would be staying in the most basic, standard room. I know a lot of people say if you aren't doing the Savannah view it's not worth it - but I can tell the resort looks amazing and I know we can still walk around and see animals. We also like the idea of having a balcony. I do feel like I read a lot of mixed reviews about the buses/transportation to the parks, which concerns me (any input is appreciated!).

At Port Orleans Riverside we would opt for the Royal Room, which my son wasn't thrilled about at first but I showed him the photos to see that it wasn't too princess-y. I think he was envisioning pink, ruffles and lace everywhere. Plus, 2 years ago we stayed in a pirate themed room at CBR so this would kind of even that out between him and his sister The firework headboards, boat ride to DS and the closer location to MK are pluses for us here.

It would only be approximately $200 more for us to stay at AKL than POR (for the 2 rooms types I mentioned) which we thought was fair for a deluxe vs. moderate. 2 years ago we did do mid-day breaks, so that does play into it a little when considering transportation. We are leaning towards AKL because of the atmosphere, but really the location is the main drawback. CBR is the only other place we've stayed at to compare to.

I am horrible with decisions and I know whichever one we go with, I will feel a little bit of guilt that we should have picked the other one. Any advice would be great!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

POR is not closer to MK than AKL. Really, you are looking at similar bus times to MK when you include internal bus stops at PO vs. AKL.

I think the overall travel times are quite similar.

 

[MDarling]

POR is not closer to MK than AKL. Really, you are looking at similar bus times to MK when you include internal bus stops at PO vs. AKL.

I think the overall travel times are quite similar.

Thanks so much, that is good to know! I guess when I looked at the map on the Disney website it just looked closer, but I didn't take into consideration the internal stops either.

 

[Shellyb84]

We had to switch our vacation time frame from mid-April to mid-June. I can't decide which resort between Animal Kingdom Lodge or Port Orleans Riverside.

My husband and I would be going with our 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge we would be staying in the most basic, standard room. I know a lot of people say if you aren't doing the Savannah view it's not worth it - but I can tell the resort looks amazing and I know we can still walk around and see animals. We also like the idea of having a balcony. I do feel like I read a lot of mixed reviews about the buses/transportation to the parks, which concerns me (any input is appreciated!).

At Port Orleans Riverside we would opt for the Royal Room, which my son wasn't thrilled about at first but I showed him the photos to see that it wasn't too princess-y. I think he was envisioning pink, ruffles and lace everywhere. Plus, 2 years ago we stayed in a pirate themed room at CBR so this would kind of even that out between him and his sister The firework headboards, boat ride to DS and the closer location to MK are pluses for us here.

It would only be approximately $200 more for us to stay at AKL than POR (for the 2 rooms types I mentioned) which we thought was fair for a deluxe vs. moderate. 2 years ago we did do mid-day breaks, so that does play into it a little when considering transportation. We are leaning towards AKL because of the atmosphere, but really the location is the main drawback. CBR is the only other place we've stayed at to compare to.

I am horrible with decisions and I know whichever one we go with, I will feel a little bit of guilt that we should have picked the other one. Any advice would be great!

I feel your pain - I am horrible with decisions myself! I've went back and forth so much planning our trip in July. Personally, I would always choose a deluxe over a moderate if I can afford it. I've never stayed at AKL, but I've always wanted to and plan on it in a few years.

As far as the location, you're going to have to take a bus either way, and I've heard that bus service at AKL is usually great.

I have a 6 year old daughter, and she's dying to stay at AKL! I think your kids would love it.

 

[mickeynut1]

We had to switch our vacation time frame from mid-April to mid-June. I can't decide which resort between Animal Kingdom Lodge or Port Orleans Riverside.

My husband and I would be going with our 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge we would be staying in the most basic, standard room. I know a lot of people say if you aren't doing the Savannah view it's not worth it - but I can tell the resort looks amazing and I know we can still walk around and see animals. We also like the idea of having a balcony. I do feel like I read a lot of mixed reviews about the buses/transportation to the parks, which concerns me (any input is appreciated!).

At Port Orleans Riverside we would opt for the Royal Room, which my son wasn't thrilled about at first but I showed him the photos to see that it wasn't too princess-y. I think he was envisioning pink, ruffles and lace everywhere. Plus, 2 years ago we stayed in a pirate themed room at CBR so this would kind of even that out between him and his sister The firework headboards, boat ride to DS and the closer location to MK are pluses for us here.

It would only be approximately $200 more for us to stay at AKL than POR (for the 2 rooms types I mentioned) which we thought was fair for a deluxe vs. moderate. 2 years ago we did do mid-day breaks, so that does play into it a little when considering transportation. We are leaning towards AKL because of the atmosphere, but really the location is the main drawback. CBR is the only other place we've stayed at to compare to.

I am horrible with decisions and I know whichever one we go with, I will feel a little bit of guilt that we should have picked the other one. Any advice would be great!

We've never stayed at POR, but we love AKL. We've had 2 great stays and visit every trip to eat at Boma. AKL is out away from everything, but we've found the buses to be fine. In our experience, it's taken maybe 5 extra minutes to get around compared to other resorts. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). As far as room type/view, we've stayed pool and savanna view and while the savanna view was nice, I loved our pool view just as much and wouldn't hesitate to book that again. Since there are several animal viewing areas around the resort (like you mentioned), having a savanna view isn't a necessity for us. AKL is a beautiful resort with a great pool and nice dining options. I also find it to be quiet and peaceful. With all of that said, for just $200 more, I'd go with AKL. Good luck!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

To be honest, even in a standard room, I would go AKL unless you plan on spending multiple days at Disney Springs.

On site food? Better at AKL. Boma is a treasure. Sanaa at Kidani is delish. The Mara and the pool bars are perfectly okay food courts (POR likely has a better food court, just on the basis of being more food court-y).

Zebras? More of them at AKL. The nightly bonfire has features you just don't get at POR.

Internal hallways + balconies at AKL.

The AKL pool at Jambo has flamingos nearby. You can hop the internal to Kidani's pool to switch stuff up, and they have a children's play area that is a lot of fun.

AKL gets a lot of "so far away!" stuff in the ether, but it feels more remote than it really is from a time or bus perspective. Some people have bad luck with the buses, but that happens at every Disney resort and I cannot think of a resort at any price point without some bus haters. (The monorail deluxe often share buses for AK and HS, for instance.)

 

[MDarling]

These are all things that are helpful with me making a decision! Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out!

 

[AJA]

AKL for sure!

POR/FQ is our favorite moderate but the overall experience can't compare to AKL, especially with a 9 year old.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yes, definitely AKL! We've stayed in a standard and a savannah and, honestly, if only standard is in the budget, I wouldn't hesitate as it's a beautiful resort with amazing restaurants and pool and you will plenty of chances to see animals at the resort.

POR is a lovely mod, but for a $200 difference, this is a no-brainer - AKL!!!!

 

[crabbygal902]

What a wonderful problem to have! I totally understand...I also used to agonize over resort stay decisions until our visits became fairly regular. I think your decision comes down to what kind of experience you want to have. AKL is a fantastic deluxe resort, with lots of amenities and activities. If you will be spending lots of your time at the resort, I'd pick AKL and tailor restaurant choices and activities to enjoy all it has to offer. I would also take advantage of its location and spend more park time at AK than other places. If you will be spending lots of time at a variety of parks and at Disney Springs, I would choose POR. With its central location, it is a great spot to call home for a few days while you explore. The good news is that I don't think you can make a "wrong" choice. Happy planning!

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We had to switch our vacation time frame from mid-April to mid-June. I can't decide which resort between Animal Kingdom Lodge or Port Orleans Riverside.

My husband and I would be going with our 9 year old son and 6 year old daughter.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge we would be staying in the most basic, standard room. I know a lot of people say if you aren't doing the Savannah view it's not worth it - but I can tell the resort looks amazing and I know we can still walk around and see animals. We also like the idea of having a balcony. I do feel like I read a lot of mixed reviews about the buses/transportation to the parks, which concerns me (any input is appreciated!).

At Port Orleans Riverside we would opt for the Royal Room, which my son wasn't thrilled about at first but I showed him the photos to see that it wasn't too princess-y. I think he was envisioning pink, ruffles and lace everywhere. Plus, 2 years ago we stayed in a pirate themed room at CBR so this would kind of even that out between him and his sister The firework headboards, boat ride to DS and the closer location to MK are pluses for us here.

It would only be approximately $200 more for us to stay at AKL than POR (for the 2 rooms types I mentioned) which we thought was fair for a deluxe vs. moderate. 2 years ago we did do mid-day breaks, so that does play into it a little when considering transportation. We are leaning towards AKL because of the atmosphere, but really the location is the main drawback. CBR is the only other place we've stayed at to compare to.

I am horrible with decisions and I know whichever one we go with, I will feel a little bit of guilt that we should have picked the other one. Any advice would be great!

We have stayed at and loved both. However, the last several times I have realized that, after applying the available room-only discounts, a RR at POR is almost the same price as a standard at AKL. Therefore, we have twice chosen AKL over POR. The time we chose a RR at POR was for FD offer where there were no room discounts, so POR made more financial sense.

AKL has better table service, better pools, better bus service, a nicer lobby, and a better balcony (compared to the non-balcony at POR).

POR does have better QS options, but walking there is often farther than walking to the QS location at AKL.

I love RR at POR. I just think you get better value for dollar at AKL.

 

[MDarling]

Thank you again! The opinions, and personal knowledge, definitely help me feel better about making a decision. I know, it IS Disney, and we can't really go wrong! I think we will go with AKL based off of everything that's been said. Who knows if I will get a another discount offer like the one I have right now, I feel like I should take advantage of a deluxe while we can.

 

[Mamanemo]

AKL without a doubt. Way prettier than POR. The lobby is fantastic and much better resort for kids. Would choose that over POR any day!

 

[Juliet25]

AKL--no contest! For such a small difference in price, you won't regret it. I've never stayed in a standard, but we did have a pool view room the first time we stayed there and we had no problems seeing the animals from other areas.

Bus service is no better or worse than it would be from POR.

I Love, love, love AKL.

 

[mangar]

Thank you again! The opinions, and personal knowledge, definitely help me feel better about making a decision. I know, it IS Disney, and we can't really go wrong! I think we will go with AKL based off of everything that's been said. Who knows if I will get a another discount offer like the one I have right now, I feel like I should take advantage of a deluxe while we can.

Glad to hear you made your decision. You didn't mention how many days you were staying and one option that no one mentioned was splitting your stay between the two hotels. Maybe something to consider for next time.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

This is really hard. Stayed at both love both! We are DVC owners. I would probably go for PO why? Because I love the boat to Disney Springs, the food court is great. I did really enjoy AK the animals are wonderful , staff lovely but it did have a remote feeling to it and the buses were a nightmare when we stayed. We ended up jumping in the car every time. We didn't care for the food options at AK it was all rather spicy. But PO and of course all of Disney Springs is great. But of course everybody is different! We stay at the DVC resorts around the Springs or the Broadwalk now. Or monorail.

 

[MDarling]

Glad to hear you made your decision. You didn't mention how many days you were staying and one option that no one mentioned was splitting your stay between the two hotels. Maybe something to consider for next time.

June 12-18. Do you ever do split stays? Now something else to think about

 

[MDarling]

This is really hard. Stayed at both love both! We are DVC owners. I would probably go for PO why? Because I love the boat to Disney Springs, the food court is great. I did really enjoy AK the animals are wonderful , staff lovely but it did have a remote feeling to it and the buses were a nightmare when we stayed. We ended up jumping in the car every time. We didn't care for the food options at AK it was all rather spicy. But PO and of course all of Disney Springs is great. But of course everybody is different! We stay at the DVC resorts around the Springs or the Broadwalk now. Or monorail.

We actually will have our car, we will be driving, so I guess if AKL buses are bad the first day or two we could always drive to parks. When you park at Epcot, HS and/or AK - is it closer to entrance gates than when you park at MK?

Something about POR does look very appealing to me.

 

[Farps]

AKL is just beautiful, and being able to go see the animals is awesome. And the restaurants are great too. I vote AKL.

 

[Nancyg56]

AKL = gorgeous! I don't care what room you book, this resort is do darn unique that you cannot go wrong. Plan on resort time!