December 2008 Honeymoon

[dishm12/08]

Hi Everyone.

We're planning our HM for Dec 7-14 2008 . Right now we're debating between AKL and POFQ. We're kinda leaning towards POFQ because of the pool, FI thinks it's cool, and the fact that we can book a king bed room. If you have stayed in AKL and requested a king bed, were you ever denied? Do all of the POFQ's rooms have balconys? We're not really too concerned with the views, but like balconys. FI is kinda excited about the possibility of seeing a giraffe walking by. Which is also why we're leaning towards AKL too. So which would you pick?

Oh and does anyone know when construction will be done on AKL? Thanks

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Congratulations! What an exciting trip to plan!

I can't comment on the king bed issue, but I wanted to point out that none of the POFQ rooms have balconies. The hotel has exterior corridors, so the only door to the room exits onto an outside walkway. It looks a bit like a balcony in photos because of the iron railings, etc. but it is the common corridor that all guests use. There are no chairs out there or private spaces.

I really like POFQ, though I didn't get in the pool while I was there, because of the landscaping and the boat to downtown Disney. But if balconies are really important to you, you're going to need to pick from among the deluxe hotels.

 

[dishm12/08]

Wow, thanks for the quick response. Definitely another check in the pro column for AKL.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

So funny, my family and I are going down to Disney around the same exact time (12/2 - 12/9), and we are also debating between AKL and POFQ! I would love to stay at AKL, but there are reasons that it is cheeper than the other deluxe resorts (yet still much pricier than POFQ or any other moderate resorts).
First - It is further away from the parks than the other deluxe resorts. Since it will just be yourself and your new husband, you may not really care, but I have myself, my husband, a 2 and 3 year old, and two sets of grandparents to contend with!
Second - The rooms with the better views/balconys are much more expencive than the regular rooms!
The AKL has I think 4 resturants just at the hotel, and roomservice, where POFQ only has one fast serve place and no roomservice. There is a sit down at POR, but its a pretty long walk, like 10-15 minutes I've heard.
Other Cons of the POFQ....
It has a long time to wait for buses since POFQ and POR share bus service for some unknown reason, though at the time your going, you shouldn't have to much of a problem.
The POFQ doesn't have as elaborate christmas decorations at AKL. AKL has an edable African village that if you've seen it on FoodNetwork, its really pretty cool looking.
I'm sure theres more I could tell you, but I haven't gotten much sleep in the last week or two due to my kids... The best suggestion I can give you is to get the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008. I have it, and its so great! It even tells you what are the best room numbers to ask for in each hotel!
Hope I was able to help you out!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

DH and I had the exact same debate as you are having with POFQ and AKL. In the photos, I thought it was incredible that a giraffe could walk right up to your balcony, but I wasn't sure how realistic it was.
Having stayed at POFQ many times as a child, I knew how quaint and romantic the resort could be. I know that AKL is a large resort, and we were concerned with the amount of noise and children around (which of course you have anywhere at WDW). We decided on POFQ because we knew we would be spending very little time in the room over our stay. We had a king bed room in bldg 4 and it was great! Close to the food court, close to the busses, and far enough away from the pool.
We figured that we could spend the money we saved on the room in the parks very easily. The only downfall would be the lack fo a balcony that you wanted. For ous, POFQ was a perfect choice.

Enjoy your honeymoon! DH and I had such an amazing time and are already planning our 1st Anniversary trip next year! I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate. Be SURE to get the Just Married pins. The CM's bent over backwards for us and made sure to point out to EVERYONE that we were newlyweds as soon as they saw our pins. It made the trip that much more magical!

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Hi!!! Just coming in to say hi because we'll be honeymooning December 9 - 19th at Disney World! We'll be at the Poly so maybe we'll run into each other!!! Congrats!!!

 

[DVC Mike]

POFQ vs AKL for your honeymoon? Definitely AKL!!

 

[dishm12/08]

Update: We booked AKL. When FI found out POFQ didn't have balconies, he said the decision was easy. I didn't care which one because after planning the wedding, he could at least get his wish about which resort. We put in a request for a king bed and not to be near the construction. Thanks everyone.

 

[Blessedx3]

CONGRATS first of all. And not to make the desicion any harder but you may want to be by the construction. We thought we didn't want to be and requested not to be near it but still were a few weeks ago and there were so many animals. We didn't hear any noie from the construction either. The CM's said it was because the animals never see anything new so they are very curious and have been since it started. Just a suggestion. And yes I have requested a king bed and not gotten it at the AKL also. Even so it is a lovely resort! Have a great time.

 

[spiceycat]

POFQ has 2 double beds

AKL has 2 queen beds

if you are in AKV - then it is a queen and double sleeper sofa in the studio,
a king bed and queen sleeper sofa in the 1-bedroom

always prefer the bigger bed.

 

[pixie08]

We have stayed at both and for your honeymoon def go with AKL IMO! POFQ is nice but there is a difference in service and accomadation between a mod and deluxe. Not that a mod is bad but if you are on you honeymoon deluxe is the way to go. All rooms have a balcony at AKL I believe...not all overlook the savannah though imo even without a savannah view it is tillawesome.

While the bus rides are a bit longer you won't notice it too much and it is sooo nice because it is secluded. It ties at #1 with the Boardwalk for us in terms of favorite Disney reorts. We also never had trouble getting a King there (but we were given a handicap room which has kings) but a reg room has 2 queens if you do not mind a queen! Good luck deciding

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

My DF and I are honeymooning 1/6-1/13 of 2008. We leave in just 2 weeks!!! This will also be our first trip ever to WDW and we couldn't be more excited!! We are staying at AKL. I have a PTR going and will certainly be doing an extensive Trip Report when we return. Please be sure to check it out since I just saw that you decided on AKL!!! Congrats on your upcoming wedding and Disneymoon!!