Got PIN code with choice - help me decide!

[TrySomethingNew]

I'm a Disney novice. My stay in the 70's as a very young child means I know next to nothing regarding WDW!

Today I received a PIN code to upgrade (for $29/ night) my one night stay at WDW - currently at the moderate POFQ- to a choice of either Saratoga Springs and Spa, or The Boardwalk Inn - Both are Deluxe, I think.

I've perused my guide book and this site and another for some information. I'm getting very mixed reviews on the two deluxe resoprt options.

So, is the $29 upgrade a good bonus? Which resort should I choose (stick with POFQ, or upgrade to Saratoga or to Boardwalk?

Background info: it will be my DH, DD (13), DD (5), and myself. We are flying in the day before our cruise on the Dream this Christmas. As of today, the kids know nothing about this trip and we hope to keep it that way. We currently have character breakfast ressies at Osuna (?) at the Poly.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Disney Princess]

I would upgrade for sure. I think $29 is a great price. Did they offer you SSR and BW Inn or SSR and BW villas? Do you know what size accomodations?

At SSR, I'm assuming they'd give you a studio. That would give your group a kitchenette (great for breakfasts in the room!) and a queen bed and double sleeper sofa.

If they offered you BW Inn, you'd have two real beds, but no kitchenette. If they offered you BW Villas, you'd probably have the same studio situation at SSR.

We love the kitchenettes and the sleeper sofa - you can fold it up during the day to have more space in the room. I haven't slept on the sofa myself, but I've heard from our guests that it isn't uncomfortable.

Of the two, I would choose BW. We love the location - you can walk to Epcot and DHS or take the boat. We think the entertainment and "doings" on the boardwalk at night are fun. We also love the pool slide.

To be fair, we've never stayed at SSR. They have a new pool area which is supposed to be great. I honestly don't think you could go wrong either way.

Good luck with your decision and your secret keeping!

 

[gabzee]

You mentioned that you are only staying there for one night and already have breakfast plans at the Poly so the kitchenette wouldn't do much for you. I would definitely upgrade (that is a great deal!) and stay at the Boardwalk Inn. The hotel has a nice atmosphere and fun activities for the family. The pool is fun and you can rent surrey bikes there (I think that is what they call them!). Have a great trip!

 

[janiejake]

I agree wholeheartedly with the prior two posters. Boardwalk gets my vote, for location, location, location. Being able to walk or float to EPCOT and MGM. Oops, DHS. $29 is a fab price to pay to get to check out a deluxe resort. It is an upgrade I would not turn down.

 

[Sammie]

If it is studio versus a resort room I would go with the room simply because it will have two beds a daybed over a bed and sofa bed.

If however it is for a one bedroom villa over a resort room, I would pick the villa.

 

[MarkF0wle]

I would definitely upgrade.

My initial thoughts would be upgrade to the BW, I think the resort is themed nicely & overall better presented. Having two actual beds might be a deciding factor for you also.

However SSR is within walking distance of Downtown Disney; so if you are there for one night & not going to a park then you have lots of entertainment there for both kids & adults.

The Boardwalk in my opinion is more adult-centric?
In terms of the breakfast reservation both are a bus journey away so I see nothing to be gained or lost in either choice.

 

[Robert P]

Upgrade for sure. BW would be my choice.

 

[rusty4]

Would you be willing to get a park ticket? The Osbourne lights at DHS are fantastic! You could stroll or boat right over from the Boardwalk Resort. That would make for a wonderful Christmas memory.

 

[jaceraden]

Boardwalk - no question!

Have a great trip. I hear 'Ohana at the Polynesian is great. We're trying it this trip too.

 

[disneygal58]

From the Boardwalk you can view Illuminations and enjoy the various amenities at the resort. Congrats and enjoy!

 

[Sue M]

BWI!!~ You can walk to Epcot & DHS. Lots of stuff going on along the Boardwalk, street entertainers, shops, etc.

 

[poohlover]

We just got an offer to upgrade as well from PORS. Perhaps they were overbooked due to the renovations?

We got (and took) the Yacht Club for the $29 extra a night!

 

[Emily_H]

definitely the BWI! great deal!!

 

[333disneymom]

My vote is to upgrade to Boardwalk.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

Thanks Everyone! I called and upgraded to Boardwalk! It sounds like a great place from everyone's comments, which were a great help!

 

[Disney Princess]

Thanks Everyone! I called and upgraded to Boardwalk! It sounds like a great place from everyone's comments, which were a great help!

Enjoy it!!

 

[skylilly]

Upgrade would be my vote.

 

[skylilly]

Can I ask when you are going?

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I prefer BW to SSR so that would be my choice. Congrats!

 

[TrySomethingNew]

Can I ask when you are going?

We are going just before Christmas, Dec 21. Then we will take our first cruise on the Dream Dec 22.