HELP! POP w/FD or WL Room Only?!

[The Pluto People]

Hello! Please help us decide. We bought our plane tickets for 12/13-12/18 so our dates are locked in. We are 2 adults who just cannot make a decision. We are just looking for a great getaway vacation! Will POP with free dining and 2 days at the Parks be a more enjoyable experience than the WL room only? The WL is about $500 more - without the parks or food. We have been to POP before and, although we had fun, found the beds to be very uncomfortable - hope that's changed! If we stayed at WL we would probably not go to the parks (I have severe arthritis/mobility issues ). Although the park tickets that come with the POP package would allow us to visit EPCOT, which we both love. Also, a WL stay would mean additional food costs. But it's Christmas time and the balconies at WL... but also not having to pay for food/refllable mugs with the POP package... Money is a huge concern but we want to enjoy our stay! PLEASE, can anyone offer us guidance in making this decision? THANKS!!!

 

[dazednconfused]

Hi,
Well, I would definitely pick Pop with FD. WL is beautiful, no doubt. Especially during the holiday season. But, we also need to eat. FD will take of that! I believe the Pop was renovated sometime in 2010 or was it 2011? They would have changed the mattresses, I hope. If the size of the bed is an issue, perhaps requestng for a King bed and mentioning your illness might help. Alternatively, you may wish to stay at one of the moderate resorts. I understand Port Orleans French Quarter is quite pretty during the holidays.

However you decide, I hope you have a great time at WDW!

 

[MMS1125]

I'd try and see if there's any mods available with FD and stay there. A bit nicer than POP with bigger beds yet not as $$ as WL. WL is stunning but you still have to eat so that would be even additional cost. It would be hard to be in WDW for 5 days and not visit a park I think so the tickets would be a bonus!

 

[MMS1125]

Looks like CSR and CBR is avail for those dates with FD. CSR didn't come up automatically but when I chose it it shows avail. It was 1585 with a 2 day base ticket with FD for your dates. Pop with upgraded dining was 1287 so a $300 difference but your food is paid for and you get 2 days tickets

 

[Disneyhenry]

My vote is for POP with FD, it is nice to to have to worry about paying for food while you are on vacation

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I love WL, and it is the only WDW hotel that we have stayed at, but in this case I would go with POP. Being at Disney the food is expensive, whether you pay out of pocket or buy a plan, and free dining is a great opportunity. While I could totally see doing a trip without park tickets, having them is very nice too. You can also plan a nice trip over to the WL for an afternoon to hang out in the lobby and maybe even have a meal, which will be covered by the dining plan. Sometimes cutting back too much on cost in other areas for a nicer resort might not be worth it.
Whether you go either way, enjoy your trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

My first choice would be the WL as it's a beautiful resort, especially at Christmas time. With that said, I agree with a pp that I would check out a mod with FD. If WL wasn't doable with having to add food to the already higher cost over POP, I would pay a little extra and stay at a mod with FD. We've never stayed at a value as they don't appeal to us. Good luck.

 

[The Pluto People]

Unfortunately, we are still undecided but really appreciate all your input! We are going to read all your posts again and hopefully decide in the next few days. Thanks!

 

[lovemy3girls]

Another vote for Pop with free dining! I have stayed at both, and love both, but it seems like staying at WL, so close to MK, with no tickets would be a tease. Free dining is a great deal. I'd do pop and upgrade to regular dining from quick service! And remember, you can spend an afternoon crossing the bridge and exploring Art of Animation. It such a cool resort!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We are here now at WL and yesterday ventured over to Pop for dinner and to look around. I could see going either way for you. Pop was fun and we are really loving the free dining and are still impressed by how much it is saving us. WL is so beautiful though, and we could stay at the resort all day and not feel the need to leave. It will come down to what is most important for you, but you should have fun either way. Happy trip planning, and before long you will be here.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Unfortunately, we are still undecided but really appreciate all your input! We are going to read all your posts again and hopefully decide in the next few days. Thanks!

I think the WL is a beautiful resort and would be a destination in itself! I think you will find the room more comfortable with more amenities, plus the pool is fantastic! Free dining at Pop would also be good, as long as you can still get ADRs at restaurants you want to dine at. December fast approaches!