HELP--Still Torn - Pop(5days=$700) AK(5days=$1450)

[pitmindi]

Hi I am STILL undecided. I leave on 8/28 for 3 nights on the beach, then 5 nights at Disney. I will be at Disney from 8/31 - 9/5. I currently have reserved Pop Century for $700, preferred room with free dining and 1 day ticket for 3 people. Animal Kingdom is an additional $750 (pool view). We will spend alot of time at the resort and DH spends lots of time in the room, rather than the pool, as me and DD swim. We will go to MK on Wed 6:00pm - 12:00 (additional night hours) and Epcot Thurs 6:00 - 12:00. (We don't like crowds or heat so will limit our time in the parks and won't go Sat or Sun of Labor Day Weekend.) We will also spend one day at a waterpark. The rest of the time we would be at the resort or exploring, since we'll have a car. Lots of people say Pop is great since they spent most of the time at the parks not at the resort. WHat about those of you who hung out at the Pop. Was is fun? Since I have a car I don't care about the bus service. Most of the AK reviews are from people who had a savannah view and loved watching the animals from their room---what about those who had a pool view? I see the room at AK is 340 sq ft rather than 260 sq feet at Pop. I don't want a moderate since we tried it (CBR) in 2003 and DH didn't like it, so if I spend extra money, I will go deluxe. IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY????????? Thank you all so much since I am sure I am driving people crazy but without being there and seeing it in person, I can't decide. Mindy

 

[CarolynNC]

IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY????????? Thank you all so much since I am sure I am driving people crazy but without being there and seeing it in person, I can't decide. Mindy

I've stayed deluxe and value at WDW. I make my decision based on my budget. I will enjoy my stay regardless of whether my room is located on the monorail or out in the boonies! My upcoming trip will be in the boonies (POP)! My opinion, I could think of a whole lot to do with $750 saved by staying at POP. The majority of the responses you received last time recommended you upgrade to deluxe if hanging around the resort. Is there something making you hesitate? We can only give your our opinions but you're going to have to figure out what is best for you and then make the most of your decision. You should just sit down with your husband, present all the info, and make the decision together.

Good luck with what ever you decide. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip.

 

[unixadm]

I did some quick pricing with your dates and 1 day tickets:

Disney's Pop Century Resort Package Total: $683.60

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Package Total POOL VIEW: $1,435.10

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Package Total SAVANNAH VIEW: $1,741.70

Disney's Old Key West Resort Package STUDIO VILLA
(Includes kitchenette, DVD Player)
Total: $1,624.70

Disney's Old Key West Resort Package Total 1 BR VILLA
(Separate BR/Jacuzzi, Full Kitchen, DVD Player)
$2,132.00

Disney's BoardWalk Villas Package Total STUDIO VILLA: $1,819.80

Disney's BoardWalk Villas Package Total 1 BR VILLA : $2,410.70

I personally would go for one of the Villas. They are MUCH nicer than a regular hotel room. This is especially important if you or DH are spending lots of time in the room. The Studios are bigger than a Deluxe Resort room, and have a kitchenette, TV with DVD player (with rentals on site), etc. The resorts themselves are as nice or nicer than the Deluxe's, IMO.

Since you have a car, then Old Key West would be your best bet for the price. The rooms are bigger than other villas, and they are cheaper. If you want to combine comfort with budget, then go for the Studio....it is only $200 more than the AK pool view, and actually cheaper than AK Savannah view. If you really want to splurge, then get the 1 BR.....has a separate BR for you and your husband with a separate TV and Jacuzzi. Your DD would have a Queen size pull out couch in the living room with TV and DVD player.

 

[4greatboys]

Why not split your stay? 2 or 3 night at Pop then move to AKL. That way you save money and reduce your overall resort bill.

 

[cjsmith]

Hi I am STILL undecided. I leave on 8/28 for 3 nights on the beach, then 5 nights at Disney. I will be at Disney from 8/31 - 9/5. I currently have reserved Pop Century for $700, preferred room with free dining and 1 day ticket for 3 people. Animal Kingdom is an additional $750 (pool view). We will spend alot of time at the resort and DH spends lots of time in the room, rather than the pool, as me and DD swim. We will go to MK on Wed 6:00pm - 12:00 (additional night hours) and Epcot Thurs 6:00 - 12:00. (We don't like crowds or heat so will limit our time in the parks and won't go Sat or Sun of Labor Day Weekend.) We will also spend one day at a waterpark. The rest of the time we would be at the resort or exploring, since we'll have a car. Lots of people say Pop is great since they spent most of the time at the parks not at the resort. WHat about those of you who hung out at the Pop. Was is fun? Since I have a car I don't care about the bus service. Most of the AK reviews are from people who had a savannah view and loved watching the animals from their room---what about those who had a pool view? I see the room at AK is 340 sq ft rather than 260 sq feet at Pop. I don't want a moderate since we tried it (CBR) in 2003 and DH didn't like it, so if I spend extra money, I will go deluxe. IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY????????? Thank you all so much since I am sure I am driving people crazy but without being there and seeing it in person, I can't decide. Mindy

If your husband didn't like the moderate I don't see how he's going to like a value resort! I personally don't care for the values and I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay in the deluxes so if you have the money, go for it!

 

[addicted2disney]

let me ask this first..what didnt you like about CBR?

And really, if your hubby is going to be alone in the room either sleeping or watching tv... it really wont matter where you stay. If it were me, Id be saving the 750 bucks and staying at the Pop. That is a huge difference.

I too am fortunate to be able to stay in deluxe resorts.. BUT... I dont. We like the value resorts. Now that there are 5 of us, we get two. Movies is our favorite.

How old is DD?

 

[Leota]

If your husband didn't like the moderate I don't see how he's going to like a value resort! I personally don't care for the values and I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay in the deluxes so if you have the money, go for it!

ITA. If the moderates weren't enjoyable for you, then the values surely will be disappointing, esp. if you want to spend any time at the resort. We stayed value once & never again as long as I can afford it. I'd rather go less often, taking time to save the extra for at least a moderate.

At a value, for recreation you have a pool & a food court.

At AKL you have Savannahs, Pool w/ slide, hot tub, 3 restaurants, several tours, several activities for children, night vision goggles, fireside story-telling.... You could easily spend a full day at AKL & not get bored. I personally love the Savannah View & that's what we go for, I can do that alone for hours.

 

[scanmom]

I would go for the villa. Unless the budget won't allow it. And the prices are comparable to AKL, so you should be ok. Plus, having the kitchenette makes it easier to bring leftovers back to the room to heat up for late night snacks! But, I would try to get the BCV instead of the OKW. The location is great. You could just walk the Boardwalk if you wanted, maybe see parts of illuminations from your resort, tour the other BW resorts if you wanted, and of course, there is the pool!!! SAB is the best pool on property, bar none. You and DD will really have a blast there, and maybe DH will join you if it is more like a mini waterpark than a regular hotel pool!

 

[nrsldy]

I have been going through the same thing Value vs Deluxe
I am such a resort snob. I prefer the Deluxe hotels.
Well this time I decided to try Pop(at the end of Sep) so that I could get in another quick trip in Dec.I hope I like it because I booked our room at pop in Dec. If all else fails upgrade.

 

[johnsonet]

I would spend the extra $150/day and go with AKL, especially since you'll be spending lots of time at your resort. Although I've never stayed at POP - or any Value resort for that matter - I have stayed at AKL 4 times and think it is the most unique resort on Disney property. All three of you will love it! The pool area is gorgeous and there are 2 hot tubs. There is a nice fitness center, arcade, "food court", 2 great restaurants, a Kids' Club, a nice Lounge plus many fun and interesting activities for children (and some for adults!) AND there are many great viewing areas around the resort from which to enjoy the animals. IMO just being there is a treat.
Good luck with your decision!

 

[Jen D]

It is worth the extra money.... if you can comfortably spend it. If you can afford it and it isn't going to stretch you either on your vacation budget or your home budget, it is well worth it.If you can afford it, go for it!

 

[minnie61650]

let me ask this first..what didnt you like about CBR?

And really, if your hubby is going to be alone in the room either sleeping or watching tv... it really wont matter where you stay. If it were me, Id be saving the 750 bucks and staying at the Pop. That is a huge difference.

I too am fortunate to be able to stay in deluxe resorts.. BUT... I dont. We like the value resorts. Now that there are 5 of us, we get two. Movies is our favorite.

How old is DD?

ITA
I love the All Stars.
Since I stay at 4 star hotels quite often the deluxes do not appeal to me. I recently went to the Boardwalk resort for a family wedding and did not care for it at all.
When I stay at the All Star resorts I feel like I am staying right in the middle of the Magic of Disney.
It never feels like a cheap hotel to me.
It is just too magical.
Where else can you find Mickey or Donald Duck at your pool?

OP what made CBR seem cheep to you?
A split stay might be a good option for you.
Also since you are on the dining plan you could have lunch or dinner at AKL and enjoy a relaxing meal and take in the sights of AKL.
Wherever you decide to stay have fun at Disney!
Linda

 

[minnie61650]

Maybe you would like to see some photos of POP.
Here is a link:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Pop_Century/index.htm
Here is a nice thread about people who have stayed at Pop and the reasons why they like it.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=888059
Linda

 

[Buzz2001]

Pop!!

 

[ccw]

Sounds lke the all round best option is to let DH enjoy some quiet time at home! That's what mine would prefer so I just go without him! (sorry if that sounds harsh! We've been married 28 years so really it does work out!)

 

[swilphil]

If your husband didn't like the moderate I don't see how he's going to like a value resort! I personally don't care for the values and I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay in the deluxes so if you have the money, go for it!

I agree. It doesn't sound like your husband would be happy at a value resort if he didn't like a moderate. If you can't afford to stay at AKL the whole time, split your stay--2 nights at POP and 3 at AKL, but make sure you do the deluxe LAST.

 

[Disney with Triplets]

IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?????????

If you can afford it, yes, it is worth it to stay at a Deluxe resort. We stayed at a Value resort because it afforded us two rooms for 8 nights since had 6 people with us. We would have had to cut our vacation short to stay at another resort. We got what we paid for - a clean, comfortable, Days Inn style motel with just enough theming to make it Disney and an over the top gift shop to help spend your savings. We spent our time at the parks.

For shorter trips, we've been on the monorail for convenience. Also, if we were spending time at the resort, deluxe is the way to go - more amenities to enjoy.

 

[pigby]

My DH also didn't care for a moderate (POFQ) - he thought it to be a little un-Disney - well we all thought the same, to be honest, but we love POP and ASMo.

In July, we were fortunate enough to stay at POP for 7 nights (2nd visit) and WL 7 nights. We loved WL - who doesn't, but would certainly go back to POP. We have also stayed at ASMo 3 times and are going back in October. A split stay might be the way to go, but personally I wouldn't do a split stay for a vacation of 5 nights.

 

[lucysdad]

There is so much to enjoy at AKL, your husband won't even need to stay in the room. I stayed at the ASM five years ago for one night and would never choose a value resort again. For us, part of the Disney experience is the hotel, so we save our money and wait until we can afford to enjoy the experience fully. We had a great week at AKL last summer. I can't imagine POP even coming close to offering what AKL can.
Lucy's mom

 

[robmary]

I agree with the person who suggested Old Key West Studio villa for the same money as AKL. We have stayed at POP, WL, CSR,CR, Saratoga Springs, POR, and Boardwalk. We are Disney Vacation Club members, but we spend a few days each visit at a Disney hotel. I would say of the home away from home resorts, we loved Old Key West. I think your husband would love it. Lots of places to just walk and enjoy the surrounding. Great new main pool with a sandcastle water slide. There studio rooms are larger than any other DVC resort. We really enjoyed staying there. The other place I would recommend for surroundings is Port Orleans Riverside. Just beautiful grounds. Rather quiet there. Great Pool. Fishing hole(you can rent the poles), carriage rides in the evening (you definitely need reservations for that), close to Port Orleans French Quarter (which is also beautiful).

I admit, we have never been to AKL. I have heard people did enjoy it very much there. I have also heard that the rooms are very dark feeling, the animals odor can blow into the room and my guess is the animals sleep a good part of the day, just like at AK park. So, the early morning is the best time to see them.

Good Luck in your choice.