Help us choose?

[Chrelaine]

We already booked a bounceback for POR (Me, DH and DD6): 7 days, Garden view with 5 day PH and DDP. We got a quote from a TA for BC standard view with 5 day PH, no dining plan. BC is about $65 less this way, so essentially even in the grand scheme of things. We know the POR package is less expensive, but is it the best option when taking in convenience, pool, dining options...etc.

We're just looking for some opinions from folks that may have stayed at both as this would be our first time at either one. Would the experience at BC make the extra $700-$1K for food for 7 days "worth" it? It's hard for us to decide because we know we're comparing apples(moderate) and oranges(deluxe).

 

[ldo]

unless you are walking to EP or DHS, BC is not any more convenient to the other parks to justify the price difference, IMHO. We usually stay at DVC, which are deluxes. But are perfectly happy with POR, a nice moderate resort with a fun themed pool. Plus you can also use the POR FQ pool, as well for variety. So, to me, it would come down to the BC pools and somewhat convenience to DHS/EP. Take a look on allears.net at the rooms, grounds, and pools of both--is that great BC pool worth $1K? Not for my family. Assuming you got BB free dining, I would keep that in a heartbeat (we booked BB free DDP @ POR over staying in DVc points at a deluxe).
You also might be able to call WDW and change your resort to another and still keep the BB rate??? I know you can change dates, but don't know about resorts.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We already booked a bounceback for POR (Me, DH and DD6): 7 days, Garden view with 5 day PH and DDP. We got a quote from a TA for BC standard view with 5 day PH, no dining plan. BC is about $65 less this way, so essentially even in the grand scheme of things. We know the POR package is less expensive, but is it the best option when taking in convenience, pool, dining options...etc.

We're just looking for some opinions from folks that may have stayed at both as this would be our first time at either one. Would the experience at BC make the extra $700-$1K for food for 7 days "worth" it? It's hard for us to decide because we know we're comparing apples(moderate) and oranges(deluxe).

We've have stayed at both BC and POR and the BC buses to other parks, which is only MK and AK, are better that the POR buses for the simple reason that you don't have long lines at park closing for the BC like you do for POR. We stayed at POR in June and for both DHS and Epcot we had to wait for multiple buses to fill, move on, load again, move on, etc. It often took an hour to get a bus back to the resort. POR has multiple bus stops, BC only shares with YC. And being able to walk to Epcot and DHS is wonderful.

But, outside of that, POR is a lovely place to stay. I really like the food court and the pool area. The pool at POR isn't anywhere as nice as Storm Along Bay, but it is still nice. And I like the pool bar at POR better than Hurricane Hanna's. Although the BC rooms are nicer, the rooms at POR are nice enough. I would not hesitate to stay at POR again. If you stay at POR with the dining plan then it is easy to make good use of your credits at the food court. If you stay at the BC you can eat at the resort, or at the YC, Boardwalk, in Epcot, all within walking distance. We like the variety of food options available to us while staying at the BC.

Either place will be a nice place to stay. You just have to decide what kind of vacation you would like to have. If you plan to stay at the parks most of the day, then POR is a good choice. If you don't plan to buy park hopper tickets then stay at POR. If you plan to relax at the resort and spend a lot of time at the pool, or plan to park hop, then the BC would be a great place to stay.

 

[maryj11]

We have stayed at both and like both. So that is a tough one. What about a split stay?

 

[Nancyg56]

I think it depends on why you would choose any resort. I chose the BC when I know I am planning to be in Epcot a lot. It is a lovely resort with plants in the area to enjoy, The pool, restaurants, lounges, evening entertainment and more.

POR is lovely as well. I stay at POFQ, but visit POR for dinner whenever we are there. The transportaion is fine, and the water taxi to DS is wonderful. WE love it, especially in the evening. So pretty and relaxing.

Here is how I plan: How much rime am I going to be at the resort? What is the focus of my trip this time? WHat is my overall budget? Transportaion is never factored. You get on a bus for some park at every resort.

I think that people look at "convenience" differently. Convenience to MK is huge when you stay at a monorail resort. Convenience to Epcot is huge when you stay at an Epcot resort. I dont mind buses, so I usually give that a low priority on any trip.

I look at amenities, and decide how much I want to pay for them. $1000 is a lot to pay for amenities if it means you may be inclined to skimp on your food budget, or have to skip extras you would generally choose to enjoy. My husband teased us when my DD, DSIL, DGD and I stay moderate becuase there was no monorail. Yep....but we could vacation twice for approximately the same money. Worth it to us! For him? That monorail is key, so we choose Deluxe monorail resort when he is with us.

Before you change your resort, look at your itinerary. See how much time you factor into resort time. If it is minimal I woudl nto spend the money. If you decide that resort time is vacation time then make the change, but budget that resort time in when you are actively planning the park time. IMO, that extra money spent is doubled if you do nto use the resort.

 

[Hopefully]

I would choose BC in your situation. If I read your plans correctly you have a 7 day drip with only 5 day Hopper tickets. So you have plenty of resort time built in.
I don't think you can under estimate being able to walk to 2 parks. The convenience is wonderful and if you expect to take afternoon pool breaks in the August heat, that will help a lot.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed at both, and it is a tough decision. I would lean towards POR though, as I am a big fan of the dining plan. I also found the buses at the Beach Club to be some of the worst, with regards to how slow they come, how full they get, and how long the bus ride to the Magic Kingdom is.

 

[Disneylover99]

We do free dining every August at a value or moderate and then add on a few days at a Deluxe with a great deal at either the beginning or end of the trip. It's awesome!!!! So I wouldn't choose. I'd do both.

I would add an extra day or two on your tickets with the FD package and add an extra 3 days to your trip at the BC, (room only) after POR. Why not have the best of both worlds?