Help Us Decide Where to Stay

[mcmauney]

Hi all!

Family of four (2 adults, 2 teenagers) trying to decide between 3 different resort options:

POP- standard room, cheapest option, most themed, smallest room

POFQ- standard room, stayed before and loved, best resort layout for us

OKW- studio, never done DVC rental, biggest room, best bang for our buck

Give any thoughts and opinions or feedback from your past trips! Thanks!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Of those, I have only stayed at POFQ. I'm not sure that would be my first choice with teens; the pool seems heavily geared towards young children. I got a "motel vibe" when I stayed here that I never got at any of the other moderates (I've stayed at all of them.)

POP has never interested me much because having a hot tub at the resort is important to me.

OKW is on my bucket list. I've heard that "Olivias" is a hidden gem, especially for breakfast. I love the fact that they are the only DVC studio with 2 queens (vs. 1 queen and a sofa bed) and the spacious balcony/patio. This would be my choice.

 

[rosiebean]

Either OKW (probably best option because of size) or POFQ but not Pop with two adults and two teens!

I also disagree that Pop is most themed, unless you’re talking about the in your face Disney icons outside. Both the grounds and rooms at OKW and POFQ are themed very nicely, much more so IMO than Pop.

 

[k5xs]

If the teens are typical teens, POFQ may be a bit staid for them. (We are in our late 60s and love it. But it may be too quiet for them.)

I think Pop, with its energy, heavy theming, cool pools, and on-the-go vibe would be my choice for teens.

 

[SamFaniam]

Do you plan to stay together all the time, or will your teens do things on their own? Both POP and Port Orleans have nice food court areas where the kids can get an easy meal and then head out to the parks if they want. OKW has more spacious rooms, but it's quick service location does not have the variety of options that the food courts have.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I've stayed at both Pop and POFQ - Pop is small even for the 2 of us IMO ( but we like to spread out some ). Add in a roll away for one of the teenagers and even more space is gone.

POFQ is a bit better in the terms of space but it would still be tight. Love the theme here though and it is one of my favorite locations because the overall size of the resort is appealing.

OKW should give you the maximum amount of space without getting a 1 bedroom DVC. This resort is very large and the theme is subtle BUT it does have Olivia's which is a hidden breakfast gem.

 

[JeninTexas]

Definitely not Pop unless you are planning to get two rooms. The rooms are very small even for an 2 adults, or as was my case, 1 adult with 2 small children. OKW sounds like the best of the three to me.

 

[Disney Bubble Lover]

For me it would come down to your plans for the trip. If the trip is only a few days and you intend to spend the majority of the time in the parks (with your hotel just being a place to shower and sleep) I’d select the cheaper option. If the trip is longer or you’re planning on some down time at the resort I’d be willing to pay more for extra space and amenities.

 

[Babsy]

I would stay at OKW! You have already tried POFQ, POP would be small and not there best fro your group size/ages and OKW is awesome! Olivias is wonderful , the rooms are great and you are near DS.

 

[Mikey15]

I can't imagine squeezing into Pop with two teenagers. Maybe if you only plan on being in the room 8hrs a night...

Plus for either OKW or POFQ is easy boat access to Disney Springs too if the teens feel like wandering off. Adjoining rooms at Pop or a suite at AoA would also be options I'd consider, but it sounds like either OKW or FQ may be the better fit for you.

 

[LRdismom]

I second the comment about OKW and Disney Springs. Being a boat ride away will make it convenient for fun evenings! Unless you planned on being in the parks all day that is..

 

[holden]

If you can swing it I'd recommend a 1 bedroom at OKW. It will give you much more space. While the studios are a decent size, there really is no privacy except for the small bathroom. The 1 bedroom is significantly larger.

 

[Lynne M]

I think OKW is a nice choice for teens because of the access to Disney Springs. And there's such a nice, laid-back vibe at the resort, it's truly relaxing.

Downsides are the size of the resort and the lack of quick-service food options.

 

[Miffy]

OP: An as-yet-unmentioned downside of OKW is that you're talking about renting DVC points. If you don't already realize this, when you rent points, you pay upfront for the entire stay, there's rarely any way to modify the reservation, and you'd be out the entire cost if you cancel. Also, you don't have control of the reservation--the DVC member does. Many people are happy renting points to stay at DVC properties, and I totally understand why. But I've had to change/cancel a couple of trips (booked through WDW, not renting points), so this seems pretty significant to me.

Also not mentioned here is the fact that OKW has many buildings without elevators. That might not be a problem for you, but thought I should mention it in case it is. And also keep in mind the lack of quick-service/food-court options at OKW. All that aside, OKW is beautiful.

OP, have you considered a cabin in Fort Wilderness? It has a full kitchen, which could come in handy, and a separate bedroom. Although it may be more expensive than any of your other options.