I’m back…need Disboard advice on a quick trip..

zdad59

They call me "ThePrince of Planning"
Joined
Mar 6, 2014
Messages
188
Hi all. I’m a regular here when planning and visiting the Mouse. Last trip was a couple years ago when we did 10 days in Orlando, 4 at Universal and 6 at Beach Club.

This trip is a spur of the moment trip mama wants to do. April 19-24. Biggest question is where to stay. I ran a couple of scenarios and would love this wise boards opinion.

Scenario 1: Grand Floridian. Outer building. 4 day tix with hopper. ~$4,000

Scenario 2: Pop Century. Standard room. 4 day tix with hopper. ~$2,100

Mama doesn’t want to do a bus only resort. GF is on the monorail. Pop has access to Skyliner (which we loved when we stayed at Beach Club). I like the savings of Pop, which would allow for another vaca somewhere later in the year.

Opine, oh wise board members.
 
I don't think there is really any question. GF is the much, much better resort. The question is, would you rather spend this vacay in a resort or spend it in a hotel (and still have money for another trip somewhere this year). That's not really a calculus that requires any board member expertise. its just a personal question of which you prefer
 
Def Pop. For that GF money, I'd go to an actual luxury hotel.

You could also check for a confirmed DVC reservation to rent. There are several sites with them.
 
No one can do this math for you tbh. It depends on your priorities and the way you want to do the parks. Are you planning on going commando rope drop to fireworks or plan on taking breaks and enjoying the resort? Pop makes sense if all you want is a place to shower and sleep. But if you want a down day at your resort then GF wins no contest. It is also much more a relaxed vibe than Pop.
 

It’s passable, but there is construction around the GF grounds and some outer buildings right now. If I’m not mistaken the walking path to MK is closed. If on the fence I’d probably save GF for some other time when it’s in fully renovated/no construction condition.
 
Pop. I'm personally about saving the money, especially if it means another vacation later in the year. My family also loves Pop.

Then again, I've never stayed deluxe period. Trying one for the first time on my upcoming trip, but this is a splurge for a big milestone birthday. Otherwise, we love values and moderates.
 
Hi all. I’m a regular here when planning and visiting the Mouse. Last trip was a couple years ago when we did 10 days in Orlando, 4 at Universal and 6 at Beach Club.

This trip is a spur of the moment trip mama wants to do. April 19-24. Biggest question is where to stay. I ran a couple of scenarios and would love this wise boards opinion.

Scenario 1: Grand Floridian. Outer building. 4 day tix with hopper. ~$4,000

Scenario 2: Pop Century. Standard room. 4 day tix with hopper. ~$2,100

Mama doesn’t want to do a bus only resort. GF is on the monorail. Pop has access to Skyliner (which we loved when we stayed at Beach Club). I like the savings of Pop, which would allow for another vaca somewhere later in the year.

Opine, oh wise board members.
Pop for half the price.
 
Are those the only choices? If available, I would also consider WL, any of the EP resorts, CBR and Swan/Dolphin (check directly on the Marriott site)
 
I’d choose Pop and feel fine staying there, but use that as a back-up plan.

Then I’d keep an eye out for DVC point rentals and confirmed reservations. Some very sweet confirmed reservations pop up in the last 30 days before trip. To take advantage of that, make sure not to book a WDW package (room and tickets) and just book room only and buy tickets separately. You can cancel the Pop room up to 5 days before checkin that way.
 
I like deluxe, but I‘d pick Pop. Some of our most relaxing trips have been in Pop lake view rooms. Love the vibe too.
 
Thanks all. Some very good perspectives. I think we have a plan, with options modified some based on your inputs. I’m meeting with our TA tomorrow and I’ll let you all know what we book.

Cheers
 
Ok. Here’s what I booked.

Pop Century - Preferred room
4 day park hopper ticket.

We will Uber from MCO to the hotel.

- Looked into CBR…no availability
- Looked into AoA…. Only family suite or little mermaid rooms available. TA said Mermaid rooms were not in a good physical location.
- WL and GF just priced themselves out for this trip. Mama does want to go back at some point and do GF, but a trip where we can resort there for a couple days.

Now onto planning. Making park ressies, figuring out Genie+, looking at dining options, etc. I’ll post for help on those things in the appropriate forum.

LOOK OUT MOUSE. HERE WERE COME !

1678297294221.jpeg
 
Ok. Here’s what I booked.

Pop Century - Preferred room
4 day park hopper ticket.

We will Uber from MCO to the hotel.

- Looked into CBR…no availability
- Looked into AoA…. Only family suite or little mermaid rooms available. TA said Mermaid rooms were not in a good physical location.
- WL and GF just priced themselves out for this trip. Mama does want to go back at some point and do GF, but a trip where we can resort there for a couple days.

Now onto planning. Making park ressies, figuring out Genie+, looking at dining options, etc. I’ll post for help on those things in the appropriate forum.

LOOK OUT MOUSE. HERE WERE COME !

View attachment 744943
I love your shirt! Have a blast at WDW 🦈
 
- Looked into AoA…. Only family suite or little mermaid rooms available. TA said Mermaid rooms were not in a good physical location.
I think that's a little dramatic. All of these hotels are huge, and you're going to have to walk to something. Some rooms will be closer to buses, some to Skyliner. Same at Pop. The Skyliner and buses are at opposite ends.

I think the Little Mermaid rooms are some of the cutest theming in all of Disney. I mean, that might not be what you are after as adults, but I wouldn't make this decision on a 2 minute walk difference. You can see maps of both resorts on Google if this is really an issue for you.
 
But the Little Mermaid rooms at AoA are guaranteed to be far away from everything. At least at Pop there's a chance of being close to something.....

ETA: I like the theming of the Little Mermaid rooms and AoA overall when compared to Pop, but my point above remains.
 















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