I'm Torn and Need Help Deciding. AKL or POFQ?

[famsen]

Ok so Boardwalk isn't going to work out for us. Long story but it's not doable this trip. Now I am torn between POFQ and AKL. AKL is $450 more in total for our package than PORFQ. I know PORFQ rooms were refurbed which is a plus and I love their food court options and the idea of a boat ride to Disney Springs. I really dislike the idea of outside rooms though. We had a quick 4 night trip and stayed there in January and it was nice for a short trip. I liked their food court options very much and of course the begneits. This time we are staying 6 nights in September and it will be hot and humid. I like deluxe resorts because after a hot day at the parks you walk into the cool lobby and even if your room is a far walk from the lobby it is pleasant and there are lots of things to see and do along the way.

That being said; we have stayed at AKL many times and love it. We do not love the location being so far from everything. We have our car so other than taking the buses to MK we will drive ourselves everywhere else. I know the pool will be under construction but no big deal because we really don't use the pools. AKL has many things to see and do and that lobby is the best. Nice big gift shop too.

I don't know what to do! Save $450 and stay at the very nice moderate French Quarter or stay at the deluxe far from everything/pool construction AKL? I also don't know the effects pool construction will have on the overall noise levels and aesthetics of AKL. All your input is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[jtwibih]

That is a tough one. Both are great in their own way. I understand the outside rooms but I also am with you on AKL's distance from everything. However I would say AKL is the better choice here only because their rooms are larger and there seems to be more to do there. Honestly though, you can't go wrong with either. Both are two of our favorite resorts.

 

[mickeynut1]

Ok so Boardwalk isn't going to work out for us. Long story but it's not doable this trip. Now I am torn between POFQ and AKL. AKL is $450 more in total for our package than PORFQ. I know PORFQ rooms were refurbed which is a plus and I love their food court options and the idea of a boat ride to Disney Springs. I really dislike the idea of outside rooms though. We had a quick 4 night trip and stayed there in January and it was nice for a short trip. I liked their food court options very much and of course the begneits. This time we are staying 6 nights in September and it will be hot and humid. I like deluxe resorts because after a hot day at the parks you walk into the cool lobby and even if your room is a far walk from the lobby it is pleasant and there are lots of things to see and do along the way.

That being said; we have stayed at AKL many times and love it. We do not love the location being so far from everything. We have our car so other than taking the buses to MK we will drive ourselves everywhere else. I know the pool will be under construction but no big deal because we really don't use the pools. AKL has many things to see and do and that lobby is the best. Nice big gift shop too.

I don't know what to do! Save $450 and stay at the very nice moderate French Quarter or stay at the deluxe far from everything/pool construction AKL? I also don't know the effects pool construction will have on the overall noise levels and aesthetics of AKL. All your input is GREATLY appreciated!

If the extra $450 is doable and you don't mind the pool construction, I'd stay at AKL. We've never stayed at POFQ, but we love AKL. I agree that the AKL lobby is amazing and I also prefer interior corridors. If it were me, I'd spend the extra and go with AKL. With that said (and not sure if those are your only 2 options/preferences), but have you considered WL? WL is very similar to AKL as the same architect designed both. WL is also a great resort that is convenient to MK as well as to the monorail resorts for a variety of great dining options. Good luck deciding, although I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which one you choose .

 

[famsen]

That is a tough one. Both are great in their own way. I understand the outside rooms but I also am with you on AKL's distance from everything. However I would say AKL is the better choice here only because their rooms are larger and there seems to be more to do there. Honestly though, you can't go wrong with either. Both are two of our favorite resorts.

Thanks so much for your input. I know it IS a tough one, right?

 

[sjrec]

We enjoy having a balcony. But if you’re at the parks all day it’s not an issue.
Just to confuse things further, have you considered OKW? Huge rooms and the boat to Disney Springs. Beautiful resort.
Outside entrance but you’re parked right in front of your unit.

 

[Dumbo7]

I think I’d choose AKL with so much more to do at animal kingdom and the fact you have a car. I think you’d be good to go. We haven’t stayed there yet but I’m kind of tiring of pofq and por. If you’re going to drive and don’t want to be near MK. I think it’s the choice

 

[raddisneyfan]

I love both resorts very much, but if I had the extra $450 to spend, I would go for AKL every time. Have fun in September!

 

[famsen]

I just booked AKL. The more I thought about it the more I felt I would regret going moderate when we could afford the little extra and go deluxe. AKL is beautiful and since we haven't gone to a pool in about 8 years the fact that the pool will be closed is no issue. I still love POFQ so maybe when we take a short trip next January for Festival of the Arts we will book there. I'm feeling good about my decision. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Belle'sFan]

Is there a reason you aren't considering WL? Same price range at AKL and very close to MK and other resorts.

 

[famsen]

Is there a reason you aren't considering WL? Same price range at AKL and very close to MK and other resorts.

We stayed at WL last fall and honestly we weren't blown away with it like we used to be. Maybe it's the addition of DVC that took something away from the way we remember.

 

[Mousemommy1]

If spending the extra $450 isn't going to hurt you, you should do AKL. We have stayed at both, and while POFQ is very nice, I much preferred AKL and all it had to offer!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

If I can afford it I would always choose deluxe.

 

[mickeynut1]

I just booked AKL. The more I thought about it the more I felt I would regret going moderate when we could afford the little extra and go deluxe. AKL is beautiful and since we haven't gone to a pool in about 8 years the fact that the pool will be closed is no issue. I still love POFQ so maybe when we take a short trip next January for Festival of the Arts we will book there. I'm feeling good about my decision. Thanks for all your help!

Have a great trip!

 

[ericar]

We have stayed at AK and Port Orleans Riverside. Riverside was very nice but it took forever to get to the parks. AK was surprisingly fast for travel because the buses
didn't stop at any other places. Also with the amazing lobby AK really feels deluxe. I would definitely spend the extra on AK. I liked AK so much that we just bought DVC there.

 

[HopperFan]

I just booked AKL. The more I thought about it the more I felt I would regret going moderate when we could afford the little extra and go deluxe. AKL is beautiful and since we haven't gone to a pool in about 8 years the fact that the pool will be closed is no issue. I still love POFQ so maybe when we take a short trip next January for Festival of the Arts we will book there. I'm feeling good about my decision. Thanks for all your help!

YEAH!

It sounds like you got a great rate if 6 nights are only $450 more than POFQ. PERSONALLY it wouldn't blink so I think you made a good choice.

AKL is a unique deluxe unlike anything in this country.

 

[jess20k]

I have stayed at both resorts several times. I do love both of them. However, with AKL being a deluxe, you that that extra magic. For that much of a difference I would not hesitate to go with AKL! That is actually a great deal. I agree with you, I do not like the bus traveling times from there, but we just grin and bear it lol.