Last Minute Trip - Resort Advice Needed

[shannonstar]

So we were not planning to go to Disney any time soon, but will be making a trip to visit family in Altamonte Springs the last week of July. Disney is offering free dining for Chase Disney members are we are considering taking advantage. We usually plan a year in advance minimum, so this is new for us.

Originally, I defaulted to POFQ because I love how small it is, but with the renovations, pool/splash issues and boat service not being available due to low water, I am looking elsewhere. Next thought was All Star Movies as we have stayed there before, but the food court will be closed.

At the end of the day, we are trying to decide between Pop and AOA. The cost difference is negligible. We plan to use the pool/splash pad/playground quite a bit and this will not be a gung-ho all day park trip, but more leisurely. I will have my son (AU-11) and mother (older, but not elderly) with me.

Is there a reason to choose one over the other? I know there are a lot of fans who rave over Pop and then those that love AOA. Having never done either, I just want to make sure I pick wisely.

 

[Disneylover99]

As a heads up…..Some people with summer reservations at Pop have received emails saying Pop’s quick service restaurant will be under refurbishment, and only mobile order will be available. Just something you may want to consider.

 

[mjdis17]

Will you be booking a standard room? At AoA the standard little mermaid rooms are pretty far from the main lobby/bus stop so that's something to consider as well.

 

[hertamaniac]

Originally, I defaulted to POFQ because I love how small it is, but with the renovations, pool/splash issues and boat service not being available due to low water, I am looking elsewhere.

Is there a reason to choose one over the other? I know there are a lot of fans who rave over Pop and then those that love AOA. Having never done either, I just want to make sure I pick wisely.

First, by the last week of July I am fully expecting the water levels to be normal or above. In fact, starting today the storms this week in Orlando could have the boats online over the next week or so (not sure the dwell time between rain to the canals). I live just north of Orlando, and we are desperate for this rain.

Second, I just stayed at Pop last week. It was my 2nd time staying there this year and I enjoy it. The food court is nothing impressive, but functional. The Skyliner is the star there for me.

 

[mickeymom22]

We have stayed at both. We vowed never to go back to Pop. Too many sports teams with unsupervised children running around. Adults hanging out in a room with the door open and drinking. We also saw someone run into a parked car in the parking lot and just leave. There was trash in the stairwells because the trash cans were too full so people just started piling up trash there. While I hope this was an isolated occurrence, it just left a bad view of the resort for us.

We have stayed in the Little Mermaid section and Cars section of AoA. Both were very nice. Both rooms were quiet. People will say the walk to your room in the Little Mermaid is long, but it didn’t bother us. We liked looking at all the theming and if you aren’t park storming for an extended period of time, it isn’t that bad. The main pool at AoA is a lot of fun too! Make sure to walk over and see the Cars section theming…some of the best!

Have a great trip! Sometimes it is those last minute trips that create the best memories!