Need Help!!!

[Wendy5055]

We originally have CRTPV booked for our trip in July. However, due to unforseen hits to my budget (auto repairs), we decided to choose a less expensive hotel. We have it narrowed down to the following choices...WL(saves approx $600), AKL (saves approx $900) or POFQ ((saves approximate $1000). One main issue is transportation as we are spoiled by the monorail and distance from parks.

How much would a taxi cost from AKL or POFQ to MK park/poly and CR? What is bus transportation like (shared or not) and how long does it take?

I am really at a loss what to do...

 

[Yellowstonetim]

We originally have CRTPV booked for our trip in July. However, due to unforseen hits to my budget (auto repairs), we decided to choose a less expensive hotel. We have it narrowed down to the following choices...WL(saves approx $600), AKL (saves approx $900) or POFQ ((saves approximate $1000). One main issue is transportation as we are spoiled by the monorail and distance from parks.

How much would a taxi cost from AKL or POFQ to MK park/poly and CR? What is bus transportation like (shared or not) and how long does it take?

I am really at a loss what to do...

One of the plusses of POFQ is that it is small and has good bus service. I love POR, but many people say they prefer POFQ because of both the short walking distances and good bus service. Animal Kingdom Lodge is the most removed from all parks but Animal Kingdom. But they do have dedicated buses. Wilderness Lodge is close to magic kingdom. POFQ is close to Epcot.

A lot of your experience has to do with expectations. I have stayed at All Star and the bus service didn't ruin the experience. The most important thing will be your budget. POFQ will save you the most and has good bus service.

You will get more opinions here and you could check out each of the resort threads for more info. Enjoy and I am glad you can still go!

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Of your three choices, I have stayed at two.

WL is beautiful, and boat service to the MK is good. I really love the resort itself, but the bus service everywhere else was terrible. It took forever and shared with at least one and often more of the monorail resorts.

POFQ is my favorite moderate. It's small and the bus service is great. Of the two times I've stayed there we only shared with POR once, and it's well located so there isn't a long ride to any of the parks. We have even gone to visit it (and then ride the boat to DTD) and have found the bus service easy.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've done them all, not a fan of AKL just on location alone....WL is our favorite....terrific transportation to the MK by boat, pleasant though not fast ride... Same for FW..

POFQ has become our go to resort , great location, compact and bus service was adequate ...nowhere to any park more than a 20 minute ride with the MK being the longest ..

For the money savings I'd have to pick POFQ.. Nice step down from a deluxe..

 

[akl-fan]

Have you looked at the garden wing of the CR there are often great savings to be found there. You could also look at renting DVC points and staying at BLT.

With that said if you are most bothered about transport i would go with WL and use their boat service. Unless you are planning to be in AK a lot then you will find AKL to be a long drive back to the MK area. Although their bus service is good and dedicated.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We originally have CRTPV booked for our trip in July. However, due to unforseen hits to my budget (auto repairs), we decided to choose a less expensive hotel. We have it narrowed down to the following choices...WL(saves approx $600), AKL (saves approx $900) or POFQ ((saves approximate $1000). One main issue is transportation as we are spoiled by the monorail and distance from parks.

How much would a taxi cost from AKL or POFQ to MK park/poly and CR? What is bus transportation like (shared or not) and how long does it take?

I am really at a loss what to do...

One thing to remember about taking a taxi to MK is that it drops you off at the TTC and you still have to take the monorail or ferry to the park. A bus would probably be faster for that park.

We stayed at the WL in February and loved it. The boats to MK, CR and FW were great. The bus to MK from WL is a five minute ride. We took the boat to CR and caught the monorail for our ADR's at the Poly and GF. It was very convenient. I agree with one of the PP that the bus to the other three parks is rather annoying, since it either shared with FW or GF when we were there. But it sure was easy to get to MK from WL.

 

[LisaTC]

WL would probably be your bet, then. The bus to MK is fast and the monorail is there if you are a monorail fan.

However, I agree with POFQ (although we stay at POR) the buses are good and it's beautiful.

 

[Mama Who]

Of the three you listed, the one I most want to stay at is also the cheapest. POFQ looks wonderful.

 

[mickeynut1]

We originally have CRTPV booked for our trip in July. However, due to unforseen hits to my budget (auto repairs), we decided to choose a less expensive hotel. We have it narrowed down to the following choices...WL(saves approx $600), AKL (saves approx $900) or POFQ ((saves approximate $1000). One main issue is transportation as we are spoiled by the monorail and distance from parks.

How much would a taxi cost from AKL or POFQ to MK park/poly and CR? What is bus transportation like (shared or not) and how long does it take?

I am really at a loss what to do...

Out of your choices, we've stayed at WL and AKL and while AKL is out away from everything, we found the buses to be fine. The buses only go to AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resorts. We use Disney transportation every trip and we found AKL to take maybe 5 extra minutes getting to the parks compared to the other resorts. However, WL has the boat to MK if you are looking for alternate transportation (although we have found the buses to be fine at WL as well). With that said, my choice would be either WL or AKL.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

WL is my pick for the $600 savings. IMO the extra $300 is worth it over AKL.

The buses (everywhere) at AKL were terrible and always packed when we stayed there.

French Qtr. will also be buses only. We drove ourselves when we stayed there.

CSR had the best bus service to us. We always request Casitas 4 which is closest to the 1st bus stop coming and going (less standing IMO).

 

[MMS1125]

I'd probably pick WL too but the savings isn't all that great compared to the others.

Have you tried just changing your view at CR? Might be enough savings to not have to move. I'd go with a Garden Wing room like somebody else suggested they the cheapest room on the monorail and a great size

 

[MMS1125]

I just priced 6 nights in July and there's an $837 dollar difference in a TPV room vs a Garden Wing room so I'd look into that first before moving resorts

 

[Docmom]

You didn't mention how many are traveling, any kids and ages. I don't recall exact room sizes but if I'm not mistaken AKL and WL might be bigger than POR. WL is beautiful and has the boat to the MK. If you have kids you can get a bunkbed room which is cool for them. Also the pool is nice, there's a beach to play at and you can walk to Fort Wilderness for a fun outdoor non-crowded adventure. AKL is beautiful too and having the animals there is fun for kids (and adults). They also have guides from different countries who not only love talking about the animals but also about their countries so you get a mini education while on vacation! WL used to be our favorite but after staying at AKL-Kidani last month that's our new favorite. Agree with PP to check into renting DVC points as it may help with the budget even more. We haven't used Disney transportation at any of them as we usually drive but the drive isn't bad. Another option is renting a car if you don't want to bother with the Disney busses.

 

[Sue M]

I love all 3!!! Love the animals at AKL, beautiful lobby, pool, good food options. We've had pool view or savanna view. I don't think I'd like a standard room.
We didn't have any problem with busses here.

WL is wonderful too. Rooms are similar to AKL just different theming. Both have balconies, queen beds, separate sink area by bathroom and closets.

Love the theming of WL, and that they have a boat to MK, and another resort boat that goes around from WL, CR & FW. Easy to get to MK area ADRs. I love watching the Electric Water Parade from the beach, and rent searaycers. Nice pool area, and fun dining options with Whispering Canyon.
No problems with the busses here either.

POR is our favourite moderate followed by pofq. These are very centrally located to all the parks. Never had a problem with busses her either. Really I have to say, 99% of the time I feel the busses run well at every resort I've stayed at. There are the rare glitches where 10 MK busses go by and your waiting for the Epcot bus, but really, they work well. Expect a 20 min wait, and be happy that you only had a 10 min wait!!

I love the lush landscaping of POR, and pretty pathways. Great food court and fun evening entertainment in the Riverroost lounge. I prefer the Mansion section, and use the bus stops near them. I avoid the main bus stop, too crowded and chaotic. The Mansion bus depots are nice, quiet and relaxing. Also enjoy the option of the quiet pools at POR, esp in summer.

POFQ runs a close second. Its small, and we had a perfect location in building 4 close to everything, We went in winter, so I didn't miss the quiet pool! Busses were great.
It was a short walk to POR food court when I had a craving for their pasta!

Rooms at POR & POFQ have been recently refurbed, and are looking good. 2 queens, love the new wall mounted digital thermostats. Double sinks in new units with plenty of underneath storage, and new bathrooms too. Closet area is open in the sink area.

Id just pick which makes your budget happy. They're all great. I can't say about taxi costs, I never use them. I just hop a bus to MK if I have an add in one of the hotels nearby.

 

[sndral]

Can't address the price of a taxi from the other resorts to the CR, but from AKL to CR it was $35+/- not including tip a couple of years ago.

 

[Wendy5055]

Thank You ALL soooo MUCH!!!!!

We have decided to go with the WL as the option to catch the boat to the MK is a definate plus for us and as some of the posters mentioned, much more convenient for our MK area ADRs. I did upgrade from Woods View to Courtyard View. I may upgrade to the Polynesian if I can swing it before our trip...big maybe and am keeping it to myself.

Just to note...we are there July 25th to the 30th and there are no standard view/gardenview rooms available at the CR...I have been calling every day for one!!! As it is myself, dd11 and dm70 I think that the WL rooms are plenty large enough.

Thank you very much for your input.