POFQ or AKL Standard?

[married2grumpy]

I'm so confused!!! We originally planned on staying at CSR or the Poly (if the AP rate was good) this April but weren't able to get either resorts with any of the discount codes for our stay. I went ahead and booked POFQ at the AP rate instead. I know AKL standard view was also available. I'm not sure which to go with.

The kids will love the POFQ pool and the rooms were just redone. We have stayed at POR July 2003 and I'm not sure if I will like going back to a "similiar" resort so soon. One of the main reasons we go to Disney is for the resorts. AKL looks like a great resort but I'm not sure if we will like the standard view. Is there enough "theming" at the pool that the kids will enjoy it?

Which would you choose given the choice between the two and why?

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[ILPHIL]

And we were just in the same boat. We were supposed to stay at POFQ last yr but the rehab happened. We booked a couple nites there when word came out about it reopening, but when the Disney Visa deals came out we jumped on AKL in a heartbeat. My dtr and I really enjoyed it when we spent a few nights there last June.
The theming of the pool really isn't anything special in my book, but how often can you get out of the pool, walk about 30 feet and watch giraffes munching on leaves?
We booked a "Standard view" room but the outdoor viewing areas are open to everyone.

I figure when can always go to POFQ when there aren't any good deals...

 

[stacy6552]

Ok well we have stayed at the WL and POR, and been through the AKL lobby which seem about as similar to your choice as I can get.

I'd stay at the AKL. The bunkbeds for the kids and the full sized queen for us is much more appealing that the double double. The pool there seems very cool, too. Besides stay at the deluxe while you can on a deal.

 

[Grumpy92]

First let me say that POFQ is one of our favorites. But we recently got a really good rate for a stnd at AKL. I was skeptical especially since this resort seems so far away from everything. Well was i surprised, I had hoped for an upgrade as many seem to get this at that resort, but we got the std. The resort was wonderful, cast seemed especially friendly, extra activites they have at night and transportation all great.

The room was close to the lobby and we could watch guest arriving from our balcony which was fun. In the morning we went to many of the viewing locations and watched the animals. In the evening they had one of the native african cms talk to us about their homelands and a storyteller around a campfire. The buses were the best on property because they dont share the route with other resorts, so we zipped to our destination easily and never had to wait long at all.

I really think your whole family will enjoy this resort. So my vote is AKL.

 

[candleonwater]

Put me down as one whose favorite resort is POFQ... but since they were closed when I booked this trip, I booked AKL... and since then my daughter (7) has asked to stay at POFQ instead (it's her favorite resort)... not going to happen, but it's nice to know where we'll always stay if we don't get a fantastic rate on a Deluxe!

 

[wannabee princess]

Either place will be a good choice in my opinion. However, if I were choosing, I would go with AKL. The animals, the theme, the ambience of the place.... we love it! We did also really like POFQ (stayed prior to the recent renovations, so can't comment on them), and if I had no possibility to stay at AKL I would go back for sure.

There really wasn't theme at the pool at AKL, but the animal viewing more than makes up for that! The pool at AKL does have zero-entry, it has a slide - just not one that looks like a seahorse (I think?).

There are several planned activities for kids and adults at AKL, so that is another reason to choose to stay there - if you want to take advantage of them. The nighttime viewing with the CMs is so nice - the CMs are wonderful about answering questions and giving information.

There are more food options at AKL - Boma, Jiko and Mara, so you could have more than the counter service at FQ (although the beignets at FQ are worth their weight in gold!!).

The other thing I liked about FQ was the boat ride to Downtown Disney! It was one of dh's favorite aspects from FQ! But this would be something you could do on your own if you really wanted to experience it!

The bus transportation from AKL beats FQ hands-down. At AKL there is only one pick-up (and it seemed that it was never overly crowded). At FQ you stopped at POR also - made for a long bus ride in my opinion.

Another thought - we loved the inside hallways at AKL vs the outside entrances at FQ - just a personal preference, but we actually walked the hallways to see savannah viewing from inside, just to see what the other views would have been like. The artwork, and items on display were also amazing.

I liked the gift shop at AKL much better than FQ giftshop too - spent a lot more money there though!

Either way, as I said, I think you will like the resort you select - I would just go with AKL (and will be heading back there in Dec!)

 

[EEyorelover22]

AKL!!

We were also moved when POFQ was closed and we loved AKL. There are great rates there. It's a wonderful resort.

 

[karylrocks]

I was all set to stay at FQ and looking forward to it. Then when the discount came out I couldn't resist AKL for $139. At first I thought maybe I made the wrong choice because I had just started getting excited about FQ and felt guilty about not saving more money. I have stayed at AKL before and absolutely love the theming; I was in a savannah view. Now that I have had time to think about it I am really excited about going back to AKL. I put a picture of it on my computer wallpaper, so every time I see it I think, "Wow, I can't believe I get to go back!" DD is bringing one whole paycheck with her, mostly for the gift shop - her whole room is Africa themed. We didn't have a chance to use the pool last time so I am definitely planning in some resort time. Keeping my fingers crossed for an upgrade.

 

[married2grumpy]

I think I would prefer AKL but my DH doesn't want to stay there unless we have a savannah view. The price for the savannah view is too high for us this trip. This is our last trip before our AP's expire and I want it to be memorable. Will we be disappointed with the standard view? Is it less money to upgrade at check in?

Thanks!