Pop, All-Stars or Off Site

[#4'smom]

DH and I are taking our kids and gk’s (12 of us) on a quick 3 day Disney visit 1/17/23-1/21/23 & plan to just do 2 days @ Magic Kingdom & 1 day @ Animal Kingdom. Because we require 4 rooms, we are looking at the Value Resorts Only.

Are there any advantages to staying at POP over All-Stars based on their locations to MK & AK? Does the Skyliner @ POP make a big difference in getting to these 2 parks over the buses at All-Stars?

I am getting so overwhelmed about accommodations and now wondering if staying off site at a resort closer to the MK might be better, we won’t have a car though. Not overly concerned about early entrance or extra park hours as we will have 3 toddlers.

Any suggestion or opinions would be great. Thanks in advance

 

[Disneylover99]

The Skyliner is not going to get you to MK or AK, so I’d probably go with an AllStars to save a bit of money.

Pop does have dedicated buses and sometimes it’s convenient to hop on an AofA bus at the park and walk back to Pop if the Pop bus is full. So that’s something to consider.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'd stay at one of the all stars to save money to be honest. You cant go wrong with either Movies or Sports. My personal fave is sports though.

 

[Skippyboo]

What about family suites at AoA then you don’t need as many rooms? I think some of the All Stars have family suites too. Without a car, I wouldn’t bother with off site. Definitely no off site super close to MK. If you had a car, there are some suite hotels in Flamingo Creek right outside of AK Kingdom area that would be convenient. Skyliner only goes to Epcot and HS so it’s a non factor if you’re are going AK & MK.

 

[heresabe]

I have stayed at Pop and at all 3 All-Stars. I really like Pop- the Skyliner is a big +, in my opinion. As are the dedicated buses that shuttle one to the Parks or DS, without stopping anywhere else. Walking the path around Hourglass Lake (covers Pop, A of A and the Skyliner) is very relaxing for me.

Having said that...my recent checks indicate that Pop has become notably more expensive than the All-Stars (for the dates I checked). I would choose the All-Star if the price differential is significant.

 

[KristaZ]

I'd go with one of the All Stars. Likely a significant savings over Pop when talking about 4 rooms, and there's really no advantage to having the Skyliner if you're only doing MK and AK.

 

[jimmymc]

Either the All Stars or off-site. The Disney Springs area hotels do have busses running up to every hour, which may or may not be frequent enough for the toddlers. I would go with whatever of those options is cheaper.

 

[brockash]

DH and I are taking our kids and gk’s (12 of us) on a quick 3 day Disney visit 1/17/23-1/21/23 & plan to just do 2 days @ Magic Kingdom & 1 day @ Animal Kingdom. Because we require 4 rooms, we are looking at the Value Resorts Only.

Are there any advantages to staying at POP over All-Stars based on their locations to MK & AK? Does the Skyliner @ POP make a big difference in getting to these 2 parks over the buses at All-Stars?

I am getting so overwhelmed about accommodations and now wondering if staying off site at a resort closer to the MK might be better, we won’t have a car though. Not overly concerned about early entrance or extra park hours as we will have 3 toddlers.

Any suggestion or opinions would be great. Thanks in advance

In you scenario; I'd stay at one of the All-stars. No point in paying more for the skyliner if you won't be using it. Also All stars are pretty close to AK.

 

[wishman35]

I would save the money if you do not have any plans to utilize Epcot or Hollywood Studios via Skyliner!

 

[maxiesmom]

I like the All Star Sports. No use paying more for Pop and the Skyliner if you won't be using the Skyliner.

 

[sjlogghe]

Same as everyone else has said - since you won't be using the skyliner, there's really no advantage to staying at Pop. I'd probably choose Movies or Music right now, as all of those rooms are refurbished. Sports is in the process of refurbishing their rooms, but as far as I can tell there's no end date yet. So they might all be done by your trip in January, they might not be! (But someone with more knowledge may correct me on this - I only recently looked into this because I'm considering one of the All-Stars for a night at the end of my upcoming trip.)

It's been a long time since I've stayed off site, but in my past experience the buses are a bit of a nightmare at off site hotels. They don't run as frequently, the stops are farther away from the entrances at the parks, some hotels even charge extra for it. So if you're not renting a car, I would definitely stay on property.

 

[Genie+]

On those dates All Star Movies looks available and averages $130/nt for standard room, or $149/nt for preferred putting you closer to food court and transportation If you think it’s worth it.

This resort is pretty close to AK at least, and MK is still not bad as the bus will go to the gate instead of needing to ferry or monorail across the lagoon if you were staying offsite.

This gets my vote. It’s a fun resort! The kids will love all the huge classic character statues. And the price is decent that time of year. 4 rooms will be under $600 a night. Then you don’t need to worry about transport and everybody can come and go as needed with the WDW transport. I’d book asap because All Stars are already booking up.

Have a blast! Sounds like a great trip with the whole family.