Pop Century, CBR or AKL

[Trish5768]

Just me and my Mom going in May and I can't decide where to stay. I love, love, love CBR but have never stayed at a deluxe. Also, after reading the reviews my curiosity is peaked with PC. Whats your opinion?

 

[SeaSpray]

That's a tough decision! I LOVE CBR also, so I can definitely understand your attraction to that resort I, too, am intrigued by Pop Century and would like to try that one time. (Right now, my DH has absolutely no interest in staying at any of the value resorts...I don't think he realizes how cool PC is! ) As for AKL, that is another resort that I really want to try. We're going to be staying at WDW for a couple of days following our 7-night Disney cruise next summer, and we're still deciding where we'll stay. We have it narrowed down to the Polynesian and the Wilderness Lodge. I wanted to add AKL into the choices, but DH thinks it's too far away from everything for such a short trip. I tend to agree with him, so we'll save AKL for a longer trip. How long are you going for? Can you split your stay between PC and AKL?? If you're going for at least a week, that's what I would do, I'd stay at PC for the first few nights, then move to AKL for the rest of the trip. Then again, CBR IS a wonderful resort! You really do have a tough decision! I'll be curious to see what you decide. Have fun planning, wherever you end up!

 

[hannahryan]

I have never stayed at the CBR. What do you love about it the most? I'd like to try out new places. We just got back from an 8 night stay at the Pop Century. The kids sure loved it and we were very happy there. But, if I were going on a trip with just me and my Mom, I would shoot for a deluxe resort where you can feel more pampered. Pop Century is great for the money, but it is a value resort without the extra amenities. Have a great time either way!

 

[mrszrw]

My DH and I are taking a quick trip to WDW Jan. 23rd for 3 nights. We wanted to make it a inexpensive trip since we have already gone twice in the last year. I booked PC with an AP rate. Just $49 a night. But today I called and changed it to AKL AP rate $109.

We are going for our 1st trip without DD since she was born three years ago. I thought we should upgrade to a deluxe resort so we have nice place to hang out and enjoy things at a slower pace this time.(our last two trips were at ASMO and ASMU)
We have never stayed at a deluxe WDW resort before only Mods or Value

I can't wait to enjoy AKL

 

[wdwphanatic]

Since it's an adults-only trip, treating yourself to a deluxe would be soooooo worth it! I don't know if you have kids or not, but to me AKL seems pretty adult -- and it's a bit farther from the parks than some of the other resorts -- so this would be a perfect opportunity to try it out! Dh and I went on a 2nd honeymoon without our kids last year, and I really wanted to try AKL. I got such a great deal renting points from a DVC owner, however, that we ended up staying at BCV -- and were THRILLED with that resort as well. All in all, I think that if you can get a rate that's affordable, this is a great opportunity for you to try something new.

Happy planning,
Sarah

 

[Minnie's Mate]

We have stayed at the AKL four times, each with our kids (3 and 6 yr old). This is our favorite Disney resort. Our kids love it as much as we do. The AKL was voted #1 Family Resort in America by The Travel Channel.

We have stayed at CBR once on a short trip. It was ok but we prefer the deluxes...we are spoilt!

Your question is tough because you are asking about one value, one moderate, and one deluxe. I haven't stayed at a value resort but I don't think there is much comparison between a moderate and deluxe. The themeing is great at both value and moderates, but again, I don't think there is any comparison between the AKL and any other Disney resort. It is truely unique and special. Just MHO, though.

 

[Trish5768]

ARGHH, you guys are making it tough on me... Lets forget about PC and go with CBR or AKL, we are staying 6 nights and splitting the stay is a good idea but I really don't want to do that, I feel like I will lose a day moving around. Thanks for all of your help and would love to hear more suggestions.

Trish

 

[ladycollector]

Hi there,

I dont know much about Moderates or Deluxe's but, I wanted to re-assure you about pop century.

We stayed at All Star Sports Surfs up preffered. Anyway, We took a trip to Pop Century on opening day. And while it is shiny new and cool, I wasnt impressed. To me its exactly like the allstars just a little more open and new. I think I would rather stay in All Star Sports - Preffered Surfs up. Dunno why I feel that way. I'm sure you would enjoy Pop Century (as would we), but its not much different than the All Stars. So if money isnt an issue, I vote for AKL.

Hope that helps

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Trish5768
ARGHH, you guys are making it tough on me... Lets forget about PC and go with CBR or AKL, we are staying 6 nights and splitting the stay is a good idea but I really don't want to do that, I feel like I will lose a day moving around. Thanks for all of your help and would love to hear more suggestions.

Trish

Ok, here's what I would do: I too LOVE CBR, but I've read SO MANY wonderful things about AKL, that I'd definitely want to give that resort a try. So...since you don't want to split your stay (not that I blame you really!), you should stay at AKL

 

[westjones]

We've have stayed at PC (just got back last week) and AKL. They are VERY different places. If I could pick either one, I would pick AKL. It was like an adventure in and of itself to just stay there. They actually have programs at the lodge for you to enjoy (like an evening story telling around the campfire, and night vision goggle animal viewing, and many other things that we didn't make it to but would have loved to try). Jiko and Boma are wonderful places to dine. The Gift Shop has such interesting things that you don't find at other resorts (things made in Africa). And waking up to a view of animals right outside of your balcony is just priceless.

Pop Century, it is really cute. The kids LOVED the theming (and we enjoyed it too). It was fun looking at all the 'old' things (they had my curlers in the Eighties Window Frame! I still use those! ). Some great pictures can be taken all around the resort, and I loved loved loved the tye-dyed cheesecake!

The prices between these two are quite different. If price is a consideration, then go with PC and enjoy the fun! If money isn't an issue, then go with AKL and enjoy the adventure!

DJ

 

[dandave]

I'm very excited about my upcoming stay at PC and I think it will be perfect for our present needs, but AKL is my favorite resort. If it were just me and my mother, then that's where I'd stay- concierge!!

 

[hannahryan]

Why does everyone rave about AKL so much? We visited the lobby & food court there on our last trip. It seemed nice, but I'm not sure I understand the excitement.

 

[dandave]

hannahryan, I think it just depends on taste. I was almost offended when I saw our room at the Poly, because it seemed that everyone (but me) loved it so much and I had heard such rave reviews promoting it. I hated it, and can only liken it to the "Brady Bunch".
Resorts are like food and clothing- to each his/her own! That's why I like to try different resorts for myself. One person's "God awful" might be my "heavenly resort".

 

[webray]

Wow, if you love CBR, then you will really love AKL and one of the value resorts.

AKL is our favorite deluxe on disney property...it is spectacular.

We haven't stayed at PC yet, but we have stayed at AS Sports many, many, many times, and we have also tried all the moderates. We find the value resort to be much better than the moderate resorts...more convenient, much better food court. With all the good reviews of PC..can't wait to try it.

You will have fun, no matter what you choose. Don't rule out a value resort...they are great!