Pop or AoA LM?

[jpessa]

Hit me with your best opinion... Here are my options for the same exact price :

1. 8 nights at AoA LM for an Ariel OBSESSED DD3. In-laws also staying at AoA same time.

2. 10 nights at POP to take advantage of FD (have to check in 2 days earlier to fall in the dates for FD, would upgrade to DDP), and having to go across the bridge to swim/see In-laws, and no Ariel.

3. Split-stay: 5 nights at POP with free QSDP, then 5 nights at AoA LM food OOP.

Btw it is just me and DD.

Thanks!

 

[mmtwinmama]

If you are staying at Pop, you are not allowed access to AoA pools.

 

[jpessa]

Even if visiting family? How would they even know?

 

[mmtwinmama]

Even if visiting family? How would they even know?

I think it's gated and you have to scan your room key. Someone else may be able to give you more info. I'm going by what I was told and why we chose to stay at AoA. We love Pop.

 

[mmtwinmama]

I just found this so you may be okay!
"Some of my family/friends are staying at a different resort, or offsite. Can they come to my resort and swim with my family?

Possibly. Disney policy states that only registered resort guests may use the pool, but IF the pool isn't too crowded, and IF you ask, the lifeguards have been known to make exceptions for visiting family and friends. Of course, the fewer guests you want to bring into the pool area, the more likely the lifeguards will say 'yes'. If you want grandma and grandpa to join you, it likely won't be a problem. If you show up with 4 uncles, 3 aunts, and 14 assorted cousins.....well, expect the lifeguards to suggest you visit a water park instead.

Do ask; it's much better to have the lifeguard's permission ahead of time than to subject your family and/or friends to the embarrassment of being asked for ID and possibly being asked to leave.

Be aware that the lifeguards have final say in the matter. If the lifeguards feel that there are an unsafe number of people in the pool area, it's not going to matter if the front desk or the nice lady on the phone at Reservations said you could have guests."

 

[jpessa]

Ok thanks, but which of my 3 options would you choose, if it was you?

Btw, with the split stay I would be at AoA at the same time as the in laws, so no pool issues.

 

[mmtwinmama]

Ok thanks, but which of my 3 options would you choose, if it was you?

Btw, with the split stay I would be at AoA at the same time as the in laws, so no pool issues.

Definitely not 1! I would always go for more days.
I'd probably do 3 to be with the in laws... IF you like them!

 

[Gracedis1]

I would say the split stay if you can afford to pay OOP for the dining plan for those 5 days. Your DD would love to stay at AofA and you will have wonderful memories!

 

[disney-akj]

I would split. I would almost just split 8 and 2 though to take advantage of as much free dining as possible. Especially since she will already get to spend time at AoA because of in-laws. Is your in-laws staying in a LM room already or are they in a suite??

 

[jpessa]

I would split. I would almost just split 8 and 2 though to take advantage of as much free dining as possible. Is your in-laws staying in a LM room already or are they in a suite??

One set of in laws is in the LK suite, one set in the LM. You don't think 10 days alone with a 3yo may be too much to handle?

I love the idea of free dining. Just don't think an 8-2 split would make sense for me. I would arrive the Wednesday, in laws arrive Sunday. Plus they have offered to help with my DD if I need a break, so being in the same resort would help.

 

[jpessa]

I would split. I would almost just split 8 and 2 though to take advantage of as much free dining as possible. Is your in-laws staying in a LM room already or are they in a suite??

By the way I'm talking about SILs with their kids.

 

[jpessa]

I would say the split stay if you can afford to pay OOP for the dining plan for those 5 days. Your DD would love to stay at AofA and you will have wonderful memories!

I wouldn't pay OOP for the dining plan, just pay for meals OOP.

 

[LisaRae87]

I would go with option #3.

I have been to both and while Pop is GREAT, AOA is BETTER.

You are getting a good deal with Pop so I would take advantage of that but definitely indulge your DD with the LM rooms for a few days. That way, no pool problem and closer to the family.

Also I would check your eating habits and see if it would be worth the money to pay for the dining plan OOP for those AOA days or just buy food OOP, for me and my DD(2) the dining plan would be a waste of money since we are not big eaters but for some it is worth every penny.

 

[shannon006]

I would stay at the POP and get FD.

 

[jpessa]

Thanks, anyone else feel like voting?

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

I'm all for split stays, so I vote option #3!

 

[jpessa]

Any one else?

Wow so far it seems like every vote except one has been for the split stay. The idea does sound interesting. Just not sure I NEED 10 days.

I appreciate all your opinions and advice! Those that have done split stays before, it's not a hassle?

 

[rainynight]

I would get free dining at Pop. We did one night in a Little Mermaid room last September and then switched to Pop for free dining. So maybe do your last night at AOA as a special surprise.

Our split stay was easy. They will move your luggage for you.

 

[squirrel4569]

I'd price out all three options and evaluate more from there. 8 days at AoA LM would be awesome if your daughter loves Ariel. Plus you're all at the same resort which would be preferred to me.

Since you mentioned FD I'm assuming you're going in late September. It still could be hot and humid then and walking back and forth between the resorts might be less than pleasant. I know you walk a lot at WDW anyways, but why add more to it?

 

[Kristibo42]

We wanted to stay at AOA but decided to stay at PC hoping for free dining!!!