POR or AKL DVC first Disney visit

[Djsbride]

Hi everybody! I’m on the early stage of planning our first family trip to Disney in November of this year. Even though my husband and I used to live in FL for many years we never went to WDW. We went to the Polynesian last year to have dinner and watch the fireworks and that’s the only Disney experience we’ve had. This year we decided to take our sons (5) and (8) at the time of visit to what will probably be our only trip to Disney or at least for many years to come. My husband is a Disney hater, doesn’t like crowds, doesn’t like having a vacation with an agenda and is pretty much dreading this trip. I was set on staying at the POR based on the reviews I’ve read, but the bus issues have me a little worried. Because my husband fell in love with the Polynesian, I was thinking of maybe renting DVC points and stay in a deluxe instead, in hopes that my crabby husband would enjoy the vacation a little more. I can stay at POR preferred room for the same price that I can stay at AKL Kidani Savanna view Studio but I’m having a hard time deciding which one is better for our family. Which one would you recommend for first time visitors and why? TÍA and sorry for the novel.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

I have experienced bus issues here and there at many resorts, though the only time it was really, really, really long wait for us, was this past August, leaving downtown Disney or as it's now called Disney Springs, we waited at least 45 min for our bus. As we always say, it seems like every other resort/park bus comes multiple times except the one you need. Seriously though, the buses are quite regular and timely. 90% of the time we never wait longer than 10-15 mins. Timing, crowd level etc all can play factors with the buses. POR is such a lovely resort and wouldn't hesitate staying there again, however AKL well that is still on my resort to do list. I believe either one you can't go wrong. You may want to check the square footage of each room to see if they are similar. Honestly, I think with kiddos AKL would be fabulous!

 

[dledger]

I think my answer depends. You say it MAY be a once in a lifetime trip. In that case, I'd say go DVC. If you are going to return in a few years I'd say POR. My reasoning - I went to WDW many times, always staying at moderates. As soon as my DH and I were able to score a magical deal and stay deluxe at the beach club, we always want to go back to deluxe. We love POR and are happy to stay there- but we admittedly were spoiled staying deluxe and wish we could splurge for it every trip.

Either way I think your resort choices are great, and you'll be happy either way

 

[Djsbride]

Thank you for the replies. I think I’m leaning more towards POR. I’m hesitant of not being able to modify my reservation whenever I want to and have to go through a third party. Also I like the fact that I only need a $200 deposit to reserve my package directly with Disney vs. paying upfront for a DVC. I’m hoping that’s the right decision.

 

[RADOPT]

We stayed at POR, WL, FW and AKL (in a savana room, not DVC). POR was lovely but busy. I love AKL but then I could be happy spending days watching the animals. AKL is set off by itself so it seemed quiter.
I know it is not one of your options but if I could stay at any of them again, and though I love AKL, it would be a cabin at FW. It was lovely to be able to watch the water parade and I think we could see the fireworks but the best part was feeling out of the disney crowds. I found it peaceful and a nice change from being at the parks. I liked having the kitchen for the big refridge and being able to heat things up. I also like not having someone on the other side of the wall. I found it the most relaxing of the places we stayed. We had a cabin near the dock and around the corner from the bus stop. A very different feel then one of the hotels. I have not priced it for awhile so I don't know how it compares to the 2 your are inquiring about.

 

[Djsbride]

We stayed at POR, WL, FW and AKL (in a savana room, not DVC). POR was lovely but busy. I love AKL but then I could be happy spending days watching the animals. AKL is set off by itself so it seemed quiter.
I know it is not one of your options but if I could stay at any of them again, and though I love AKL, it would be a cabin at FW. It was lovely to be able to watch the water parade and I think we could see the fireworks but the best part was feeling out of the disney crowds. I found it peaceful and a nice change from being at the parks. I liked having the kitchen for the big refridge and being able to heat things up. I also like not having someone on the other side of the wall. I found it the most relaxing of the places we stayed. We had a cabin near the dock and around the corner from the bus stop. A very different feel then one of the hotels. I have not priced it for awhile so I don't know how it compares to the 2 your are inquiring about.

It does sound lovely and my husband would probably love it. He loves camping but I’m not a fan. I also think they don’t have convenient dining options but I might be mistaken. The fact that Disney has so many options is a bit overwhelming!

 

[HairyChest]

Ive stayed at both and I would pick port Orleans. I wasn't a fan of having a fold out bed instead of a queen bed. AKL felt far from the parks to me. Port Orleans was sooo beautiful! the grounds were spectacular, the boat ride to Disney springs and the river was so special. I stayed in the royal rooms and if the price of the preferred rooms is comparable, id get the royal rooms. we were all adults and we enjoyed the decor so much. Plus the royal rooms seemed like they were in a preferred location which was great!