POR or AKL

[mrsdrum]

We currently have a 7 night reservation at AoA in the LM section. Of course this wasn't included in the new discounts. We are thinking of upgrading to POR or AKL. If we do POR we can stay at 7 nights but will probably have to go to 6 for AKL. How do they compare? I am not really crazy about the alligator bayou rooms. Thoughts?

 

[mickeynut1]

We currently have a 7 night reservation at AoA in the LM section. Of course this wasn't included in the new discounts. We are thinking of upgrading to POR or AKL. If we do POR we can stay at 7 nights but will probably have to go to 6 for AKL. How do they compare? I am not really crazy about the alligator bayou rooms. Thoughts?

We've never stayed at POR so I can't comment on that resort, but we loved AKL. We are probably in the minority, but we would go for less nights (if needed) and stay deluxe over more nights at a mod. We love AKL for the theme/decor, Boma, and the ability to watch animals from several places around the resort. Good luck.

 

[Carlyzmom]

Our most recent trip was AKL and it was absolutely amazing!! I would only stay there if I could have a savannah view again. BUT, my only complaint was the location. It's a 30 minute bus ride to MK! We felt we wasted a lot of time traveling because of the location.

You could ask for a different section at POR. It's truly a beautiful resort. We are staying there in June. All rooms have been refurbished and have queen beds. Not sure if I would pay a ton more for a deluxe again.

 

[CoolPool]

We've never stayed at POR so I can't comment on that resort, but we loved AKL. We are probably in the minority, but we would go for less nights (if needed) and stay deluxe over more nights at a mod. We love AKL for the theme/decor, Boma, and the ability to watch animals from several places around the resort. Good luck.

Also a member of the AKL fan club. Very biased. We use deluxe amenities like balconies and restaurants. But frankly its the most singular resort on property; unique and rare. It is a vacation within a vacation. However if you spend most of your day at the parks, then all of this will be lost on you and you might resent the choice.

 

[minnie mum]

I've stayed at both and like them both. AKL is probably our favourite deluxe resort- of all of them, AKL gives one the feeling of being really away from it all- in your own very special world. It is (to us) the most unique of all and we really enjoy all of the amenities that the resort has to offer. We've never felt that transportation was that big a deal- it is no more than 10 minutes further from MK than the Epcot resorts.

We have also stayed at POR multiple times and think that it is a very nice resort. Providing you have fewer than 5 people in your group, you can always request a room in the Mansions section if you don't like the AB rooms. Of course this can't be guaranteed, but they do whatever they can to meet requests.

Picking one over the other can be difficult. I would tend to vote for AKL, all things being equal. But I think I would prefer to go with POR if it meant I could have one extra day at WDW.

 

[Shaden]

I would pretty much always pick a longer stay ... including in this case.

An extra night and day is an extra night and day at Disney. Both are fantastic resorts no doubt and you will have a great time at either one.

 

[mrsdrum]

Thanks everyone! We ended up upgrading to POR. We are going to stay in the Royal Guest Room. Our DD is 6 and will love the princess theme. In the end we decided the extra day beats the deluxe resort.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks everyone! We ended up upgrading to POR. We are going to stay in the Royal Guest Room. Our DD is 6 and will love the princess theme. In the end we decided the extra day beats the deluxe resort.

I agree! We love both resorts, but an extra day will always win with me! I'd request Oak Manor, closest to main pool location.
Love POR. Be sure to take the boat to DTD, and see Bob Jackson's show, a lot of fun. Food court is great, our fav is the make your own pasta bar. Yum.

 

[mmmears]

Also a member of the AKL fan club. Very biased. We use deluxe amenities like balconies and restaurants. But frankly its the most singular resort on property; unique and rare. It is a vacation within a vacation. However if you spend most of your day at the parks, then all of this will be lost on you and you might resent the choice.

Pretty much sums up what I was going to say!

 

[Headed4Fun]

Thanks everyone! We ended up upgrading to POR. We are going to stay in the Royal Guest Room. Our DD is 6 and will love the princess theme. In the end we decided the extra day beats the deluxe resort.

Can't speak for AKL but we stayed at POR in a Royal Room in December. My kids (DS5 and DD2) both enjoyed it. I'm sure you'll have a great stay there!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Have a great stay!