POR or AKL

[blueberry22]

Traveling in early June. 9 adults and 12 "disney" adults i.e. 19-22 year old college students- most not accompanied by paying adults. Group rate difference is only $20 per room. No charge for extra adults in room so the room cost difference for the kids is only $5 per night with 4 in a room and AKl gives them more space.

SOOOO my first choice would probably be AKL. However I have some concerns:
1. I like the idea of quiet pools nearby at POR. They also seem shady. I like to swim each day and take a mid day nap and the trip to the pool from much of AKL seems like an excursion- and theres not much shade.
2. Food costs. Eating lunch at Mara everyday will be a drag. I expect the kids to emerge in time for a lunch and then head out for the evening. They may get tired of the limited options at Mara, and even if they are around at dinner time probalby don't want to spend the $$ for Boma too often. Jiko is not even a realalistic option.
3. I'd like to have a meeting meal at least once a day. If the kids are just emerging and the adults are on their way back from a park visit then downtown disney or the resort would be a great place to do lunch together or even Boardwalk. POR just seems to have more conveinent transportation and food options.

With group rate the meal plan is not an option.

ANy thoughts? ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

at POR, you can take (for free) the boat to Downtown Disney. Lots to do there and places to eat. Lots of outdoor space at POR and not too much at AKL. AT POR, you can rent boats, bikes etc. Not so at AKL. I've stayed at both but with that many people, I'd pick POR.

 

[extraredstuff]

I'd have to agree that POR would be better suited for what you're looking for..... even though for $20 more it would have me VERY tempted to stay Deluxe.

POR has a really nice atmosphere, the boat rentals is such a nice extra, too. The boatride to DTD is nice, and the food court there will have more options for quick, decent food.

 

[HopperFan]

...and for the minimal difference I personally would chose AKL BUT for your group I think POR is a great choice. AKL will be limiting on outdoor activity (one reason my teens don't want to return there), the pool can be very crowded - making the quiet pools at POR very attractive, and the food issues you addressed. POR has the boat to DTD which is a great plus.

 

[Hawk]

We've stayed at both. POR is a better choice.

Tim/Hawk

 

[snels]

Hi,
We have stayed at both resorts, and prefer P.O.
We enjoy the quiet pools, and the food court is very good.
We found the AKL to be too dark for us....that maybe because we wear bifocals.
Sandy

 

[blueberry22]

Thanks to all for your input.