Resort decision...WWYD

[WDWAurora]

Hi all. I have NEVER been so indecisive about where we stay, partially because I usually just book POP and don't even think about it. This time, DH has indicated that he is a little over POP, and it will be pop warner season, so I don't want to do All Stars. Our party is myself, DH, and our 2 little boys (5 & 3) in one room, and my dad in another. Dad will need a scooter due to spinal stenosis and limited energy due to Parkinson's. We are flying, using ME and buses for transportation. Currently, I have POR booked, but there are no discounts there, nor are there any at POFQ. I realized we could stay at WL for not a lot more due to getting a discount there. Our travel agent told me about the construction, then I read a little more on here. So...Keeping in mind my dad needing to be close to a main building (so he can get drinks, etc.), and the bus situation (with the scooter), and our likelihood of eating several meals at our resort (no meal plan, planning a good bit of counter service to avoid over planning), where would you stay?

Here are the options I'm looking at:

1. Staying put at POR.
2. Moving to WL. We would be in a standard room, not concerned about the view, and would be out of the room during the hours of 9-7, typically, which is supposedly when construction would occur. I would like for the water pageant to be a possibility, though our boys typically go to bed before that time. I like that it is all under one roof, and I like the decor, as well as the idea of the Christmas decor. I don't want to stay there if we will be miserable with the construction.
3. Moving to CBR, preferred room. This would come in at about what we are paying now (Garden view), but is the discounted rate. Our room would be close to the main building and a bus stop. I can't find a map showing locations of pirate rooms, and those would also be a consideration, depending upon their location.

Other ideas? CSR is booked. No discount at POFQ. All other deluxes are more expensive. We *could* consider an AOA suite, though I'm not sure that is really a great plan for us. Space in the rooms isn't really an issue.

TIA for sticking with this and any advice!!

 

[smiths02]

My choice would probably be
1. WL (assuming you are talking a similar price tag) and assuming that the construction isn't awful
2. CBR preferred...newly refurbished rooms
3. POR

About AoA suites...would you get one and share with your dad. Wouldn't that be cheaper than the other options?

 

[smiths02]

Pirate rooms are the farthest out AND have double beds. We liked our stay there, but I wouldn't recommend it for you.

 

[Babsy]

I would move to CBR. Preferred rooms there are great, convenient to everything! The pool is really nice for your two little ones, the resort is newly refurbished and the food court is really good. CBR is very tropical, relaxing and pretty. I wouldn't go with the prate rooms - way too inconvenient and still only have full beds. Preferred rooms have queen beds.

WL would normally be the obvious choice, but I never knowingly go to a resort with construction so I would never recommend doing so to others. Been there, done that....and.... YIKES!! NOT fun, IMO.

OTOH, if construction noise, disruption and appearances do not bother you, then the WL is a very nice resort.

Good luck!

 

[jennab]

I would either do WL or POFQ since they are smaller and will be easier for your FIL to get around. Doesn't seem as though getting to a bus would be a hassle at either or getting food (although POFQ does not have a table service restaurant)

 

[WDWAurora]

We would still not share at AOA. We could, but privacy wise it just doesn't work well.

 

[DiscoMickeyMouse]

POR is my personal favorite....but given your circumstances I'd go with WL as 1st choice, CBR preferred as 2nd, and POR garden last. WL is more compact and wheelchair friendly, and has a decent enough QS food court and 2 TS restaurants. I think you'd all be much more comfortable there. CBR preferred puts you closer to food court and such, but still not as close as WL.

As amazing as POR is, garden view could be far from food court and buses. Not the best for someone using a wheelchair or scooter.

 

[Aurora0427]

WL is really easy to get around because it's all one building, and easy access to busses and boats. It doesn't sound like you'll be at the resort a lot, so the construction may not bother you. Just ask to be away from the construction.

If it's not much more, I'd do WL. They have two sit down restaurants and a counter service.

 

[JennyDrake]

I would go with CBR preferred room for your party.

With that said, I have stayed at the AS at least 7 times DURING Pop Warner and have never had an issue--and I am Childless by Choice. I would still do a preferred room there....

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I would go with WL for not a lot more. Everyone/everything all under one roof will be easier for your dad to get around.

 

[connie1042]

I would go with CBR. Preferred. Reasons: Great pool for the kids. easy access to food court. Room to ride a ECV in food court. Covered bus stops. We love CBR. I thought about WL for a second, but then was informed that an ECV could not be put on the boats to MK, so that was a deal breaker.

 

[Wood Nymph]

If you really don't plan to take naps or need quiet afternoons in your resort room, then I'd take the WL. It is a gorgeous resort and the three restaurants are good. We stayed at the WL last October when the main pool was all torn up and it didn't bother us at all. It is really a nice resort.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think I would stick with WL if you will be away from the resort during the day. The resort is gorgeous and you would be able to enjoy the water pageant if the kids were awake. Your Dad could also enjoy that fabulous lobby if he wanted to have a break as well. Water taxies offer a convenient option to the the MK and to FW, and the bus transportation is not far from anything.

If you want a moderate, I would choose CBR preferred. CBR is a large resort, so to be assured of a building close to bus transportation and OPR, the extra money is well spent, IMO.

As much as I love POFQ, and it would probably be a good fit for your dad, without the discount I would probably upgrade to WL.

 

[Aurora0427]

When we stayed at WL, the scooters were allowed on the boats. They use the large boats. Not sure if something has changed.