Split stay with Poly, need advice please!

[bjck99]

I have a reservation in March (prime spring break ) at the Poly for 6 nights. Now, we’re coming into Orlando a day earlier and I’m contemplating a split stay, really just to cut down on the cost because the Poly prices are unreal and the new offer does not apply during my visit. So, I need advice on choosing between Pop, POFQ, and AKL. I’m starting my trip at one of these three, and ending at the Poly.

Ease of transportation is my #1 priority. Will will not start our day at MK on any of these days (we have hoppers) so will most likely be an Epcot, AK or HS start day for those 2/3 days. Because of the savings staying at these resorts, I could also just take Uber/Lyfts. What are your thoughts on the differences in transportation at these three?

We are park people, so we will probably hit the parks early, and hop everyday to what’s ever available. We also know with the crowds, breaks are needed, hence the reason why Poly is the cards for the last part of the vacation, just so we can enjoy the resort a bit.

And just to add something else to the pot, I can get the current offer at Pop and AKL but not POFQ. I’m looking at a difference of $200/night at Pop, $100/night at POFQ. We’ve stayed at POFQ years ago, never at Pop or AKL. Any insight on these resorts is much appreciated!

 

[xlsm]

I've done one night at Pop before moving over to the Poly, but we didn't go to a park until after we'd moved...I don't think it's a bad choice, you'll have the Skyliner and buses to get you where you need to go. My experience here was literally arriving around 10pm, getting food, sleeping, waking up and ubering to the Poly.

I'd pick AKL if you were going to Animal Kingdom on that first park day. The bus ride to AK is quick, and the resort is beautiful. I would stay here all the time if it had more than bus transportation. Food choices here are excellent as well. It's very relaxing and I love all the little places you can find to stop and sit and watch the savannas. I have done week long stays at Jambo and several nights at Kidani. I prefer Jambo House because it has the bigger store and more food options, but Sanaa is at Kidani and it's one of our favorite restaurants on property.

I don't think you can go wrong with either for just one day, depending on which park you're starting at and how you want to spend that first day.

Have fun!

 

[Disneylover99]

If you’re starting the day at Epcot or HS, stay at Pop and take the skyliner.
Take the biggest savings.

 

[Marthasor]

If you want to splurge, stay at AKL and do AK on your first day. If you would rather save the money, take Disneylover99's advice and stay at Pop to utilize the Skyliner to EP or DHS.

 

[loves to dive]

If it's just for a night or two, I'd save the money and do Pop. I've stayed at all four (POR not POFQ but almost the same) and all have their advantages.

 

[Sarahslay]

I'd personally do Pop and take the skyliner to Epcot or HS as mentioned earlier. I did this exact thing in the past year with a split stay when we split with YC (Presidents day weekend I believe, not many choices and we were given a few nights free because of previous issues at YC, but no rooms were available for the start of our trip just the few that were free). We stayed at Pop, got up early and loaded our bags in the car (could have dropped at bell services if we didn't drive and have them move them) and got on the skyliner to HS the morning we moved. Our room wasn't ready until late, and we wanted a break before park hopping started, so we went back after eating lunch to get the car and move it to YC. Worked beautifully, and we saved a bunch of money we didn't need to spend for a bed and a shower since we didn't intend to spend time in the room or around the resort during that time. If you don't want to spent time at the parks then AKL because you can watch the animals, but that's wasted money if you're just sleeping there and not taking advantage of that. If wanting to go to DS then POFQ is great because you can take a boat over, but I've never enjoy the bus situation over there for all the parks.

 

[ppony]

If you've never stayed at AKL, I'd totally do that! It's absolutely grand the moment you walk in. They have one or our favorite gift shops on resort property. You'll get the experience of that deluxe w/o having committed too much to it. PO-FQ is lovely as well. I'm not a fan of values at all. They didn't exist when we started visiting WDW. I booked my 18yo son and DH in AoA once for a 5 night trip for his 18th BD. That worked for them since they didn't care about the resort trappings like I do. But even they thought it was just a nicely painted motel-stye place. Not what they love about Disney.

You do you tho! Have fun! I know about add-on-itus. It's how I went from a 6 night stay at AKV to a 13 night WDW stay spitting between FIVE resorts!My family is going to kill me. I've told them to zip it. They're the chicks of this little red hen. They had no input in planning by choice, they don't get to be a peanut gallery now.