Trying to Sort Plans--Help us Pick a Resort!

[RPM1214]

We had our first ever family trip planned for Wilderness Lodge in August, but due to my husband's job we have to bump it up to July (so soon!!). Now, the dates we want for Wilderness are not available. So we were thinking Yacht Club which looks really nice with the new rooms and the awesome pool. The problem is that the room isn't available for all nights of our stay so we would have to do a split stay (not entirely thrilled about having to move since we are only there 5 nights.Add to that we just found out my son is severely allergic to dogs (had an awful reaction this past weekend). So, Yacht Club seems out.

I feel we are back to square one...Here's what I'm thinking and am open to other suggestions:

Port Orleans French Quarter---Like the new wood floors in the refurbished rooms and pool looks cool
Animal Kingdom Lodge---Stayed here years ago and was awesome, but how are the current state of rooms??
Beach Club--no standard room available, only lagoon view which I'm not really wanting to spend the extra $$ as it is MUCH pricier than the other two.

 

[megs1313]

Of your options, I'd do AKL, though the savings to move to POFQ is probably pretty significant, so I might lean that way and upgrade your trip elsewhere (like a dessert party or tour.)

 

[DISNEY1975]

PO FQ is nice. Its pretty small, so even though there are different buildings, all are close to pool/dining/shop etc.. Its in a nice location with a ferry to bring you to Disney Springs. I would save the $$ and stay at POFQ. AKL is nice, but it doesnt have convenient transportation to parks as the other deluxe resorts do, so not sure Id spend the $$ there.

 

[RPM1214]

Thank you both for your replies---You make good points about the transportation and saving money which is always a good thing---It's about a $300 total difference between the POFQ and AKL which we are definitely ok with splurging on, but if there isn't a huge difference than I'd rather save. I've never stayed at a moderate before, but heard POFQ is one of the best mods

 

[SarahC97]

I vote Port Orleans French Quarter. It's the smallest resort on site, very intimate and themed great. The pool is awesome and they have a boat to Disney Springs. I just don't think you can go wrong with it! I have personally found it better than some of the Deluxes we've stayed at!

 

[Haley R]

I vote POFQ. It’s our favorite resort onsite.

 

[hertamaniac]

POFQ and get the bonus of walking over to POR. Boats to DS is a HUGE benefit too.

 

[Sue M]

Yes, having to move on a 5 day trip would be a pain. Even though I doubt you’d see many if any dogs at YC. So would he have any reactions from being in prox to animals at AKL? If he would be ok at AKL it’s a wonderful resort and I’d pick that.
Second choice would be POFQ. The POR resorts are my fav moderates. Love the beautiful landscaping and boat to Disney Springs.
Just a note, any rooms in any resort could have had a service dog in it, I’d put on reservation you need to have a deep clean or whatever they call it for the room due to allergy.

 

[RPM1214]

Yes, having to move on a 5 day trip would be a pain. Even though I doubt you’d see many if any dogs at YC. So would he have any reactions from being in prox to animals at AKL? If he would be ok at AKL it’s a wonderful resort and I’d pick that.
Second choice would be POFQ. The POR resorts are my fav moderates. Love the beautiful landscaping and boat to Disney Springs.
Just a note, any rooms in any resort could have had a service dog in it, I’d put on reservation you need to have a deep clean or whatever they call it for the room due to allergy.

Thanks for mentioning the deep clean, I will definitely do that as a precaution! I don't think the actual animals at AKL would be an issue since he won't be petting them.

Having never been to Florida in the summer, I was just wondering if having the inside corridors is worth the extra cost or am I just over thinking this?

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for mentioning the deep clean, I will definitely do that as a precaution! I don't think the actual animals at AKL would be an issue since he won't be petting them.

Having never been to Florida in the summer, I was just wondering if having the inside corridors is worth the extra cost or am I just over thinking this?

Well it is HOT and humid in summer! We go in August. Im not sure if July also has those daily 3:00 T storms like Aug, and it is handy having everything under 1 roof. But having to go outside to go refil my mug isn’t a deal breaker for us. We love Pofq. And spent our last 3-4 trips at Poly or GF, both have outside buildings.

 

[Haley R]

Thanks for mentioning the deep clean, I will definitely do that as a precaution! I don't think the actual animals at AKL would be an issue since he won't be petting them.

Having never been to Florida in the summer, I was just wondering if having the inside corridors is worth the extra cost or am I just over thinking this?

Would he be petting the dogs at the resort?

 

[DISNEY1975]

POFQ

AKL

AKL

POFQ

POFQ

AKL

AKL
Pros: More TS restaurants, larger gift shop, slightly better themed rooms (IMO), but not larger than POFQ
Cons: Your room could be very far from main house, AKL is farthest from all parks except AK,

POFQ
Pros: Small resort, everything is convenient, less $$, not a lot of outside guests on grounds (for meals, looking around), ferry to DS,
Cons: No table service, but quick walk to POR with TS


I really dont know. Both have good points and not so good ones. For less than $300, I would probably lean towards AKL....maybe!! Not for the room, but the amenities are greater if you have time to use them. Lobby is gorgeous, nice shops, and BOMA !! But if youre not planning on shopping or eating at AKL TS and you have dont just want to burn money for a tiny bit more luxury, then pick POFQ. You honestly cant go wrong with either.

I dont even know why I replied. Im useless!!

 

[Tink-osophy]

I dont even know why I replied. Im useless!!

LOL. I found it very good!

 

[Miffy]

One more plus for AKL: balcony. But I like POFQ too!

 

[heidijanesmith]

I like trying new resorts, so I would lean towards POFQ. My step-father's family stayed there last Oct and loved it!.

I liked our AKL stay, but I like staying the in the action more. AKL is great if you are looking for peace and quiet.

I am not sure how much more the BC is, but the EPCOT resorts are our favorites. It's great to be able to walk to EPCOT and walk/boat to DS. SAB is a great pool, perfect for those August temps.

Look at BWI/BWV as the rates can be better than BC. The pool is awesome, the nightlife is so much fun.

 

[CynBeth]

POFQ!