Value or moderate split stay

[Jasmineandrajah]

So I know this is entirely my choice as to what we should do. But I wanted to get some opinions!

We have the option to stay for more nights (about 14 nights!!!) if we do a split stay between Pop Century and AKL. On the other hand, we could stay for fewer nights (about 9) and do a split between POR and AKL. We would stay at AKL for about 4 nights for both splits. Which would you prefer? If we stay longer, we may even consider getting an AP. We have a 1 year old, so I'm wondering if we should try to go for the more "comfy" resort for relaxing during down time. Or choose the value with more kid-friendly theming? SO TORN. Please feel free to shoot me some thoughts! Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

So I know this is entirely my choice as to what we should do. But I wanted to get some opinions!

We have the option to stay for more nights (about 14 nights!!!) if we do a split stay between Pop Century and AKL. On the other hand, we could stay for fewer nights (about 9) and do a split between POR and AKL. We would stay at AKL for about 4 nights for both splits. Which would you prefer? If we stay longer, we may even consider getting an AP. We have a 1 year old, so I'm wondering if we should try to go for the more "comfy" resort for relaxing during down time. Or choose the value with more kid-friendly theming? SO TORN. Please feel free to shoot me some thoughts! Thanks!

I'm probably in the minority, but I would choose less nights and do POR/AKL split. We love AKL and although we've never stayed at POR, it looks like a beautiful resort. With that said, I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which resorts you choose. Good luck!

 

[Shellyb84]

So I know this is entirely my choice as to what we should do. But I wanted to get some opinions!

We have the option to stay for more nights (about 14 nights!!!) if we do a split stay between Pop Century and AKL. On the other hand, we could stay for fewer nights (about 9) and do a split between POR and AKL. We would stay at AKL for about 4 nights for both splits. Which would you prefer? If we stay longer, we may even consider getting an AP. We have a 1 year old, so I'm wondering if we should try to go for the more "comfy" resort for relaxing during down time. Or choose the value with more kid-friendly theming? SO TORN. Please feel free to shoot me some thoughts! Thanks!

I would do the Pop/AKL split. Even if it were the same amount of nights for either option, I would say Pop over POR.

We love Pop! We are doing a split stay next year (13-14 nights) with the last 8 nights at BC. We narrowed it down to Pop, POFQ, CSR for the first 5-6 nights but I'm really thinking we'll go with Pop.

The new rooms are very comfy with queen size beds and they are so cute! You won't have the pool slide but with a 1 yo don't need it anyway. The food court is great, and with the size of the resort you never feel that far away from anything.

 

[SharonZ]

I'm not a value resort fan, so I'd definitely choose the lesser amount of days with POR/AKL.

 

[Jasmineandrajah]

Thanks for the insight, everyone! I'm sure we'll have a blast either way. I just need to decide!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would do POR. We did 10 nights last trip and by night 9 I was about done.

 

[PSUGuy]

First, we did an 11 day split one year, first 9 at Board Walk last 2 at POFQ. In the cab going to POFQ for the last 2 wifey and I both agreed that we'd be fine if we were going to MCO, 9 days was fine. Second, we did a split between Swan and AllStar Sport once, never again. We spoiled ourselves over the years so that with our discovery that 9 or so days do it for us I'd suggest shorter stay, better digs.

Bill From PA

 

[Jasmineandrajah]

First, we did an 11 day split one year, first 9 at Board Walk last 2 at POFQ. In the cab going to POFQ for the last 2 wifey and I both agreed that we'd be fine if we were going to MCO, 9 days was fine. Second, we did a split between Swan and AllStar Sport once, never again. We spoiled ourselves over the years so that with our discovery that 9 or so days do it for us I'd suggest shorter stay, better digs.

Bill From PA

Sorry, I'm a newbie, what is MCO?

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Sorry, I'm a newbie, what is MCO?

Orlando airport

 

[Jasmineandrajah]

Orlando airport

Ah! Thanks!

 

[HopperFan]

POP & AKL, more nights.

- You didn't say when you are going but it may be you would have good odds of a newly renovated room at POP. I would request regardless. The rooms are well done with queen beds, lots of storage etc. And if using a pack n play you never need to open the second bed which means way roomier.
- You have a one year old, so the slides and hot tub that come with moderate are of little value. TS ... eat at parks, other hotels or DS. Bigger room ... you have a 1 year old, there is nothing that extra space will do for you. No balcony, no inside hall ...
- You have a one year old, so resting is key .... more days mean you can rest better because you have plenty of time to get things done. Use your POP days for your out of room busy days, save AKL for your absorb the whole resort days.
- Your one year old will likely love the awe and wonder of the imagineering at Art of Animation which is right across the bridge from POP.

 

[earfulofmagic]

I would do POR/AKL split. As big as Disney is, I think 14 days is a bit long, unless:

you are traveling from overseas,
you are dedicated to only doing half days for the majority of the trip with some no-park days and/or want to visit surrounding Orlando attractions, beaches, etc.,
or this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

If you fall into any of the above categories, then yeah, I'd probably pick the 14 days.

Upgrading to annual passes may make financial sense anyway if you plan on eating/shopping/spending enough at the places offering AP discounts. And, of course, an AP makes it "easier" to return esp. with AP discounts on resorts.

 

[Jasmineandrajah]

POP & AKL, more nights.

- You didn't say when you are going but it may be you would have good odds of a newly renovated room at POP. I would request regardless. The rooms are well done with queen beds, lots of storage etc. And if using a pack n play you never need to open the second bed which means way roomier.
- You have a one year old, so the slides and hot tub that come with moderate are of little value. TS ... eat at parks, other hotels or DS. Bigger room ... you have a 1 year old, there is nothing that extra space will do for you. No balcony, no inside hall ...
- You have a one year old, so resting is key .... more days mean you can rest better because you have plenty of time to get things done. Use your POP days for your out of room busy days, save AKL for your absorb the whole resort days.
- Your one year old will likely love the awe and wonder of the imagineering at Art of Animation which is right across the bridge from POP.

Great points! We would be going in the Fall next year, so I think we would be able to get one of the renovated rooms! I do like the idea of being able to just take some days off and explore the area and maybe go to Universal and rest at AKL. Thanks so much for your input!

 

[Jasmineandrajah]

I would do POR/AKL split. As big as Disney is, I think 14 days is a bit long, unless:

you are traveling from overseas,
you are dedicated to only doing half days for the majority of the trip with some no-park days and/or want to visit surrounding Orlando attractions, beaches, etc.,
or this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

If you fall into any of the above categories, then yeah, I'd probably pick the 14 days.

Upgrading to annual passes may make financial sense anyway if you plan on eating/shopping/spending enough at the places offering AP discounts. And, of course, an AP makes it "easier" to return esp. with AP discounts on resorts.

Thanks for putting it into perspective! You're right, 14 days may be a bit long. Although, with our little guy, I feel like it would be easier to be able to pop into the parks (assuming we get AP) and relax on some off days. That would be the appeal of staying longer! If we stay for the shorter amount of time, I'm afraid I'd be in more of a hustle mode lol. I am definitely leaning towards getting AP!

 

[Disneylover99]

We go for two weeks or more each summer. The longer, the better for us. We always do a split stay. I'd do the Pop/AKL split.

 

[loves to dive]

I'm not a huge value resort fan but I have stayed at them during split stays but only for a night or two. If more time than that, I'd go POR, it's more relaxing and has bigger rooms, thus making the down time a little easier. The new POP rooms are nice, I stayed in one a couple of weeks ago but I'm assuming the little one is going to need a pack and play, which would mean you would need to leave the table/bed as a table in order to have enough room. It is going to be tight.

 

[gillep]

I would do POR/AKL, for me, 14 nights would just be too long. I would also find the POP rooms to be too tight for more than a night or two.

 

[Shellyb84]

We did 13 nights in June and we were not ready to leave! I love that it gives us plenty of downtime. We usually do 2 park days (which really are only half days because we only stay until around 1) and then an off day. That way we still get to experience the parks, but with all the downtime to relax it really feels like an actual vacation, and not like we're super busy on a mission.

The renovation should be complete or close to it by fall.

 

[AllieBoo]

I personally think 14 nights is too long, especially if this is your first trip (not sure if it is). We have found that 8 nights is a good length for us, any longer and we are just burnt out. Obviously it's a personal choice, so you may find 14 is great for you.

For that long of a trip though, I would not stay at a value. We just feel the size of those rooms are just too small. At AKL you would have a balcony and just more room to relax in general, so I would do the split with POR/AKL.

 

[kniquy]

You had me at "MORE". I would always vote for more days especially because you are doing a split. More days will mean more FP options and more relaxed touring. You will need that with a 1 year old. There is only so much time a little one can sit in a stroller. You can make your value resort first and make those more of your park days, when you switch to AKL then make it a relaxing end to your trip. Although i don't know how much relaxing you will do with a one year old Lol!