Value vs. camping: Advice, please!!!!

[gabesmom]

How are the wait times for the buses at the All-Star resorts or Pop Century in pre-holiday season December?

We'll be at WDW, Dec. 15-20, and had planned on camping at FW. We love the fort and know our way around, but with the new rates we can stay at a value for just $53 more (for the whole trip) -- which would more than make up for in gas money (not towing the camper down)...

We're holding an offer at Pop, but just can't make up our minds.

Should we stick with the plan at FW or take a chance at one of the values?

BTW, upgrading to a mod or deluxe isn't really an option!!
We had to twist DH's arm to get this far

 

[westjones]

We just stayed at POP this summer and loved it. We have camped at FW and really enjoyed that experience, but I think the transportation at POP is better. For us, staying at FW was for the camping experience and we didn't go to the parks that much (two days), but at Pop we found it to be a great place to stay for this trip that involved more time away from the room.

DJ

 

[mrzrich]

I am guess I'm the person you want to talk to because I am a FW lover who stays at POP frequently.

I think the POP buses are pretty good. Drawbacks include being far from the park exits after a long day and that they can be quite crowded right at park open and close.

BUT there is no sharing of buses (like how FW shares with WL sometimes) and there is one bus stop that is within walking distance of any room at the resort.

The price difference is only $53. Which is great, but for us the biggest financial savings we see when camping is food. When we camp we usually only dine out once a day. When we POP we dine out 2-3 times a day.

If you aren't one to cook at your campsite, then that doesn't apply to you.

Since you've never been to POP nd you have the oportunity to do so, I would say go for it. I hope to stay everywhere at least once!

 

[skipperkim]

I'm guessing you'll be driving, so you can still take a cooler with you which will make it easy for breakfast in you room. Not only would you have your own bathroom, but you'd be in AC a definite plus. One thing you have been missing out on is Disney TV. I love the channel that has park info, the music is great. I know POFQ has their own channel, not sure if Pop does. The pools are better at Pop and the kids will love all the icons. Be sure to get pics of them by the year they were born.

 

[mrzrich]

but you'd be in AC a definite plus.

Ummm...guess you don't realize the majority of people staying at FW have air conditioning.

FW camping isn't exactly "roughing it"

 

[mrzrich]

Gabesmom,

Just saw your post on the camping board and see that the meal plan is included in your resort plan...for $53 more with food, I'd stay at POP. Just think, no camper to pack before the trip or clean out after.

 

[skipperkim]

Ummm...guess you don't realize the majority of people staying at FW have air conditioning.

FW camping isn't exactly "roughing it"

Actually, I am aware of it. I don't know whether they do or not. It's a lot of work to set up a camper, AC or not.Making sure it's level, the sewer and electricity hooked up. But, the experience of staying at Pop is something they haven't done. It would be a lot easier to stay at Pop. It's worth the extra money to do so, or at least that's MHO.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I would go with POP! You may not get the opportunity again in the near future.

It will be different than camping, so go with excitement and have a great time!!

 

[skoba-nelson]

We've never camped at FW yet. The main reason being when we visit during value or regular season the price difference between FW and the values is hardly anything. We anticipate camping there when our children are school age and we have to go in summer or peak season. Then the price difference is greater.

 

[wisc mom]

We love FW, but if I had the chance to stay in a hotel room for only $53 more for the week, I would pick the hotel. Not having the stress of backing into the site (always a guaranteed argument between DH and I ), and other camping issues like winterizing and dumping our waste would be worth every penny. Although, you would be missing out on the holiday light displays around the campground and the Chip N Dale campfire sing along. My vote is to switch to the POP!

 

[gabesmom]

Should have mentioned we're doing the DP so food won't be an issue this trip!!

You all have really hit the nail on the head for us - and eased my mind. We LOVED FW when we visited last year and will definitely do it again at some point, but this December seems better suited for POP.

We'll save on gas and not having to set up after a long drive is just about worth $53 for me... An argument is pretty much a common thing for us when setting up, too, but that's a whole other thread!!!

Our plan is to do a lot of late evenings to hit all the holiday events (Osborne Lights, CP at Epcot, MVMCP, etc.) so I think the hotel will be a better fit for this trip. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mr Man]

Good advice in the previous posts. I have stayed at both POP & FW during December. Campers really go all out in decorating for the holidays. POP is nice but not as festive IMHO.

You could always stay at POP for convenience/value and visit FW for an afternoon/evening (maybe Hoop de Doo or TE) and take a horse carriage ride through the camp ground to ogle at the decorations.

Just a thought. You can take the boat from MK after all or just drive over.

It is good to have options.