Which resort for quick and cheap-er trip?

[Shibafam2011]

We are planning a last minute trip to WDW at the end of September for four days to surprise our DD(5). We want to keep this trip budget friendly. We have another bigger trip planned for next Summer staying at BW, unless Grandparents, plus their dog, decide to tag along then we will stay at YC so, either way in the BW area.

Which resort should we choose: POP, AoA Little Mermaid room (my daughter was a huge fan of the POR princess room), or the Swan/Dolphin? The prices are about the same - POP is cheapest, AoA in the middle and S/D is most expensive but only about $200 more than POP. So not a huge deal price wise. All fall within the budget we had in mind.

BUT I am leaning toward the values to hopefully score the bounce back offer for a future trip. We are only doing two park days - MK and either EPCOT or HS.

 

[Schneewittchen37]

Since it's a quick trip, I'd splurge for the Swolphin. My family did a quick trip staying at the Swan once when the kids were 7 and 9. The room was comfortable for sleeping and the hotel itself was less chaotic than a Disney value resort. I guess that's the nice thing about being a Marriott. The pool was really nice for relaxing in the afternoons and you can't beat being able to walk into Epcot/HS. Tons of dining options in the evenings with all of the resorts clustered there around the lake.

We stayed at Pop once. Meh. Interesting outdoor decor is only worth so much. No personal knowledge of AoA.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

The AOA Little Mermaid rooms are quite a walk from buses, food, and the skyliner. I prefer POP hands down over AOA. I haven't stayed Swolphin ever and that might be nice BUT, is there something else you could do with that $200??? Maybe a nice dinner or a tour or something?

 

[BlovesC]

If you're opposed to or unable to drive yourself to MK, I'd pick POP. But if you're not going to rely on bus transport to MK, Swan/Dolphin hands down. Easy access to DHS/Epcot, beautiful pools and grounds, great good options, and MUCH better beds!

 

[sponica]

Pop was the first place I stayed on site and I still love it and can't wait to stay there again (even after spoiling myself with Poly and Riv). Sure it's no frills but I like the theming.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I'm a vote for POP with a 5 year old. I've stayed at all of these resorts and think POP is the best bet. Yes, the food court is a little crazy/loud but if you're trying to do a budget friendly trip, this is your best bet and in all honesty, the resort a 5 year old would likely enjoy more given the larger than life theming around the property. AofA is also great but if it's more money to stay in a room that's a longer walk to amenities, that's a negative for me and not worth the added cost. The LM rooms are not close to the main lobby. I love S/D resorts but don't forget you have to pay for parking and the resort fee. Also, if you're only planning to do DHS/Ep one day, I don't think the extra cost for the location/amenities is worth it. POP is easy to get to MK whereas the bus to MK from S/D will drop at TTC, it's not the end of the world but you need to factor in some added travel time.

 

[Disneylover99]

I’d vote for Pop. Or you might even want to consider All Star Movies with a five year old.

 

[Mle8308]

If the bounce back offer is important to you, then Pop. If you will be there for an extra magic evening hours day, and your granddaughter can stay up that late, then the Swan/Dolphin. I would not do AoA, the Little Mermaid rooms are a hike from everything, especially with a 5 year old coming back from the MK at night. Those rooms are not close to the main building or the bus stops.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

POP

 

[MamaMermaid]

POP or S/D.

 

[RoseGold]

For only two park days, I'd stay off site. I've always wanted to stay at the Hilton with the lazy river it shares with a few hotels. That would be really nice in September and way nicer than any of those pools.

The bounceback is against rack rate, so it might not help you at all. I'd be doing some math on that.

Or, split the stay and do just a couple nights at Disney.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’d do Pop. Keep it cheap and get the bounce back!

 

[plwheel]

Agree on Pop. I’ve stayed at nearly every Disney resort and Pop is a good short trip option now that they have the skyliner.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I’d do Pop. Keep it cheap and get the bounce back!

Same. If the whole point is to keep it cheap.....then keep it cheap. Once you start splurging and doing "Disney math" it can spiral quickly. Been there, done that.

I've read reports of people going to Disney and staying one night just to get the bounce back for the following year.