Would you do this?

[luvnwdwgal]

My husband and I desperately want to get away. We need a break away from all the drama with his mother. This is a last minute trip, thinking late August, so don’t really have much to spend so we’re trying to keep the cost down. We’re thinking 5 nights at Pop Century, which we have stayed at several times, and NO park tickets. Have never done this before but I think I’m totally ok with it. I love the idea of just being able to do whatever we want. I want to just relax, get up whenever, lots of pool time, explore all the resorts, do a lot of browsing, maybe a little shopping, really take the time to see Disney Springs, catch a couple movies, play some mini golf. Just enjoy being in the bubble. Other choice is just get 2 day park tickets and go to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot but that alone would cost us another $500.

 

[prairie_girl]

I say if you can afford it, go for it. I know people that go every few months and do exactly what you have described.

 

[anniemae]

I would do that, but I know I would feel like I would want to hit the parks. LOL! I do know a lot of people go and do non-park stuff though. I would go for it.

 

[disneychrista]

I, personally, could not imagine going to WDW and not visiting the parks. For me, again personally, I would rather take the money and spend the week on the coast somewhere.

 

[DLgal]

I would do it, but absolutely NOT at Pop Century. I'd look into the Swan and Dolphin. And maybe 4 nights instead of 5. Pop is SO not relaxing and it's just kind of a loud, chaotic place.

 

[Smugpugmug]

My family and I did this September 2020 since my mom had DVC points she needed to use. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge and did not go into the parks. It was really relaxing. We swam in the pools, toured other resorts, did some shopping at Disney Springs and explored other parts of Orlando (not Universal or Seaworld, non theme park stuff). It was really nice. We're doing something semi similar this December. Only doing 2 days at WDW and the rest of it will be spent at the resorts and Universal.

I wouldn't do it at Pop Century though. It's a very hectic and busy place that isn't super relaxing. If that is the only resort available, then that's okay but I would pick somewhere else like Port Orleans French Quarter or Coronado if you were to stay in that somewhat similar price range.

 

[AustinTink]

I would do it, but absolutely NOT at Pop Century. I'd look into the Swan and Dolphin. And maybe 4 nights instead of 5. Pop is SO not relaxing and it's just kind of a loud, chaotic place.

That's good advice. The Swan pool is relaxing and the Boardwalk is right there to explore as well.

 

[fly girl]

I would do it, but absolutely NOT at Pop Century. I'd look into the Swan and Dolphin. And maybe 4 nights instead of 5. Pop is SO not relaxing and it's just kind of a loud, chaotic place.

Great minds ... my first thought was Swan and Dolphin too. Or a Bonnet Creek area resort.

Go on Marriott Bonvoy to look for deals for S&D. They may have some great last minute rates.

 

[fly girl]

That's good advice. The Swan pool is relaxing and the Boardwalk is right there to explore as well.

Jinx, posting at same time!

Ok, that makes 3 of us, @luvnwdwgal start checking rates! LOL

 

[ronandannette]

I, personally, could not imagine going to WDW and not visiting the parks. For me, again personally, I would rather take the money and spend the week on the coast somewhere.

Agree. I wouldn't go to Disney if I wasn't going to Disney - no way. There are many far nicer resort areas for spending a few days just relaxing and going with the flow. OP - if you're driving, how about heading north? Niagara Falls is quite spectacular and less than half the distance to Orlando. If you stay on the Canadian side you'll gain MAJOR value for your USD, given the exchange rate.

 

[Disneylover99]

I would do this and stay at Pop!

You obviously enjoy Pop since you’ve been there a number of times, so I say go for it! You’ll save money. A lakeside room is so peaceful and relaxing, plus you have the Skyliner to visit the Boardwalk area. We‘ve stayed there for two weeks at a time and can easily relax and decompress.

 

[Sinder]

I agree with the posters who suggest Swan or Dolphin. I would also get one day tickets for Epcot since you’d be there during F&W

I could definitely not do the parks but not during F&W

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Only if this is the make-up birthday trip and this is his way of making it up to you

 

[luvnwdwgal]

I, personally, could not imagine going to WDW and not visiting the parks. For me, again personally, I would rather take the money and spend the week on the coast somewhere.

That’s the reason why we don’t have that much to spend on WDW. We’re going to the Outer Banks in October for 10 days.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

I would do it, but absolutely NOT at Pop Century. I'd look into the Swan and Dolphin. And maybe 4 nights instead of 5. Pop is SO not relaxing and it's just kind of a loud, chaotic place.

I checked the Swan, Dolphin and Reserve. All sold out.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

My family and I did this September 2020 since my mom had DVC points she needed to use. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge and did not go into the parks. It was really relaxing. We swam in the pools, toured other resorts, did some shopping at Disney Springs and explored other parts of Orlando (not Universal or Seaworld, non theme park stuff). It was really nice. We're doing something semi similar this December. Only doing 2 days at WDW and the rest of it will be spent at the resorts and Universal.

I wouldn't do it at Pop Century though. It's a very hectic and busy place that isn't super relaxing. If that is the only resort available, then that's okay but I would pick somewhere else like Port Orleans French Quarter or Coronado if you were to stay in that somewhat similar price range.

I can get Pop for $178 a night. I’d love to stay at a moderate but it would cost too much more.

 

[diznygirl]

We’ve done this. Disclaimer: we live here. But we have getaways at the hotels a lot and just enjoy the amenities. Got one coming up at Wilderness Lodge with dinner at Hoop Dee Doo. Can’t wait!

Think about it: there is so much to do here that there’s never time for because every waking moment is spent at the parks!!

 

[evilmommie]

No, wouldn't spend my money that way w/o park tickets. And, both my husband and I are dual coast Disney lovers. I'd take that money and if it's FL, spend it on 30A.

 

[cvjw]

We‘ve done that a couple times. We went for 11 nights in 2020 and only did 2 park days. It was very relaxing.

I am not sure you can stay on 30A for $178 per night, but I do love 30A.

 

[loves to dive]

I think if I weren't going to the parks I wouldn't stay in a Disney resort. I can't believe I'm going to say this, WDW please forgive me, but how about looking into a Universal resort. Their value resorts don't look at hectic at Disney's and sometimes you can find them for less.