WWYD? AKL/WL vs POFQ (long & complicated, sorry)

[egoldber]

OK, DH & I (and DD4) planned a long weekend trip in March to coincide with a business trip that DH has in Tampa. We were going to do POFQ for 3 nights, then go over to Clearwater. Well then the AP rates for March came out and now we are turning this into an 8 night stay over 2 weekends for DD and myself, while DH will go to Tampa for 4 days in the middle. Our dates are 3/4 to 3/12.

So looking at POFQ for those nights the stay will be $981. Heckuva deal I think. Just for kicks, I plugged in AKL/WL and got a rate of $1480. Now I'm a little torn. I have NO issues at all with POFQ, but I am just a *tad* concerned about being alone with her in a moderate due to the exterior hallways. And during the 4 days that DH is in Tampa, he will have the rental car and DD&I will be relying solely on Disney transportation. We have never used Disney transport before, have always had a car since DH prefers driving to the parks.

Honestly, the $500 is not a huge issue. But will it be really worth the additional money? Our little "weekend trip" has now turned into a major vacation and I've been busily making ADRs for myself and DD4, LOL! So I guess I'm feeling a trifle guilty about the additional $500.

I've also considered a split stay, doing POFQ for 4 nights and then AKL/WL for 4 nights. That way I get the lower cost while DH is there and then the security of the deluxe when he is not.

Thoughts? Other ideas? Thanks!!!

 

[InstImpres]

I would definetly splurge Plan WL when DH is not there. You will have boat access to MK, can also monorail over to Epcot (getting on at MK, switching at TT) or take a boat to one of the other resorts on the lagoon (maybe FW for movie night, etc.).

I'm sure you'll have a great trip
Sandy

 

[TriMom]

I too would take the slpurge (since you said you really could afford it). We were a family that was quite content with the All Stars. It was just wonderful being at Disney. Then we got a great AP rate for AK. It was the best experience to stay in a Deluxe. Don't get me wrong, I too think that POFQ is a great resort. But it is sooooo awsome to upgrade. I think that the $500 is definately worth it. It is a different vacation experience IMHO.

 

[Forever a Princess]

My vote is for you to stay at the Beautiful POFQ and save your money.

You can spend the extra dough on souvies, meals etc.

The exterior corridors are not that big of deal, not worth $500.00.

Whereever you decide to stay, enjoy!

 

[wld]

hmmm They are both great options. I'm not sure the security is a big issue either. Maybe I just think differently but those long indoor corridors make me nervous. Anyone can open a door and drag you in and there is no room to maneuver. They also seem more empty than the open corridors. I'd just look at the themeing and pick what you and your daughter would enjoy the most. I'd also look at which park the 2 of you will spend your most time at with your DH gone. A long bus ride may not be fun with a tired 4 year old especially if you have a stroller. On the other hand if you are spending more time at the resort the kids at AKL have a great time and thePOFQ has a great slide. I understand what you are saying about the money...

 

[jtdl]

My view on the security issue dealing with outdoor corridors. I would not worry about the outdoor corridors. I have never heard of any terrible things happening in a Disney resort. I find it kind of hard to think that any sinister person would try to grab anyone at a Disney resort for several reasons: there are always lots of people around, they are family oriented resorts - not motels with lots of single women, I just can't see a "sinister" person operating at WDW, there are much easier places to do their dirty work, etc. I'm sure you wouldn't be venturing out in the middle of the night (even so, I think you'd be safe) so there will always be people around. I was a single mother at one time and my DD and I travelled everywhere alone, even camping in Algonquin Park with bears and lots of wilderness and off-site on Irlo Bronson! Common sense usually prevails.

 

[egoldber]

I have never heard of any terrible things happening in a Disney resort.

Just to clarify, I'm not thinking we'd be attacked, I'm thinking more about thefts which (its my understanding) tend to occur more in hotels with exterior facing doors. Its NOT a huge worry for me, just something that occured to me. It also occured to me that having to drag a stroller up/down several flights of steps alone would potentially suck.

We will probably spend most of our time at the MK area. DD will be doing the Pirate cruise at the GF one day and then we will have tea. I'm leaning toward the WL at this point just because I think it would just make such a difference on the overall experience and because I think she would REALLY enjoy the boat ride to the MK.