YC vs. POFQ -- transportation questions

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I'm trying to figure out if I can justify switching the first 3 nights of our trip from POFQ to YC, and want some help figuring out the pros and the cons. The only cons I can think of are the $$$ and the fact that in order to afford the YC we'll probably drop the plus factor from our ticket.

The pros that I can come up with so far are:

a) SAB (it just sounds too good to be true)
b) having a balcony and queen sized beds
c) ease of transportation.

My questions are mostly about the transportation piece.

Can someone give me a sense of whether the YC would save me time on the following things, relative to POFQ, and how much? We'll have a rental car, in case that makes a difference.

1) From MGM back to the hotel right after the first showing of Fantasmic.
2) To and from the MK
3) To and from Epcot
4) Back from Cali Grill after fireworks dinner (I'm guessing we'll take a taxi here to avoid the fireworks crowds).

Also, if someone could tell me about the slide at SAB I'd appreciate it -- I'd love to know how tall it is and how long the line is likely to be in the morning/midday.

Plus, any other thoughts on pros/cons for the two resorts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[rcraw45425]

We stayed at the YC in Feb and I say do it if you can! The transportation is good, boat launch to the MGM studios and to the back gate of EPCOT if you decide not to walk. Good bus service to the parks, if going to Cali Grill, take the bus to CR then resort monorail to CR. No direct bus service to the CR. Balconies are pretty spacious and the beds are new and quite comfy. Plus we had a daybed and free upgrade from standard to lake view, meaning fireworks from the balcony. It's a great resort! When we were there, unfortunately the temps were aweful, highs in the 70's first day, then quite cold, cashmere sweaters and hoodies the rest of the trip. The slide looks to be about 2 stories or better.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

1. SAB is great!!! Not too good to be true!!
2. The beds are wonderful. We thought they were much more comfortable than AKL. The balcony was wonderful. We sat out there each evening or when we stopped back at our room for a break. Ours overlooked the lagoon. So wonderful!!
3. Transportation was great. Boat or walk to Epcot, boat to MGM, The bus service to AK and MK was great. The bus stop is right outside the front door and there was someone always there to answer questions.
Loved how close we were to everything.

We also always have a rental. The only times we usually use it is to go to another resort.
I truely think that transportation wise you are best staying in the Epcot area.

We have nothing but good things to say about the YC. We had a wonderful experience and will be returning in Dec. The castmembers were the best we have encountered, room service was wonderful, Everyone we came in contact with that worked there smiled and said hello whenever we saw them. We were impressed.
This past time we stayed at AKL is was good but no where near what we experienced at the YC. I think i would have a very hard time getting my husband to say at any other resort at WDW.

 

[dawgfan]

Stayed at POFQ and loved it. I have never stayed at YC but have toured it and would really like to try it. I will give you my take on your questions that I feel I have some answers for and hope it helps.

SAB is a pro and no one can doubt that. It makes up for not having the plus feature if you have to drop that. Visits to the water parks may not be that important with this pool.

POFQ has queen sized beds. I thought they did anyway. Never noticed the difference. Did not really miss having a balcony. More the lay out of the resort really. It would a shame if YC did not have a balcony and not all rooms do of course. The added feature of a balcony is a great plus in that Epcot area especially for the evening. However, the balconies are small (or appear to be ) and to tell you the truth I never once saw anyone on their balcony. I thought this was very odd but in all my trips I have not seen anyone use the things. I even began to wonder if they were real balconies or just facade type structures to look like balconies. Go figure??

Ease of transportation would be best for Epcot and MGM. I would think it would be the same for MK and AK as that for POFQ resort guests. If you target is to stay in MK a great deal I would think that this is not that much a plus.

Getting from MGM to YC is very easy by boat. It may noit be incredibly fast but it is convenient and relaxing. If the rental car is used it would be a very short drive and not all that worth the trouble. Heck uyou coulod probably walk back to the resort at a brisk pace and be there at the same time as any mode of transport albeit a little winded. Same with Epcot. It is at your back door. The walk to Epcot from some areas at YC is not much longer than the walk from the farthest bus stops at MK to the gate of entry.

Do not know how tall the slide is but it is impressive and must be 15 feet or so??? The lines are moderate or have been when I have been by there which is often and all times of the day. The line seemed to move at a decent pace.

Hope some of this helps.