[iffer92673]

Okay, I think the hardest part to planning is deciding on where to stay!!! I have reviewed so many reviews, fact sheets, pictures that I am totally overwhelmed. I vote for a value hotel because we aren't going to be in the room very much. My husband votes for a deluxe. For instance, he thinks that staying at the AKL would WOW my 3 year old so much that it would be worth the money (the view of animals). I disagree, I think there is so much in the parks that she will be "wow"ed with that the hotel isn't going to make a difference. Am I wrong??? Is there a hotel that just has so much of a WOW factor that we should go for it?

Now, keep in mind that in most cases we need two rooms because we are bringing my 18 year old sister and 19 year old niece with us.

Maybe we can compromise on a moderate? Are there any really appealing ones? Any with any WOW factor, granted it may not be as good as a deluxe?

[lovemysons]

I would venture to say that most people like the POR / POFQ for moderates. They are quite nice, have great pools, and definitely have a certain Disney touch, as do almost all of the resorts on property.

AKL is amazing, and there is nothing like having a Savannah view room.

[Twins1023]

I vote for POP because you can get two rooms with more space and with two teens, TWO bathrooms will help! Tell your DH that POP will be lots of fun with the 3 year old and the splash pool is cool and to see the animals just go to AK for the day.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by iffer92673

Okay, I think the hardest part to planning is deciding on where to stay!!! I have reviewed so many reviews, fact sheets, pictures that I am totally overwhelmed. I vote for a value hotel because we aren't going to be in the room very much. My husband votes for a deluxe. For instance, he thinks that staying at the AKL would WOW my 3 year old so much that it would be worth the money (the view of animals). I disagree, I think there is so much in the parks that she will be "wow"ed with that the hotel isn't going to make a difference. Am I wrong??? Is there a hotel that just has so much of a WOW factor that we should go for it?

Now, keep in mind that in most cases we need two rooms because we are bringing my 18 year old sister and 19 year old niece with us.

Maybe we can compromise on a moderate? Are there any really appealing ones? Any with any WOW factor, granted it may not be as good as a deluxe?

I have to agree with you and not your husband about the "wow" factor. Those kids are going to suffer from sensory overload as it is. Although, I would love to stay at AKL or any of the other Deluxes, I cannot see doing it to thrill my kids, I think. No wait.... I am catching your spinning head syndrome now
I don't know. If you can swing it, go for the big 'Wow' because it is quite an experience.
I am no help at all

***hi-ho, hi-ho...***

[mrmath]

If money is not an option, go with AKL, otherwise I would to with moderate and stay at POFQ, small and easy to get around.

[Daisee]

Originally Posted by iffer92673

Okay, AKL would WOW my 3 year old so much that it would be worth the money (the view of animals). I disagree, I think there is so much in the parks that she will be "wow"ed with that the hotel isn't going to make a difference.

If you are looking to WOW a 3 yr. old.. the parks will do it all. Resorts such as POP & ALL STARS, will WOW your 3 yr. old more so than most other resorts. NOW.. I am only speaking about WOWING the 3 yr. old. As an adult, they do not WOW me. These resorts have 10X bigger than life WOW themes everywhere you look. Of course waking up to LIVE animals outside your bedroom balcony.. is pretty WOW also.. but comes with a WOW price.. just my 2 cents.

[TikiBird]

I think AS movies and all those huge statues of Disney Movies would wow a 3yo. It did mine. I would splurge on a deluxe resort for the adults in the party because theres more room in them and usually better dining options. I'm not sure what is available for dining at AKL for pickier toddler type eaters???

[daisyd]

We stayed at POFQ with our 3 and 4yos, and it was perfect. It was lovely, quiet and small for DH and I, yet the slide and pools were excellent for our kids at the ages they were. It was a great balance. There is a boat to DTD (very handy) and although we shared bus with POR about half the time, we were first on to the parks and first off on the route home.

[DayDreamer]

Thats a tough decision but if your husband is willing to stay at a deluxe I say go for it. What more wow factor can you ask for that to wake up to a giraffe outside your balcony. I do understand he is 3 and will be blown away by everything he will see, hear and smell but since you didn't mention your going to sacrifice anything I say go for the deluxe. If your son is not blown away by the resort you and your husband will be.

[Erin]

To "wow" the 3 year old, stay at the Pop, and go to the AK if animals are what your 3 year old likes to see.

For a moderate - everyone likes POFQ/POR, but I really like Coronado. I think the pool and playground would wow any kid of any age.

[WishUponAStar]

Stay at a Moderate, try POFQ... it' beautiful there and quiet. Nice contrast to the busy parks. You'll be happy & it's a nice compromise between the busy values and the "WOW" deluxes.

[bethishooked]

The Wow factor will hit everyone in your party for AKL, on different levels. I've seen the toddler's reactions when overlooking the savannah at AKL. It's great to see, but honestly I think the adults get more of a Wow than the toddlers, by seeing everyones reactions and just the ambiance of the entire resort. The first time we went there, my DS's were 10 and 8. They had bunk beds. Every morning, they would wake each other up, tip toe past us, grabbing some milk and cereal and sneak outside to the balcony and watch the animals as they ate breakfast. Whispering all the way, as if to be in their own little world, showing respect to their surroundings. To this day, years later, that memory is still in my head and I am so greatful I got to see their reactions. AKL is not just a room to sleep in, its an experience you will be happy to have taken part of. Go to AKL!

[bribren]

If possible, always go for it. you can't WOW a 3 year old by explaining how much money you saved. But you can by seeing a giraffe out of the patio window. AKL is an experience in itself.
I liked POP ok but spent forever waiting at the bus stops and in line at the food court.
You could also look into Swan/Dolphin. They have deals for an adjoining room.
Or rent some DVC points from a member and stay in a 1 bedroom villa for about what it would cost for a good AKL room.

[Dana]

Why not compromise and go to a moderate resort? POFQ is my favorite in the mod category. Has the feel of a deluxe with a smaller price tag. AKL, by the way, is worth every cent. It's my favorite place on property...no resort compares to the theme at that resort IMHO.

[iffer92673]

Thanks for all of the opinions! Tehy were very useful. I think we will be going with two savannah rooms at AKL. Splurging a little!