Need Advice/Opinions

[Laura]

Ok our current itinerary for our July trip is to spend 5 days at Disney staying at the Pop Century resort, and then we're moving over to Holiday Inn Family Suites and taking a day off and then spending our last day at Universal Studios before heading home.

But then we remembered that my father-in-law gets free passes to Sea World (he's an Anheiser Busch employee) so we are contemplating tacking an 8th day to the beginning of our vacation to spend at Sea World. And since we just need accomodations for 1 night we are thinking of splurging and staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge for the first night of our trip.

We'd arrive in Disney around 7 a.m., have breakfast and check in, spend the day at Sea World, then around 4 p.m. (when our room is ready) we'd go back to the resort and enjoy the accomodations for the evening. Then we'd have to check out in the morning and check into Pop Century the next afternoon.

My question is, do you think it would be more hassle than it's worth? We are already staying at 2 different resorts during our stay, and I'm wondering if adding a 3rd would be a ton of work and a lot of time spent checking in and out. Also, is it worth $200 to spend only about 12 hours at a deluxe resort? If yes, which is better...AKL or WL?

Thanks for your input!

 

[iluvstitch]

If I was you, I would just add an extra day at Pop Century but then maybe have dinner at Boma or Jiko one night so you can still enjoy the AKL. When I get to a hotel, I like to unpack and settle in and I wouldn't feel like taking the extra time to check in/check out/call bell services, etc. -Stephanie

 

[Laura]

You know, that's a good idea. I never even thought about that.

If I were to have a meal at Boma or Jiko, how long would I be permitted to stay on the property?

Maybe what we could do is have breakfast at Boma, spend a couple hours wandering around AKL, and then head to Sea World and check into Pop Century that night. That would save us about $100 and we'd still get the experience (except the pool).

 

[Debbie]

Depending on what you were planning to do on your 'off' day; I'd consider perhaps adding the extra nite at Pop Century then check in for the one day/nite at Animal Kingdom. From all the rave reviews I've read here about the AKL; it's worth perhaps spending a day and nite enjoying the resort. And there's nothing compared to lodging at WDW!

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by Laura22
You know, that's a good idea. I never even thought about that.

If I were to have a meal at Boma or Jiko, how long would I be permitted to stay on the property?

Maybe what we could do is have breakfast at Boma, spend a couple hours wandering around AKL, and then head to Sea World and check into Pop Century that night. That would save us about $100 and we'd still get the experience (except the pool).

You can stay at any resort as long as you want. There is no visitor time limit. You're correct in that you can't use the pool, but you could wander around, shop or just hang out in the lobby.

 

[STGRhost]

I agree with what the others have said - I would eat at Boma and then wander around for a while...watch the animals outside, sit by the fire(s), have a drink at the bar, browse the shop, check out the various lounges etc... DAKL is gorgeous (and the smell is to die for!), but is it worth the extra $100 to see the inside of the guest rooms? If you could stay the whole time, that would be different, but the added cost, plus the extra hassle of packing and unpacking a third time, lead me to think you're better off just visiting.

Oh, and if you can, have dinner at Boma, rather than breakfast. Unless I'm mistaken, breafast is just breakfast (which you can have anywhere on property), but dinner is amazing - SO many choices, so much "exotic" stuff, and even stuff for picky eaters. It's more than worth the price, imho.

 

[BwanaBob]

For what its worth...

The last time I did exactly what you did, but on property, I stayed one night at the Contemp, and another at PO. The Contemp. room was a 1-night standard, and when I checked in that afternoon...after hitting the park, they BUMPED me to concierge level!

Can't promise the same for you...but you could try! (pixie dust)

BTW...Unless you ask to stop by the desk, you will automatically be set up for express check-out in the AM. Just pack your stuff, and head out. No need to go to the desk anymore!

 

[wannabeBelle]

I agree with the eating at the restaurant thing but I dont agree with Boma's I went and am a pretty picky eater and it just didnt appeal to me at all. I had some very high hopes as I had done Boma's for breakfast and thought it was incredible, so I thought dinner would be great. I thought it was pretty terrible the food is truly exotic which didnt leave me a whole lot of normal choices. One other GREAT restaurant that I love is O'hana's in the Polynesian resort. I went last week with two friends who havent been to Disney since they were kids themselves. All of us loved it the food was great and the ambiance is amazing. After the dinner we walked around the resort, found some lounges and watched the fireworks show from Magic Kingdom!!!!!!!! What an evening. As far as Wilderness Lodge I have heard that Artist's Point is incredible. I havent been there myself thoguh. Good luck with your choice!! Belle

 

[Laura]

So Boma's for breakfast is good, but the dinner is too exotic? I'm not into foreign foods either so I think we'll just go have a breakfast there.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Here is the menu for Boma's

Menu Date: May 2004

Dinner Served 5 - 10 p.m.

Boma is a family restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. It will capture the essence of vibrant life in the African marketplace. This family-fun buffet restaurant provides guests the ability to savor the African experience, which has multicultural influences. The restaurant showcases an exhibit kitchen, wood-burning grill and rotisserie.

This is an all you can eat experience, but unlike traditional buffet lines, where you start at one end and work your way across...Boma offers "pods". Each pod has a selection of food and generally a chef nearby to answer questions.

Adults - $23.99; Children 3-11 - $9.99
Tax and gratuity additional.

Non-alcoholic, non-specialty drink included in price.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dinner menu changes daily. This listing gives you a good idea of the types of foods, over 60 items offered.

African Breads

Mixed Field Greens:
Mango Vinaigrette, Paw Paw Vinaigrette,
Chili Cilantro Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Potato Salad
Fresh Fruit

Pasta Salad
Watermelon Rind Salad
Kool Slaai
Chicken Salad with Chili Cilantro
Moroccan Seafood Salad - Couscous, mussels, scallops and shrimp

Avocado, Grapefruit, Papaya, Curry Cucumber Salad, Spinach and Beet Salad

Macaroni and Cheese
Saffron Rice

African Soups and Stews:
Chicken Corn Porridge
Smoked Tomato Soup

Sweet Potato Pancakes
Vegetable Lentil Kofta
Pap
Braised Greens
FuFu
Potatoes with Afritude

Durban Spiced Roasted Chicken
Malabu Pepper Steak

Grilled Seafood


Wood Roasted Meats

Vegetable Skewers
Chicken Pepper Pot
Coconut Curried Chicken Soup
Curried Coconut Seafood Stew
Couscous Marrakesh

Chicken Tenders
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Wonderful Dessert Buffet including:
Zebra Domes
Simba Paw Prints

 

[wannabeBelle]

menus

The above menu is courtesy of Deb Wills' website Allearsnet.com. To check out all of the menus she has go to this website:
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm
Good luck and I hope this helps!!! Belle

 

[Laura]

Thanks for the menu. I don't think I like ANYTHING on it. :lol:

I'll stick to breakfast!

 

[barnum42]

Boma is terrific. The menu changes daily and as there is so much to choose from you should be able to find something you would like. Life's too short to deny your tastebuds the other things that the world has to offer. There is more to life than hotdogs and macaroni cheese .:lol:

As for time limits - we drove over and were given a three hour pass for the car, but with no start time on it there is no way they could hit you with a ticket if you stayed a bit longer

 

[d'Isigny]

I would have just stayed at Disney and found a ride to the other attractions...

not that I would ever LEAVE the park.


and I'd want my last day to be IN Disney...

We're going July 10-18th!

 

[phlydude]

I would stay in the WL or AKL but I would change my Pop Century reservation and tack on the WL or AKL at the end of the time instead of the beginning.

If you do it at the beginning, you will get over to the Pop and see the big differences between the resorts and want nothing more than to be back at the WL or AKL!!

 

[Bliff]

That would save us about $100 and we'd still get the experience (except the pool).

If you miss the pool at AKL, you're missing almost nothing. *starts ranting* It was my only complaint about the AKL - did they run out of money at the end and decide not to put too much money in the pool? The pool at Coronado Springs is WAY better. There are many other better pools on WDW property, too many to list. The kiddie pool is a hole in the cement with water in it. That's it. Lame, Lame, lame! *end rant*

The animals and BOTH restaurants are great, by the way.

So for the one day, I wouln't bother spending the $$ for AKL or WL - they're both great resorts, but stay there when you have some time to enjoy them.

For a breakfast spot, I'd pick AKL's Boma over the WCC at Wilderness Lodge. The AKL is great to walk around in/sightsee (mostly because of the animals) and while WL is a very nice place, it's not as much fun to explore as the AKL.

 

[barnum42]

Originally posted by Bliff
The animals and BOTH restaurants are great, by the way.

Three restaurants do not make a "both" :lol: :animwink:

 

[frazierle]

On the Seaworld note we usually spend a day there at some point during our trip. We all really enjoy it and would recommend it. We actually bought season passes on our last trip. IMO save the money, stay at POP eat someplace nice. Like Belle I really like Ohana's.