Disney's ALL-STAR MUSIC RESORT Family Suites Information & Questions

[disneymarie]

Oh thank you so much. i have no idea why I did not recall Values having an elevator.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

No toasters---just a microwave oven, small fridge (but not the really tiny ones) and a word of warning about the coffee maker-it is very small. We drove to WDW and brought our own coffee maker and were happy we did. Also, as a previous poster said, the bowls they provide are tiny. I bought some of the styrofoam ones and brought them with us, and everyone preferred to use these.

 

[disneymarie]

Anyone driving or the adventurous flier; Walgreen's has toaster, elec water pot, omelet fryer and other cook items for $9.99 each. I saw this today 2/7/11

I loved making breakfast swiftly or having water for noodle cups at hand.
The ones I take I bought at Target two years ago for $8.88 each.

 

[Paddle_Nut]

Back from our holiday and we really enjoyed our family suite at ASM! We loved having two bathrooms, access to a fridge and a parents retreat bedroom!! We lucked out and had a room in the Jazz building facing the parking lot, which really faces trees (room 2514) and it was super quiet. A hop skip and jump to the pool/laundry and the cafeteria!

 

[Amyz00]

Back from our holiday and we really enjoyed our family suite at ASM! We loved having two bathrooms, access to a fridge and a parents retreat bedroom!! We lucked out and had a room in the Jazz building facing the parking lot, which really faces trees (room 2514) and it was super quiet. A hop skip and jump to the pool/laundry and the cafeteria!

How close is the Jazz building, in relation to the Calypso, to the bus stops? I was wondering if I should call WDW and request a certain building. I don't mind the Calypso, BUT, it is VERY close to the pools and I would prefer someplace a little quieter.

Thanks!

 

[Branan5]

I just read this entire thread! We are staying in September. Thanks everyone for all the information and pictures!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

How close is the Jazz building, in relation to the Calypso, to the bus stops? I was wondering if I should call WDW and request a certain building. I don't mind the Calypso, BUT, it is VERY close to the pools and I would prefer someplace a little quieter.

Thanks!

The Calypso buildings are the first set and the Jazz is the second set of buildings. We were in Jazz when we stayed in the suites. The walk from our room was maybe two minutes.

 

[greeneggs1082]

My DH's sister from Germany is visiting us in May, and I am trying to convince him that we should go to Disney for 4 days. If I can convince him, it would be me, DH, DS16months, my mom, and his sister (an adult). He is being very picky: he wants a two-bedroom villa accomodation at a value or mod price-point! Which I know isn't going to happen! I know that the family suites aren't going to be his "perfect" room, but it is a compromise (I hope he sees it that way) since I was trying to get us there for the cheapest amount possible (4 adults all the way around makes it a bit expensive, lol). The family suites look very nice and I know there are some things that he would like about them, but he keeps finding things to be negative about, and I know one of them would be the pull-out beds and having his sister sleep on one of them. So, now to get to my real question: From people who have actually slept on the beds (adults, preferably) were they comfortable? Did they feel like a pull-out (i.e. feel like you had springs in your back all night)? Or did they feel more like a regular bed? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[disneymarie]

My DH's sister from Germany is visiting us in May, and I am trying to convince him that we should go to Disney for 4 days. If I can convince him, it would be me, DH, DS16months, my mom, and his sister (an adult). He is being very picky: he wants a two-bedroom villa accomodation at a value or mod price-point! Which I know isn't going to happen! I know that the family suites aren't going to be his "perfect" room, but it is a compromise (I hope he sees it that way) since I was trying to get us there for the cheapest amount possible (4 adults all the way around makes it a bit expensive, lol). The family suites look very nice and I know there are some things that he would like about them, but he keeps finding things to be negative about, and I know one of them would be the pull-out beds and having his sister sleep on one of them. So, now to get to my real question: From people who have actually slept on the beds (adults, preferably) were they comfortable? Did they feel like a pull-out (i.e. feel like you had springs in your back all night)? Or did they feel more like a regular bed? Thanks in advance for your help!

IF your dh is like my oldest ds, I know it is a disaster to have a battle of the beds

I know my dh will not want the pull out when he can have a bed.....no matter what a pull out is not a Serta and adult son with his bad back wants a mod room at minimum if we could go. )
On the road he will have me call hotels to see what mattresses they have. If traveling he takes his memory foam topper.

Then dh would whine why should ds and dgrandson have the bedroom, (so we do not wake dgs) We have stayed at the value connecting rooms dh liked, and the POR ds was happy with that. DS insist on the comfort of mods. When he is paying he can stay where he likes. If he does not want to keep in the budget and the excitement of a suite, then all those not happy, please stay home.

I think to save the sanity you may need to consider going off site with a search for rates. Either that or heads up that you want the trip, can he suck it up for the few nights not to argue, or pay the $$$

Or all those not in favor with the budget and plan, can elect to stay home.

I know the connecting rooms or attached is nice, but you loose the kitchenette and nice set up.
I would really love a trip, and would really love the suites. It may be that dh or ds stays home. life is too short to have the petty whining.

 

[disneymarie]

I just read this entire thread! We are staying in September. Thanks everyone for all the information and pictures!

I read the first few and last few, but I feel drawn to make a pop quiz!

I did read that the Dolphin confusion over the size of the Queen in the suite and Dolphin doubles was answered on a link I was reading.

The Dolphin double is one inch longer then the Queen in the suite...

Have fun

 

[mommykds]

I pirced out the ASMuFS for late August with the public discount on the DIsney site. I can get the suites for $400 more (10 days) than POR. I really would like the AS but am now rethinking....is it worth it or should I switch to POR? (which I really don't love but it's the only mod that can fit 5).

 

[PHXscuba]

I guess the decision for POR vs. Family Suite would be what you value. It's an extra $40 a night.
Consider:
1. The pool at POR has a slide ... will you or the kids be disappointed without one?
2. The kitchenette at ASMu means you could eat some breakfasts there with the micro and bigger fridge ... would you be able to bring some food, use a delivery service, or pick some food up to save you some of that extra money?
3. Is the bed setup -- queen in the bedroom, three beds in the living area -- better or worse for you than two doubles and a trundle? Would having a door between you and your kids allow everyone to sleep better? Do you plan to return to your resort for naps?
4. Would you use the TS restaurant or the boat to DTD at POR?
5. Would your kids enjoy the free poolside activities at ASMU or the activities offered at POR?

Honestly it comes down to whether that extra $400 buys you enough "value" to make it worth staying there. I think that's why anyone pays for any resort -- they value the convenience of a monorail, having queen beds, a nice view, walking distance to Epcot, a kitchen, etc.

PHXscuba

 

[disneymarie]

I pirced out the ASMuFS for late August with the public discount on the DIsney site. I can get the suites for $400 more (10 days) than POR. I really would like the AS but am now rethinking....is it worth it or should I switch to POR? (which I really don't love but it's the only mod that can fit 5).

Ten days is a long trip, I would try to get a suite if I could swing it. Or do you want to split it? An extra day to pack and have everything sent over to Music. maybe first 4 nights at POR and then switch for the last 6.

Is there something that can offset the extra amount? Maybe a yard sale, pt time job for an offset.
My dh is working two nights of security to help pay the medical we lost. Maybe a pt job like that is enough. It is 2 @ four hr shifts on Fri and Sat at a Fast Food 7 to 11, just keep kids from hanging in the parking lot or coming in and not ordering food. That is $68 take home a week.

Perhaps a budget for grocery's in a jar.If you save, put that amount away. It will just be a give and take. For time in watching sales and food bills you can save some cash to have the nicer format and enjoy the trip more.

Maybe even save up enough for a great character dinner. I stopped take out pizza and have been buying the Aldi extra cheese for Friday night and we save $25. This is just a stash for now no immediate plans or finances to travel.

Another area to cut was our Soda and gas. No running out trips for one item. It has to be one trip out to grocery, make returns, pick up mail at PO box, prescriptions, put in gas, we put in enough for the week not a fill up to avoid thinking about lots of unneeded trips.

I think to dream of what you could have had, for $40 a day more is worth finding the $400 more. even $200. Between then and now, can you do 10 weeks of saving cash stash. Use it to pay the balance.

Just brain storming for you.I would love to dream of a trip and although I know I would love the suite, we will have to go with two rooms. Then there will be no men fighting for the Queen bed.
Have a blast whatever you choose.

 

[mommykds]

Thanks! I am waiting for the rumors of FD to pan out before I make up my mind. The rumor is the value will offer free CS & the mods will offer free DDP. I'd rather have the free DDP (That's if the rumors are true & if I get a pin..hoping!!) anyway that gives me something else to ponder. AS Suite with free CS dining or POR with free DDP. I am jumping ahead of myself I know but that's what Disney planners do sometimes.

 

[willowsnn3]

Looks like the family suites would be great for a couple & children, but our traveling party is me (60), dd (40), 1teen & a 10yr old & 9yr old. I don't want to sleep with dd & since I pay half I sure don't want to sleep on a pull out. Those don't look comfy for an adult, lol. I would prefer that they put some double beds in some of the suites for odd couples, lol. We'll have 6 on our next trip so are opting for the 2 rooms at POP which is our fav value resort anyway. We may take a few snacks, but doesn't seem like a real vacay if I have to do any meal preparations so we don't need the fridge or micro. The Jr. Suites at Coronado Springs look very tempting altho not if you are on a budget.

 

[mommykds]

PHXscuba,

Thanks for that. Very helpful.

The pool slide is not that important. They would love the poolside games though. The boat to DTD is nice but we have our car so driving to DTD is fine also. The bedroom for mom & dad with a door would be something my hubby would love. With the car we could also bring bars & cereal for breakfast too..saves time & money.

The 2 tv's & 2 bathrooms would be great for getting showered at night...& since my oldest is a 15 year old girl that extra bathroom is priceless now that I think about it.

No FD for me so we are going for the Allstar suite with 25% off. We don't end up eating that much in the heat of August.



Disneymarie,
Thanks for the ideas.

 

[CaptainAlex]

Hi everyone. 1st time poster but have been reading this thread for a few weeks now. My wife and I have booked our 1st family Disney vacation for late August 2011 for 8 days/7 nights.

We are taking our three kids and they are super excited.

I really have to thank the folks at Disney for thinking of families on a budget with the creation of the ASM resort especially the family suite. It gives us the ability to stay on Disney property and to really get the whole Disney experience vs having to stay off property (not that there is anything wrong with that).

I remember the huge difference in my past Disney experiences when staying at a Holiday Inn on International Drive vs staying on the grounds:

World class customer service

I am looking forward to staying at ASM.

Like any other guy I am all about the food. We are getting into Orlando at 8 PM on our 1st night and by the time we get checked in and everything it will be late. So my wife and I are thinking we'll all grab a bite to eat at the ASM food court. Any recommendations or warnins on what to get or not get?

Many thanks!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

The steak sandwich was really good. It was a "weekly" special so I'm not sure they'll still have it but we liked it so much we got it twice!

 

[lamb616]

we just got back from ASMU. It was our first trip and first time on Disney property (well, first time in 25 years). We loved the resort and loved the suite. There are 4 of us and the original plan was for the 2 kids to sleep in the bedroom and DH and I sleep in the living room. However, DD (3.5) gets up a lot at night so after the first night I moved into the bedroom with her and DS to the living room with DH (so I could get her back to sleep at night without her waking everyone else up). We easily moved the ottoman sleeper into the bedroom for her (not sure why, but someone posted on this thread a while back that it couldn't be moved into the bedroom ???) so DD slept on that and I got the bed to myself. Anyways, the suite was perfect for us. We ate breakfast in the room on the mornings we didn't have a character breakfast booked.

As for the food court - we found all the food really good EXCEPT the pizza. It was nasty, gross bad Pizza Hut pizza. Even DH wouldn't have a 2nd slice and he eats about anything. Burgers were really good, quesadillas were really good. Eggs & home fries & waffles were good. the only thing in our case is we were back at the hotel every night for supper since DD is young and is still a napper so with her not taking a nap while we were at the parks, she was really out of control overtired by 3-4:00ish every day so that's when we'd leave the parks and end up back at the hotel around 5 and have to think about supper. Since we didn't have a car, we had no choice but to eat at the hotel. Although the food was all pretty good, by day 3 I really had had enough of that food court and didn't want to see it again -- but we still had 5 more days of it to go! There's not a huge dinner selection. There are 3 different counter sections for lunch/dinner - the first was the Specialty area and had baked chicken, quesadillas, a couple different sandwiches, and salads. The second was the grill which had burgers, hot dogs, etc. The third was the pizza/pasta. And there was usually a "special" each day at each counter. I really only ate the burgers, quesadillas, and salad. So you can see how 8 nights of those 3 items could get tiring, lol. A couple nights I just didn't eat at all b/c I couldn't bring myself to eat any of those things again.

 

[lovesdumbo]

we just got back from ASMU. It was our first trip and first time on Disney property (well, first time in 25 years). We loved the resort and loved the suite. There are 4 of us and the original plan was for the 2 kids to sleep in the bedroom and DH and I sleep in the living room. However, DD (3.5) gets up a lot at night so after the first night I moved into the bedroom with her and DS to the living room with DH (so I could get her back to sleep at night without her waking everyone else up). We easily moved the ottoman sleeper into the bedroom for her (not sure why, but someone posted on this thread a while back that it couldn't be moved into the bedroom ???) so DD slept on that and I got the bed to myself. Anyways, the suite was perfect for us. We ate breakfast in the room on the mornings we didn't have a character breakfast booked.

As for the food court - we found all the food really good EXCEPT the pizza. It was nasty, gross bad Pizza Hut pizza. Even DH wouldn't have a 2nd slice and he eats about anything. Burgers were really good, quesadillas were really good. Eggs & home fries & waffles were good. the only thing in our case is we were back at the hotel every night for supper since DD is young and is still a napper so with her not taking a nap while we were at the parks, she was really out of control overtired by 3-4:00ish every day so that's when we'd leave the parks and end up back at the hotel around 5 and have to think about supper. Since we didn't have a car, we had no choice but to eat at the hotel. Although the food was all pretty good, by day 3 I really had had enough of that food court and didn't want to see it again -- but we still had 5 more days of it to go! There's not a huge dinner selection. There are 3 different counter sections for lunch/dinner - the first was the Specialty area and had baked chicken, quesadillas, a couple different sandwiches, and salads. The second was the grill which had burgers, hot dogs, etc. The third was the pizza/pasta. And there was usually a "special" each day at each counter. I really only ate the burgers, quesadillas, and salad. So you can see how 8 nights of those 3 items could get tiring, lol. A couple nights I just didn't eat at all b/c I couldn't bring myself to eat any of those things again.

You should have walked over to ASMovies a few nights to try out their food court. They have a few different things there.