Pirate Rooms vs. Royal Rooms vs. AoA

[kam1011]

Let me start off by saying we have been spoiled in the DVC villas for the past few years and we're used to the space and amenities of a one- or two-bedroom villa. My favorites are BLT and SSR (opposites!). I have three kids that will be DD7, DS4, DD3. We're out of points and looking to do as-inexpensive-as-possible trip next summer with the $399 PAP's that are out right now. Since we're paying cash, I was hoping to do one of the themed rooms that we've never been able to do with points: pirate rooms at CBR or royal rooms at POR. Which do you prefer (for any reason)? I feel myself leaning more toward the royal rooms, but they also seem more girly, and I feel like my son already gets left out of a lot of the fun (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, princess lunches and dinners, etc. - yes, we have done the Pirate's League, not quite the same). And then my mind goes back to AoA and getting a Nemo Suite where everyone's happy and we have space, except there's no pool slide, which just might make the world stop spinning. We do usually spend a lot of time at the resort. Any ideas? TIA!

 

[MMS1125]

Is it just you and the 3 kids or another adult going as well? If its just 4 I'd go with the royal rooms if there's 5 going then I'd go with a suite since you would need 2 royal or cbr rooms. Never stayed in the pirate rooms but I've heard the beds are uncomfy and i know they are only doubles vs the queens at POR. I think your kids would love AoA plus you would get a room to rest and relax after they are in bed

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[kam1011]

Oops! Yes, my husband, too. We have 5, which is why we've always gone for the villas in the past.

 

[MMS1125]

I'd go with the suite then. Kids will enjoy it and you and DH get your own room which is nice. Otherwise you will have to do 2 rooms and without the ability to guarantee connecting rooms you run into the chance if being split from your husband on vacation. The suite will be cheaper than 2 moderate rooms

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[kam1011]

Ok, lets pretend my 3yo is actually 2. Would your (generalized) opinion change? We were never really fans of the suites at ASM, which is what is really holding me back. And the slide, of course!

 

[minniebeth]

We've stayed in all three and here is how I would rank them for you:
1. AoA suite
2. POR Royal Room
3. Pirate Room

If you are used to the villas, the suites with 2 bathrooms, separate sleeping areas and frig/microwave with the extra space will be appreciated. The theming is adorable and you have 3 beautiful pools to use. With the theming of the Big Blue pool and water play area I don't think your kids would terribly miss a water slide.

The POR Royal Rooms are very very nice! They are not only girly to me at all. They are regal which to me is for princesses *and* princes.
The resort amenities at POR are very nice and you have access to POFQ's amenities as well.
The boat access to DTD is very nice and fun in itself.

We like CBR but did not enjoy our stay in the Pirate room quite honestly. The rooms are cool but the novelty did quickly wear off. They felt far to me and we were not thrilled with the condition/cleanliness of our room. It felt worn to me already. That's just our experience. I would go back to CBR on a regular room but prefer POR.

Just my input...
Really, I think your kids are at an age where they would love and have fun at any of those choices... What would YOU like the best? Happy planning

 

[twinboysmom]

Because I think "pretending" in this situation equates to not telling the truth, I think you should book either a suite at AoA or to stay less expensive a legal room for 5 at POR (which will not be a royal room). We are DVC owners and are spoiled as well and I think it is just easier to be in a family suite than one room. I think AoA has enough to get the kids excited even without a slide.

 

[kam1011]

Just my input...
Really, I think your kids are at an age where they would love and have fun at any of those choices... What would YOU like the best? Happy planning

*I* would like to go to the Royal rooms and DH wants CBR, but either of those involve getting two rooms (for my twenty-two pound 3yo who wears a size 18 month clothes...). I enjoy watching my kids play on the slides, which they love, and it has saved us from ever entering a water park (which I guess is the alternative here). If we get the DVC PAP deal then we would have water park passes anyway, but I'm not completely sure yet if we're going to go that route. We've never, ever all stayed in one room together anywhere. We stayed at ASM's family suites and while it was *okay* we didn't really like it. I guess I'm unsure if it's worth it to spend $253/night for AoA.

I showed DD6 some youtube videos of AoA and she really liked the Lion King suites but absolutely LOVED the Little Mermaid rooms, which we can't do either LOL. I would probably go with Finding Nemo so that they would all enjoy it. We have our own Finding Nemo bathroom upstairs.

 

[haPevraftr]

I know your question was specific to those three resorts but when I read what you are looking for, I thought that Wyndham Bonnet Creek might be a good fit for you. You can get a lot of info in the We looove WBc thread in the Orlando Resorts section. We were always sold on staying onsite but after reading so much about it, I have learned it is a great option if you are trying to take a less expensive trip but don't want it to be less of an experience. The location makes it ideal since it is right next to CBR.

 

[princessap]

*I* would like to go to the Royal rooms and DH wants CBR, but either of those involve getting two rooms (for my twenty-two pound 3yo who wears a size 18 month clothes...). I enjoy watching my kids play on the slides, which they love, and it has saved us from ever entering a water park (which I guess is the alternative here). If we get the DVC PAP deal then we would have water park passes anyway, but I'm not completely sure yet if we're going to go that route. We've never, ever all stayed in one room together anywhere. We stayed at ASM's family suites and while it was *okay* we didn't really like it. I guess I'm unsure if it's worth it to spend $253/night for AoA.

I showed DD6 some youtube videos of AoA and she really liked the Lion King suites but absolutely LOVED the Little Mermaid rooms, which we can't do either LOL. I would probably go with Finding Nemo so that they would all enjoy it. We have our own Finding Nemo bathroom upstairs.

just wondering how u get it for 253?? i am waiting to book on wednesday and got it figured out at 262 per night??

 

[minniebeth]

We've never stayed at the AS suites but have stayed in different DVC villas. I can tell you I was impressed with AoA suites and would think that price is worth it. (Well because I paid more than that this summer.) Two rooms would mean that there's always the possibility you and your DH may have to split up even though they're pretty great about putting rooms together, but. 2 rooms would be a lot if nice space for your young family. I know price is always a factor but if you don't usually get to stay outside of DVC, I'd say book with your heart even if it means spending a little more.

 

[kam1011]

just wondering how u get it for 253?? i am waiting to book on wednesday and got it figured out at 262 per night??

IDK, the week I was looking at in August says $253/night (they are weeknights).

 

[Tinaphpc]

Is it just you and the 3 kids or another adult going as well?

 

[MMS1125]

Is it just you and the 3 kids or another adult going as well?

she said earlier he dh was going too I asked the same thing lol


to the OP
I think if you want a middle compromise why not stay in the regular POR rooms that sleep 5? Your kids will get the slide, the little Murphy bed is cute for the middle kid and you will be at a moderate. It's cheaper than the suite, you will all be together in 1 room, albeit smaller than a suite but not having to worry about being separated from your husband.

 

[Mom2six]

We stayed at AoA in the Finding Nemo rooms at the beginning of September and it was really fun. The pool was great. The zero depth entry was perfect for my little ones and the Nemo splash area was awesome. They loved it so much! The pool was big and played music under the water (sometimes you could hear a character from the movie, but it was mostly music). The themes throughout the whole resort were so fun to look at - the cars section felt like a road out of the movie, my DD6 loved posing in the Lion King section, and giant Crush with Dory entralled my son. The food court had a good selection and I liked using real dishes. The CM were super friendly and enthusiastic.

I thought the suite was darling and we had plenty of space. It was great having a living room area during the day instead of just beds.

A couple of down sides to AoA - cellphone connection is not very good in many places (though best in the Finding Nemo section!). There is not a good playground. There is a nemo play area with three little slides and a tunnel, but I was looking for more of an area for my son to get out some energy...though walking the resort helped with that.

I've never stayed at POR or CBR. Good luck deciding!

 

[kam1011]

Well I pulled up youtube videos of the pirate rooms, royal rooms, and various AoA suites and the kids all independently picked the Nemo suites. I guess that will probably be our best solution! Both girls thought the pirate rooms were "creepy."

I like the idea of Bonnet Creek, too. I originally was going to book OKW because the rates are decent for the time of year I was looking at, but that's when I started thinking that if I had to pay for a room in Disney, I wanted to try one of the super themy rooms that we wouldn't normally get to do with points. Bonnet Creek is just about the same price so I think we'll probably go with AoA (Nemo), even though we'd have more space at Bonnet Creek.

 

[haPevraftr]

Well I pulled up youtube videos of the pirate rooms, royal rooms, and various AoA suites and the kids all independently picked the Nemo suites. I guess that will probably be our best solution! Both girls thought the pirate rooms were "creepy."

I like the idea of Bonnet Creek, too. I originally was going to book OKW because the rates are decent for the time of year I was looking at, but that's when I started thinking that if I had to pay for a room in Disney, I wanted to try one of the super themy rooms that we wouldn't normally get to do with points. Bonnet Creek is just about the same price so I think we'll probably go with AoA (Nemo), even though we'd have more space at Bonnet Creek.

Before you rule out WBC (if you are trying to save money), contact Vacation Upgrades or Vacation Strategy (both very reputable and used by fellow DISers) for a quote for a stay at WBC. We are staying in a 3 bedroom Presidential unit for 9 nights over NYE and we got it for $1950 (way better than any rate we could get at a Disney deluxe with any sort of discount). Don't go directly thru Wyndham if you want a good deal.