2 Rooms at a value for extra space or One at moderate? Help??

[Angelinaballerina26]

I need so help/opinions! This is a bit long but, need opinions lol We are currently booking for the first week of December next year for 5-6 nights. We plan on 3 park days, a Christmas party day (with no park before that day either character meal, DS, resort explore, etc) , and one true rest day. Help me pick which to go with! I don’t know why but, I’m having such a hard time actually imagining myself liking the values. Not because they aren’t cute but, because I easily get the “ick” from hotels especially if they aren’t cleaned well and I’m nervous the “motel style” is going to give me pause Kids will be 2 and 5 at the time.

Options are:
2 Adjoining rooms at All Star Movies for $2,060
2 adjoining rooms at Pop for $2,620
1 regular room at Port Orlean French Quarter for $1,795

Reason we’d do two rooms at the values is because 1) the rooms are smaller and 2) we like the idea of being able to make it a make shift “family suite” where we can let the littlest one nap with the adjoining door open while big brother can be sitting in the other side playing without waking the little one etc.
however, I’m a bit scared of the values. I know that sounds nuts lol We just got back 2 weeks ago but, we had rented a multi bedroom Disney theme Marriott villa so we didn’t stay directly on property. I’ve never been on property at DW just DisneyLand.
The idea of POFQ is pulling at me but, only one room makes me nervous.

 

[HopperFan]

I need so help/opinions! This is a bit long but, need opinions lol We are currently booking for the first week of December next year for 5-6 nights. We plan on 3 park days, a Christmas party day (with no park before that day either character meal, DS, resort explore, etc) , and one true rest day. Help me pick which to go with! I don’t know why but, I’m having such a hard time actually imagining myself liking the values. Not because they aren’t cute but, because I easily get the “ick” from hotels especially if they aren’t cleaned well and I’m nervous the “motel style” is going to give me pause Kids will be 2 and 5 at the time.

Options are:
2 Adjoining rooms at All Star Movies for $2,060
2 adjoining rooms at Pop for $2,620
1 regular room at Port Orlean French Quarter for $1,795

Reason we’d do two rooms at the values is because 1) the rooms are smaller and 2) we like the idea of being able to make it a make shift “family suite” where we can let the littlest one nap with the adjoining door open while big brother can be sitting in the other side playing without waking the little one etc.
however, I’m a bit scared of the values. I know that sounds nuts lol We just got back 2 weeks ago but, we had rented a multi bedroom Disney theme Marriott villa so we didn’t stay directly on property. I’ve never been on property at DW just DisneyLand.
The idea of POFQ is pulling at me but, only one room makes me nervous.

- Port Orleans is also motel style. Doors go direct to outside.

- The rooms you describe at Disney is "CONNECTED" ... adjoined only means close proximity or same building.

- Disney does not guarantee connecting or adjoined, it is only a request.

Have you looked at All Star Music Suites?

 

[BrianL]

I don't think you should be scared of the values - Disney does a nice job keeping them up. I'd say they are as clean as anywhere. Also note that some of the moderates do have exterior facing doors, so if that bothers you, make sure.

Have you looked at the actual Family Suites. They are build almost like two rooms, and the bedrooms are well sound-proofed. All-Star Music has them, and Art of Animation too (which is located near POP). It might work out better.

 

[kdka421]

I need so help/opinions! This is a bit long but, need opinions lol We are currently booking for the first week of December next year for 5-6 nights. We plan on 3 park days, a Christmas party day (with no park before that day either character meal, DS, resort explore, etc) , and one true rest day. Help me pick which to go with! I don’t know why but, I’m having such a hard time actually imagining myself liking the values. Not because they aren’t cute but, because I easily get the “ick” from hotels especially if they aren’t cleaned well and I’m nervous the “motel style” is going to give me pause Kids will be 2 and 5 at the time.

Options are:
2 Adjoining rooms at All Star Movies for $2,060
2 adjoining rooms at Pop for $2,620
1 regular room at Port Orlean French Quarter for $1,795

Reason we’d do two rooms at the values is because 1) the rooms are smaller and 2) we like the idea of being able to make it a make shift “family suite” where we can let the littlest one nap with the adjoining door open while big brother can be sitting in the other side playing without waking the little one etc.
however, I’m a bit scared of the values. I know that sounds nuts lol We just got back 2 weeks ago but, we had rented a multi bedroom Disney theme Marriott villa so we didn’t stay directly on property. I’ve never been on property at DW just DisneyLand.
The idea of POFQ is pulling at me but, only one room makes me nervous.

I've stayed value, moderate, and deluxe, and my 2 cents is that you really have nothing to be worried about. Other than having exterior doors, there is nothing at the values or moderates that resembles your traditional "sketchy motel". Disney properties across the board have ridiculously clean grounds, and the rooms are all in good condition.

I'd recommend watching some youtube videos of the properties you're considering! That'll give you a better idea of what the property is like and if you'll feel comfortable there.

I think you'd be fine at any of the properties you're considering, but do note what the previous poster said, you may not get connecting rooms, so you may not want to depend on that.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Kids will be 2 and 5 at the time.

Your kids are young enough to fit in a single room at POFQ. The resort has an adorable pool area, geared to young children. And everything is close. I can understand the allure of two rooms. But kids tend to get utterly exhausted and can sleep through anything. Just put on a cartoon and they are out.

 

[Disneylover99]

I’d recommend a suite at Music or AofA for the extra space that you want since connecting rooms are not guarantee.

AofA has indoor walkways with their suites so they are not motel style.

 

[PrincessKL]

Agree with what people said above, there won’t be difference in cleanness between the rooms. Family suite would be great. If you choose to book two rooms, make sure to send in a request for connected room and if you are checking in early when arrival, you can go to the front desk to ask for changing the rooms if you did not get connected rooms. I don’t think it would be too hard to get them if you are arriving early, but there is a small risk.

Also, look up which rooms are just renovated or will be done renovating by the time you travel. I always try to stay in newer rooms.

 

[Wood Nymph]

If you decide to get two rooms then call Disney and tell them that you want a multiroom reservation. That will put both rooms on the same reservation number and just about guarantee connecting rooms. A multiroom reservation can only be made by calling the reservation number. Your room keys will open both doors. It is the best way to handle it when booking two rooms.

 

[Angelinaballerina26]

- Port Orleans is also motel style. Doors go direct to outside.

- The rooms you describe at Disney is "CONNECTED" ... adjoined only means close proximity or same building.

- Disney does not guarantee connecting or adjoined, it is only a request.

Have you looked at All Star Music Suites?

Oops sorry, yes I should have specified. I know POFQ is technically motel style however, it gives off more charming historical hotel in Savanah vs actual motel if that makes sense. I feel like PO and values give off such different vibes ( not in a bad way!)

Yes, meant connecting. That said I already booked ASM just to have something set in stone and my reservation & confirmation email both say “guaranteed connecting rooms”. The CM also emphasized it would be guaranteed. So I do have it in writing. I believe it the way the cast member booked it with myself and both kids in one room and my husband in the other.

That said I’m so so torn. I know my boys would definitely love the larger than life characters at all stars but, I do love the more upscale feel of POFQ plus Tiana is the favorite princess in our house!

 

[Angelinaballerina26]

If you decide to get two rooms then call Disney and tell them that you want a multiroom reservation. That will put both rooms on the same reservation number and just about guarantee connecting rooms. A multiroom reservation can only be made by calling the reservation number. Your room keys will open both doors. It is the best way to handle it when booking two rooms.

Thank so much! This is actually what I did and they did guarantee connecting I’m just so torn about switching it to POFQ instead and just doing one room

 

[Angelinaballerina26]

I’d recommend a suite at Music or AofA for the extra space that you want since connecting rooms are not guarantee.

AofA has indoor walkways with their suites so they are not motel style.

I already booked Movies just to have a set in stone reservation already. I booked both rooms on the phone as one res with a cast member and they actually guaranteed connecting rooms. My confirmation email and reservation both say “guaranteed connecting”

 

[leebee]

The nice thing about the two CONNECTING rooms at AllStars is that the adults can stay up after the kids are in bed. We did this last spring at ASMo and it was lovely to be able to sit around with wine, watching a movie, with kids asleep in the other room. When our kids were young, we did the one-room thing and it was fine, there was plenty of space, but also our kids were night owls. We'd stay for park closing, getting back to the hotel and into bed before midnight. With a little guy who needs lights out between 9 and 930, I like it SO much better when we have one room for sleeping and one room for lounging (even though GS, DH and I shared the sleeping room and DD/SIL slept in the lounging room. Still nice to have a quasi-living room for the grownups after the little guy was in bed).

 

[lanejudy]

That said I already booked ASM just to have something set in stone and my reservation & confirmation email both say “guaranteed connecting rooms”. The CM also emphasized it would be guaranteed.

The reservation may say that... but it is not guaranteed. WDW will see you have 2 adults who can split one in each room. They do try to grant those requests but if a room gets taken out of service due to maintenance or there simply are more requests for connecting than they have pairs available on your arrival date, it is possible to not get connecting rooms or even rooms near each other. If that's a deal breaker, I strongly recommend reserving either a Family Suite at All Star Music or go with one room at a moderate resort.

 

[WEDWDW]

OP-the "fear" by many that Disney may not keep the Values to the standards of the Moderates and Deluxes has absolutely no validity.

Especially once indoor plumbing was finally added.

 

[Marthasor]

My DS is 18 now, but has been staying in WDW annually (sometimes multiple times a year) since he was two. At a young age, he did not care where we stayed and was "impressed" with the theming at every resort. I would not pick a resort based on how you think your child may react to the theming. Going to WDW with small children is challenging. I would recommend picking the resort that you think will be most comfortable for your family. My biggest complaint about the values is I find the bedding to be uncomfortable and the walls paper thin. I had many a sleepless night at AoA which made park touring with my, then, kindergartener to be very challenging. As PP noted, I also would not put much weight on the "guaranteed connecting" rooms on your reservation for the very reasons she mentioned. For piece of mind, I would book a Family Suite or a mod. If budget allows, perhaps consider a 1-bedroom at a DVC resort or even price out connecting rooms or a suite at Swan/Dolphin.

 

[Angelinaballerina26]

My DS is 18 now, but has been staying in WDW annually (sometimes multiple times a year) since he was two. At a young age, he did not care where we stayed and was "impressed" with the theming at every resort. I would not pick a resort based on how you think your child may react to the theming. Going to WDW with small children is challenging. I would recommend picking the resort that you think will be most comfortable for your family. My biggest complaint about the values is I find the bedding to be uncomfortable and the walls paper thin. I had many a sleepless night at AoA which made park touring with my, then, kindergartener to be very challenging. As PP noted, I also would not put much weight on the "guaranteed connecting" rooms on your reservation for the very reasons she mentioned. For piece of mind, I would book a Family Suite or a mod. If budget allows, perhaps consider a 1-bedroom at a DVC resort or even price out connecting rooms or a suite at Swan/Dolphin.

My DS is 18 now, but has been staying in WDW annually (sometimes multiple times a year) since he was two. At a young age, he did not care where we stayed and was "impressed" with the theming at every resort. I would not pick a resort based on how you think your child may react to the theming. Going to WDW with small children is challenging. I would recommend picking the resort that you think will be most comfortable for your family. My biggest complaint about the values is I find the bedding to be uncomfortable and the walls paper thin. I had many a sleepless night at AoA which made park touring with my, then, kindergartener to be very challenging. As PP noted, I also would not put much weight on the "guaranteed connecting" rooms on your reservation for the very reasons she mentioned. For piece of mind, I would book a Family Suite or a mod. If budget allows, perhaps consider a 1-bedroom at a DVC resort or even price out connecting rooms or a suite at Swan/Dolphin.

You make a very good point about the theming! Realistically, kids are going to be happy just to be at Disney and bonus about POFQ is that my 4 year old LOVES Tiana lol we just got back 2 weeks ago and he practically launched himself at her for a hug lol
Your comment about the bedding and walls being thin are exactly what I was looking for. I’m a bit of a hotel snob admittedly and I’ll even bring my own blankets to the four seasons lol The thin walls worries me because even though we use sound machines, I hear everything when no one else does!
Sounds like POFQ is the way to go. It’s even $400 cheaper for our week to do POFQ vs 2 rooms at all stars.

Yes, I am hoping to rent DVC points but, we want a solid reservation just in case we don’t end up getting what we are looking for since our travel is first week of December. Really hoping for a one bedroom at AK so fingers crossed but, I’d like to be just as happy about our “fall back plan” as I would be getting the DVC rental so sounds like I’m really leaning POFQ.

Seeing it not be guaranteed even though the reservation confirmation and CM said it was also makes me wary of going value then too. I’d hate to go for value under the assumption that we would get the guarantee honored only to show up and it not be. Then I’d kick myself for picking the value based on that alone