$600 to upgrade

[JanBlessed]

It will cost 600 to "upgrade" from the All Stars Movie preferred rm to a Cars Suite at AoA.

We are a family of 4 (2kids: 9&2) and have not stayed at either. We are on a budget, but have some FL Res discounts plus only a 4 hr drive (so we can save there)

My kids like Disney movies and will Love the theming. Both resorts are based on Movies - but seem quite different : especially the price.

Would YOU pay the difference and why / why not ?

 

[JanBlessed]

The $600 is our total amount to upgrade, based on the dates and number of days that we will stay.

We aren't really in the room all that much, but if it's a nice room, then we could enjoy it ( I know that a lot of people ask that).

We are not "rope droppers" and typically do not stay until the parks close.

 

[Liberator]

Yes! Upgrade!
Value resort rooms are really small! You will love it to have more space and your kids will love the theming and especially the pool. All Stars already have a nice theming, but AoA is even more detailed.

We walked over to AoA one day and asked housekeeping to show us an unoccupied suite. They were happy to do this and we were surprised by the extra space and lovely theming. A very nice resort!

How many nights will you be there?

 

[dizzyinwdw]

I'm on the other side--I would not upgrade if it is a stretch to the budget (i.e. we couldn't do a character meal, etc.) or I could find a deluxe at similar upgrade price (if not an issue for the budget). Since you state you are not going to really be in the room and your children are "small" (assuming bed size at value is ok) I would stick with ASMo. I might change to a AOA-LM for the theming, but my issue is when I start to price out AOA-suites then compare to deluxes I will stay deluxe instead for less or similar cost! If you are going to enjoy some of the resort and really want AOA theming, then I would do AOA-LM (I've booked through third party to get some discount on those rooms). But if the $600 would allow for a change to a deluxe (say AKL or WL) and no budget issues I would stay there instead--we love AKL (so relaxing, animals, lots of resort activities--we book pool view to save $$ and it is awesome!) and WL (proximity to MK and MK resorts for 'Ohana, Chef Mickey, Park Fare, etc, and grandeur)! Either way have a great trip!

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

if you are not on the meal plan then you can use the kitchenette for breakfast, which we much prefer to eating in the food court, and possibly for other meals. This will certainly save some money! AofA has great theming and we love it there!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

$600 total for 4 or more nights might be worth it...wouldn't pay it for less

 

[Mousemommy1]

I never contemplated getting a family suite when we were a family of four. Just not needed.

But, now that there are five of us, we will be having our first Nemo Suite stay in April.

 

[goofy4tink]

Will it break the bank if you spend that addtl $600? You will have double the space, you and dh will have your own bedroom. Because you have a car, you can easily bring groceries with you, which will allow you to eat in the room. Having that ability is a real money saver! Because you aren't rope drop people, you can eat a decent breakfast in the room each day. And other meals as you see fit.
I think you'll feel really cramped in an All Stars room. I know lots of people have no issue with the All Stars. I find them to be somewhat dated and lacking. But, I love AoA and Pop!! I've stayed in a LM twice now. I won't again because I think they're too expensive. But, rates won't go down because they are always full!!! AoA is a bright, fun resort. I love the theming.

 

[Marionnette]

It will cost 600 to "upgrade" from the All Stars Movie preferred rm to a Cars Suite at AoA.

We are a family of 4 (2kids: 9&2) and have not stayed at either. We are on a budget, but have some FL Res discounts plus only a 4 hr drive (so we can save there)

My kids like Disney movies and will Love the theming. Both resorts are based on Movies - but seem quite different : especially the price.

Would YOU pay the difference and why / why not ?

If I had the extra cash to throw at the upgrade, then I would do it just for the 2nd bathroom, kitchenette and additional space.

However, if I was on a budget which dictated that i make other sacrifices (reduce the dining allowance, restrict souvenirs, cut back on the number of days, etc.), I would suck it up and stay ar ASMo. Your kids are pretty young. You'll all be fine with the limited space in the room.

 

[AspenLL]

Would do it solely for the upgrade to AoA and the better amenities and newer facilities.

 

[loves to dive]

I wouldn't spend that on AoA, I'd look for a deal on a moderate or even a deluxe, you could most likely find one for less than the amount of the upgrade. I just can't see paying the prices at AoA for a value resort, even for a suite.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure how being in a deluxe or a moderate is going to be so much better. Everyone is in the same room, there is still only one bathroom, and there are no kitchenette facilities. If I had two kids and my dh was traveling with me, I would probably pay to upgrade to a suite...just to have that second bathroom and the kitchenette!! The ability to put the kids to bed and then go to my own room and chat or watch tv? Priceless.
I love the moderates and deluxes. I own DVC at both BLT and BWVs. But, if I was going with three other people, I wouldn't be staying in a studio..even with the kitchenette set up!!!
Yes, the amenities are nicer at moderates and deluxes, but with the two kids being the ages they are, I would think that the theming at AoA would be a perfect fit!!! There is plenty of time to stay at more upscale resorts, as the kids get older. Just my opinion.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I wouldn't spend that on AoA, I'd look for a deal on a moderate or even a deluxe, you could most likely find one for less than the amount of the upgrade. I just can't see paying the prices at AoA for a value resort, even for a suite.

I agree with this. I wouldnt pay $600 for a value. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE values. I stay all the time. But if im dishing out $600, i'd rather dish it out on a moderate or deluxe. At a moderate resort you'd get two double beds, a pool slide, a restaurant on site, hot tub, etc etc. its lovely! POR & CBR are my faves.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I LOVE AoA. One of my favorite resorts - it is just so fun and Disneyesque. I think $600 is a lot of money for an upgrade though for only 4 people in the suite. All said though I would not pick a more expensive resort if that meant that I could do something else with that money, like some fun character meals or a tour or something. If you can afford it great, but don't let it break the budget - you will enjoy Disney no matter where you stay on property. Also, there may be the chance that a discount will come out for the rom eventually, usually depending on the time of year you stay. You can usually get at least 15% for a AoA suite, sometimes more depending on the deal.
If you do stay at AoA though, you will LOVE it! And you could always visit as well even if you don't stay there.
Good luck with all the Disney planning!

 

[eagillinois]

With a 2yo, I would probably upgrade for the extra space. I wondered about a moderate also but really AoA will give you more space and some privacy. I don't mind the size of the value resorts, we had two adults and two teens with no complaints but we don't spend much time in the room. If you want space for napping and privacy, I would go for suites. Good luck!

 

[JanBlessed]

Yes! Upgrade!
Value resort rooms are really small! You will love it to have more space and your kids will love the theming and especially the pool. All Stars already have a nice theming, but AoA is even more detailed.

We walked over to AoA one day and asked housekeeping to show us an unoccupied suite. They were happy to do this and we were surprised by the extra space and lovely theming. A very nice resort!

How many nights will you be there?

Thanks for the info! That was a Great idea : asking for a room tour . We are staying four nights.

 

[JanBlessed]

I'm on the other side--I would not upgrade if it is a stretch to the budget (i.e. we couldn't do a character meal, etc.) or I could find a deluxe at similar upgrade price (if not an issue for the budget). Since you state you are not going to really be in the room and your children are "small" (assuming bed size at value is ok) I would stick with ASMo. I might change to a AOA-LM for the theming, but my issue is when I start to price out AOA-suites then compare to deluxes I will stay deluxe instead for less or similar cost! If you are going to enjoy some of the resort and really want AOA theming, then I would do AOA-LM (I've booked through third party to get some discount on those rooms). But if the $600 would allow for a change to a deluxe (say AKL or WL) and no budget issues I would stay there instead--we love AKL (so relaxing, animals, lots of resort activities--we book pool view to save $$ and it is awesome!) and WL (proximity to MK and MK resorts for 'Ohana, Chef Mickey, Park Fare, etc, and grandeur)! Either way have a great trip!

That's a good observation, especially that staying at AKL is very high on our list of " must-do". We are just trying to do more kid-oriented 'things' to take advantage that our son is still 9 yrs old. I usually ask myself " will he still enjoy this at 13?" If the answer is no or maybe not: then we try our best to do it. That's why I wanted to stay in a more 'kiddie style' resort. I don't know if that makes sense (the way I've worded it). I think that AKL can definitely be enjoyed at 12 and beyond! It is so breathtaking and beautiful! But I've never seen an affordable room there (they're always over $400/night, when I've checked).

 

[JanBlessed]

I never contemplated getting a family suite when we were a family of four. Just not needed.

But, now that there are five of us, we will be having our first Nemo Suite stay in April.

Hahaha! We (ok, maybe just me) are actually looking into it for theming & enjoy a kiddie type of resort for my two little loves. The other half of "we", my hubby, always likes suites. We stayed at the Double tree at downtown Disney (formerly) in July and he Loved the ample suites. The reason is because he can watch TV while we get in bed in the other room and fall asleep - or he doesn't have to tip toe around in our darkness that we like to sleep in (he can sleep in total daylight or with one thousand lights on) while he stays up late as usual.

 

[Shanti]

It will cost 600 to "upgrade" from the All Stars Movie preferred rm to a Cars Suite at AoA.

We are a family of 4 (2kids: 9&2) and have not stayed at either. We are on a budget, but have some FL Res discounts plus only a 4 hr drive (so we can save there)

My kids like Disney movies and will Love the theming. Both resorts are based on Movies - but seem quite different : especially the price.

Would YOU pay the difference and why / why not ?

Pay $600 to upgrade from one value motel to another? No, not worth it. I recommend Pop Century over the All Stars, as it has dedicated buses. Spend your extra money on a few special experiences for your family, like Wild Africa Trek or Cirque de Soleil.

 

[JanBlessed]

Will it break the bank if you spend that addtl $600? You will have double the space, you and dh will have your own bedroom. Because you have a car, you can easily bring groceries with you, which will allow you to eat in the room. Having that ability is a real money saver! Because you aren't rope drop people, you can eat a decent breakfast in the room each day. And other meals as you see fit.
I think you'll feel really cramped in an All Stars room. I know lots of people have no issue with the All Stars. I find them to be somewhat dated and lacking. But, I love AoA and Pop!! I've stayed in a LM twice now. I won't again because I think they're too expensive. But, rates won't go down because they are always full!!! AoA is a bright, fun resort. I love the theming.

Not really break the bank, but it is over my self imposed budget. I do agree with the food (just have to get my DH on board with that). However, a pp also mentioned a microwave. That opens up a lot of possibilities because, as you mentioned, I am driving. I'm going to look into that (starting with fridge size - that could complicate things, if I can't refrigerate certain items). I could even bring up a serious three course home made dinner and it may still be warm by the time I arrive - lol! Can you imagine the bell attendants? "Excuse me, sir, please be careful with my croc pot"!