Admitted Resort Snob~Just Booked ASMusic..HELP!

[WDW~Lover]

I booked a very quick trip for May 12th for 4 nights. I just wanted to see the Flower & garden show. I did not have much $$ to work with so last minute, but got the ASMusic with an AP rate, Please tell me it will be ok?

I have never stayed at a value, always deluxe (25 times to be exact)
what should I expect? There are some issues for me thou. I am on crutches and will be solo.

Where might be the best area for me to request?
should I stay on the first floor? and I want to right near a food court and a pool....any suggestions?

thanks!

 

[BriarRosie]

I booked a very quick trip for May 12th for 4 nights. I just wanted to see the Flower & garden show. I did not have much $$ to work with so last minute, but got the ASMusic with an AP rate, Please tell me it will be ok?

I have never stayed at a value, always deluxe (25 times to be exact)
what should I expect? There are some issues for me thou. I am on crutches and will be solo.

Where might be the best area for me to request?
should I stay on the first floor? and I want to right near a food court and a pool....any suggestions?

thanks!

Calypso and some of Jazz are considered "preferred" rates, so you probably won't get those. If you can get into Jazz, great. Just make sure they don't stick you in Country Fair, as that's the farthest building set at Music.

It will be a bit strange for you to get used to the Value resorts if you've only stayed Deluxe. The food court will usually be very busy, too.

However, since you're on crutches, I think you're better off renting an ECV. Getting around on crutches will probably be exhausting for you. I'm not sure about the logistics of having crutches with you on an ECV, though.

 

[WDW~Lover]

Calypso and some of Jazz are considered "preferred" rates, so you probably won't get those. If you can get into Jazz, great. Just make sure they don't stick you in Country Fair, as that's the farthest building set at Music.

It will be a bit strange for you to get used to the Value resorts if you've only stayed Deluxe. The food court will usually be very busy, too.

However, since you're on crutches, I think you're better off renting an ECV. Getting around on crutches will probably be exhausting for you. I'm not sure about the logistics of having crutches with you on an ECV, though.

sorry, I am preferred, forgot to mention that one. I can walk better with crutches then on foot! lol so you think the calypso would be good? and I did ask for a handicapp room.

thanks again!

 

[OKW Lover]

We feel your pain.

It may help to pack a disguise so that nobody sees you with the unwashed masses.

Seriously, any visit to WDW (even at a value resort) is better than your best day at work.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Did the same thing a few years ago when POP was brand new. In all honesty, as we drove up to the reosrt I was sure I'd made a terrible mistake...and told the CM at check-in that I wanted to switch resorts, if possible. It was also a last minute trip and money was tight, but still wanted to switch to a moderate.

The CM convinced us to give it a try and promised to find us another resort if we were still not happy. Soo, after taking a deep breath and walking to our room - telling ourselves to be lighthearted and enjoy a side of Disney we'd yet to experience.

Well, we were very surprised: walking past Lady and Tramp we could not help but smile...also surprised by our room - yes, it was small, but fine for two friends. It was in mint condition because the resort was brand new - we could enjoy seeing IllumiNations fom our window.

Because of that stay we tried POP 2 more times for short trips, but as the Resort became more and more popular, with such high occupancy, the rooms showed the wear and tear and it could be very noisy. We missed the way we could stay in a deluxe for 4 ngts, yet feel we'd been away for longer, so back to a deluxe.

Of course, we also stopped staying at deluxe resorts as the rooms became rundown and in need of rehab. We do try to stay at resorts that have been recently refurbished, be it a deluxe or moderate..or value.

Recently, when considering a last minute short trip, seriously considered ASMU because the rooms were recently refurbished. When I checked out the photos on the DIS and allears, found the lobby unappealing and the food court as well - yet loads of adults LOVE this resort!! I'd definitely request Calypso.

So, my suggestion would be to try to enjoy the new experience - it should be fine for 4 ngts. There is lots to miss not being at a deluxe, but a value can be okay too. Maybe you'll even find that it's a great optuion for a quick getaway

Hope you have a wonderful stay - be sure to let us know how it goes!

p.s. If you could handle it with the crutches, might consider requesting a 3rd flloor. We found the top floor quieter at a value. I have MS, so walking is an issue, but top floor works out well.

 

[CarolA]

Well, I am a resort snob too...

And because of that I perfer Disney's moderate and value resorts to thier deluxe resorts.

Really!! I compare Disney "deluxe" to real resort and it's just plain sad!! Real deluxes just are SO MUCH NICER!

So for a LOT less money, you get Disney magic, good service (See the post on here about the family with the sick child at CSR!), free transport etc. Room size is a little smaller, but it sounds like there is just one person so do you really need any more space? Sadly bed quality is pretty much the same. (Yes, Disney REAL deluxe rooms have nicer linen LOL!)

 

[WDW~Lover]

Thank~ you all for your info! Is there elevators to use if I want the third floor? and will they pick up my suitcase when leaving? (taking magical express)

 

[deej696]

Well, I am a resort snob too...

And because of that I perfer Disney's moderate and value resorts to thier deluxe resorts.

Really!! I compare Disney "deluxe" to real resort and it's just plain sad!! Real deluxes just are SO MUCH NICER!

So for a LOT less money, you get Disney magic, good service (See the post on here about the family with the sick child at CSR!), free transport etc. Room size is a little smaller, but it sounds like there is just one person so do you really need any more space? Sadly bed quality is pretty much the same. (Yes, Disney REAL deluxe rooms have nicer linen LOL!)

This is a great point Carol. I am at the top of the hotel snob totem pole. I worked for a luxury hotel for several years, and spent many nights in our properties around the country, so my expectations can be quite high. Burned out light bulbs in elevators send chills down my spine While I love the Poly and CR, they are not truely "deluxe" in my opinion, so I cant ever justify paying the rates. The compromise with myself was we bought DVC and stay at the BC and BW

My advice....just remember you are at Disney and how great it is. Yes the food courts will be busy, yes the pool will be swamped, and yes the busses will be packed, but its vacation and it sure beats going to work Enjoy Flower and Garden. We were there last week and it was great

 

[Atchley]

We feel your pain.

It may help to pack a disguise so that nobody sees you with the unwashed masses.

Seriously, any visit to WDW (even at a value resort) is better than your best day at work.

Okay, first time I have ever had to lay my head down on the desk from laughing so much!! You are too too funny!!!

 

[minnie61650]

Thank~ you all for your info! Is there elevators to use if I want the third floor? and will they pick up my suitcase when leaving? (taking magical express)

All of the buildings have 2 elevators that are located near the center of the building.

Yes, Call the luggage services the night before and make arrangements for a pick up.

I have stayed at all levels of Disney Resorts. My favorite Disney owned resort is All Star Music.

We have always enjoyed the friendlieness of the staff and guests at All Star Music.

I hope you enjoy it as well.

I read a very nice review the other day that I would like to share.

From this thread:

Thank You All Stars residents 4/10-4/20 (2008)

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=24725779#post24725779

Our family has stayed at many WDW resorts concierge to value. We also own DVC. We stayed at the ASMU Family suites 4/10-4/20. We really enjoyed it. We had a ball at the pool ~ dive in movies, Wii , bingo , scavenger hunts so much fun. But I have to tell you what stands out are the people. Several times the bus was crowded where people had to stand. Every single time without exception if an elderly person (male or female) or a person standing with a child, someone got up and kindly offered their seat. It was done matter of factly without fanfare. Such thoughtfulness really made our stay that much more pleasant. So a big THANK YOU We will be back.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I can relate to the hotel snob thing as well (although my DH will tell you it is more along the lines of being spoiled). If I can't go first class and all out on my vacations then I normally don't want to go at all. I make an exception where Disney is concerned. I still would rather a deluxe over the value, but you know for me, I never spend more time at the resort than it takes to shower and sleep. My goal is being in the parks most of the time. Years ago I stayed at AS Sports and had a great time. You just have to adjust your mindset for the trip and concentrate at having a ball at the Flower & Garden Festival!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Well, I can't share about being a resort snob (would love to be one, but my bank wont let me ), but I can about doing WDW and a resort with some mobility challenges. First of all; rent an ECV!

Never mind how good you are at walking with crutches, the distances you're doing at the parks will kill your arms after the first day (if not on the first day). There are ECV's out there with special holders for the crutches, so you could have the best of both worlds. Use the ECV for longer distances and the crutches for stuff like restaurants etc. This would be a thing to rent offsite for though. That would have the added benefit of allways having the ECV handy, including at the resort.

About the handicapped room. I don't know your limitations, so I'll just be blunt. Please don't think I'm judging, I'm just trying to find out what would fit you best. Do you need grabbars? If the answer to that is yes; you need an accessible room. Could you get by with a tub and/or showerbench over the tub? If the answer to that is yes; you don't need an accessible room for that part. They can deliver such a showerbench to each room. If the answer is no, you don't just need an accessible room, but one with a roll in shower.

Why am I on this subject? Because the accessible rooms are available in lower numbers (of course) than the 'normal' rooms. That limits the options you have, Also; with accessible rooms there is a different way of defining what 'preferred' is and what is not. It isn't just about the building you'll be in, but it'll actually be about the view! (preffered is a 'better' view and standard is parking lot). That might mean you end up somewhere you don't particularly like to be.

If your mean need is to be close to the foodcourt and you could do without the grab bars and roll in shower, you might do better with getting a standard room and have special reservations (either talk to them yourselves or have the CM at CRO talk to them while you're on hold) note that you need a room close to the foodcourt on medical reasons.

If you were to need a room with roll in shower; communicate very clearly with them about this. Just stating you need an accessible room would get you a room with just grab bars, no roll in shower. You need to specifically state you need a roll in shower before specifial reservations will block you one of those.

 

[minnie61650]

Also; with accessible rooms there is a different way of defining what 'preferred' is and what is not. It isn't just about the building you'll be in, but it'll actually be about the view! (preffered is a 'better' view and standard is parking lot). That might mean you end up somewhere you don't particularly like to be.

If your mean need is to be close to the foodcourt and you could do without the grab bars and roll in shower, you might do better with getting a standard room and have special reservations (either talk to them yourselves or have the CM at CRO talk to them while you're on hold) note that you need a room close to the foodcourt on medical reasons.

.

goofieslonglostsis you have given some great information and as someone who has has limited mobility I agree about the ECV.

I must point out however that the info I am quoting from your post is incorrect at a value resort.


There are no "preferred" views that can be booked at a value resort.


The preferred rooms ($10 extra a night) at All Star Music are preferred location.

The preferred buildings at All Star Music are the Calypso buildings which are the nearest to the main pool,food court, and bus stop.

If the OP booked a standard room and asked to placed near the food court she might be lucky enough to get a room in a Jazz building but those buildings still are futher away from the food court than the Calypso buildings.


Just a little FYI

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hmm, than Special Reservations gave me wrong info, Linda. They were very clear in stating it wasn't about building but about view, never mind what the 'normal' label of that room or building was. I had this talk about the value and the mods (switched from ASMo to CBR)

Weird, I finally switched to a mod for my last trip, didn't pay for the preferred locations but ended up there (with a view of a lovely parking lot ). It was a great room, coulnd't have been closer to the foodcourt. Just like me, the CM was enthousiastic about the location and I ended up informing if I didn't get an upgrade, as the whole building (well, actually 9 of them, was at CBR) was a preffered location. Nop, that was a standard accessible room and preferred would have only changed the view instead of location (or bedding) like it normally would've.

 

[minnie61650]

Hmm, than Special Reservations gave me wrong info, Linda. They were very clear in stating it wasn't about building but about view, never mind what the 'normal' label of that room or building was. I had this talk about the value and the mods (switched from ASMo to CBR)

Weird, I finally switched to a mod for my last trip, didn't pay for the preferred locations but ended up there (with a view of a lovely parking lot ). It was a great room, coulnd't have been closer to the foodcourt. Just like me, the CM was enthousiastic about the location and I ended up informing if I didn't get an upgrade, as the whole building (well, actually 9 of them, was at CBR) was a preffered location. Nop, that was a standard accessible room and preferred would have only changed the view instead of location (or bedding) like it normally would've.

WDW uses the word "preferred" for building location but they also use the word "preferred" for view which is why it can be very confusing.

Preferred at the values is building location.

Preferred at the deluxes means a certain view.

Preferred at POFQ, POR and CRS means a certain view.


CBR is the only Mod that has buildings with preferred locations.
------------------------------------------------------
This is from post #1 on the CBR FAQ THREAD:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=568915

I am willing to answer FAQ's about the resort. I have been to this resort many, many times. I have also stayed at the other moderates.

I also have a web page with many pictures of CBR. I have more to add from this weekend visit.

So ask away and I will try to help. If I don't know the answer someone else will.

I will be adding some FAQ's here in this first post so check back often.

1. What are the preferred buildings at CBR? What is the cost?

Preferred buildings at CBR in 2004

In Martinique it will be buildings 24, 25, 26. In Trinidad North it will be 31,32,33.

The additional charge will be $15 per night.
-------------------------------------------------------
I am so glad you got a "preferred" location at CBR and that your room was close to the food court.

 

[divawife]

Just got back from ASMu last week. My first time staying on-site. I chose it because it was the Value resort that had been most recently refurbished.

Calypso are the preferred (you pay extra) buidlings. You will be closer than everyone else but you will need a scooter. Bottom line.

I found the value resort most adequate. It was clean and the buses were great. The buses were def crowded leaving the parks. In fact the night we left EPCOT we were so exhausted we grabbed a cab waiting by the bus area. It was expensive but way worth it.

People for the most part were very polite.

Word of Warning-kids who are excited do not nec look where they are going. And there are a lot of kids at the All Stars

 

[minnie61650]

Well, I can't share about being a resort snob (would love to be one, but my bank wont let me ), but I can about doing WDW and a resort with some mobility challenges. First of all; rent an ECV!

I agree!

I also would recommend that you should rent an ECV
(Electric scooter) from an offsite company.
I have limited mobility and have rented mine from Care Medical (800-741-2282) and Walker Mobility (888-726-6837) in the past. I would recommend either one. The cost is about $30 a day. The ones at the parks cost $40 a day and are bigger and have 4 wheels kinda like a golf cart. They are much harder to steer and to control. If you rent from an offsite rental they will deliver the EVC to bell services at the resort. You can use it to go to the pool, and get around the resort as well as the bus stop.

Almost all the Disney buses are accessible. I love using my EVC it gives me more independence and helps keep my pain to a minimum. If you decide to rent an EVC but is unfamiliar with them you can practice using one at a local store such as Wal Mart or Target. Those are a little bigger than the rental ones but the practice will help.

Disney started mainstreaming most of their lines in the late 1990's. Those in WC/EVC will usually enter in the regular line. You will be able to stay in EVC until just before boarding most of the time.
Sometimes the WC/EVC ( and up to 5 members of your party) may be pulled from the mainstream line part way down so they can board the ride in an
Accessible area. * NOTE: They are not being taken to the front of the line but rather to an area when the ride will be accessible to them. EVC's can't climb steps so sometimes they need to take an elevator. Or they may need to board a ride where the riders usually exit in case
they need an accessible vehicle or need the moving sidewalk slowed or stopped so they can board.

You can pickup a book for Guests with disabilities at Guest Services or you download a copy of the book which is posted on the disABILITIES board.
If you have any more questions the disABILITIES board on this forum has tons of info and lots of members who can help answer any questions.

Here is a link to the disABILITIES board:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Have fun at Disney!

 

[JMLBrats]

agree w/most of the other posters. We bought into DVC to enjoy the more deluxe resorts w/out the rediculous cost involved. As a family of 5, we enjoyed ASMu when we stayed there a couple of years ago (youngest was only one at the time) but the rooms are way too small for us.
We stayed at the Poly last year for the first time for a few nights because we always wanted to try it and got it w/a good rate. We were very disappointed in it. I think we paid around $300 a night plux tax and we felt ripped off. I'd much rather save money & stay in a value or mod. But of course my first choice would be DVC.

 

[WDW~Lover]

well, I just changed my ressies to the CBR, I have stayed there before, and have booked Jamaica 45. Special reservations made sure I get a bottom king floor room.

I feel better here, due t the fact I have stayed here!
Thanks for your info!! I cannot rent a ECV but may have to in the MK.
last time I got wheeled out the minute I stepped foot in on Main st!