Advice on picking a resort convenient to All-Star

[yes_and_no]

Would love some advice! My daughter will be at an All-Star resort (exact one tbd) for the cheer competition Feb 7th through 10th. The packages sold out before I could get one, as did the hotel itself. They are high schoolers so it's okay that I'm not onsite (many parents don't go), but I would like relatively easy access to the hotel to assist with e.g. decorating their doors, making sure grocery deliveries get distributed, etc. Just a lot of stuff we try to take off of the coaches' plates.

Apart from attending the same competition last year (and staying at ASM), we've gone to Disney twice but it was approx. a decade ago and we only ever stayed at Beach Club, so I'm far from a Disney expert. If I don't care about convenience to the parks but convenience to the AS resort, what would you all recommend as far as where I should stay?

• I'd be very open to staying off-property and renting a car, but it sounds like parking at the resort, even for just a few hours, could be dicey? She'll be very busy, and I don't want her to hassle with having to register me as a guest every day.
• Should I just plan to stay anywhere I want on property, and Uber everywhere? If I'm going to Uber everywhere, is there any advantage to staying on property (eta: by advantage, I mean specifically wrt to ease of access to her -- I'm not worried about park-related perks like extra hours or early access to LLMP). Will I have trouble getting Uber to drop me off at AS? Is Minnie better than Uber and therefore a good reason to stay on the property?
• Or, and this is where I'm thinking some more knowledgeable folks could tell me if I'm overlooking something -- is there somewhere to stay that has relatively easy Disney transportation to AS? For example, I had the brilliant idea that I'd stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and just walk to the buses at AK Park then take those to AS -- until I read that there's no walking path between AK Lodge and AK Park! I'd prefer a solution using the buses/walking if at all reasonable.

What am I overlooking? What would you recommend? Feel free to think creatively! I probably don't know enough to know exactly what I should be asking. Price isn't a huge determining factor, but I'm not looking to spend extra money just to spend it, without any clear benefit in convenience.

 

[Dave006]

Should I just plan to stay anywhere I want on property, and Uber everywhere? If I'm going to Uber everywhere, is there any advantage to staying on property

Yes on-site is better due to shorter distances, and lower Uber/Lyft costs. Off site locations can easily add 30 minutes to your travels to AS

Will I have trouble getting Uber to drop me off at AS? Is Minnie better than Uber and therefore a good reason to stay on the property?

Uber/Lyft are able to drop you at AS. It is not near a park so folks trying to take advantage of the location. Minnie Vans (MV) are about 5 times more expensive vs Uber/Lyft and there are fewer of them available during busy times of the day.

For example, I had the brilliant idea that I'd stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and just walk to the buses at AK Park then take those to AS -- until I read that there's no walking path between AK Lodge and AK Park! I'd prefer a solution using the buses/walking if at all reasonable.

Your idea of a bus to AK from AKL and then a bus to your All Star resort is good. AK opens early so buses run early. In addition to AKL, you might look at CRS since it is the next closest resort. Will you be attending the daily cheer events?

Do you plan to visit any parks or take advantage of other things around WDW while your daughter is busy?

Dave

 

[fla4fun]

Would love some advice! My daughter will be at an All-Star resort (exact one tbd) for the cheer competition Feb 7th through 10th. The packages sold out before I could get one, as did the hotel itself. They are high schoolers so it's okay that I'm not onsite (many parents don't go), but I would like relatively easy access to the hotel to assist with e.g. decorating their doors, making sure grocery deliveries get distributed, etc. Just a lot of stuff we try to take off of the coaches' plates.

Apart from attending the same competition last year (and staying at ASM), we've gone to Disney twice but it was approx. a decade ago and we only ever stayed at Beach Club, so I'm far from a Disney expert. If I don't care about convenience to the parks but convenience to the AS resort, what would you all recommend as far as where I should stay?

• I'd be very open to staying off-property and renting a car, but it sounds like parking at the resort, even for just a few hours, could be dicey? She'll be very busy, and I don't want her to hassle with having to register me as a guest every day.
• Should I just plan to stay anywhere I want on property, and Uber everywhere? If I'm going to Uber everywhere, is there any advantage to staying on property (eta: by advantage, I mean specifically wrt to ease of access to her -- I'm not worried about park-related perks like extra hours or early access to LLMP). Will I have trouble getting Uber to drop me off at AS? Is Minnie better than Uber and therefore a good reason to stay on the property?
• Or, and this is where I'm thinking some more knowledgeable folks could tell me if I'm overlooking something -- is there somewhere to stay that has relatively easy Disney transportation to AS? For example, I had the brilliant idea that I'd stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and just walk to the buses at AK Park then take those to AS -- until I read that there's no walking path between AK Lodge and AK Park! I'd prefer a solution using the buses/walking if at all reasonable.

What am I overlooking? What would you recommend? Feel free to think creatively! I probably don't know enough to know exactly what I should be asking. Price isn't a huge determining factor, but I'm not looking to spend extra money just to spend it, without any clear benefit in convenience.

First, are all three All Star resorts sold out or just the one the group is staying in? I would keep checking all three of those resorts for an opening. Even if they are staying at Sports and you end up at Movies, it’s an easy walk from one to the other.

The nearest hotels to the AS would be Coronado Springs first, then AKL. Neither will have walking access or direct bus transportation, but both should be a fairly reasonable Uber/Lyft ride away. You should not have an issue with rideshare since AS is a not adjacent to a park and you can provide a room number and guest name for an AS guest, but Minnie vans are guaranteed access if you’re concerned. You can get to AS from either using the buses, but you will have to change buses to do so (for example, take bus from AKL to AK, then change to an AS bus).

If you want to stay in the Epcot resorts area, you could walk/boat from any of the Epcot resorts to DHS and catch a bus to AS from there. You could also stay at one of the Skyliner resorts and take that to DHS to catch an AS bus.

 

[WEDWDW]

I looked on the Competition site and there are packages for Pop Century,Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge as well as a Marriot property in Celebration-have all those sold out also?

If not I would get one of those as they provide transportation to ESPN Wide World of Sports.

AKL and CSR would be short Uber rides to the All-Stars.

If all Packages at all Resorts are sold out,I did just see regular availability at CSR.

Have fun-looks like this will be a HUGE event!

 

[yes_and_no]

Yes on-site is better due to shorter distances, and lower Uber/Lyft costs. Off site locations can easily add 30 minutes to your travels to AS

Thank you! Is this just distance/traffic, or is there a gate that can back up coming into WDW (I've only ever taken the bus from airport so have never paid attention). For off-site, I was really focused on hotels that are fairly close to AS as the crow flies, but understand that can be very different wrt time in vehicle.

Your idea of a bus to AK from AKL and then a bus to your All Star resort is good. AK opens early so buses run early. In addition to AKL, you might look at CRS since it is the next closest resort. Will you be attending the daily cheer events?

Yes, but it's not clear for how many days they'll compete. Making it to day 2 would be a huge accomplishment for them, day 3 is practically impossible .

Do you plan to visit any parks or take advantage of other things around WDW while your daughter is busy?

Still tbd. I enjoyed doing the parks on my own last year, even paid for G+ a few times, but feel like I got my fill last year. It's good to be there and support/spectate, but the school is very clear that this is not a family vacation and we don't spend time with the team apart from occasional daily check ins, so I have to occupy myself somehow! This year I was thinking maybe one park day and/or maybe the water park if it's above 75 (I'm from up north ) and/or maybe Universal. But if I stay offsite at a nice resort, I'd be pretty happy to spend a lot of time by its pool. I'm a middle-aged lady who loves water parks, so if Stormalong Bay wasn't closed I'd stay at BC again and this would all be a very easy decision!

 

[yes_and_no]

First, are all three All Star resorts sold out or just the one the group is staying in? I would keep checking all three of those resorts for an opening. Even if they are staying at Sports and you end up at Movies, it’s an easy walk from one to the other.

Good point, but yes, they all are sold out.

The nearest hotels to the AS would be Coronado Springs first, then AKL. Neither will have walking access or direct bus transportation, but both should be a fairly reasonable Uber/Lyft ride away. You should not have an issue with rideshare since AS is a not adjacent to a park and you can provide a room number and guest name for an AS guest, but Minnie vans are guaranteed access if you’re concerned. You can get to AS from either using the buses, but you will have to change buses to do so (for example, take bus from AKL to AK, then change to an AS bus).

If you want to stay in the Epcot resorts area, you could walk/boat from any of the Epcot resorts to DHS and catch a bus to AS from there. You could also stay at one of the Skyliner resorts and take that to DHS to catch an AS bus.

I looked on the Competition site and there are packages for Pop Century,Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge as well as a Marriot property in Celebration-have all those sold out also?

All the packages (bundled by UCA, massive cheer organization) are completely sold out. The package comes with park tickets, park hopper, access to ESPN, buses from the resort to ESPN all day long, etc. There is still some "regular" availability at some of those resorts but without the package the only deciding factor is really convenience to me, not that it's hosting other cheerleaders, if that makes sense. Without the package, I wouldn't even be able to take the buses that they run from the resorts to ESPN.

I am leaning toward AKL anyway, but not because it's also a package location.

If not I would get one of those as they provide transportation to ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Oh, maybe I'm confused -- are you saying these resorts normally provide regular transportation to ESPN? Last year we were badged and it did seem that, at least occasionally, they were checking people as they entered the bus. But these were buses that ran constantly from behind the hotel at UCA headquarters, not the regular Disney transportation. (And I'd be way too much of a chicken to pick housing around hoping that I could repeatedly finesse my way onto the UCA bus! My worst nightmare, personally ) eta: Now that I think about it, maybe I'll reach out to UCA and see if they'd let me pay just to get a badge for the bus? Probably not, but that'd make my life a lot easier and then there'd be real advantage to paying rack rate to stay at a comp hotel.

AKL and CSR would be short Uber rides to the All-Stars. Have fun-looks like this will be a HUGE event!

Thank you! I don't come from a cheer background at all so this is still relatively new to us. I had a great time last year, and as much as it probably drives "regular" guests crazy, I'm really going to miss seeing/hearing all the teams practicing on the AS grounds. It really always brought a smile to my face.

This is the first year that they added marching bands to what was already a massive and crowded event. I thought it was hard to get a package last year, this year was pure Hunger Games. It'll be very interesting to see how it all plays out. Last year, I was pretty impressed with the logistics and punctuality of the organizers, but when you make a big change, big chance for snafus in year 1.

 

[fla4fun]

Pop Century and Coronado are showing availability for the 7th-10th, but if you need to check out on the 11th they are sold out.
AKL does have availability through the 11th, but it’s more than twice the cost (it also has availability the night of the 6th if you need to check in before the competition, which the others don’t). Best of luck whichever resort you choose and I hope your daughter does well in the competition.

 

[WEDWDW]

On Transport to ESPN WWoS,it is just with a Package unfortunately.

Years ago Disney DID provide Transport from the All-Stars,Pop Century and CBR to ESPN WWoS for any Guest to use.

I would definitely stay at CSR-so close to the All-Stars-and I like the idea of asking UCA if they would let you buy a badge to ride the Bus to ESPN WWoS from there!

Marching Bands!That explains why so many Resorts are involved this year!WOW!!!!

I also find watching the Athletes practice can be fun-below are the high-flying Kentucky Wildcats from the 2107 College Championship.

 

[gottalovepluto]

AKL might be a nice fit if the cost is ok to you. You can enjoy the animal viewing areas and pool and Ubering to AS would be quick.

 

[Lewisc]

I would like relatively easy access to the hotel to assist with e.g. decorating their doors, making sure grocery deliveries get distributed, etc.

Booking a non package room at the Allstars best meets your needs.
Renting.a car makes sense. Using Ride share extensively makes sense. Transferring at a theme park is a waste of time.

 

[yes_and_no]

I also find watching the Athletes practice can be fun-below are the high-flying Kentucky Wildcats from the 2107 College Championship.

That's a fantastic photo.

Booking a non package room at the Allstars best meets your needs.
Renting.a car makes sense. Using Ride share extensively makes sense. Transferring at a theme park is a waste of time.

I'd book a non-package room at AS in a heartbeat but they are all sold out.

I think I'm leaning towards staying at AKL but renting a car. Starting to worry about being reliant on Uber and missing the performance.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Yes on-site is better due to shorter distances, and lower Uber/Lyft costs. Off site locations can easily add 30 minutes to your travels to AS

There are dozens of hotels off 192 that are literally minutes from the AS. If you take the back roads, you don’t even have to go onto 192 to reach many of these properties - closer than Pop Century and every other Disney hotel besides AKL (and given AKL’s layout, probably even faster).

 

[yes_and_no]

There are dozens of hotels off 192 that are literally minutes from the AS. If you take the back roads, you don’t even have to go onto 192 to reach many of these properties - closer than Pop Century and every other Disney hotel besides AKL (and given AKL’s layout, probably even faster).

Appreciate the perspective!

 

[teamsamant]

Stay at Saratoga Springs. Book a preferred room and request congress park. There is a little bridge that leads to Disney Springs and the DS busses are right there. Hop a ride to AS from there.

Very popular and proven method when you are trying to meet family/friends at another resort throughout a trip or planning on resort hopping many times during a trip. No rental car needed, no parking worries, no parking fees.

 

[Lewisc]

Stay at Saratoga Springs. Book a preferred room and request congress park. There is a little bridge that leads to Disney Springs and the DS busses are right there. Hop a ride to AS from there.

Very popular and proven method when you are trying to meet family/friends at another resort throughout a trip or planning on resort hopping many times during a trip. No rental car needed, no parking worries, no parking fees.

I don't think buses from DS go to ESPN. OP needs to be at locations at a set time. Buses from DS are unreliable during the day, especially in the morning. Allow at least an.hour,.90-120 minutes to be safe.

Rental car or rideshare is the way to.go.

 

[yes_and_no]

Just had a thought. I was just reading that if you schedule a package through Disney (unrelated to the Cheer/UCA packages), it is "subject to cancellation" if not fully paid 30 days out. The "subject to" qualifier suggest that this doesn't happen automatically, i.e. suggests that there won't be lots of new capacity opening at midnight 30 days before the date I want -- but was wondering if anyone knows for sure how Disney handles that?

 

[Dave006]

but was wondering if anyone knows for sure how Disney handles that?

That simply means that some Guests that book a package cancel right at the 30 mark to avoid any additional fees. Yes it is worth checking at the 30 day mark again as well as weekly for availability, Disney does not cancel packages right away if they are not paid in full at the 30 day mark.

Dave

 

[yes_and_no]

That simply means that some Guests that book a package cancel right at the 30 mark to avoid any additional fees. Yes it is worth checking at the 30 day mark again as well as weekly for availability, Disney does not cancel packages right away if they are not paid in full at the 30 day mark.

Makes sense, thanks. I've been checking sporadically but will check more as I get closer to 30 days.

 

[yes_and_no]

I wanted to update everyone who offered help, or anyone else who might stumble across this.

The more I thought about it, without the UCA package, and therefore without the wonderfully convenient UCA shuttle, I didn't see a good reason to stay on property. Especially since I decided to rent a car, as I was paranoid about Uber being overbooked at the time I need it (my daughter has a very early performance time) and I realized that rental cars are dirt cheap in Orlando. In the end, I'm staying at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek.

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

 

[WEDWDW]

I wanted to update everyone who offered help, or anyone else who might stumble across this.

The more I thought about it, without the UCA package, and therefore without the wonderfully convenient UCA shuttle, I didn't see a good reason to stay on property. Especially since I decided to rent a car, as I was paranoid about Uber being overbooked at the time I need it (my daughter has a very early performance time) and I realized that rental cars are dirt cheap in Orlando. In the end, I'm staying at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek.

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

What's the scene like?

I just saw a report from a Family at Wilderness Lodge who said they didn't know Cheerleaders stayed Deluxe,but they have them all over their hall!lol