Advice Please

[softballmom3]

Ok....I would like some advice from you fellow dis members out there. Here's the scenario.....

We are a family of 5- 2 adults 3 teenage children. I'm trying to decide where exactly we want to stay.... Choices will be POR or Cars Suite @ AoA.

We stayed at POR last year and my youngest fit ok on the murphy bed (we had a renovated room at that point). It was a tight fit but manageable.

This next year I am trying to plan on where we should bunk down at. We are the type to typically spend almost all our time at the parks. We have a pool at home and my children have no interest in swimming. We never used any of the pools at POR last year.

My quote with QS dining for POR is around $3500
Quote for AoA Cars Suite is about $1000 more.

What would you do? I am truly unable to make a decision right now. Part of me would love the extra room but part of me says we really aren't in the room that much. Do you think it's worth the extra $$ for AoA?

 

[twinboysmom]

Could you bring an air mattress to use at POR instead of the Murphy bed? Or, would you consider a suite at all star music instead? They are usually a little cheaper than AoA.

 

[softballmom3]

Could you bring an air mattress to use at POR instead of the Murphy bed? Or, would you consider a suite at all star music instead? They are usually a little cheaper than AoA.

Yes I could definitely bring an air mattress. We have a really nice twin sized one we brought last time, but since she fit on the bed we didn't use it. I would rather not stay at All star music...don't know why just don't want to. I would probably get 2 rooms @ Pop if we didn't use either of the other options.

 

[Singinglizzie]

Have you priced out the Ft. Wilderness Cabins - I think they are somewhat comparable to the suites?

 

[Belleofthehouse]

IMHO.....POR is too tight of a fit. We did it in 2010. While the rooms were nice, they were too small for two teens and a 9 year. I definitely would not do it now that they are older. We are hoping for a bounceback offer in November...and using it at the cabins (don't know if it will apply to cabins). Even though there is only one bathroom, there is more space! I need space with three boys.

While AOA looks fun, the over-the-top theming is not for us. But that is my family.

Good luck.

 

[shannonstar]

I would look into two rooms at a value. With that size crew you really need two bathrooms, so it's either the AoA or 2 rooms.

 

[babyberger]

Yes I could definitely bring an air mattress. We have a really nice twin sized one we brought last time, but since she fit on the bed we didn't use it. I would rather not stay at All star music...don't know why just don't want to. I would probably get 2 rooms @ Pop if we didn't use either of the other options.

I would price out Pop for 2 rooms and compare that to AoA. I think with 3 teens, the second bathroom is going to be key. When we travel with all 3 of our kiddos for any type of longer stay than a weekend we really need the extra space and bathroom. Even though you wont be spending a lot of time in the room, the AoA does look like it has plenty of room to move around and be comfortable.

 

[pigletto]

Have you priced out the Ft. Wilderness Cabins - I think they are somewhat comparable to the suites?

This is what we did. I went over this scenario over and over and over. We're only a family of four but are bringing a friend of dd's, making us 5 for this trip.
I have never in all of my trips changed my mind as much as I did for this one

There were things we liked and didn't like about all the options. With free dining the Fort Wilderness Cabins worked out cheaper than AoA and only 300 more than two rooms at Pop because for each of those options I would have had to upgrade the free dining from quick service to regular ddp.
Port Orleans was just too tight for us with a 5th person who isn't a family member. It may be easier when everyone is family though.. at least you can bicker

The biggest thing I am looking forward to is the full kitchen for breakfast, the peace and quiet of Fort Wilderness and being able to take the Ferry to MK and watch Wishes from the beach at the Fort.

 

[thr33boys]

Have you considered renting dvc points? While it won't be cheaper then POR, it will be comparable to AoA in terms of price but with so many more extras. There are a few dvc resorts that can accommodate 5 in a 1 bedroom.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I love the cabins at Fort Wilderness! They sleeep 6. The bedroom has a double bed, set of bunks and tv. The living area has a Murphy bed, tv and full kitchen. You have a deck and grill. Park right in your own driveway. Easy boat ride to MK. Quiet and relaxing! I enjoyed my stay there.

I own DVC and have stayed at BLT and BCV. Both were fantastic! I hear renting points is a good option. Some one bedrooms sleep 5 and have two full baths.

I also like the idea of getting two rooms. Then you would have four beds and two bathrooms.

Lots of good choices.

 

[softballmom3]

Thanks for all the advice....appreciated. Alas, still no decision. I've checked into many more of the options you all have given me. I even checked the cabins at FW and all my family said NO! Hilarious....this probably stems from going camping in the extreme heat this year and no one had a good time...oh well...worth a shot.

We are still looking at the POR option partially because they like it there and when I say we seriously don't spend much time in a room, I mean it LOL. We sleep, get ready and leave.

For the poster about DVC points, I looked into that and actually wanted to consider AKV because when I figured everything out the pricing wasn't much different but was told no on that one too--surprised me. I thought everyone would like that one.

I could hold out hope that they would eventually like Boardwalk or something and then I could venture into the DVC points thing again .

 

[wishing4PA]

I even checked the cabins at FW and all my family said NO! Hilarious....this probably stems from going camping in the extreme heat this year and no one had a good time...oh well...worth a shot.

We are still looking at the POR option partially because they like it there and when I say we seriously don't spend much time in a room, I mean it LOL. We sleep, get ready and leave..

LOL - do they realize the cabins have AC and you can park right near your door there?
That said, we stayed in the cabins in summer, and what should have been a pleasant walk over to the feature pool from our cabin was not at all pleasant in the heat. And I hated the murphy bed. I'd stay there again - but insist on someone else taking that bed next time.

As for POR, it sounds like that's a sentimental family favorite. You might have to stay there.

 

[Sue M]

I'd look at a room at Poly or CR garden Wing, they have the largest rooms on property. 2 queens and a day bed.
I know you don't spend much time in the room, but it will be squished the time you are in the room falling on top of each other getting ready for bed, and getting up in the morning.

Or a room at BC/YC or BWI they also have rooms with 2 queens and daybed.
Plus the deluxe have balconies, which gives you more living room. I enjoy siting out on the balcony having my morning coffee while my daughter is getting ready.

We do spend some time at our resort. We find staying at the parks opening to closing way too exhausting! And enjoy an afternoon pool/resort break.
The pool at SAB is amazing, and teens would love it. It's not like the backyard pool :good vibes Also teens would love being walking distance to Boardwalk, Epcot and DHS.

 

[softballmom3]

Oh if I could swing it I would love one of those. I may have to price boardwalk. We visited last yr and loved it. Loved all the entertainment too .

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I love the Boardwalk area! I have stayed at BC, BCV, and Swan. Have you priced out the Swan/Dolphin? Less money than other Boardwalk resorts.

 

[guppy1013]

The swan and dolphin accept AAA discounts, along with teachers/nurses/govt employee discounts. The beds are heavenly (literally) and the location is prime. Our room in December is 188 per night. For 2 bedrooms, 4 nights is 900. You cannot do dining there though.

 

[softballmom3]

I love the Boardwalk area! I have stayed at BC, BCV, and Swan. Have you priced out the Swan/Dolphin? Less money than other Boardwalk resorts.

I could actually get a teacher discount at Swan/Dolphin but family is set on dining plan because of convenience (or I should say DH)....

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I could actually get a teacher discount at Swan/Dolphin but family is set on dining plan because of convenience (or I should say DH)....

Ok to get dining plan and the space you need, price out 2 rooms at one of the All Stars. Then price out 1 room at BW/YC/BC to compare.

I would also price out Swan/Dolphin w/teacher discount, just to see if dining plan really makes sense.

Have you contacted Disney to see if there is a pin you could use for discount?

 

[softballmom3]

Ok to get dining plan and the space you need, price out 2 rooms at one of the All Stars. Then price out 1 room at BW/YC/BC to compare.

I would also price out Swan/Dolphin w/teacher discount, just to see if dining plan really makes sense.

Have you contacted Disney to see if there is a pin you could use for discount?

No I haven't I was with the understanding we couldn't call and ask if we had a pin anymore. Maybe I will do that . I just don't know if I would have one I could use next June though . Might be too early for that. I will price them all out and see! Maybe I could do 2 rooms @ AoA...my youngest would like LM.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

No I haven't I was with the understanding we couldn't call and ask if we had a pin anymore. Maybe I will do that . I just don't know if I would have one I could use next June though . Might be too early for that. I will price them all out and see! Maybe I could do 2 rooms @ AoA...my youngest would like LM.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought you could call Disney, price out a vacation, and ask if there were any pins/discounts. AoA LM looks awesome! If you could get a good price on that w/dining, I bet that would be perfect!