All-Star Movies

[MommyBuzz909]

I've read a lot of posts about the ASM resort and I'm confused. I have a son who will be 5 when we go to WDW in 08/08 and is MUST stay at the Buzz & woody hotel. Considering we're just going to be sleeping there and changing clothes and whatnot, I don't feel that it's worth it to spend $150 a night on a room, when I can stay at ASM for $90 a night. Am I wrong? Is it really THAT bad? Is it worse than a road side motel in Winslow, Arizona? I'm running a tight budget for our trip and I can save $500-600 just by staying at ASM!! Please help me out!!!

Thanks!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good question!

I am curious about this resort too. We are considering it for 2009. Everybody seems to prefer POP for a Value Resort, but my boys are much more interested in ASMovies!


Can't wait to see what kind of response you get!

 

[Jaymie]

We've stayed at the Movies many times. We've never had a problem. It's your basic motel. I've always found it to be clean, service was always good. Maybe a little noisier than mod or deluxes, but you're at WDW, don't expect quiet anywhere!

We've saved up a little more to splurge on a couple deluxes lately, but I would have no problem going back to ASMo either. My DS was 18 months old when we were last there and he loved the theming!

 

[angela3676]

Well all I can say is I think its a great place to stay. Especially for kids. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The rooms are small, all the value resort rooms are including Pop. But the way we see it is just like the OP said.....we only sleep, take our baths and change clothes and that's it. The rooms are nice and cutely decorated. I know I've read where people have had bad experiences but I think you can always find someone who has had a bad experience everywhere they go. It's a nice place to stay, you'll enjoy it.

 

[hematite153]

I preferred ASMusic to Pop.

I think a 5 yo will love staying at ASMovies.

As to a motel comparison....

People make comparisons to a Motel8 because of the building design and room size. But, the cleanliness, room quality and landscaping far outstrip any of the places we've stayed during the drive to and from. (During our drives, we've stayed in Days Inns, Comfort Inns, etc. and only one had fitness/swimming/food facility even come close to the Disney value resorts.)

The one thing I'd add, is that paying for preferred buildings will get you closer to the main building but also make your room louder. I tend to make a point of asking not to face pools due to noise and smoke.

 

[MSSANDRA]

ASM is fine. WE have stayed there and while we much prefer POP there is nothing wrong will ASM at all. We had a nice clean room that served our needs well. Do remember that even though you request the Toy Story building, it is just a request. Lots of kids want that building so you might not get it. Our reasons for likeing POP better is that the bus service is better, we like the lay out and the gounds better and the food court better.

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

I took my DS when he was 5, and we stayed at the Movies. He loved it. I wanted the Buzz section, but we ended up in the dalmations part. It was no big deal, though, since the hotel isn't that big that you can't walk by it, or stop to take pics there. It was very nice, very clean. I had no complaints.

I personally can't compare it to the Music, but I have heard a lot of people say that they didn't like the theming.

 

[emh1129]

We stayed there in January and had a great time. We stayed in the Toy Story section and the kids enjoyed it, but all the sections have great theming and you will get to see them all as you walk around, so you really can't go wrong there.

 

[5 for WDW]

We stayed at ASM four times and once at Pop before we became DVC members.

We really enjoyed our stays at Movies. We never had one problem. Our kids were all under 5 during those trips and they loved it. If we wanted to stay a night outside of DVC, I would have no problem staying at Movies. That is after being spoiled by SSR. The bus service was fine. Values are busier in regards to buses but, you expect that. We had the Toy Story section twice and the Fantasia building twice. Both sections were great, close to the main pool and building. Big fans of Movies in case you couldn't tell.

We were not fans of Pop at all. It was not the resort for us. It was just too large of a resort and too packed the entire time we were there. (2006 during Free Dining). The bus service was good but, the food court was just packed at all times of the day. I know a lot of people love Pop...it just wasn't right for us.

Give Movies a shot..I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[2poohbears]

We've stayed at ASMovies with our twins 3 times - once in Dalmations building, and twice in Toy Story Building (JAN and May of this year). We're going back again in JAN 2008, and requesting Toy Story again because the boys love it so!

The rooms are small, but very clean - much cleaner than run of the mill Holiday Inn, Days Inn, etc. And you can't beat the movie themes when it comes to kids! I was able to get extra towels by calling housekeeping, and when our son had an injury and needed a prescription, the front desk faxed the prescription and had the medication delivered to our hotel with no problems. Our room was very quiet (on 2nd floor) - of course, we weren't there during the busy season. I always request 2nd or 3rd floor because 1st floors generally have more foot traffic/higher noise level, IMO. It would be nice to stay in a resort with monorail service, but I just can't get myself to spend that kind of money when we are only at the hotel to sleep. We've not had any problems with the bus service, although you should be aware that when you leave the parks at the very end of the day the lines tend to get long...just try to leave a little early to avoid that. It's also nice to have the food court area in case you want to eat breakfast before heading to the parks, or grab a late dinner after leaving the parks. We love staying at ASMovies!

 

[disneymarie]

We just stayed at the movies for the third time and love it. I convinced myself this trip that I will not be upgrading. The parking lot behind the Toy store and room was just feet away. It is not a bad walk to the main building and bus stop, or pool. The laundry mat is right by the kiddie pool area and over in dalmations. I did not find the rooms any smaller then those aI have used near Hershey PA, nor the interior shabby. My older son a snob asked if we were staying in something like motel 6 and I told him, Disney does not do anything trashy.

We got in on a fridge swap, I took my DISer lime green window lights, put my toy story and Pooh items in the window. The rooms were done wonderfully and welcoming each day.
My only complaint was the lock on my son;s door was broke and caused three late night service calls. Not just a reprogram and fix...but did not replace it.

Also requested a physical assisted room and could not use this as they wanted me to pay for a cot for my 12 year old daughter? I reserved for Three? I was not about to pay $16 more a night for her bed?

I ended up in a nonaccessable room.
Oh, in the area to eat, there is a microwave, toaster, the meals such as half a chicken and salmon were under $9 and wonderful. Hot fluffy potatoes, fresh, hot roll, veggie., I found the priced and food great.
As for themeing, my grandson 2 1/2 went crazy with giant Woddy, the damations and all the sights. It was so much fun for him.

I really did play back and forth to upgrade, and I am glad I didn't; because of the resort size being more compact, the cost of food was less, the room size is fine if you do not have 4 Adult size folks, then it may be tight. Also, for the kids, the game room, TV/Movie area was great, Very clean grounds and building.
Also, get on an email list and you can always get codes, our room in Oct ended up $60.
Dianne

 

[MommyBuzz909]

Well I booked my vacation and my travel agent said that since I wanted the Platinum Dining, that I was not able to stay at ASM. She suggested AKL, which my son seems to be just as happy with.

For me spending the amount of money that I am, I think staying at AKL versus ASM will be much more worth it!!!

Thanks!!l