All Star Musical Suites

[annie pickle]

My family(4) and I are planning our first trip to Disney July 22- 27. I am boggled down with options, questions, etc. My daughter (9) is taking a friend. We feel we should stay in a suite for all of our privacy, but are limited in finances. Question #1 is, are we making a good decision if we stay in the family suites at the All Star Music resort at that time of year, and #2, is it a good deal to get the Dining plus plan, #3 Will we have time to use a park hopper pass along with the water parks option, or should we just stick to the park hopper and use the resort pools? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[lnh'smom]

Although I can't answer your first 2 questions, I will give you my opinion on the water park option. For us, we have found it is better to just buy a separate ticket for the water parks. We just always pick one day and go to a water park (we prefer Blizzard Beach!) and use the resort pools the rest of the time. We find it costs more and uses up more time trying to leave a regular park and go to a water park and back again. We really enjoy BB and go once but the rest of the time we just stick to the pools. Just my opinion!

 

[juliana_sd]

We did no park hopper and no water parks. We had plenty of fun at the resort pool, and park hopping is pretty time consuming (and energy consuming!) plus it's an extra cost that I didn't want to incur.

I think most feel that the regular dining plan is too much food for most people (although with 2 nine year olds it might be a good deal for you since they still get kids prices) and the deluxe dining plan is over the top. We didn't do a dining plan at all and that worked well for us.

 

[MrsKreamer]

Re: Deluxe Dining Plan
It really depends on how your family eats. One of the attractions in WDW for us is the themed dining(50s Prime Time, Hoop Dee Doo, Sci Fi, etc). So for us we thing the Deluxe is a good option. We are also big eaters(well Dh and the boys are !) and we don't mind taking those 1-2 hour breaks from the park it takes to have a TS meal.

So if you plan on having a bunch of TS each day, your family has big eaters, and you don't mind taking the time away from the attractions, then it is a good choice... if not the base plan may be better.

 

[ajk912]

If you want the suites, I would try to get them now..especially since your trip is only a few months away, they may very well be booked up already. Good luck!

 

[Rylee]

My family(4) and I are planning our first trip to Disney July 22- 27. I am boggled down with options, questions, etc. My daughter (9) is taking a friend. We feel we should stay in a suite for all of our privacy, but are limited in finances. Question #1 is, are we making a good decision if we stay in the family suites at the All Star Music resort at that time of year, and #2, is it a good deal to get the Dining plus plan, #3 Will we have time to use a park hopper pass along with the water parks option, or should we just stick to the park hopper and use the resort pools? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks!!

Hi

Is that 4, including your daughter's friend?

Resorts -
If privacy is important, the Family Suites @ All Star Music seems like it would be a great option for your trip. (These book fast so call as soon as possible.)

Dining -
If your daughter and her friend will be 9 y/o at the time of travel... the basic Dining Plan (DP) would cost - 2 Adults & 2 Children - about $96 X (times) the number of nights you stay. My DH and I feel it is a good value for our family... I always scheduled 1 Table Service (TS) meal per day, anyway, and it's a nice break from the heat/crowds/parks. Also, it's convenient to have meals paid for in advance. (Your daughter would probably enjoy a Character meal... or 2... dine with visits from the Princesses, Pooh or Mickey, etc. Great way to get photos and autographs without standing in long lines.) My family would never want to do the Deluxe Dining Plan... they would feel they were spending more time sitting in restaurants than seeing the attractions.

Read menus and prices at the allears site.

* DP or not... if you want to experience/dine at any of the TS restaurants, you need to call and book Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's) or you probably won't get in. You can book ADR's 180 days in advance... so you can do this now.

Tip - If you do not purchase hopper passes, you will need to schedule your ADR's in or near the park you will be in each day. Check park hours at the WDW site and try to decide which day you'll visit each park.

Tickets -
If you are looking for a way to keep cost down, consider purchasing only Magic Your Way base tickets... no add-on options.
*Do not buy any "options" you aren't sure you will use. You can always upgrade later or at the resort.
Hoppers -We've had trips with and without Hoppers... while it's nice to have Hoppers, hopping from park to park does take time and since it's your first trip, there's enough to see and do in each park. Or, buy Hoppers and use them for the "time" advantage... tour one park for most of the day, and "hop" to another park for Extra Magic Hours (EMH).
Water Park & More options - If you plan to visit a water park only once, it is cheaper to buy 1 day admission at the gate, 2 or more visits, it's cheaper to do the add-on.

Parks -
Make a list of some must-see-and-do attractions for your family. Try to hit these attractions early in the day. (Use fast passes.) Then, RELAX and enjoy discovering the magic at your own pace!

Have fun planning.

 

[Doogan]

It's actually cheaper to get 2 rooms than to get a suite and you can get request joining rooms. The CM I spoke to on our last trip actually suggested this for us. Unless you are looking to have the kitchenette, etc., the 2 room solution is a better deal.

 

[tinkerbell/pixie]

If this is your 1st trip I would not add water park option. There is so much to see and do in the 4 parks you may not even get the chance to go to the water parks.My dh, ds and I will be staying in ASMu suites. For us it is a matter of privacy. You are not guranteed joining rooms when booking so I would not chance it with 2 9yr. old girls.You also will have to pay for a frig. if you get two joining rooms. The microwave, cooffee maker, and frig help out with a family. Also we do regular dining. There is so much food at cs and ts meals you may not want to eat three full meals in the hot weather.We also sometimes booked a late breakfast because we are not early birds. The value resorts also have the best cs meals in my own opnion.My son was given more choices there on the children's plan.In the parks they are more by the book with dining.So think about if this works for you. I may also be a little cheaper to pay for one cs meal. I hope I helped you in some way.

 

[timmac]

It's actually cheaper to get 2 rooms than to get a suite and you can get request joining rooms. The CM I spoke to on our last trip actually suggested this for us. Unless you are looking to have the kitchenette, etc., the 2 room solution is a better deal.

During the summer season, this is true. Family suite is 250/night (270 on fri/sat), whereas a standard room is 109 (119 on fri/sat), and a preferred room is 121/131.

That said, it's worth pointing out that having the family suite includes being in a preferred location (for anyone not already familiar, it means you're in one of the buildings that's closest to the main pool, food court, etc). Apples to apples, a pair of preferred rooms would come in a 242, with the suite at 250.

It's also worth pointing out that if you have any use at all for the refrigerator, the $10/night they would charge for it otherwise is enough to make up that difference and make the suite a better deal. If anyone likes the idea of the coffee pot in the room (and btw, if you are like many who don't so much care for the nescafe, then the in-room coffee is definitely better), then the suite is the ONLY way to get the coffee pot, it's not even an option in a typical room.

We spent four nights in a family suite, with myself, DW, DMIL, DS7, DD6, DD4 and DS1, and enjoyed it immensely.

One last point is that with connecting rooms (not to be confused with adjoining rooms, which are adjacent but lack the connecting door), it's absolutely not guaranteed. Yes, most people do get the request granted, but a few don't. If being all together is a requirement, then the extra few dollars is more than worth it, IMO.

 

[annie pickle]

During the summer season, this is true. Family suite is 250/night (270 on fri/sat), whereas a standard room is 109 (119 on fri/sat), and a preferred room is 121/131.

That said, it's worth pointing out that having the family suite includes being in a preferred location (for anyone not already familiar, it means you're in one of the buildings that's closest to the main pool, food court, etc). Apples to apples, a pair of preferred rooms would come in a 242, with the suite at 250.

It's also worth pointing out that if you have any use at all for the refrigerator, the $10/night they would charge for it otherwise is enough to make up that difference and make the suite a better deal. If anyone likes the idea of the coffee pot in the room (and btw, if you are like many who don't so much care for the nescafe, then the in-room coffee is definitely better), then the suite is the ONLY way to get the coffee pot, it's not even an option in a typical room.

We spent four nights in a family suite, with myself, DW, DMIL, DS7, DD6, DD4 and DS1, and enjoyed it immensely.

One last point is that with connecting rooms (not to be confused with adjoining rooms, which are adjacent but lack the connecting door), it's absolutely not guaranteed. Yes, most people do get the request granted, but a few don't. If being all together is a requirement, then the extra few dollars is more than worth it, IMO.

Everyone has been super helpful, and I actually put a deposit down on a suite today. The more I read though, I'm wondering if we're making the right decision staying at the All Star Music Resort, as I'm reading about how noisy it is and how poor the transporation is. Is it worth it to upgrade to the Polynesian, for the convenience, fireworks, atmosphere, etc? I know we won't be able to visit WDW as freqeuntly as many people can, this may be a once in a lifetime trip for us. It's so hard to tell by pictures and forums as to what to do. I'd love any input!!

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

I haven't stayed in the suite at ASMu but I have stayed at the resort in feb during mardi gras and it was fine for the most part we don't spend alot of time at the resort it does take time going back and forth so we don't really do it. I didn't find the rooms any noisier than any of the other resorts the foodcourt is busier than the other resorts I have stayed at but not by much. An option that I haven't seen mentioned in any of the other posts is that you can join a fridge swap they are listed on the budget board and several of them have a coffee maker included and most of them are free. Also remember that when you get the waterpark and fun option it also includes PI and DQ. I didn't find the transportation to be bad however I have never stayed at value resort during the summer.

On the other hand I did stay at the Poly in 06 during the same time that you will be there and it was great the ease of use of the monorail was great its right next to the TTC so you can walk next store and ride the monorail straight to epcot and you only need the bus to DHS and AK. I definitely wouldn't worry about going to a waterpark if staying here my dd didn't want to leave the pool and can't wait till we go back.

If you think this maybe a once in a life time thing take this into consideration if its at all an option is the possibility of staying a few days longer there rather than staying at the Poly. Or another option you may want to look in to is renting DVC Points from the DVC board. Which ever you choose you will have a magical trip.

As for the DDP vs the DDDP in my opinion b/c I fully believe in the DP is that the deluxe plan is at its best value if you want to dine at a few of the two credit meals~ CRT, Jiko, Artists Point, Narcoossee's, etc, or maybe an early character breakfast to get in the parks and a late dinner.

I hope this has been helpful if you have any other questions you might want to ask me feel free if you want a faster answer you may have to PM me.

mandy

 

[timmac]

Everyone has been super helpful, and I actually put a deposit down on a suite today. The more I read though, I'm wondering if we're making the right decision staying at the All Star Music Resort, as I'm reading about how noisy it is and how poor the transporation is. Is it worth it to upgrade to the Polynesian, for the convenience, fireworks, atmosphere, etc? I know we won't be able to visit WDW as freqeuntly as many people can, this may be a once in a lifetime trip for us. It's so hard to tell by pictures and forums as to what to do. I'd love any input!!

Wow... okay... given that you're asking this, I guess the $8/night wasn't really an issue the rest of us needed to debate

That said, my first thought is, if you are currently able to upgrade to the poly that easily, I'd stay with the ASMu suite, and save the difference, towards a fund so that this trip doesn't have to be once in a lifetime.

That said, I don't think it's fair to say that the transportation at _any_ resort is really all that poor. There are moments of inconsistency, but I've observed that to be true at every resort at some point or another. (A month ago, we did a split stay between ASMu and AKV, and both were pretty good, but neither was perfect)

A 9 year old, in my opinion, is a bit on the fence as to whether or not they'll get much appreciation for the enhanced atmosphere and theming. No doubt it is far better at the Poly, but you have to use your own estimation as to whether your daughter will appreciate it. (You have a family of four, does that mean one other child as well? How old?)

I can't disagree that monorail access is awesome, and having more dining options close at hand is nice as well. (Figure the MK, Contemporary and GF are all in easy reach also) On the other hand, if you're more into quick service and having lots of choices for varied tastes within your party, then the values clearly have a better offering than the deluxe resorts.

On our recent trip, my oldest child was 7, and as much as they thought the animals were cool at AKV, they had almost as good a time as ASMu (btw, another random piece of info- most mornings they have guitar hero in the lobby with a dozen or so kids huddled around, which my son enjoyed!) The number one thing they cared about was the pool, and every resort on property has at least a decent pool (some are absolutely amazing, of course)

Lastly, I'll mention specifics on pricing. At the poly,there isn't a "summer season" like at the values, so your dates of travel actually fall within value season (woohoo!). Also, you can have 5 in a room, so you wouldn't need a suite or a pair of rooms, and for Garden/Lagoon/MK view you're looking at 340/440/470 per night.

I probably haven't helped give you an answer one way or the other, but at least you've got some info hopefully

 

[Taja]

Unless you particularly want to spend the money on the Poly, ASMu suites should suit your daughter nicely. We had a nine-year-old lass in our group last December and she absolutely adored Pop Century. She wants to go back to Florida--just to stay at Pop Century. Not even go to the parks! *LOL* And she is accustomed to staying at international five-star resorts!

Now, your daughter's parents may be another story! If you want the amenities of a deluxe resort, the Poly could be the place for you. You'll have much better transportation to MK and EPCOT, but bus transportation to AK and DHS will be via bus, with the experience similar to the value resorts.

Realistically, you're probably going to spend more time in the parks than at the resort, except for sleeping and the occasional swim. The ASMu family suites will offer you a bit more privacy than one room at the Poly--nice as they are!

 

[annie pickle]

I haven't stayed in the suite at ASMu but I have stayed at the resort in feb during mardi gras and it was fine for the most part we don't spend alot of time at the resort it does take time going back and forth so we don't really do it. I didn't find the rooms any noisier than any of the other resorts the foodcourt is busier than the other resorts I have stayed at but not by much. An option that I haven't seen mentioned in any of the other posts is that you can join a fridge swap they are listed on the budget board and several of them have a coffee maker included and most of them are free. Also remember that when you get the waterpark and fun option it also includes PI and DQ. I didn't find the transportation to be bad however I have never stayed at value resort during the summer.

On the other hand I did stay at the Poly in 06 during the same time that you will be there and it was great the ease of use of the monorail was great its right next to the TTC so you can walk next store and ride the monorail straight to epcot and you only need the bus to DHS and AK. I definitely wouldn't worry about going to a waterpark if staying here my dd didn't want to leave the pool and can't wait till we go back.

If you think this maybe a once in a life time thing take this into consideration if its at all an option is the possibility of staying a few days longer there rather than staying at the Poly. Or another option you may want to look in to is renting DVC Points from the DVC board. Which ever you choose you will have a magical trip.

As for the DDP vs the DDDP in my opinion b/c I fully believe in the DP is that the deluxe plan is at its best value if you want to dine at a few of the two credit meals~ CRT, Jiko, Artists Point, Narcoossee's, etc, or maybe an early character breakfast to get in the parks and a late dinner.

I hope this has been helpful if you have any other questions you might want to ask me feel free if you want a faster answer you may have to PM me.

mandy

First of all, Praise God for your health!! and bless you for being a veteran!
You mentioned renting DVC points, I have no idea what that is, and I'm running short on time aren't I? We had decided on the ASMu suites then my husband had a change of heart. He's coming off of a conference there the week before and wants some place peaceful..
We already have our plane tickets for those dates, and my husband feels like he needs to get back and out in the field (salesman) so he won't stay any longer.. we are already gonna be 2 days without him..
So, I'm really confused.
I had a friend tell me today that the dining plan may be too late if we want sit down dinners.. It may not be economical?? AHG!!!

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I think you would like the ASMu. We stayed there (granted only for one nite) and we enjoyed it, we have been to all of the All stars and with kids, we enjoyed it greatly. The atmosphere is FUN FUN FUN!!!

 

[Rylee]

First of all, Praise God for your health!! and bless you for being a veteran!
You mentioned renting DVC points, I have no idea what that is, and I'm running short on time aren't I? We had decided on the ASMu suites then my husband had a change of heart. He's coming off of a conference there the week before and wants some place peaceful..
We already have our plane tickets for those dates, and my husband feels like he needs to get back and out in the field (salesman) so he won't stay any longer.. we are already gonna be 2 days without him..
So, I'm really confused.
I had a friend tell me today that the dining plan may be too late if we want sit down dinners.. It may not be economical?? AHG!!!

Hi,

For the Dining Plan (DP) to be a value, you must use all your Table Service (TS - sit down) credits. Most people schedule 1 per day, but they can be used in other combinations. Your friend is just concerned the popular places might already be booked, or you may not find restaurants you want to use your credits.

Call.

You can call and make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's), without knowing if you'll be on the DP. If you call, you can secure a few places, and also, by finding out what's available, you'll know if the DP will be a good value. If you aren't able to get enough ADR's for TS restaurant's you are interested in, just pay out of pocket (oop) for what you can get, and skip the DP.

Do you have any ideas on where you'd like to dine? Most people decide which park they'll visit on a given day, and choose restaurants in or near that park. This cuts down on traveling time.

Ideas of popular restaurants and places we have enjoyed...

(Your daughter would probably enjoy a character meal, and they are good for picky eaters, as many are buffets. Buy an autograph book before gioing, Disney sells one that has a picture slot on the facing page and makes a nice souvenir.)

Magic Kingdom - any resort retaurants on the monorail are easy to get to.
Crystal Palace @ MK - Pooh and Friends character buffet - B,L,D.
Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary - Mickey and Friends character buffet - B, D
1900 Park Fare @ Grand Floridian - Mary Poppins & Alice, etc. Character breakfast
Cinderella's Gala Feast @ Grand Floridian - Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella - Character dinner
'Ohana Character Breakfast @ Poly - Lilo & Stitch - Character breakfast
'Ohana @ Poly - dinner - no characters
Kona Cafe @ Poly - B, L, D
California Grill @ Contemporary - Dinner - (uses 2 credits) schedule later in the evening and watch Wishes.

Epcot - lots of good choices in Epcot, just depends an what you like.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway @ Epcot - Princesses Character buffet - B,L,D
Coral Reef @ Epcot - one entire wall is an aquarium - very relaxing - my kids request it every trip.
Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada @ Epcot - L,D
Teppan Edo in Japan @ Epcot - D

*If you plan to visit Epcot - buy the kids "passports" in one of the gift shows... makes going around the World Showcase more interesting for kids.

Hollywood Studios - Boardwalk and Epcot resort restaurants are only a beautiful boat ride away.
Si-Fi Dine-In @ HS - sit in cars and the drive-in movies - kids love it.

Animal Kingdom -
Yak & Yeti - we're trying this one for the 1st time this year.
Boma @ AKLodge
Rainforest Cafe - I don't think this one accepts the DP.

Don't forget about the restaurants at other resorts, the Boardwalk, and the Downtown Disney area.

*When booking ADR's, try not to book during showtimes. (Don't miss Fantasmic at DHStudios!)

As for resorts - I think you would be happy at the All-Star Music suites, but if your husband wants somewhere more relaxing, and you don't mind spending the money, any of the Deluxe resorts would be nice. If the Poly is priced a little higher than you want to spend - maybe you'd like the Wilderness Lodge. Also, if you have AAA, check for discounts.