All Star Sports?

[beautybelle]

We are in the beginning stages of planning our 2004 trip which of course begins with us choosing where to stay. Here seems to be the situation I keep finding myself in. We went in May of this year and I wanted to stay at WL, well we didnt because my mom wanted a room of her own so we stayed at HIFS (Loved it by the way) so I thought ok well I will just stay there (WL) next year well now Im planning next year and my son is dying to stay at All Star Sports ( I hate sports ) but I want to do things he will enjoy above myself. So can anyone give me info on ASSp so that I might make a better decision. And has anyone reading this ever done disney mixed in with maybe a road trip to Miami (just something Im mulling over)? Im up for planning suggestions if anyone wants to throw there 2 cents in.

 

[Stimpy]

We stayed at the ASSports last January b/c my DS(3 at the time) and DH really wanted to go. They had a great time. They played football on the field. They loved the whole themeing of it and can't wait to go back.

Personally, it was my least favorite resort. I am not a girly-girl, but I couldn't wait to see some pretty flowers or some relaxing decor. There is nothing feminine at all there. We still had a good time, but I thought it was missing something. I tease my DH that for every trip to Sports, he owes me a trip to the Polynesian.

 

[spiceycat]

make sure your son understands that this resort only has a swimming pool - not a slide.

and that all transportation is done by bus... Of course your son might enjoy that.

 

[Epcotgal8]

We've stayed at both WL and AS Sports. I don't know if this will help you at all since I know choosing a resort can be difficult but I'll try! To give you a little background, we stayed at WL on our first WDW trip and our children were then 22 months, 4, and 7. We LOVED the Wilderness Lodge. On trips after that we stayed at the BC, YC, and POR. On our trip last summer our budget was a bit slim so we decided to try Sports. I was hesitant since I thought we might be a little bit "let down" after staying at some of the other resorts. We did know what to expect though and we enjoyed it. BUT the difference for us was that on this trip our kids were 6 1/2, 8 1/2, and almost 12, so we spent a lot more time in the parks and less at the resort than when they were smaller. Since we spent such little time in the room this past trip, the amenities, and the room didn't matter as much. The pools are always full of kids and there's no slide. The kids still had fun but I know that my two that could do the slide at WL when we stayed there LOVED it. I also found the atmosphere at the pool at WL much more relaxing. Another plus IMO to the WL is if it was raining we could walk to the lobby to eat, shop, look for Hidden Mickey's, etc. without getting wet like you would if you are going from a building in All Stars to the main building/food court. Kids don't care about getting wet but I hate to get soaked and then walk into an air conditioned building. I preferred the food at Roarking Forks although it is much smaller than the food court at All Stars. We didn't have transportation problems at either place but we did enjoy the ferry from WL to the MK. At the WL you can rent water mice or pontoon boats, rent bikes, and enjoy kids' activities at Fort Wilderness. Sorry I'm getting so long winded. Bottom line is this...I don't think you'll be unhappy with either place and I doubt your son will be. If you are going to spend a lot of time at the resort and want non-park options, AND money isn't an issue I'd choose WL. If you are going to be spending a lot of time at the parks, not so much at the resort, and want to save the $$ difference to spend on souvenirs and food, then
pick Sports. We stayed in the Touchdown section which isn't extra $ like the Surf's Up buildings and is not hardly any further of a walk to the food court, and bus stop. Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I don't know how long you're planning to stay at WDW but you might consider splitting your stay between the 2 resorts. Stay a night or 2 at ASSp, then move onto WL. Disney will transfer your luggage for you, or if you have a rental car, you might want to do it yourself.

I've done a split stay once and it was great to experience 2 resorts in 1 vacation!!!!

Good luck on your decision!!!!

 

[tammydel]

Another vote for splitting your stay.

Maybe bag the Miami idea, and stay longer at Disney?
I also would reccomend the first two nights or so at All Star Sports and then move to WL.
Then, even if you really don't loke or can't relax at ASSp, you know you still have WL coming up.
My kids loved being at the WL when they were 2 & 3.

This split is exactly what I planned w/ my family. (son 6 also wanted ASSp) 2 nights ASSp and then 5 nights BCV. Here is the funny (great ) part. Along came Fairytale Package and I added a week at the Poly with a friend and her children BEFORE ASSp.
So Poly- ASSp-BCV. Can't complain!
Tammy

 

[MJames41]

Tammy,

Your trip sounds great. Now thats the type of trip I'd like to take someday.

If you check my signature here, my suggestion would be no surprise - I am in agreement with travelin tigger - go with the split stay. We love getting to stay at the different resorts, and my son gets what he wants, because he just about demands the Contemporary each trip. (Kidding, somewhat, but then he doesn't have to twist my arm that far to stay there). Splitting between All Star Sports (and we stay at Football section every time we can as well) and Wilderness Lodge would give you 2 trips in one.

 

[mathgeek]

I've stayed at ASSp and enjoyed it. But you have to keep in mind that it is a value resort, and you won't get some of the amenities you get at a deluxe. But the kids I saw there seemed to be having a great time. The pool always seemed to be busy, and the food court does offer a wide variety of options.