All Stars first timer?

[poohsdoodle]

My March trip is almost definately off due to surgery for one party, so I don't have the need for a 4bdrm rental home for just my son and I.

I've never stayed on the property, so I need lots of help.

1)Which one do I choose? DS7 would probably like Movies(??).

2)Where do I find more info on each resort, the DISNEY site just gave general info, not specifics on bus route, food court, ect.

3)Does anyone think there is a chance in the world to still get ressies for late Jan/early Feb? I believe I saw rates prior to 2/15-2/16/03 for $55 (which fits my budget quite well)?

4)Where do I find a list of events for Jan/Feb? Although my DS loves girls, I don't want to be staying near 300 cheerleader, LOL!

Thanking you all in advance!

 

[justhat]

I have been to both Movies and Sports and both were nice. Sports is a tiny bit closer to the parks than Movies, but not enough to make a difference. Getting reservations for that time of year shouldn't be a problem as we had no trouble booking ASMusic a few days ago. You can get the $55/night deal through 2/13 by using the codes on www.mousesavers.com, I think it's AJE. Also, you can book the room at this rate online at www.disney.com too. As for more specifics about the resort, try this site on the resort info page, www.wdwig.com, or www.disneyzone.net and they might also have info about events at that time. Good luck planning and have a great trip!

 

[susy]

Hi!!!!! If you can go late Jan, I would highly recommend it. Just be careful of MLK weekend- it will be more crowded.

Discount codes can be found at mousesavers.com.

See wdwig.com-this is (IMO) the BEST planning website.
You can see resort photos/maps
See restaurant menus,etc

Call 1-407-W-disney to make your reservations-just tell them you have a code. Also, make any requests at that time(for example: non-smoking, Toy Story section, 1st floor-that's what we had!). You should also fax your requests 5 days before you arrive.Fax numbers and instrcutions on how to do this can be found at wdwig.com

Make any priority seatings by calling 1-407-WDW-dine
You can make ps's for resort restaurants 120 days out and 60 days out for parks. I really recommend doing some character meals- so much fun! A priority seating calculator can be found also at wdwig.com

ASMo is a great resort. The bus service is excellent and the food court is unbelievable!Very good choices! We stayed there last Jan and had a ball!

I don't think the cheerleaders arrive until Feb, so Jan should be safe.

 

[poohsdoodle]

thanks susy and just that!

i've seen the discriptions of the diff areas, dalmations, toy story, herbie, mighty ducks, is one better than the other?

we did two breakfasts in '00, crt and hollywood and vine, i think we might try a lunch or dinner this year? i have heard young men tend to enjoy breakfastaurus(or however that is spelled?), but i firmly refuse to pay 20+ for crt!! i like breakfast food, but not that much, LOL.

what's the weather like, warm enought to swim if not raining? i n know it depends on "fronts" and things, but gereral temps??

if you have any other suggestions, keep 'em coming!!!

 

[SnowAngel]

The weather in fl can be flaky so I would suggest bringing clothes to layer. It can be any where from the 30s to 70s. It has been cold here in florida this so not sure if it will warm up by then.

The pools are heated so you should still be able to swim but might get a little chilly when you get out. We went in April and they had the pools heated then and it was in the high 80s

I would suggest Jan or early feb. The crowds shouldn't be too bad then. I'm not sure when the cheerleading squads are there

 

[AllStarFan]

You should love the All Stars and have a wonderful time. For the codes, Movies usually does not participate in the discounts. You need to have an alternate selection of either Sports (my family's favorite) or Music. Also, a poster mentioned that the codes can be booked online. While that is true, remember that the cancellation policy is 46 days if booked online, but only 5 days if you book by phone. Just call 1-407-WDISNEY and talk to a CM about the codes and what you want. It will be worth the cost of the long distance call if you have to cancel.

Now to look at each of your questions individually:
1) Which resort depends on your interests. All are basically the same as far as amenities, just with different theming. My order of choice would be Sports, Movies, Music.
2) As another post mentioned, go to www.wdwig.com. It is loaded with information and pictures of the resorts.
3) All you can do is call to see if there are any rooms left at the code rate. As I mentioned above, you probably won't get Movies.
4) Click on this link to go to Disney's webiste. This page has links to park hours and special event listings. January and February are posted (subject to change, of course).

 

[poohsdoodle]

Thanks folks!

Nothing like having you "game plan" almost complete, then something comes along to change EVERYTHING!!!!!!

It's a good thing I have plenty of patience and assistance from fellow Dis'ers!!

Happy holidays to all!

 

[dalepool]

I just returned home a week ago so hope this helps----

I stayed All-Star Music... building #10....first building to the right as you exit the food court.

Room was squeaky clean upon arrival. The housekeeping staff kept the room in tip top shape throughout my week stay. Although the room would other wise be to small for my family---- I was traveling solo this trip and had more than enough space for just me. I didn't notice any noise from the guests on either side of me. I had a view of the big tree out back---maybe if I'd have been facing the pool I would have noticed more noise.

I had a rental car so can not give you any info on All-Star transportation. I did notice the buses ran frequently.

The Music and Movie resorts share one of the larger parking lots. If you didn't know better you'd think the movies was part of the Music resort. ( They are so close)

The resort was very well groomed---staff was very friendly and helpful.

Bring a small ice chest if you can. I kept bottled water and pop in my room and without the ice chest ---the ice melted rather quickly.

This is fine resort for the price. Before this stay I had always stayed at a Deluxe resort as such I was just a tad spoiled---but this is a fun resort that caters to EVERYONE. With out a thought I would stay at an All-Star again.

The pool was open even on the coldest days----there's no hot tub--but I heard they keep the pool at 80 degrees----there were plenty of young ones enjoying the pool---even on those cold days.

Hope this is a little bit of help----A 7 year old will really like this resort------Or any of the All-star resorts for that matter.

PattyN

 

[sm4987]

Glad to hear the positive comments. I am booking ASMo for my first three days at Disney and then switching to another resort. If I can just figure out what that will be!!!!