All Stars??? How are they really?

[jacksonsmom]

My mom suggested to me last night that we should do a mother & daughter trip to WDW in March, since we have annual passes.

Of course I said yes. We decided that we would probably just stay at one of the All Stars, unless we can get a good discount code with the APs or some other code.

My then 4.5 yrs old son will be with, but no husbands

What is a good All Star for us?
How is the transportation from the All Stars? We do not plan on renting a car.
We don't plan on spending a lot of time at the resort.

We will be going from Feb 28th- March 7th. Is it possible that there will be discount codes then?

My son is a huge Toy Story fan, is there a Toy Story building in ASMo's? How is that building?

 

[girlfriend]

Hi -

The All Stars are great for your trip! There is Toy Story at ASM, we've taken many a picture there, so your son would love that! All the buildings are very dramatically decorated, definitely not "bland" hotels. Great for staying on property but not spending an arm and a leg, especially since you're rarely in your room anyway.

Service has always been great when I've been there, rooms are clean, basically "fun" hotels!

Have a great time!

 

[PMart]

The all stars are great if you don't plan on hanging out at the resort all that much. I have stayed at movies and sports. For kids they are lots of fun especially all star movies my 2 DD's have stayed there a number of times and loved it. One stay we actually got a room facing Andy's room, my DD's thought that was sooo cool. The pools are fun and the food court is awesome. I have ressies for all star music this June, you can't beat the price. The only thing is call early because I have found that all star movies usually doesn't have that many diacounts, they try to give the discounts for music and sports since movies is the most popular. Have fun

 

[Simba's Mom]

First, let me say I'm very thrifty. First time I stayed in ASMusic I expected to like it. However, all I could think of is "Well, this is what I get for being a cheapskate". It's just my opinion, but to me, the moderates are well worth the little extra money. The rooms are smaller, TVs are smaller, buildings are cinderblock. I just wasn't happy (well, not AS happy-after all I was still at WDW!) To me a deluxe is such a splurge-I can't even consider the cost-the moderates, however, are perfect!

 

[Greg K.]

My wife and I were always "deluxe snobs." Wouldn't dream of staying at -- sniff -- one of those tacky cinderblock motels. Heaven forbid!

Well. Earlier this year, we decided to burn off some more days on our Annual Pass, use some frequent flier miles, and hop down to WDW for a long weekend for a cheapie getaway. We bit the bullet and stayed at All Star Movies, in the Toy Story section.

Know what? It was great! The room was nothing fancy, but it was comfortable. We were VERY close to the main building and food court and, since we rented a car, it was easy to zip around to the different parks. And you couldn't beat the price. (We were also very close to the bus stop...nothing was more than a three minute walk!)

It was February, and the weather was cooler, so we didn't spend time at the pool. But I strolled the grounds one morning, sipping my coffee, and was delighted at the whimsy and and imagination used in the larger-than-life theming.

For a brief trip, with low expectations (and long hours spent away from the hotel, btw) it was just terrific. For an undemanding four year old, it will probably be perfect!

 

[jacksonsmom]

Thanks everyone.

Next month we are staying at the CBR & then in December me & my husband (and son) are staying at AKL savannah view for a 4 night get-away.
I worry how I will like an All Star once I had a taste of AKL!

But I just keep telling myself, we are mostly sleeping there & I am pretty sure my then 4 yr old would love it...especially if we stay in the Toy Story section

If we can get an AP code for a moderate we probably would upgrade to one of those (for more room), but if not we will just stay at the All Star resorts & be happy!
Besides we will be in WDW, how can we not be happy

Now my other question, the 2004 rates have not been released yet, would I be OK waiting until they are release to book a room at ASMovies?
When are the rates normally released for the following year?

Thanks again for everyone's view.
I can not tell you how much these boards have help with our planning.

 

[lucysdad]

I've got to be honest with you, we hated the All Sports. We stayed there three years ago because we flew in to Orlando so late we thought it would be a waste of money to stay at the Poly that night. The lobby check-in services were lacking at best. We waited in a single line forever while little soccer players who had lost their keys got replacements, etc. Then we couldn't find anyone to help with our bags. We couldn't even find a baggage cart. The walk to our building was a long one. The room was very small and the bathroom even smaller. It didn't even have an exhaust fan! The television didn't work and we could hear everything our neighbors said. The real kicker was very early in the morning when suddenly a large board was plunked over the only window in the room making claustrophobic me jump out of bed to see what was going on. The CM was painting the window frames and had a ready made board just the right size to cover the window so he didn't get any paint on it! That night at the All Sports really put a damper on the start of our trip. I decided that I would rather visit Disney less often and have a nicer experience while there than ever stay at one of the All Whatevers again. I'm frugal with my money and want it to really have an impact for us when I do spend it.

 

[browneyes]

We stayed at All Stars Music almost 3 years ago. The room was kinda small. The kids loved the pools. We loved the price. The only thing I didn't like about staying there was it took forever to get anywhere. We were one of the first bus stops going out and one of the last ones going in.

 

[susy]

If you are flexible with your dates and can go early Feb, you will get value rates compared to peak. I love the AS for the value, but no way is it worth $99 a night!!! No way! Now, $49-that's deal. Even the rack rate of $77 isn't horrible, but anything more is just crazy!

These hotels are very cute, have lots of energy, and lots of convenience. Great buses, good food courts, housekeeping etc.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Mmmmmm... looks like quite a variety of opinion on the All Stars. I'll cast a vote in favor of them. We stayed at AS Sports last year and loved it. DD5 and DS2 enjoyed the bright colors and happy music. Their favorite feature was the "Character Caravan" (RIP) . Our room was a bit far from the bus stop when we were just worn out at the end of the day. The CMs were fantastic. I had noted that DD was turning 5 the day of our arrival. When we checked in there was a bouquet of ballons and an autographed 5x7 of Minnie ---FREE. Wow! We were very impressed and surprised. We never waited longer than 5 minutes for a bus to go anywhere. The place was clean and noise was absolutely no problem at all.

This year (see timer below ) we are staying at AS Music. Mostly just for the change of scenery. Someday we may stay at a deluxe or moderate, but for us the All Stars are wonderful. I suppose it has much to do with what you are used to in a hotel/motel out here in the real world. We are pretty much "Red Roof Inn" sort of people, so AS resorts are great. If you are a Marriott or Hilton person, AS may be a bit of a let down. IMHO, that's one of the things that makes WDW great -something for everyone.

 

[Magic2000]

We've stayed at many of the Disney hotels - deluxe, moderates, and the All Star Movies. We're a family of five, and now that my youngest is getting older, most of the time, we're at one of the deluxes.

In 2000, we stayed at the Contemporary (which we loved!). My youngest had seen pictures of the Movies and wanted to go see Toy Story. So, she and I hopped on a bus to the Movies, while DH and teen DDs went to Fantasmic. She and I fell in love with the All Star Movies. We walked all around - and seeing the toys in the windows and all the families walking around with the kids so excited - it was really neat. When we decided to do our first MVMCP, I booked the All Star Movies (it was just me, my mom, and 2 youngest DDs)! We loved our stay! We were in Love Bug and it was a short walk to the food court/bus stop. I thought the All Stars had some of the best bus transportation on site! The kids loved the room - especially the "popcorn" light fixtures.

In 2001, during our summer vacation, we stayed at the Swan and had a great time. My DH wanted to see MVMCP/Disney at Christmas, so we booked the Movies again!!! We stayed in 101 Dalmations - and it was great! (The best part was that the rooms were $49/night!)

Last Dec, we got a great rate and were finally able to stay at the Grand Floridian. I really love that hotel - especially decorated for Christmas!!! My youngest kept asking about the Movies!!

She and I are going back for some trick or treating with the Mouse - and we're booked at the Movies!!!

It is possible to go back and forth between deluxes and moderates and value. Just remember what you're there for. My daughter just loves seeing Buzz and Woody, and loves playing like she's on TV by the 101 Dalmations building. She's so excited while we're there - so its back to the Movies for us!!!! Enjoy your stay!!!!!!!

 

[caitycaity]

we've stayed at deluxe, moderate and value, and we find the all star's to be fine for what they are. some trips we can spend more $$ and some we can't.

we do really like the food courts at the all star's (better than some moderates, imho) and we have always found the bus service to be great! we don't expect to get the same level of service you'd get ata deluxe, however.

and btw, we don't have a window or exhaust fan in our bathroom at home (an apartment)!

 

[jacksonsmom]

Thanks again everyone.

It is nice to know others have went back & forth from the different levels of resorts without any problems.

Sounds like it is a breeze for the most part, as long as you don't expect the same level of service as a deluxe....OK I will remind myself I won't see any animals outside my window when staying at the All Stars (at least not the four legged kind)

Sorry a few of one had some bad experiences though. I guess with any resort some one is bound to have a bad experience.

I am sure my son would really love staying at a larger then life resort. We do plan on checking them out during our June trip so maybe we will get a better feel then.

The popcorn light fixtures sound too COOL! LOL

We are not flexible with our dates
We have to go when my mom is on Spring Break since she works with the school.
Is it possible for some decent codes in late Feb-early March, even though it is peak season?

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by jacksonsmom
Is it possible for some decent codes in late Feb-early March, even though it is peak season?

This year there were codes for that time period. We had a code that gave us about 40% off an early March stay at AKL. However, if you look at Mousesavers, there is a history of discounts and it looks like that time of year had not been discounted in the past. Let's keep our fingers crossed for 2004!

 

[fsu]

We love the All-Stars and the way we think about is we get to stay a extra day or two with the money we save!!!

 

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by Mainebound
This year there were codes for that time period. We had a code that gave us about 40% off an early March stay at AKL. However, if you look at Mousesavers, there is a history of discounts and it looks like that time of year had not been discounted in the past. Let's keep our fingers crossed for 2004!

40% is pretty darn good.
I would even take a 25%-30% off & be very happy.

Keeping my fingers crossed for 2004

 

[helenk]

My first stay onsite was the the AS sports, since then I have stayed at the GF, YC and the WL. For my solo trip in September I am staying at the ASMU and I am looking forward to it. The bus service at the AS Sports was better than at the YC, we shared a bus with the BC and the Swan and Dolphin, depending on what park you went to.
I decided to make a trip this year when the FairyTale deal came out, so I wanted to keep a tight budget. Next year my whole family is going and I am hoping to stay at the Poly.
But for a trip on a budget the AS are great.

 

[jaw62901]

First of all I am very disipointed that I have to say this. Due to my respitory infection, having to go to the doctors office twice this week for IV's to be administured to get fluids replenished since I couldn't keep anything down and the $500-$1000 of doctors expenses that I will now have to pay, I have to downgrade my trip for Dec 26 to Jan 3 from Club level Swan to standard room AS-Sports . It just goes to show, the best laid plans can go down the tubes quickly no matter how far in advanced there done. I would change the date, but this is the only time that I can put in for 4 days of vacation and with all of the half days, holiday days and weekends turn it into 13 days off, plus I already have my airfare taken care of (got a really good deal).

I really don't know alot about the All Star resorts and would like some feed back from people who have stayed. This trip is going to be a solo trip so atleast my illness didn't ruin anyone elses plan.

As a solo traveler going the week of x-mas to new yrs, will I enjoy my time. Also, I want to beable to go in the morning, come back for a rest and then return arounf 5 or so and stay till closing. Will I have a problem with WDW transportion or not.

Also, what is the foodcourt like?

Any information would be great,

 

[Luv2Roam]

We are park people, and the AS work out great for us.
Our first AS stay was at ASMo, and I wasn't expecting much for what I paid. ($55 a night value season, AP rate)
Everything exceeded my expectations. Someone even went above and beyond at ASMo by delivering a Priority Mail package to our room during the day while we were gone.
The bus service has been terrific. Maybe one time we had to wait more than 10 minutes.
The best service overall, hands down, for us has consistently been at AS. At a value resort. Go figure.

 

[ILOVEDVC]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the All-Stars if you aren't planning on spending a lot of time in your room or at your resort. Personally, I'd rather stay elsewhere, but I've stayed at AS's plenty and never had a problem, with the exception of Screaming Cheerleaders.

There are actually a lot of fun things about AS's. The decor is darling, the food court convenient, etc. And the rooms have always been "Disney Clean".

You should have fun!