All-Stars Sites (What can I expect?)

[jjhawksjj]

My family (and another family) are going to Disney for the first time this May. We were going to use the new discounted rates to stay at one of the All-Star Movie sites. We have 3 kids in total (2 - 8 year old girls and a 5 year old boy).

Does anyone have any recommendations on things we should do while we're there or things we can expect from any of the All-Star resort sites???

There are just SO many different resort sites to choose from it's hard to decide which will provide the best experience for all of us with it being our first time.

Also, the current discount code rate we're seeing is $74 for May. Is that typically a pretty good rate?

Thanks in advance for any advice provided!

JJ

 

[susy]

If anyone in the party will be buying an AP or is a FL Resident, you may get a better rate, but the one you have is pretty good. I would request connecting or adjoining rooms and the Dalmations or Toy Story section, if you want to be close to the main pool or food court. Make sure to make your smoking preference known.

You can read the All Star FAQ and see photos at wdwig.com.

I think it is the perfect resort for your first WDW stay!! The kids will love it!

 

[dznyfn1]

Hi,
I will be there in April and would be happy to give you an update when I return if you pm me after 4/17.
I have teenagers! DSs 16 and 13. We have asked for the Mighty Ducks building. I would assume with the ages of your kids you would prefer one of the other buildings.
Last year we stayed at the Music-Jazz building and had a great time. I would not be able to stay on site during Spring Break if it weren't for the All Star rates. My kids loved the food courts. I let the go to the various food stations and pick out what they wanted and then we all met in line to pay.
The buses were quick and efficient
Have a great vacation!

 

[ducklite]

You can only put four in a room at the AS Resorts, unless if one is under 2 you can put them in a crib. So you'll need to get two rooms.

If you don't want to do that, you might want to consider getting one room at POR with a trundle bed that would comfortably sleep you 5 year old. It would cost much less than two rooms at the AS Resorts.

Anne

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

I just posted on another question on the all stars. I think they are really alot of fun. We have been going since my daughter was young. now 13. The rooms arnt super big, but they are fine for 4 people. We have always had a clean room. Plenty of soap, towels, etc. We did have to bring towels to the pool. The kids usually bought a disney beach towel to. The food court is pretty good. it has alot of choices for everyone. We usually split up and get what we want and thenof course all eat together. Dont forget to buy the mug. its either 999 or 10.00. Free refills for soda,tea and coffee. Also most of the bldgs. really arnt a far walk. its actually nice to walk around the place. You can also walk over to Movies for lunch or swim. Its really a fun place for everyone. We should be back this august. Have a great trip.

 

[BeckWhy]

OMG! I love the All-Star Resorts (Well I only stayed at the Movies). But I love the atmosphere. The kids and families around being happy and laughing is the best! And the hotels themes are great.

The rooms are small though, I remember a few of the girls did a sleep over one night with five girls and they had a hard time.

 

[Shells9]

The rooms are small. The bathrooms are VERY small! I was thinking that a "POOH-sized person" may have to stand in the bathtub to get the door closed (Anyone experienced this?). I thought the food court was great, and it was worth the $10 upgrade to be closer to the buses, because after a day of walking the parks, that trek back to one of the "far" rooms can be tough!

It was a very fun atmosphere, but I think I have been spoiled by staying at some more upscale hotels, and will alternate between here and somewhere else (WL or AKL) for our stays. DD, of course, thought all of the big themes things were great! She cannot wait to go back and swim in the guitar pool!

I am sure you will enjoy stay!

 

[Pea Picker]

I see from your post that you have 3 kids total between the 2 groups, so you will be o.k. at this resort. We have stayed at the Movies before and your kids will love it. There is a small playground for the little ones that the 5 year old may enjoy (it's over by the Woody building). Also there is the standard game room for the kids to spend some time at. The resort has 2 pools, one large one in the center of the resort and a quiet pool over by the Mighty Ducks building. Ask for either the Dalmantions or Toy Story buildings. These are close to the large pool and main hall. There is also a small area in the lobby for the little ones to watch classic Disney movies. The food court offers many different fast food options as well as some more hearty fare. I also agree with getting the mugs (for those free refills). The bus service from the All Stars is some of the best on property and you should never wait more than 15 minutes for one to arrive. Overall this is a fine resort for first time visitors and the kids will love it as it is the best themed resort on site as far as relating to Disney.

Have a great time.

 

[susy]

The rooms themselves are VALUE hotel rooms. This means they have the 2 double beds with nightstand in middle, a small table with two chairs, a dresser (good size, deep drawers) wth TV on top, an area to hang clothes, one sink outside the bathroom, tub and toilet inside. There si a safe, I believe. We have stayed at the AS 3x, with connecting rooms 2x.

Some things you can do to improve your stay:

bring those hanging shoe bag things and hang it in the sink area to keep your toiletries in- there isn't much counter space.

I alwasy bring my own pillow and something to rown out noise- a humidifier or one of those machines that has different sounds (like ocean breezes,etc)-these two things alone have gien me the best chance for a good nights sleep!!

My mom brought her own 4cup coffemaker (with coffee,etc), which made it possible to have coffee, tea, or make oatmeal in the room.

bring you own travel size hairdryer and steamer or travel iron.

When you have connecting rooms, you don't feel the smallness of the room (we had 4 adults and one child on one trip and two adults, 1 cihld, and two teenagers on another). The two bathrooms is a life saver! Especially in the mornings and when you ae trying to get the kids in bed! At night it is nice to have two rooms, so that you can put the kids to bed and the adults can have somewhere to be!!!! Even if you have to move a kid later!
This is mine and DH's favorite time. I usually send him to the food court and he brings us back a little snack. They even have bottles of wine and little cheese and fruit platters!

The energy at these resorts is great! Especially in the afternnon at the pool. They have great pool bars, hairwrapping, and tatoos!

I really don't feel like I'm on vacation, until I'm in that pool chair with a drink in my hand! Have fun!!!

 

[ducklite]

Sorry, when I said that a family your size couldn't stay in one room at the AS, I didn't realize that the three kids were split between two families.

Anne