AOA family suite Vs SSR (regular or preferred)

[JillC1020]

Multigenerational trip with my mom (73 but super active) and my son (almost 3). We need a wall because my mom snores and doesn’t sleep much. For the 35% off sale, our options are Cars family suite, SSR 1br (~$110/night more than AOA) or SSR 1br preferred (~$180/night more than AOA).
— my son likes everything, including Cars, but isn’t really over the top about anything, he is very active and loves splash pads and playgrounds. He’s danced the night away at Disney Springs a few times and we will go there on arrival to see Santa and have dinner.
— we are doing MK, HS and Epcot
— we plan to only have one rest day the day of the Christmas party and may use to explore if weather is cooler
— we’d get to use MK late hours but likely not Epcot unless we change the dates of our trip.

I’d like to understand if I should just go with the cheaper AOA option versus the deluxe resort. What is the difference in quality of accommodations? I want this to be nice for both my mom and my son - but maybe more my mom since we lost my father this year and I booked this to cheer her up a bit. I don’t mind saving money at AOA if the quality will be similar but if it’s a huge drop, I’d rather pony up the money.

Also, do we need preferred at SSR? To me the main pool area or Paddock look equally nice. The walk to Disney Springs area doesn’t appeal as my son will love the boat.

Thank you. Just trying to pick the best place. None of these options are out of “budget”, I just don’t want to waste money I don’t need to spend. (Saving $950 total could be 3 spots in a VIP tour!)

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Pros of SSR is that the rooms were renovated recently so they're very nice however, outside of the actual rooms, the rest of the resort doesn't really have a deluxe feel to me. Having exterior corridors and the large size brings it down a notch for me. We never mind walking much but it gets old fast making that trek a few times a day. It also has a good bit of bus stops too, which gets old since this is your only form of transport. Other small pros is if you'll be swimming, the pool has a slide which is nicer than AofA.

Pros of AofA, def more child friendly theming and the skyliner is a nice plus, which will be great for DHS/Ep. AofA in room accommodations def won't be as nice as SSR however, the second bathroom at AofA could be a huge perk and make up for not as new/nice accommodations. You just have to decide what's most important to you, cost saves, location/transportation/resort size/nice room, etc. With a 3 yo I wouldn't plan to keep them up for EEH, wouldn't be worth it for my kids at that age. Pull up a few videos of both and see which you think would appeal to you/your mom. Your 3 yo will likely be ok with anything at that age.

 

[Jgc014]

So I’ve never stayed at AOA, just looked around and seen pictures, but I have stayed at SSR.

We personally love SSR, but it seems to be a quite polarizing resort. It is really big, so can include quite a bit of walking. As a big walker I actually enjoy this especially because it does have pretty grounds, but I know that is a turnoff to some especially after lots of walking in the parks.

The fairly recently renovated rooms at SSR are well done, and I think much nicer than AOA, which I find personally to be a little overwhelming. I am sure AOA is more fun for a kid though. A 1 bedroom at SSR is also about 25% bigger than a family suite at AOA has a full kitchen (we like for some breakfasts and quick meal, but i know not all utilize while on vacation) and has an in unit washer and dryer, which is nice especially with kids. SSR also has balconies or patios, which I think is an added benefit. Room quality I would definitely give to SSR.

Outside of rooms though, I think AOA has really fun theming, which kids love. Saratoga‘s grounds are pretty and peaceful, but not as much fun and less of a Disney feel. I would give this to AOA.

Pools and activities I think SSR may lead a bit, but AOA is close as well. SSR has multiple pools including 2 feature pools, hot tubs (which can be nice if there during cooler weather), 3 splash pads/ kids play areas, and a non-water playground. They also have a community hall with games, arts, crafts, and other activities. AOAs pools are big and well themed, and their playground is cute as well - no water slides or hot tubs though.

Food I think SSR excels due to proximity to Disney Springs, and all the options there. The boat ride can also be fun, and it is a perk if your son likes Disney Springs. AOA does have a very good food court right on site with lots of options.

Transportation I would give to AOA due to the Skyliner, which is a nice alternative to buses, and I find kids really like just riding. However, I may be in the minority, but I don’t find SSR transportation to be too bad. The location is very central, so none of the parks feel that far away. Since there are multiple bus stops, those are also conveniently located to your room. I know this can be a downside as well because of multiple stops before even leaving the resort, but I have generally found that they move though fairly efficiently.

Ultimately, I think both are solid options. In my mind, Saratoga beats AOA by a bit, but hard to say if it is worth almost $1k extra. It is always nice to have the extra money at Disney though. Enjoy your trip!!

And if going with SSR, I don’t think preferred is worth the extra money. Both Paddock and Grandstand are nice.

 

[Mle8308]

AoA, with a little one. It's very Disney there and has great themed pools. Plus the Skyliner, easy access to both Epcot and HS. You don't have to rely on busses, as you would at SS. It's a nice resort, but it reminds me of a giant spread out apartment complex. You may request a certain area, but it's only a request and you could end up in the boonies. You won't be all that close to the food options at SS and they are more geared to adults, DS is a boat ride away but at AoA you can take the Skyliner over to Riviera or to the International Gateway at Epcot and walk to all the Crescent Lake resorts. If it were just you and your Mom, then maybe SS. With a child, I'd do AoA (and if you have a stroller, you won't have to fold it up on the Skyliner).

 

[Marthasor]

I've stayed at both and I would recommend the SSR, 1-bedroom preferred if it's in the budget. We just stayed in a 1-bedroom in April and it is gorgeous - they were all recently redone. The murphy bed in the living room is very comfortable and you will get a full kitchen and w/d. The rooms are also very quiet. AoA is a huge drop in quality, IMHO. The walls are paper thin and the bedding is extremely uncomfortable. If you want to make this a nice trip for your mom, I would go with SSR. We stayed in the Paddock in April and it is a bit far from the main lobby area/QS, etc. (I actually got lost one day trying to get to the lobby). The preferred area will get you closer to the main area and, again, if it's in the budget, that is what I would book.