Are the AoA mermaid rooms worth the increased price over Sports? I know they're much newer and more themed. We don't stay in our room a lot, but recently stayed at CBR with the $75 gift card promotion and really liked the "nicer" rooms over Sports. I'm just curious if the Mermaid rooms still seem newer and nicer than the rooms at sports?
For me, it depends on how big the price gap is and what style of trip you're going for. Little Mermaid rooms at AOA can be priced just above POP or approaching a low-end Moderate room depending on time of year. The theming and condition of the rooms are much better than any of the All-Stars, since they're newer. While the walk from the LM rooms to the main building is long, you also have a much bigger and better food court experience, which I believe is also open later than All-Stars, and covered bus stop queues on top of no bus sharing.
All-Star Sports definitely feels more compact so there's a better chance of a quicker walk to the main building from a standard room (I've stayed in the Football section 2 or 3 times). On the converse, the food court is much smaller and, at least the last time I was there, they close up shop very early, well before 11pm. AOA (and POP) are open until midnight, and generally have at least the pizza and burger stations going until late. The buses at All-Star will be shared for Disney Springs, but the good news about Sports is it's the first stop on and off, which helps.
If you're looking for a lower-key trip with potentially less insanity, the amenities and theming of AOA is worth the cost. If the price difference is too great or you generally don't care about the resort experience, Sports will be great. For me, if I'm considering a last-minute trip, I'm thrilled to land at Sports. If I have time to plan, I'm looking at AOA because, while it's still a Value property, it's easier for me to find the low-key, relaxing atmosphere at AOA (or POP) versus having to try harder for that at any of the All-Stars.
