AOA or Port Orleans

[Forensicmom]

We went to Disney for our very first trip last November and we fell in love. We had two rooms at the Wilderness Lodge and it was amazing. However, in order to be able to go back THIS November, we need to cut costs. We have 4 kids (18, 13, 11, and 8) and DH and I. The two rooms worked out really well because we had 4 beds, so the oldest two each got a bed by themselves.

We are considering the Family Suites at Art of the Animation. The decor seems neat but I'm not sure about stepping down from a Deluxe to a Value and whether it will work better having just one room (plus the bedroom). That means that my 18 year old son will have to share a bed with one of his sisters

We are also considering the Port Orleans-Riverside and getting two rooms. Is it worth it to go with something "in the middle"?

The cost is $435 more to stay at Port Orleans. Is it worth it?

Also, since I have never been to either hotel. Are there advantages to either location as far as getting to the parks?

 

[The V Gang]

Hi!

We vacationed in WDW last November too and stayed in two rooms at the the Port Orleans Riverside (we have 5 little ones (10,9,7,6,18 months). It was our 7th year with the family at WDW (we LOVE Disneyworld) but our first in a moderate (previously we stayed at Animal Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge (x2), Poly, and Grand Floridian (x2). Since we had out grown the 5 +infant rooms at the deluxes and just couldn't finacially justify two deluxe rooms, we tried the POR. Here are my opinions -

Pro's -
Price - two rooms here cost less than 1 at most of the deluxe resorts.
Space - Two bedrooms - you already know how nice it is!
Grounds - Very nice and well themed
Food court - My favorite so far. Pleanty of choices
Rooms - Our mansion rooms were refurbished a few weeks before we arrived.

Con's -
Pool - So many trees around the pool meant very few lounge chairs in the sun. We found a strip of chairs on one end of the pool but they were usually taken by 8:30am.

Grounds - it's a large resort so it can be quite a walk from your room to the main building.

Transportation - There are four bus stops servicing the resort. We were closest to the last stop which meant we had a 50/50 chance of getting a seat. We were also last to be dropped off.

Buildings - While the theming is beautiful and we happened to get a freshly refurbished room there was still the lingering feeling of being at a motel when we walked to the rooms. I guess I'm used to indoor hallways and it wasn't a big deal but I prefer hallways.

I was very hesitant to try a moderate. We stayed at the Grand Floridian the prior two years and the differences we ofcourse tremendous (so was the price tag). I'd much rather live within my means and visit every year (although I did LOVE the GF!!!).

We usually go to Disney in April. We tried November last year to MNSSHP and MVMCP. We prefer April weather so we are planning to go back in April 2013. We will most likely be staying at AOA although my husbands cousin in dating a Disney employee. If she can get us a deal we may switch to the Boardwalk Villas.

I really think that you will enjoy either resort, after all your going to DISNEY!

 

[Forensicmom]

Thanks so much for the honest opinion. Last year we had the Free Dining plan and it was very helpful. We just read that it will be available to everyone this coming Saturday. We REALLY liked having some table service (The Wave at the Contemp was our absolute favorite).

So, there are two cons with AoA - My 19 year old son would HAVE to sleep with one of his sisters (which I really want him to have a bed to himself) AND we would only qualify for the quick service dining plan instead of the regular table service plan.

As of now, I think we are leaning more towards the POR-Riverside because of those two things.

 

[minnierocks]

Thanks so much for the honest opinion. Last year we had the Free Dining plan and it was very helpful. We just read that it will be available to everyone this coming Saturday. We REALLY liked having some table service (The Wave at the Contemp was our absolute favorite).

So, there are two cons with AoA - My 19 year old son would HAVE to sleep with one of his sisters (which I really want him to have a bed to himself) AND we would only qualify for the quick service dining plan instead of the regular table service plan.

As of now, I think we are leaning more towards the POR-Riverside because of those two things.

I can't help you with the resort choice, but I can help you with you sleeping arrangement issue. We always take a twin air mattress so that my son has his own bed. We bought a good one that has a built in pump that plugs into the wall. We have used it since he was about 11...when he no longer was comfortable sharing a bed with his sister. He is 19 now and we take it anywhere we travel. He carried it on the plane last trip...it really works out well!

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks so much for the honest opinion. Last year we had the Free Dining plan and it was very helpful. We just read that it will be available to everyone this coming Saturday. We REALLY liked having some table service (The Wave at the Contemp was our absolute favorite).

So, there are two cons with AoA - My 19 year old son would HAVE to sleep with one of his sisters (which I really want him to have a bed to himself) AND we would only qualify for the quick service dining plan instead of the regular table service plan.

As of now, I think we are leaning more towards the POR-Riverside because of those two things.

I have stayed at both AoA and POR and my vote is for POR. The POR rooms are much more comfortable - nice, real beds - plus better amenities at POR. AoA was cute, but the walls were thin and it was quite loud at night. I also like to have at least one table service restaurant.

Free dining to the general public opens on Thursday, July 12 - give WDW a call! I do think with the better amenities, more comfortable room, plus free regular dining (instead of quick service), POR is the way to go!