AoA vs BC/YC

[AliceIn]

I have a trip booked for 8/16 through 8/22. Currently in the AoA Cars section, with DDxP, Park Hopper/WP & More tickets. Now that the new discounts came out, I can move to YC or BC for the exact same cost.

I'm really not convinced that we should change our reservation, though I'd love to hear thoughts.

Pros of keeping current AoA:

1. Brand new resort
2. Fabulous theming for kids
3. Food Court is more our kids' style
4. Kitchenette
5. Separate master bedroom and bathroom

Pros of switching to BC/YC:

1. Nicer Resort Amenities
2. Hot Tub
3. Maybe get rid of Waterpark due to SAB?

We have three children -- one bit thing I'm worried about with switching to the Deluxe is the single room for all five of us. I've stayed at the Deluxe resorts -- the rooms are underwhelming from a niceness standpoint, at least compared to 4 and 5 star hotels I've stayed at when traveling for work. I'm not sure if the resort amenities would really be worth losing the private space for dh and me.

Thoughts?

 

[ccgirl]

I have a trip booked for 8/16 through 8/22. Currently in the AoA Cars section, with DDxP, Park Hopper/WP & More tickets. Now that the new discounts came out, I can move to YC or BC for the exact same cost.

I'm really not convinced that we should change our reservation, though I'd love to hear thoughts.

Pros of keeping current AoA:

1. Brand new resort
2. Fabulous theming for kids
3. Food Court is more our kids' style
4. Kitchenette
5. Separate master bedroom and bathroom

Pros of switching to BC/YC:

1. Nicer Resort Amenities
2. Hot Tub
3. Maybe get rid of Waterpark due to SAB?

We have three children -- one bit thing I'm worried about with switching to the Deluxe is the single room for all five of us. I've stayed at the Deluxe resorts -- the rooms are underwhelming from a niceness standpoint, at least compared to 4 and 5 star hotels I've stayed at when traveling for work. I'm not sure if the resort amenities would really be worth losing the private space for dh and me.

Thoughts?

Personally, I would stay in a suite hands down. For the extra room, kitchenette etc. I have stayed at BC and BW and was not overly impressed with the BC. Sure, stormalong bay is nice but I would always go for the extra room!

 

[wallawallakids]

I am currently reserved to stay at AOA but I would give it up in a heartbeat to stay at BC/YC, esp if it was the same price. We have 4 kids so that is probably never going to happen, but IMO you can't beat the location at BC/YC. Plus their pool is awesome. You can walk to Boardwalk, Epcot, and DHS. Plus all the restaurants are so close to you. You are close to the monorail from Epcot as well. With little kids, being able to walk places and get back to your hotel easy is nice. Also it is a DELUXE. AOA looks great and nice but it is still a value. If the money was the exact same, I would change. Also, just to point out, you would get another queen size bed at BC/YC. At AOA you only get one queen and one pull out couch and one pull down bed both are probably doubles. You would only get one bathroom though. But still, I feel like location at BC/YC wins hands down. Good luck on your decision!!

 

[TJDisneymama]

I would keep AoA for sure. No way would I ever squeeze 5 people into 1 room, I don't care how "deluxe" it is (and as a pp said, purely from a travelers standpoint, Disney deluxes are not all that "deluxe" -- as compared to non-Disney deluxes....).
Also, I think some of the amenities at the AoA almost make it more comparable to a Mod than a Value - covered bus stop, nice, huge pool -- plus the fact that it will all be brand new.

 

[madalex]

I've stayed at the Deluxe resorts -- the rooms are underwhelming from a niceness standpoint, at least compared to 4 and 5 star hotels I've stayed at when traveling for work.

The Deluxe resorts may not compare to other 4/5 star places you have stayed, but that's irrelevant to the issue before you. You're not trying to decide between a Deluxe and a 4/5 star hotel, you are trying to decide between a Deluxe and a Value resort (albeit a new one with more space in the room).

From that perspective, doing YC/BC is a no brainer (at least for me). The resorts are nicer with better locations, the park access is easier, the pool is better. It's just a better experience all around for the same cost.

 

[AliceIn]

The Deluxe resorts may not compare to other 4/5 star places you have stayed, but that's irrelevant to the issue before you. You're not trying to decide between a Deluxe and a 4/5 star hotel, you are trying to decide between a Deluxe and a Value resort (albeit a new one with more space in the room).

From that perspective, doing YC/BC is a no brainer (at least for me). The resorts are nicer with better locations, the park access is easier, the pool is better. It's just a better experience all around for the same cost.

Where I have an issue is the 5 people in one fairly small room -- not sure the amenities are worth it to have all of us on top of each other in a single room with a single bathroom. I hear you about the resort amenities being nicer -- but the room doesn't seem THAT much nicer to put up with the 5 people all breathing the same air all the time. Being able to close the door between the kids and us is a pretty huge luxury. I'm still torn -- the location issue is probably more of an attraction rather than the room at BC/YC. I'd rate the rooms at the deluxes more comparable with a 3 star off property (I'm a road warrior for work, and I've stayed in a LOT of hotels/resorts). I'd say I'm comparing a 3 star room vs. a 2 star room, so the room itself isn't likely going to sway me one way or another.

We have a free rental car at our disposal the entire trip, if that tips anybody one way or another.

 

[TJDisneymama]

Where I have an issue is the 5 people in one fairly small room -- not sure the amenities are worth it to have all of us on top of each other in a single room with a single bathroom. .

I know exactly what you mean. there's only 4 of us in our family, and we only ever stay in suites or condos. We have never (and would never) stay the 4 of us in one room. We like being able to put the kids to bed in a separate room and stay up ourselves for a while. Also, my YDD is up at the crack of dawn every day (think 4-5:00 a.m.) and it's good to have a separate room for her to sit and watch tv quietly without waking everyone else up (aside from me, b/c I'm the lucky one who gets to get up with her, lol. )

 

[ccgirl]

Where I have an issue is the 5 people in one fairly small room -- not sure the amenities are worth it to have all of us on top of each other in a single room with a single bathroom. I hear you about the resort amenities being nicer -- but the room doesn't seem THAT much nicer to put up with the 5 people all breathing the same air all the time. Being able to close the door between the kids and us is a pretty huge luxury. I'm still torn -- the location issue is probably more of an attraction rather than the room at BC/YC. I'd rate the rooms at the deluxes more comparable with a 3 star off property (I'm a road warrior for work, and I've stayed in a LOT of hotels/resorts). I'd say I'm comparing a 3 star room vs. a 2 star room, so the room itself isn't likely going to sway me one way or another.

We have a free rental car at our disposal the entire trip, if that tips anybody one way or another.

Doesn't tip me in either direction, just makes me more confident in my decision to stay at AoA. I don't even like sharing one room with my 2 children never mind 3!

 

[momof3ds]

We are a family of 5, staying at AOA for our first trip to WDW ever.

But, we have traveled before and with the 3 kids, we always choose a suite (such as residence inn or homewood) or 2 connecting rooms.

The only way we would stay 5 in one room is if it were for one night.

 

[LSchrow]

..I hear you about the resort amenities being nicer -- but the room doesn't seem THAT much nicer to put up with the 5 people all breathing the same air all the time. ....
We have a free rental car at our disposal the entire trip, if that tips anybody one way or another.

consider that a stay at AOA will include a lot more time "breathing the same air" in a car or bus.

while i can understand the space issue, walking to 2 parks, planned or on a whim, is simply amazing. somehow all stress disipates on those strolls

 

[MEM]

For a different perspective, I am a DVC member who owns at Beach Club Villas. Nevertheless, today I booked two nights at AoA this August and we are all very excited about it! While SAB is a great pool, I am looking forward to swimming in the Big Blue and touring and trying out a brand new resort. I have a family of four and we usually squeeze into a studio but two of the four are teenagers who will love the extra space in the family suites.

 

[wallawallakids]

I am an exception to this I guess. I would squeeze all 6 of us in a small room with half sleeping on cots if I could to stay at the BC/YC location for the same price I am paying at AOA. We are so tired after parks and we don't spend a whole lot of time in our rooms. We camp a lot so if all 6 of us fit in a tent at night, all 6 of us can fit into a hotel room. I just love the pool there and the atmosphere. But it sounds like you have made up your mind. Aoa will be fun too. You will have a great time no mater where you stay. And like you said, you will have a bit more space. Hope you have a nice trip!!

 

[disneydee6]

I am partial to BC/YC. We love this resort, the grounds are beautiful, you are a stroll away from Epcot and the Boardwalk, a boatride away from DHS, and you have an awesome fun pool to enjoy. We are a family of five and stay in the regular room, it is a little tight, but its manageable. We generally only use the room for getting ready and sleeping in. I had my first stay in a value two years ago and I liked it, so I'm sure your family will like AoA, especially if you want a CS nearby, which BC/YC lacks (Marketplace has a small selection, hurricane hannahs has some yummy poolside choices, and Boardwalks many choices area ten minute walk away). I like the deluxe resorts for its amenities. Hot tubs, larger pools, closer proximity to the parks, overall atmosphere is something both kids AND adults can enjoy. We LOVE the walk to epcot, nothing beats having world showcase empty to take pictures before heading into future world. I think you should go for BC personally, you all will have a blast no matter where you choose! Good Luck!

 

[momof3ds]

As far as larger pools go, the nemo pool at AOA is the biggest pool at wdw outside of the water parks.

 

[TJA]

The room size/space is obvious, so let me bring up a different point. I see you are doing DxDDP. That alone would make me want to stay in a resort with close proximity to the parks or places where I'll be doing the bulk of my dining. When we did DxDDP, we stayed at Poly and I can't stress how easy it was to get around. While a rental car is nice, you still have to drive to parks, unload and load strollers, use the parking tram(?), etc. Personally, we love rolling a stroller right on the monorail or in your case by staying at BC you could walk right in to the Epcot countries or walk over to HS. I'd go with convenience over resort room size. But that's just a personal opinion from someone who only has 2 kids! Good luck!

 

[Desnik]

I am facing sort of the same issue. First I have to say we are DVC'ers and have come accustom to 1 bedrooms for our family of four. This year we are staying at AKV in a 1 bedroom for 6 nights. Our trip is 8 nights and I didn't have enough points for the 2 extra nights. So, that leaves us with paying cash somewhere for our 1st 2 nights. Now that the codes were just released for discounts for the days we need (8/23-8/25) we are faced with choosing a deluxe or AoA for the same price!

AoA is new and we all really think the theming is neat and really want to try it. That Nemo pool looks awesome and the extra space and two bathrooms is a huge plus. We will have a car too. But, I can stay at the CR garden wing for the same price because the discount doesn't apply to AoA! I just keep thinking I can walk to the MK! But, the kids really want AoA.

OP, I have stayed at the BC, and it isn't all that great. I know everyone seems to love it and love the pool but our family doesn't. So, the only thing that would be the issue for me is location. Being able to walk to 2 parks plus having the BW area to hang at is a huge plus.

So OP, here's my suggestion, do what I do when I can't deside. Do a split stay!

For me, I'll probably book AoA because it's only for 2 nights and I want to stay at every WDW resort so I'll be able to scratch it off my list! Plus I think it's cool to stay at a new Disney resort right after it opens.

 

[*disgal*]

hmmmmm....that is a hard one. Don't know the ages of your kids. We have 3 kids, 19, 16 and 12 but it's been a long time since we could all do 1 bathroom. The family suite would probably win out.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Where I have an issue is the 5 people in one fairly small room -- not sure the amenities are worth it to have all of us on top of each other in a single room with a single bathroom. I hear you about the resort amenities being nicer -- but the room doesn't seem THAT much nicer to put up with the 5 people all breathing the same air all the time. Being able to close the door between the kids and us is a pretty huge luxury. I'm still torn -- the location issue is probably more of an attraction rather than the room at BC/YC. I'd rate the rooms at the deluxes more comparable with a 3 star off property (I'm a road warrior for work, and I've stayed in a LOT of hotels/resorts). I'd say I'm comparing a 3 star room vs. a 2 star room, so the room itself isn't likely going to sway me one way or another.

We have a free rental car at our disposal the entire trip, if that tips anybody one way or another.

That is a "tipper" for me since you will not be dependant on busses to get to all your meals. When you are dining at a lot of sit downs, especially at resorts, having a rental car is so much easier, regardless of which resort you stay at.

I don't think you can really make a bad choice, but it sounds like space is a big issue for your family. And while I think being able to walk to DHS and espcially Epcot is a huge perk, to the other parks, DTD and the water parks, BC doesn't buy you a thing.

AoA is also a very good location. No you aren't within walking distance to anything but its a good central location and parking at the values is very easy and convenient when you have a car. I also think the values have way better cs options than a deluxe.

If you are eating a lot of your ts meals at Epcot, then BC might be the better option, being able to walk right in and out of WS is beyond nice. If you are eating your meals all over WDW besides Epcot and Boardwalk, then the central location of AoA and the ease of parking at a value might be better.

 

[goofy78]

We are a family of five and we stayed at the Poly last year in one room with no problem. We know the BC rooms are a little smaller than the Poly but I'm not sure if it is a big enough difference that it would matter. We are planning on the BC for 2013 and did too think about AoA instead. We can't seem to give up the location and the overwhelming beauty of the BC especially at night. We don't spend much time in the room so it probably won't be that big of a deal with less space. How old are your kids? Their age may play a big factor. If they are on the young side go with AoA. They will love the theming. If they are older they may like the BC. Good luck!

 

[AliceIn]

We are a family of five and we stayed at the Poly last year in one room with no problem. We know the BC rooms are a little smaller than the Poly but I'm not sure if it is a big enough difference that it would matter. We are planning on the BC for 2013 and did too think about AoA instead. We can't seem to give up the location and the overwhelming beauty of the BC especially at night. We don't spend much time in the room so it probably won't be that big of a deal with less space. How old are your kids? Their age may play a big factor. If they are on the young side go with AoA. They will love the theming. If they are older they may like the BC. Good luck!

The kids are 11, 8 & 7. They want AOA because it looks like a lot more fun to them compared to the deluxe resorts. I am torn. From a relaxation standpoint I would like deluxe. The kids won't be this age again, so maybe letting then enjoy AoA this time makes sense.