AoA vs. CBR

[justussix]

So we have a larger family and started with a reservation at Art of Animation family suites. Then free dining rolled out so we switched to connecting rooms at CBR, since free dining wasn't extended to AoA. Well, now of course they extended free dining to AoA.

Bottom line is we could save over $600 by switching back to AoA. Plus, it would be really cool to stay at a brand new resort while we still can (we're seven now, with an infant in the group). We go every other year and really have one more trip that we can include the infant and not have him count against room capacity. However, we try to include a resort day or two and don't like the idea of losing a pool slide, surrey bikes, and other moderate items that the values don't have.

Not sure why I'm asking, bottom line is what's more important to us. The trip is already paid for, but the savings in cost could be used to offset other expenses incurred during the year. And each additional trip is always "the last time we can do it this cheap".

Are the CBR pool slides, pirate kids pool, and other moderate amenities worth $600? Are there enough things to do at AoA to enjoy a full resort day or two? Tough call.

 

[jlhill4444]

I think I would give AoA a try. I have heard that the pool will be one of the biggest of any resort, so I think there will be plenty to do there. Since you will not be able to stay there once your infant is 3, it couldn't hurt to try something new. I don't think you will miss the amenities from a moderate enough to justify the extra $600.

We are actually planning to do a split stay there with Yacht Club in Dec, so we can just try it.

 

[letsgoreds]

I say go for AoA...if you can comfortably sleep there. If you need a separate room, say for your youngest to nap in, while the family needs to shower/change, etc, stick with CBR. How you will use the space on a daily basis is how I would decide. If that isn't a big deal, save the $600 and enjoy the new resort. Looks like it is attached by bridge to Pop...could be a fun time exploring. Also, you can resort hop on your resort day. Fun to ride the monorail and visit Contemporary, etc.

 

[Miaka]

Also, if the free dining is important to you, (I know it is for my family of 6) I have heard others have gotten free dining on the suites and the Little mermaid rooms at AOA, so the 600 savings, and free dining might be the deal to go for, if you can still get the Free dining with AOA.

 

[dis_guy]

We usually get connecting rooms at a moderate, too. I've looked into AoA and the only hesitation I have is that the living area beds all appear to be "pull out" types. Having slept on some horrible ones over the years, I wonder if having standard beds might be more comfortable even at the greater cost? I guess we'll see how the beds are as people begin reporting about their experiences there.

 

[4Joyces]

This is funny because we were faced with the same choice (CSR or CBR vs AoA) and AoA is actually going to cost us $800 more. Partly because the room is more and partly because we are paying the difference to get the dining plan w/table service. This is my DDs first trip and we're planning a few character meals, so it's worth it to pay to upgrade the dining plan.

We ended up going with AoA because even though there are only 4 of us, my DS will be 15 when we go and DD will be almost 4 and we just feel like the separate sleeping areas, 2 TVs, 2 bathrooms, etc will save a few spats from happening and make for a better trip overall.

 

[wallawallakids]

Are you getting the free dinning at CBR? If so, remember you are getting 1 TS and 1 CS plus snack each day. At AOA you only get CS. Just wondering if that maters to you. I like having the TS option and that would be worth $600 more in my book to have and be able to stay at a moderate with a fun pool/ waterslide for the kids. Have a great vacation!!

 

[justussix]

Are you getting the free dinning at CBR? If so, remember you are getting 1 TS and 1 CS plus snack each day. At AOA you only get CS. Just wondering if that maters to you. I like having the TS option and that would be worth $600 more in my book to have and be able to stay at a moderate with a fun pool/ waterslide for the kids. Have a great vacation!!

It's all apples to apples. Regular dining plan for both. The savings is after the upgrade from quick service to regular dining. The main cost difference is due to the fact that the size of our party requires two rooms at a moderate vs. one family suite at AoA. Everything else in the package is the same. Same park tickets, same dining plan, etc.

Our kids are young enough where I don't think they'll be picky about beds, and in fact would enjoy the novelty of a fold out couch and a table/bed convertable. Consider that our kids fought over who got to use the chair/ottoman as a bed at one hotel instead of wanting to sleep in the big bed. The other appeal is (I think) we get a queen at AoA whereas everyone gets a double at CBR. But we aren't really room people. Tend to leave in the morning and return at night.

As far a CBR, the big plusses are the pools with slides and the other resort activities previously mentioned.

None of our kids have been nappers. Typically we have to run them ragged just to get them to sleep. Last couple times, the youngest would fall asleep in the stroller and we'd get by just fine that way.

I go back and forth. The extra $600 would be nice. Also, we only get two more chances to travel anywhere close to as cheap before we are stuck getting two rooms wherever we go. But the pools are really cool and so is the other extra fun stuff. We did POR last time in one room (only five counted that time).