AOA---Worth the price?

[3girlsfun]

So, any opinions yet? Do you think the price for AOA is worth it? I am thinking of going down in August to check it out, but, not sure if I want to pay that hefty price.......I think the rooms look super cheesy, but, I think the outside of the resort, and the lobby look awesome!

 

[stitch34]

I wonder the same thing - and same thoughts that the rooms look cheesy (for me it's the furniture, looks like kid furniture) but the outside and the pool and the food court and the lobby and EVERYTHING else is sucking me in!

we were booked to do just one night to try it out, but the price tag is what got me so now switched that night elsewhere.

We'll be at Pop for first part of our trip, so will head over to check it out - we'll either be feeling yeah, was nice to visit but don't need to STAY here - or will visit and be like darn, why didn't we keep that one night here!

We're still torn - kids really want to stay there.... but I can't justify the cost making it worth it.

 

[3girlsfun]

The cost just kills me. We like Pop...love the food court there, and had a great trip at Pop previously. I would never hesitate to book Pop again.

I want to stay there just to check it out, but darn...that price tag!

When is your trip? We are heading down on June 13, so, I am thinking we will at least do a drive by and walk around the grounds, lobby, food court and gift shop.

 

[tinkbyday]

I can't believe the family suites are the same price as I am paying for a deluxe during a holiday week (with a discount, of course lol)

That is just crazy!

 

[jojomoore]

I think the imagineers invisioned creating the rooms to fit the theme of the movies they are created in the likeness of, so I understand and think the decor in the rooms is appropriate and creative. WDW created this resort for familys with children and are trying to keep true to the theme and offer a special experience for children.

However, i do agree that they are expensive. Maybe worth it for families that are used to paying for two rooms to accomodate their family size but definately a steep price tag for a family of four. If they would offer discounts (even during holidays or free regular dining instead of quickservice then it would definately make it more appealing to smaller families.

But, i have to understand that the purpose of building AOA was to accomadate larger families and if they are not right for me and my family (price and size wise) then i will just need to determine where is. Although its sort of like dangling a prize in front of your face and then saying opps but its too expensive.

 

[AliceIn]

I think for folks with 3 or more youngish children, the price is definitely worth it. The movie themes, the extra bathroom, a separate sleeping space for parents are well worth it for my family. We could have stayed deluxe for a similar cost when we are going in August, but the thought of sharing one smallish room (AoA Suites are bigger than ALL of the Deluxe rooms) was just not something we wanted to do. The pool slides are not a big draw. We belong to an elaborate pool complex in our town where there are several big slides, lazy river, both indoors and out. So the Deluxe pools aren't a big selling point. We typically don't bother with hot tubs or eat at the resort.

Plus, to my kids, the Deluxe properties just look a bit boring. Fine for adults, but for the kids they look a big ho hum.

 

[DW2010]

We are a family of 3 paying $105 a night. Although the other values are less expensive, we're justifying the cost as I don't think it's terribly priced for the LM rooms. The suites are more than we'd be able to pay.

 

[hulagirl87]

While it is a bit expensive, I'm paying more for the character of the suite and also the layout. DD is a super light sleeper, so to be able to have her in a bed that is not right next to ours is good. That was one of the things that was on my mind a lot while planning her first trip. While I absolutely love the Polynesian and Port Orleans Riverside, I don't know how it would work with her sleeping in one bed and us trying to sleep in the other right next to her. We would have to be super duper quiet! So the AOA suites came out at just the right time. I am happy to pay a bit extra for a larger room and themed to Cars. We have a McQueen-aholic!

 

[minnie mum]

So, any opinions yet? Do you think the price for AOA is worth it? I am thinking of going down in August to check it out, but, not sure if I want to pay that hefty price.......I think the rooms look super cheesy, but, I think the outside of the resort, and the lobby look awesome!

Are they (the family suites) worth it? Depends on the person/family who is contemplating a stay there. For a smaller family, especially with older children, maybe not. But that is not the target group that Disney has their eye on. They are looking at the younger families with 3+ children on a budget. The ones who would otherwise need 2 rooms or a suite/villa. It is a hefty price compared to a single value room. Or even 2 value rooms. But you are also getting the use of a kitchen which can result in considerable savings for food during the vacation. Again, this is important to some families and not to others. Just comparing the price doesn't work. A deluxe standard room won't have two full bathrooms and a kitchen.

Do the rooms look cheesy? Again- look at the target group: young families with young children (primarily). And those who love the over the top/ in your face/ shout it out loud Disney theming. What they find appealing, you (and many others) find cheesy and tacky.

Everyone has different needs and preferences. That's why we all have our own favourite resort. If AOA doesn't tick all (or most) of the boxes for you, then choose a different resort and just go to AOA for a visit. Kind of the way I will pick the resort I want to stay at and then go to the Poly for a meal and a stroll.

 

[momof4disneykids]

Couldn't agree more Minnie mum. We have 4 children and have had very limited options for resorts. I am thrilled with the family suites. My husband and I do not like the 2 room option after friends of ours, also with 4 children, did not receive connecting rooms. I love the thought of 2 bathrooms and the mini kitchen will make quick breakfasts in the room super easy. Something tells me the room and rest of the resort will bring about many more smiles, laughs, and squeals of excitement from our children than the beautiful deluxe CL room at the Boardwalk. That is why we go after all, to make wonderful memories with our children who do not stay little for long. So for us, it is definitely worth it, and actually cheaper than many of our other options. Can't wait to stay there.