ASM suite or POR??

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

The price is pretty much the same to either get a family suite at ASM or a room with a trundle at POR...we have three kids. I don't know which one to book?? I like the idea that POR has probably a better pool for kids than ASM and the boat to Downtown Disney...but will the bitter room at ASM make up for that stuff? what about BUSES?? Does it take longer to get to and from the parks when staying at a value resort versus a moderate? thanks SO MUCH!!

Karen

 

[LegoMom3]

You'll get varying opinions on this, but here's mine:

We stayed at ASM (not the suites) for our first trip - we could do it then since our youngest was still under 3. We liked it well enough, and the pool there is pretty neat (has the Sorcerer Mickey fountain). The busses, at least when we were there, were shared between all the All-Stars and came to Movies last. We had a bit of a wait (esp. to MK) a few times, mostly in the mornings.

Last year we stayed at POR because we now needed room for five people, officially. We LOVED this resort! Definitely my favorite and we'll do it again. The pool is an "Old Swimmin' Hole" theme and tons of fun, plus it has a little water slide. It's a big resort, yes, but we liked that. Away from all the action, it was quiet and peaceful. Despite some of the reports here on the DIS about horrible bus service at the Port Orleans resorts, we never had a problem. There are several stops and we were out on the 3rd or 4th, but again, always got a seat.

If we were given the choice, we'd do POR again in a heartbeat. Oh, and yes, the boat to the Marketplace is great!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I would second what LegoMom3 said about POR. I have never been to the All-Star resorts, but recently stayed at POR with my family of 5 and LOVED it. The resort itself is gorgeous and as LegoMom mentioned, very quiet. We had no problems with the bus service at all. We always had seats and rarely waited longer than 10 minutes. My kids loved the big pool on Ol' Man Island, but also enjoyed the quiet pool that was just outside our building. Even though we were in one room, we never felt cramped. (We didn't spend much time in the room as my kids are past the nap stage, so that may be a consideration.) Again, I can't say anything about the All Star resorts as I have not been there, but I would recommend POR in a heartbeat. Either way enjoy your trip!

 

[pixdust]

I am agreeing with the POR. While it is big, it doesn't really seem that way.
To us it only seemed semi crowed in the morning when we went to the food court to grab a bite to eat. But even then it wasn't really crowed. I guess it could depend on the age of your 3?

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

thanks everyone...I'm still don't know what to do I guess the idea of having more room at the family suite is intising. I think the pool at POR is better..but wonder how far of a walk we'll have from our room? Staying at the ASM would be about $200 less for the whole trip...so that's not a huge deal. I just want the most convient/comfortable place. Hmmm.....oh..my boys are 4.5.

 

[tinaluis]

I'm not sure if you're still considering Free Dining, but it IS NOT offered at the ASMu Family Suites.

 

[minnie61650]

DH and I stayed in a Family Suite at All Star Music ( a value resort) last Sept. (2006)

We really enjoyed the Queen size bed, the kitchenette with the microwave, having a sofa and cushioned chair to sit on and relax after a day at the parks before retiring for the evening.

I thought the pullouts very comfortable.

They are designed so the back cushion and seat cushion of the pullout support the pullout. There is no meatle bar to hurt the sleepers back.

Info thread--Pullouts in Family Suites at ASMU with photos of how the pullout is supported.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18100990#post18100990

Here is the layout of the Family Suites:

Here is my review of the Suites:

www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17640774&postcount=7

Here is an info thread POR vs. AS Mu Family Suites:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392857

For more photos and info please see this info thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392879

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[Minniemouse07]

We are staying at POR (there are only"3" of us + our 2yo) the first week of December. I compared a standard AS room to POR and to ASM suites.... the AS room was cheapest, but we would need a fridge so that increased the cost, then came POR followed by ASM Suites coming in at the most expensive (by about $300).

So we opted for POR

I am figuring that 2yo ds will do better on the trundle than on the bed w/ a rail (crib or pack n play won't work w/ him) so it all works out.

Good Luck in your planning!

 

[kileybeth]

oh you have decided then? you are going! woo-hoo

you will have a blast, just say again with 4.5 year olds they will do fine no matter where you stay.

I have heard the beds at mods and deluxes are much more comfortable than at values (no personal experience there but I do like a comfy bed and not rock hard, which was complaint I read most often)

If it's going to be hot, the shade and trees and relaxed comfort of POR would definitly appeal to me.

also someone asked about Free Dining? no suites at values are included in that.

happy planning.

 

[minnie61650]

oh you have decided then? you are going! woo-hoo

you will have a blast, just say again with 4.5 year olds they will do fine no matter where you stay.

I have heard the beds at mods and deluxes are much more comfortable than at values (no personal experience there but I do like a comfy bed and not rock hard, which was complaint I read most often)

If it's going to be hot, the shade and trees and relaxed comfort of POR would definitly appeal to me.

also someone asked about Free Dining? no suites at values are included in that.

happy planning.

Just an FYI

The queen bed at the Family Suites is very comfortable.
It is the same make of queen bed they have at the deluxe resorts.

 

[kileybeth]

Good information Minnie! I love your ASMsuites info I see on the boards and your willingness to share.

The suite looks like the place we may head after DD2 turns 3 as that will be our only choice beside two rooms! Bum that it's not included in FDP

 

[G8r4evr]

With 3 kids under the age of 5, I would chose the ASM Suites. The fact that it would be cheaper just makes it even better =)

 

[minnie61650]

With 3 kids under the age of 5, I would chose the ASM Suites. The fact that it would be cheaper just makes it even better =)

Just an FYI


For comparison, the price of a Family Suite is $9-11 more then 2 Standard Rooms, or $13-15 less the 2 Preferred Rooms, depending on season.

Also a fridge is included in AS Suite.

Fridges cost $10 a night to rent when staying at a value . Don't forget the Queen size bed,a coffee pot and microwave are also in Family Suites.


Have fun at Disney!

 

[mjkaferle5]

thanks everyone...I'm still don't know what to do I guess the idea of having more room at the family suite is intising. I think the pool at POR is better..but wonder how far of a walk we'll have from our room? Staying at the ASM would be about $200 less for the whole trip...so that's not a huge deal. I just want the most convient/comfortable place. Hmmm.....oh..my boys are 4.5.

I would personally say, "STAY AT POR!!".

It is awesome. You are not going to have some crazy long walk to your room that you are going to dread. Trust me!!

We went last June. Our boys were 8, 5, 5, and 1. They loved the resort and are looking forward to going there again in Summer '08. After that, our youngest will be over 3 and we will have to do the AS Suites (to keep cost down).

 

[DISNEYNY]

I have stayed at POR and ASMU regular room, but not a suite. I love POR and I had a great time there. However, I was thinking the the extra room you will have at the ASMU suite might make that a better choice. You will also have a microwave in your room which could come in handy. The pools at both are very nice and you will gain the use of the slide at POR. I guess you will have to weigh how much time you will be using the pool and how important the slide would be for your kids. Also, POR has a more rustic feel where I think the theming at ASMU is a little more appealing to small kids. I am sure you will have fun with either choice.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

thanks for all the responses! We decided to stay at POR...it just seems to get better reviews and the boat to DTD and pools/playground won us over. We CAN'T WAIT! I was all worried I planned the trip last minute...but now 3 months seems like forever!

Karen