Back from AoA

[cutigerlady]

We stayed at AOA in the Cars suites. It definitely was quieter than the Nemo section, but we also had the standard view that just looked over the parking lot. Compared to other Values, it was farther from the parking lot so we didn't hear noise from the parking lot. We thought it was adequate space for our family of 2 adults, 2 kids. The kids fought over the Murphy bed because it was more comfortable than the pullout bed from the couch.

I would agree that this is not a relaxing resort!

 

[SMF_mom23]

We stayed at AoA in a Lion King Suite in Sept of '14. Three adults (me, DH, and a friend), three kids (10, 8, & 6). We absolutely LOVED the total theming of the resort, the way housekeeping arranged the kids stuffed animals in new ways every day while we were at the parks, and having the mini-fridge and microwave was very convenient for late night popcorn after the parks.

Our only real complaint was the walking involved; not a small concern, especially for my husband friend who both have pain of one form or another, aggravated after being on their feet so long. At nearly every park the AoA busses were located furthest from the exit, so after walking in the parks all day it was a real downer to realize you had to walk so far to catch your ride home. We actually developed a new curse phrase while we were there: "My feet hurt like DISNEY!"

While the AoA busses did seem to be on par with other resorts as far as frequency, I agree that ore ppl + more strollers = longer waits.

We are returning late Jan/early Feb '17 and I've been trying to find info about where the resort busses are situated at the terminals, but there seems to be nothing out there. I'm going to copy this post to the transportation thread as well, hoping for some input.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Sorry but common sense should tell you that if you have a room facing a pool at ANY resort, it will be loud! All pools in disney have entertainment through out the day. This is the reason I avoid facing the pool.

3 beds, with 4 adults, with one of the beds in a separate room, plus two bathrooms...yet you still didn't find it spacious enough?? We had 4 adults in the suite and thought it was more than plenty space. Sure once the murphy bed is pulled down you dont have a lot of room to walk around the bed...BUT, you pull the bed down when you're going to sleep. How much space do you need? When you don't need it, you put it back up. If you needed that much space, you should have booked two standard rooms instead of the suite.

I love the food court at AoA. The offerings are quite unique. As for buses, I agree that it sucks. Furthest bus stop away plus its always packed. Esp after wishes at MK! Ugh!

 

[AngiTN]

We are returning late Jan/early Feb '17 and I've been trying to find info about where the resort busses are situated at the terminals, but there seems to be nothing out there. I'm going to copy this post to the transportation thread as well, hoping for some input.

Because they move around. Honestly, having stayed at every resort but for AS Movies and Sports the buses are all over. No 1 resort or resort category has a better location than another. Deluxe are not close, Value are not further. It varies.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Huh? AoA is not a Moderate resort and with no discounts on the LM rooms, often more expensive than a moderate
with a discount. Not to mention double beds.

If im not mistaken, i think the OP was talking about the LM standard room price vs the suite price. Basically you dont have to pay the suite price to enjoy AoA....stay in a standard room/LM. And actually, LM rooms are cheaper than a moderate.

 

[AngiTN]

If im not mistaken, i think the OP was talking about the LM standard room price vs the suite price. Basically you dont have to pay the suite price to enjoy AoA....stay in a standard room/LM. LM rooms are cheaper than a moderate.

Ah, ok. I guess I can see that.

 

[michigandergirl]

We stayed at AOA in 2013 Thanksgiving week in a Nemo suite. We absolutely loved it! For a family of 5 the space in the suites is amazing and the extra bathroom priceless. We requested a top floor room, lake view and never heard anything - it was almost eerily quiet. The theming is fantastic for kids. Buses were never an issue.

If I was traveling with only adults, this resort would not be my first choice, but for a family with kids it's great! Also, for those that said this resort isn't relaxing, well, I don't consider a Disney vacation to be particularly relaxing no matter where I'm staying...

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Just got back from AOA this afternoon and we really enjoyed the resort! We had a Little Mermaid room in Building 9 and it was pretty quiet. We faced the parking lot (top floor) so we didn't get any pool noise and didn't really hear much noise from the parking lots. The rooms were a good size for the two of us and felt MUCH bigger than the Pop Century room we stayed in last time we were at WDW. Loved the Big Blue Pool - it had a nice vibe.

I had seen a video on youtube that showed a 13 minute walk from LM to the buses. We did it in 7 minutes most days and it didn't feel like a long long walk. Bus service was good, although I agree that the AOA drop-off and pick-up locations were almost ALWAYS the furthest from the entrance.

Since this is a great spot for kids, there was always lots of strollers on the buses and lots of kids yelling in the Food Court and running around. So RELAXING ..... nope!