Best Value Resort for Relaxing?

[goofyfordisney]

Hi,

We're trying to pull off an Orlando trip this Thanksgiving on a budget...thinking of trying to do 2 rooms at a Value so that our DS's (14 & 19) can have their own beds and we can have a king bed in the next room--also the idea of 2 bathrooms and 2 TV's would be nice...

Out of the choices of the Value Resorts, which would be the best if we want to have some peace and quiet when we come back from commando touring at the parks all day?

Which of the Value resorts will be less crowded--or, is this not possible at the Value resorts, since they are such large resorts?

We've stayed at BC, AKL, and POFQ in the past, but our budget doesn't allow us to book 2 rooms at a Moderate or Deluxe resort this time.

We're trying to stay on-site if possible--just trying to save the budget!

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I would think All-Star Music would be a good choice, but if you really want some peace and quiet, request a room away from a pool. With the ages of your sons, though, I would think the decor as ASSports or Pop may appeal a little bit more. Again, request a room away from the pools and food court if you want the most quiet. Have a great trip!

 

[Disney-For-Life]

Our fave is POP Century. We like it because it is a newer value report, the theming is fun, they have a great gift store and counter service restaurant, and grounds/pools are very nice. The bus service there is usually very good too. I've stayed at the older value resports and its not the same for me personally...I love POP!

 

[goofyfordisney]

I was looking at some pictures of POP--I think it looks like fun!

What room locations/sections are best? Do some face the water?

Thanks again!

 

[minnie61650]

I think All Star Music is the quietest of the value resorts. It is usuallly the least busy.
The bus lines returning from the parks are quite short and in my experience the lines at Music are usually half as short as the other value resort lines.

All Star Music is my favorite Disney owned hotel.

Please see my info thread For the resons why I enjoy All Star Music so much.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18641909#post18641909

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Here is a list of differences between the All Stars and Pop.

Pop is newer.
Pop was built in 2003.
All Star Movies was built in 1999.
All Star Sports and Music were built in 1994.

All Star Music is underwent a refurbishment of all of the rooms and was completed in June 2007.

All Star Music has a privacy curtain between the sleeping area and the vanity so you have a make shift dressing room.
The mods have had these curtains for a few years.
Music is the first value to get them.


All Star Sports is slated to be refurbished between June 2007 and Feb. 2008.

Pop has a lake. The All Stars do not have a lake.

When staying at the All Stars you use any of the All Stars pools.
The 3 All Stars are within easy walking distance of each other.

The gift shops are separate from the food court at the All Stars.
The gift shop and food court are combined at Pop.

Pop has 2,880 guest rooms. 4 floors in each building.
All Star Movies and All Star Sports each have 1,960 rooms. 3 floors in each building.
All Star Music has 1,864 rooms. (192 of those rooms are Family Suites)

Both Pop and the All Star rooms are 260 square feet.
(The Family Suites at All Star Music are 520 square feet.)

The beds at the All Stars are movable.

the beds at Pop at bolted to the floor.

The far bed at an All Star is closer to wall. And the near bed is not as close to the doorway as it is at Pop

The far bed at Pop is pulled away from the wall more. The near bed is closer to door.
http://allearsnet.com/acc/asmv59.jpg
http://allearsnet.com/acc/popcent56.jpg

For most people that would not make a difference but since I need an ECV
the bed being so near the door at Pop makes it more difficult for me to back my EVC in.

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

While Pop is my favorite, I think Music is the quietest. All the rooms are refurbished...I'd definatley stay there!

 

[helenk]

Another vote for the Allstar Music, it is my choice of the value resorts especially when I travel solo. It just seems to be more laid back than the POP, Allstar Sports and the Allstar Movies.

 

[Goingtoseethemouse]

I would check out the prices for the cabins at Fort Wilderness. Each cabin has two rooms with a kitchen, deck and bathroom. It might be the same or cost a tad more than 2 rooms. The prices vary month to month.

When we went, my three kids slept in the bed room (bunk beds and a queen sized bed.) My husband and I stayed in the living room on the queen sized murphy bed. It was great because we could tuck the kids away and hang out in our own room. I am pretty sure it sleeps 8.

Also Fort Wilderness has the best activities of all of the resorts (football, bingo, dodgeball, frisbee golf etc...and the cabins are really really nice. The resort is loaded with basketball courts, free tennis courts (and rackets), free shuffleboard, pools, a free campfire program nightly with a free movie and sing a long every night. You can even see the electric light parade from the beach and the fireworks nightly. They have the same bus transportation system as the other resorts. In fact, you can take the boat to the Magic Kingdom rather than riding a bus.

But the best part is that you san save money in food!! You can skip the costly breakfast buffets and give the kids cereal or bagels in your own room since you have a kitchen. We usually only splurge a few nights for dinner out. You can even pack your own sandwiches & chips and bring them in the park.

Sometimes we go to Fort Wilderness and dont even go in the parks. thats how great it is!!!!!

I hope this helped you! Enjoy your trip!

 

[minnie61650]

.....
When we went, my three kids slept in the bed room (bunk beds and a queen sized bed.) My husband and I stayed in the living room on the queen sized murphy bed. It was great because we could tuck the kids away and hang out in our own room. I am pretty sure it sleeps 8. ........

...

Just an FYI

The cabins have 1 set of bunk beds and two doulbe beds.
One double bed in the bedroom and 1 Murphy doulble bed in the living kitchen area.
They do Not have a Qeen size bed.
Also the cabins only sleep 6 persons.

Here is the layout of the of the FT. Wilderness cabin:

I am not sure if you are interested but All Star Music also has Family Suite .

The Suite will slerp 6 . It has a kichenette and it has a Queen size bed in the master bedroom area.

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 metal 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

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!

 

[Goingtoseethemouse]

Whatever....double.... queen.....Who cares........They may call it a double. The pont is two people can sleep in that bed. It's not like your buying it!

Again, the whole point is that the cabins and campground have a Whole lot to offer.

Plus you don't have to deal with a million people waiting for the busses when you go to a value resort. With the size of the value resorts the bus stops are always PACKED. Usually only 1/3 of every line makes it on a bus every time because of the quanity of people. I cant tell you how many times I thanked god I wasn't waiting in one of those lines.

And again, staying at the fort gives you the best of a resort and freedom for the kids/ teens to roam a bit. My teenager likes to play teather ball and usually makes a bunch of friends at the campgound.

But to each his own!

 

[helenk]

The only bad thing about the cabins is that they only have one bathroom...with teenagers, even teenage boys, one bathroom just is not enough.
I just checked for prices in November, the Allstar Suites are 215.00 per night, regular rooms are 99.00 per night so a total of 198.00 per night and the Cabins at FW are 289.00 per night
If it were me, I'd rather do 2 rooms at a value or the family suites at the Allstar Music.

 

[goofyfordisney]

The Wilderness Cabins look great...I never really had even considered them until goingtoseethemouse posted!

But I'm kind of liking the idea of the Family Suites at ASMu--Linda you're a great spokesperson!

We will have rental car--my DH hates taking the bus!

Now, I just need to convince the family to try something new...that's the hard part! I am willing to try a Value, if it means I get to WDW again!

Thanks again!

 

[MickeyMacks]

With two teens, and looking for a relaxing place, your best best is ASMU Family Suites! I stayed at ASMU regular room in 2005 and found it was a beautiful and peaceful spot. Love the palms and pools, was in Jazz Inn ground floor, close to the piano pool too.

Going back next month and trying the family suite with my son, sister and parents. Two tvs, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, daytime sitting area - very relaxing! Plus a great food court, arcade and gift shop for the teens to check out, pizza delivery...

ASMu is the most compact of the All-Stars and easiest to find your way around in, I found.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[antmaril]

We just returned from Pop Century on Friday. This was our first time at a Value resort and we were pleasantly surprised. We had two rooms, since my DS's girlfriend was with us. My DH and DS (20) in one room and myself and the gf in the other room

It was very comfortable, since everyone had a bed. The rooms were basic, but clean and comfortable. We thought the resort was very cute. Since we usually stay deluxe, I was a little worried. However, we thought it was just fine. My son and his girlfriend thought it was great.

We had no problems with noise. We were in a preferred location (50's Building 1, near but not across from the Bowling Pin Pool).

As I said, I've never stayed Value before, so I have nothing to compare it to, but we liked Pop.

 

[gardendame]

I'm now confused about the "Suites." The 2 TV/2 bathroom thing sounds great. Also, the kitchenette. However, according to the floor plan, I only see two beds. Is this right????
We are a family of five, so wouldn't we have more room for everyone by getting two rooms at a value?
The last time we ALL went, we stayed at POR Great resort! However, next time we definitely need more room AND two bathrooms!

Am I missing something here? Where do the extra people sleep when staying at the Family Suites??

 

[minnie61650]

I'm now confused about the "Suites." The 2 TV/2 bathroom thing sounds great. Also, the kitchenette. However, according to the floor plan, I only see two beds. Is this right????
We are a family of five, so wouldn't we have more room for everyone by getting two rooms at a value?
The last time we ALL went, we stayed at POR Great resort! However, next time we definitely need more room AND two bathrooms!

Am I missing something here? Where do the extra people sleep when staying at the Family Suites??

The chair and ottoman pull out to make twin beds and each of them will sleep 1 person.


Here is some info on thw Family Suites:
-Sleep up to 6 (plus one child under age 3 in a Pak-n-Play crib)-Studio amenities and separate sleeping areas giving more privacy than a standard room.
-Queen bed, full-size pullout sofa, convertible ottoman & chair sleepers (4 separate sleepers)

-Private master bedroom and family room have 27” flat CRT TV and high speed internet access.
-Kitchenette with microwave, small refrigerator (4.3 cu. ft) and coffee pot
-Two-full bathrooms

The new family suites offer an affordable and convenient option for larger families with the amenities of a studio apartment.

Families can be together in the suite while enjoying separate sleeping areas with added privacy. Having two bathrooms will not only save time, but makes getting ready easier for the whole family. Plus, extra amenities like a microwave enable guests to prepare warm snacks and meals. With the extra room, guests can relax and recount the memories of the day before falling off to a goodnight’s sleep.

The Family Suites are located in the Calypso and Jazz Inn Buildings.
Those buildings are the nearest to the main pool, food court, and bus stop.
Calypso Building 1 will have 32 suites
Calypso Building 10 will have 54 suites
Jazz Inn Building 2 will have 52 suites
Jazz Inn Building 9 will have 54 suites

The suites are located on all three floors, and will be near each other, but none will offer connecting suites. There is no price difference between the buildings.

Here are a few of photos of the pullouts located in the living area:

For more info about the All Star Resorts Please visit my thread.

It is a FAQ about the New Family suites at All Star Music with lots of photos:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072409

feel free to PM me with any questions.

Have fun at Disney!

 

[goofyfordisney]

Minnie,

Your pics are great! Thanks! The rooms look great! It also sounds like ASMu is the least crowded of all of the Values too.

I'm more than willing to try ASMu, now...it's time to convince the family! I'm afraid my family has become "hotel snobs" due to the fact that we have been able to stay in some really nice places due to the fact that my husband traveled alot on business and accumulated alot of points--so most of our hotels stays were on "points". Using points for the hotels allowed us to travel "in style" and spend our money on other things on the trip.

As much as my "dream" hotlel at WDW is the Poly, paying over $350 a night makes me cringe! My husband says "we don't vacation very often, let's splurge" but, my "practical" side kicks in...I know that our family spends most of the time in the parks, not much time at the resort, so we really should save the money.


Antmaril- It's nice to hear that you enjoyed a Value hotel vs. the Deluxe hotels. To be honest, when we stayed at the Beach Club in 2001, I was very dissapointed with the room (room was very worn, terrible mousekeeping, and the pools and public areas were very crowded). I was glad that we were paying AP rates--not rack rates!


Thanks again for all of the great replies!

 

[Tiffany]

Hi,

We're trying to pull off an Orlando trip this Thanksgiving on a budget...thinking of trying to do 2 rooms at a Value so that our DS's (14 & 19) can have their own beds and we can have a king bed in the next room--also the idea of 2 bathrooms and 2 TV's would be nice...

Out of the choices of the Value Resorts, which would be the best if we want to have some peace and quiet when we come back from commando touring at the parks all day?

Which of the Value resorts will be less crowded--or, is this not possible at the Value resorts, since they are such large resorts?

We've stayed at BC, AKL, and POFQ in the past, but our budget doesn't allow us to book 2 rooms at a Moderate or Deluxe resort this time.

We're trying to stay on-site if possible--just trying to save the budget!

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

Piece and Quiet and a value resort are not things that I would say in the same sentance. Put if you are are looking for the quietest value then I would vote for All Star Music. They have those family suiets (sp?) and of course you could also book two rooms. If you go with the right expections you should have a great trip.

 

[MickeyMacks]

The furniture in the second room "living area" pulls out into two full-size beds and a kid-size bed - I see Minnie has already posted pics of them on this thread!

 

[pigby]

I was looking at some pictures of POP--I think it looks like fun!

What room locations/sections are best? Do some face the water?

Thanks again!

We loved Pop the first time we stayed there - our room was on the top floor in the 70's section and was the end of the block facing the lake - it was a lovely location with fantastic sunsets/sunrises over the water. Because there is no pool in the 70's section (but is midway between the main pool and the 'computer pool in the 80's) it was a very quiet location. If you are interested, I will try to find out our room number and possibly a photo of our view.