blended family/DDT vs value OP

[dsnyfun]

I am planning a trip for January. I have DS 3, DD 5 and older daughter and her friend are joining us, ages 21. Our original plan was to stay at one of the value resorts OP, booking 2rms. The college students will be paying for their own rm and need budget prices. I am also considering one of the cheaper down town disney resorts such as the Hotel Royal Plaza. My thoughts here were the older ones will be closer to home when going out at night without having to rely to longer bus rides. We would have more room in our hotel and hotel room, being stuck in at night with the younger children. I also thought the downtown disney area might offer more restaurant choices for the various ages.
My only concern was the bus transportation to the parks from downtown disney and the loss of disney property transportation and services. Any tips here are appreciated.

 

[JulesMom]

I would stay at All-Stars.

There is nothing like being surrounded in the magic 24 hours a day

 

[epcotfan]

Stay at the All Stars. The bus convenience is well worth it. I stayed at the Grosvenor about 10 years ago. It was a huge pain going on and off property. We also had a bit of a scare walking down the Hotel Plaza Blvd. It is kind of isolated.

 

[plutospup]

The Hotel Royal Plaza rooms are definitely larger than All Stars. Food: AS-Food Court HRP-numerous restaurants at DTD, and at the plaza at the opposite end of Hotel Blvd. Busses: AS-convenient HRP-nicer buses than AS, but their schedule is less frequent (approx every 30 min). The bus rides are about the same with both hotels (MK closer to AS, MGM closer to HRP -overall not much difference) I've stayed at both, and good arguments can be made for each hotel.

 

[Disneydenise]

This is just my opinion but I think I would stay at the DTD resort area. I found the rooms at the AS to be very small and barebones. The older girls will be able to walk to the PI things if they want and it will be more luxury for you and your husband and children.

 

[dsnyfun]

Thanks everyone for your input. I made reservations for two rooms at ASAS. The poll favored OP over 95%. Now I have to get planning my meals!