Can't settle on resort for this September

[PrincessMemoriesJeNN]

I really need some helpful advice to calm my Disney planning nerves. Let me start by saying that this will be my 10th trip to WDW in my life (5th as an adult and 4th with my kids) so I am not new to planning a Disney trip. I am usually the one that everyone comes to to plan their trips - LOL. Well, this time I am traveling with my family of 4 (kids 8 and 12) plus my mom. I need all of YOUR collective advice on our room situation.

Mom is a breast cancer survivor of 4 years and always has this looming feeling of not being here to make more memories with us (esp. her 2 grandchildren). We went to WDW 4 years ago as soon as she got the all clear to celebrate. We were originallyl staying in 1 room at the Poly, but last minute Mom decided she really needed her own space in case she wanted to get up and stretch at night or sleep late during the day. The bug deal was the second bathroom too. So, this made for a much more costly trip, but it was fabulous for all (how do you not love the Poly?!). This time, I am trying to avoid the problem by staying at the new AofA LK suite. The money is a much bigger issue 4 years later because 1. we are also going on the Disney Dream Cruise when we leave the parks and 2. everything costs so much more.

So, the kids and I fall in love with what we see at AofA, but I have some concerns. Please tell me if I am crazy and what you would do....

1. Staying in 2 rooms at the POP would be less expensive, but really is it worth the craziness and really they are just not as vibrant, cute, and cool as these over the top suites? We have never stayed at a value and only hear nightmares about the buses, food courts, pools being overcrowded, and the large groups of high school sports teams. Thinking it will be worse at POP as AofA is the new Disney gem to show off and they usually make a big deal of making sure everything is extra super spectacular (not that everything is not always Disneyriffic). Also knowing the rooms will be new and clean (millions of teeneagers and toddlers have not used them, yet). Feeling very in love with the AofA and my 8 year old exclaims. "I want to take a shower there (with the lion king guys)!" Amazing, when do your kids ever want to take a shower at home? Do you think there will be a difference between these 2 come mid-Septemeber?

2. We are now paying for the FREE dining because it is not offered at AofA this year. Still way cheaper than most villas (that would give us the space mom wants) and looks so much newer and brighter than a cabin at fort wildreness (also worried about the distance to and from the buses and main lodge here). Heard we could do OKW (it does not do much for me, pastels are not my thing) or CoSp (which looks very nice, but I don't know much about other than the better pool with slide and no cool flip out bed or lion shower). Either would only save maybe $100 total. So, really is that worth it over the new resort?

3. Does anyone else lose sleep the week they book their vaction? I plan it all out, like it is the best job I ever had for the first week. Then, I rest a little easier until the trip arrives.

Thanks for any advice or stories you have to share. I know that their are so many Disney lovers and Disney experts on this site!

 

[PoohsFan1]

Sounds to me you have your heart set on AoA. If that is the case, then just go for it. I really can't answer any of your questions because we have never stayed in the values, but I know that people here on the DIS have and they had a lot of positive reviews about them. Don't stress about where you are staying, you guys are going to have a wonderful time regardless. Go where you and your family think will have a great time and build tons of memories, and to me it sounds like AoA is going to be the resort to do that .

 

[gabzee]

I do have to agree with PP that you seem set on AoA. Since this seems to be the case go for it! It seems to be where your kids want to stay. We too haven't stayed in the values so no comment there. I will say that OKW wasn't that great when we stayed there but we loved CSR! However, $100 savings is not that much and if it will make your family happier I would go for AoA. Regardless of where you stay, I am sure that your family will have a magical family vacation!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

As others have stated, you have already made your decision. Just add something new?

I do not know if you scrapbook but take loads of pictures and buy the book and pages and make this a special one for your Mom. You and the kids give it to her as a thank you for coming along. Something to remember a special time.

 

[zeferjen]

Have you looked into renting DVC points? That may be cheaper than AoA.

 

[we3travellers]

I may have misunderstood, but wouldn't CSR give you free dining? That would certainly make the price or "value" much better. If you've already taken that in to consideration, then by all means stay at AofA. Looks like you all have your heart set on it! We wanted to try it also as our first value, but it was not available during our week, so we are doing CSR and NOT going during FD. Enjoy every moment.

 

[PrincessMemoriesJeNN]

I don't know anything about renting the points or how reliable it is. Our first choices were Bay Lake Tower and Animal Kingdom, but the cost way too high. We would need enough points for 8 days (Sept. 15-22) leaving 23rd for the cruise.

 

[PrincessMemoriesJeNN]

Thank you for your thoughts. Yes! Yes! I scrapbook. I actually have my own photo solutions (Creative Memories) business. There are thousands of Disney photos in my house and more to be added!