CBR vs POR vs ASMU Family suites for party of 5 +baby?

[kymom79]

It looks like the 5-sleeper rooms at POR and CBR are just about the same price as the family suites at All-Star Music. At first, we were thinking the suites were the obvious choice, but one of our party brought up how lovely the more expansive grounds and amenities appeared at the two Moderate options, especially POR. One person also thought the Skyliner access from CBR would be wonderful, but then again, we'll have our own car, so we weren't sure how useful the Skyliner would be. Given our party of us two parents, a high schooler, middle schooler, preschooler, and baby, is there one choice here that is obvious to all of you with Disney hotel experience? We're having difficulty balancing resort quality and amenities vs space/layout, and would love the perspective of somebody who's been there.

 

[Chupaca bruh]

With that many people I would do a suite. I do prefer the moderates and love CBR and POR but I would only do those two if we had two rooms. Two bathrooms are much preferred unless you are all very fast!!!
We have stayed at All Star Music though not in a suite. I like ASM the best out of the 4 value resorts. We did stay in a suite at the Animation resort and while decorated more for kids it was very roomy.
We usually use our car at WDW but we did try out the Skyliner a couple weeks ago and it was great.

 

[Selket]

I think the suite at AS Music would work well. You'll have an actual bedroom for the 2 parents and the baby and the kids will have the 2 pull down queen beds in the main area. That also gives you a bedroom door to shut I'd think in case the baby is sleeping. I think you get 2 bathrooms also. I haven't stayed in that particular suite room at AS Music but I had it booked but kept Pop since there's only 3 of us. We don't have a car. That suite room was super tempting however as I really liked the layout and pictures.

POR is nice but 6 in that room is a lot. If everyone really wants it...especially the kids... then it's on the older ones to make it work and not complain ...haha!

 

[AmyMac1109]

Is a family suite at AoA an option? We usually travel as a family of 5 (2 parents, 2 teenagers, and 1 preschooler). Every time I've looked, the family suites at AoA were always a little bit more expensive than CBR and POR (but still in the same ballpark), and we couldn't justify the cost of "downgrading" from moderate to value. However, you have one additional body for your space. Disney doesn't count the baby as person, but I feel like the baby probably comes with more stuff than anyone else in that room. CBR and POR 5th sleepers were tight (but completely manageable) for our family of 5. If we had added a baby though, I don't think we could have done it.

You have stumbled upon the one instance where I think paying a little bit more for a family suite at AoA is completely worth it. You still get the convenience of the skyliner, but so much more space (a whole separate bedroom for the parents and a quiet space if baby needs it) and fun theming. You say you have a car, but the ability to take the Skyliner to HS and EPCOT is a game changer. Even if you all drive in together, the older kids can split off on their own, or maybe one parent and some kids, and you won't have to worry about meeting up at the car.

 

[Selket]

It looks like the 5-sleeper rooms at POR and CBR are just about the same price as the family suites at All-Star Music. At first, we were thinking the suites were the obvious choice, but one of our party brought up how lovely the more expansive grounds and amenities appeared at the two Moderate options, especially POR. One person also thought the Skyliner access from CBR would be wonderful, but then again, we'll have our own car, so we weren't sure how useful the Skyliner would be. Given our party of us two parents, a high schooler, middle schooler, preschooler, and baby, is there one choice here that is obvious to all of you with Disney hotel experience? We're having difficulty balancing resort quality and amenities vs space/layout, and would love the perspective of somebody who's been there.

Also check regarding the suite rooms at the other values whether they have the 2 pull down queen beds. Seems like last time I looked some (all?) of the other values besides Music had a sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair. I think the pull down queen beds are way nicer and the rooms looked more updated to me than the other value suites.

 

[snikki]

I would definitely do a suite just for the extra bathroom alone. I know my teenagers spend a lot of time in the bathroom. You'll also have the extra bedroom and little kitchenette.

Moderate rooms are not big so you will be cramped, your stuff will be everywhere and you'll be on top of each other. It will not be comfortable at all.

I recently did CSR with just my DD16. Her stuff was everywhere.

 

[kymom79]

Is a family suite at AoA an option? We usually travel as a family of 5 (2 parents, 2 teenagers, and 1 preschooler). Every time I've looked, the family suites at AoA were always a little bit more expensive than CBR and POR (but still in the same ballpark), and we couldn't justify the cost of "downgrading" from moderate to value. However, you have one additional body for your space. Disney doesn't count the baby as person, but I feel like the baby probably comes with more stuff than anyone else in that room. CBR and POR 5th sleepers were tight (but completely manageable) for our family of 5. If we had added a baby though, I don't think we could have done it.

You have stumbled upon the one instance where I think paying a little bit more for a family suite at AoA is completely worth it. You still get the convenience of the skyliner, but so much more space (a whole separate bedroom for the parents and a quiet space if baby needs it) and fun theming. You say you have a car, but the ability to take the Skyliner to HS and EPCOT is a game changer. Even if you all drive in together, the older kids can split off on their own, or maybe one parent and some kids, and you won't have to worry about meeting up at the car.

this is a great point! We are looking into it!

 

[HopperFan]

Also check regarding the suite rooms at the other values whether they have the 2 pull down queen beds. Seems like last time I looked some (all?) of the other values besides Music had a sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair. I think the pull down queen beds are way nicer and the rooms looked more updated to me than the other value suites.

Only ASMusic and AoA have suites.

AOA suites have a queen in bedroom, a full murphy bed in "dining area" and a full sofa bed in "living area".

ASMusic will be 3 queen beds, 2 murphy style.

 

[99Wendy]

We just left POR today and had a 5 person room. I can’t imagine fitting a baby in there too. It was pretty tight and there were only 4 of us

in my one day experience, sky liner would be a huge benefit at Epoct. I’m almost positive the other entry was let in early than the front line was released. we totally got burned on early entry. We were front of the pack heading towards france , maybe first 50, and people with strollers coming from the other way were arriving at Soarin wsame time we were walking by ….70 min wait by the time we got to Remy at 8:35..and then it broke down at 9:30….

 

[Counting Stars]

The family suite seems the better option- its nice to have a separate bedroom, especially with smaller kids. Lots of different situations with kids. Nice to be able to get some separation if its needed, additional space is also great. Stayed in a suite when ours were younger- really enjoyed the room and two bathrooms make a big difference in the time it takes to get six people showered and out of the room

 

[unrequited23]

ASMU family suite hands down. Two bathrooms, bigger fridge, microwave, and an extra 206 sq. ft.

We've stayed as a family of 4 (with a double stroller) in a 5th sleeper and it was just the right amount of space. I could not imagine adding two more humans, no matter the size, in that room.

 

[kwdw]

Anyone know if the ASMu family suites come with any supplied by Disney paper plates, bowls, cups, or plastic utensils? We’ll be eating breakfast in the room.

 

[DL1WDW2]

It looks like the 5-sleeper rooms at POR and CBR are just about the same price as the family suites at All-Star Music. At first, we were thinking the suites were the obvious choice, but one of our party brought up how lovely the more expansive grounds and amenities appeared at the two Moderate options, especially POR. One person also thought the Skyliner access from CBR would be wonderful, but then again, we'll have our own car, so we weren't sure how useful the Skyliner would be. Given our party of us two parents, a high schooler, middle schooler, preschooler, and baby, is there one choice here that is obvious to all of you with Disney hotel experience? We're having difficulty balancing resort quality and amenities vs space/layout, and would love the perspective of somebody who's been there.

Have you looked at the floor plans posted online for these resorts?
I stayed at the AoA Cars Family Suite and do not think it is the answer you are looking for.
The description “sounds great” but floor plan … You enter and small kitchenette on your left with dining area on right with pull down bed from the wall and the living room with fold out couch = a L shape all in one open floor plan . And then one room with door for another bed . It does have a bathroom in entry area and another for the bedroom .
I do not believe this provides anyplace for children to sleep away from any interruptions. That is why I hope you actually look at the floor plans.
Good luck .
If you have a car you might want to check out. The Residence Inn Family. suites in the new Flamingo Crossings area just on other side of AK .
I think they might have a larger floor plan with a reasonable price. Be sure to ask about AAA discounts, etc. I think it includes breakfast…?
There are other new resorts in this area also.

 

[Kerr84]

The skyliner is such a game changer! We love it! But you might’ve super crowded with 6 in the room. Have you looked at the cost of 2 room’s at Pop so you would have 2 bathrooms and the skyliner? Or a suite at AoA?

 

[aerxo17]

POR and CBR are too tight for 5+infant, even with those ages. I've been to CBR (throwback to the pirate rooms!) as a family of 4 (Two parents, high schooler, and middle schooler) and it was tight. Not unbearable at 4, but with 5+infant...I would opt for a suite, at either AOA or ASMu. I'm sure you'll appreciate the two bathrooms, too.

 

[loves to dive]

I'd go with either AoA or ASMu for the suite. Frankly, I'd go AsMu, I don't see me paying the AoA prices when the difference isn't that big. There are a number of videos out there of each, pretty sure AllEars has one and Here With Ears does as well. Not sure if the Dis has done one in a while.

 

[lorimt]

We just stayed at CBR for one night with 5 and it was tight. I can’t imagine adding a baby to the already tight room. I think a suite is a better option.