Christmas 2012 trip for family of 5 - 2 value rooms or 1 suite at AoA?

[airforcemomof2]

Hello! My DH, DD, DD-13, DS-11, and DS-3 will be traveling to WDW 20 - 28 Dec 12. We like having a little more space for everyone to spread out, and have an extra bedroom for the little one to nap and go to bed early. My delimma now is to reserve 2 value rooms that join, a suite at AoA, or possibly a cabin at FW. What would you suggest and why? Thank you so much in advance. I just can't make up my mind!!

Cathy

 

[raven69david]

For themeing purposes, I'd go AoA with a family suite. They are quite big and your family size would be fine in the room. We fit 8, including an infant, and we all fit perfect in the room. The cabins would be too big and the resort features may not be to your kids likings unless they love the great outdoors more than Disney characters.

Two separate rooms would yield you 520 sq. ft. (260 sq. ft. each) while one suite would yield you the same space without the wall separating the two rooms. We did an AoA split stay 2 months ago (AoA, ASMo, AKL) and did the suite at AoA two separate rooms at ASMo and the suite felt larger even though it really wasn't. Just more room to walk around in.

 

[airforcemomof2]

I total agree..it's just the $750 difference that is getting to me. I really would like to stay at AoA, and we stayed at the cabins in 2010 and LOVED them, but it's going to be much cooler this stay and the golf carts may not be as much fun. Just need to hit the lottery between now and December

Cathy

 

[MMS1125]

Will your 3 yr old sleep with your 11yr old? If you think they would share I'd do an AoA suite. If not then I'd go with 2 rooms. It just depends on if you and your dh would be willing to split up in rooms in case you don't get connecting rooms. They aren't guaranteed. If staying in 1 room is a necessity for your family then I'd definitely go with the suite.

The only real pro of 2 rooms instead of a suite is 4 real beds vs 3 sleeping areas in the suite. And 2 rooms is cheaper

 

[airforcemomof2]

When I made the reservation the guy said since there are only 2 adults, adjoining rooms are a guarantee. From reading on here, I'm wondering if we should look at a different value...we are reserved at All-Star Sports, but a lot of ppl really seem to like Pop...too many decisions! I really do like the idea of a new resort though!

Cathy

 

[jenlov]

We're doing 2 rooms at AoA b/c it's cheaper than the suite. Well, that and we don't fit into a family suite anyway, lol. But, even if we did, we'd do 2 rooms b/c of the price difference. That's a big chunk of change you'll be saving! We did connecting rooms last time, and it was fine for us. We put the 4 biggest kids in one room and the 2 little ones with us. This time, we'll do the 4 big kids in one room and the 3 little ones with us (youngest is an infant).

 

[PHXscuba]

Or consider a Family Suite at All-Star Music. It has a queen in the bedroom, and three pull-out beds (double, twin, and junior) so your kids wouldn't have to share beds. Two bathrooms and a kitchenette. The price would fall between two regular value rooms and a suite at AoA.

PHXscuba

 

[ctl]

If you can afford it, I think the children might really love the AoA. If money is tight and it's Christmas you might want to save the money to spend on food and gifts. 2 rooms seems like the sensible thing to do. But I have great problems being sensible at WDW. Best of luck.

 

[hfuellgraf]

We prefer MOVIES-A better DISNEY feel or the AoA would be my choice. If you do the 2 rooms, I would call and speak to a CM to tell them you need a connecting room and call again 1 day before check in. I'v called and they were more than helpful. The AoA is new and would be very exciting. Good Luck!