Could use some advice

[z2akids]

So, I am planning our first family trip to Disney. In fact, the last time I was there was in 1982 and Epcot was still under construction. So, this is going to be ALL new to us. I am looking for some help in deciding where to stay, etc.

So far this is what I have.

3/2-3/9
2 adults, 3 children (11, 9 and 7)
7 day park hopper passes
disney dining plan

I now have 2 reservations that I made yesterday and today

#1 Port of orleans riverside, riverview room with the above package for $3937.

#2 All Star Music - 2 standard rooms with inside connection with the above package for $4736.

Tell me pros and cons. I know it would be nice to have 2 separate rooms and an extra bathroom. But, is is going to be $800 nicer to have that extra space? What about convenience? Is POR a better location? Which pools are better? Anyway, I have no basis to compare the hotels. I would really prefer not to go over $5000 for our package which really rules out a lot of other places. Our total budget is a bit under $7000. We will be flying in (at about $1500 as part of that budget) and I want room in the budget for extras - souveniers and the like.

So, what would you do and why? I really appreciate any advice. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Maybe something exists that I haven't thought of.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I think POR is a lot NICER than the value resorts, but I haven't seen AoA yet.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I really like Port Orleans. The new rooms are beautiful, and you have lots of extra activities that you can do at the resort. You also have the boat to Downtown Disney, and can easily walk to Port Orleans French Quarter, and use their pool and food court. Main beds will be queens VS full. But as you said, at All Star, you have 2 bathrooms, and each kid would get their own bed. How do your kids do with sharing beds? That could be the deciding factor for my family. Also, While Port Orleans has all kinds of activities and amenities, will you be there enough to enjoy it? If you are going to be in the parks most of the time, I'd go with All Stars for the extra beds and ease of getting ready in the mornings with 2 bathrooms. If you have more resort time I'd do Port Orleans. I am leaning towards Port Orleans just on lower cost alone, but the beds can be a big issue with my kids. Either way, have a MAGICAL trip!!!

ETA:Also know that the connecting rooms are not guaranteed, so take that into account if that is a make or break issue for you. Most families that request it get them, but I have heard of cases where it couldn't be done.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Port Orleans Riverside is beautiful and the Alligator Bayou rooms all sleep 5 in 2 queens and a pulldown murphy bed. No worries, even though it is smaller than a twin bed, my petite 12 year old niece slept in it for 4 nights with no complaints back in January. The location is really nice, the food court is good, the "signature" restaurant isn't worth it, but the rest of the resort is wonderful.

Tom

 

[z2akids]

Thank you. Will the kids (11 and 9 year old boys and a 7 year old girl) enjoy POR or will they be disappointed because it looks like the theming isn't quite so over the top cartoony.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Thank you. Will the kids (11 and 9 year old boys and a 7 year old girl) enjoy POR or will they be disappointed because it looks like the theming isn't quite so over the top cartoony.

We stayed there when my siblings and I were 8, 5 and 2 and LOVED it.

 

[Kristibo42]

We have been several times and all but once we have stayed at the Value resorts. Have you looked in the family suites? Both at All Stars and at the new one Art of Animation? We really don't spend much time in the rooms. We go back in the afternoon for a couple of hours but basically just use the rooms to sleep. With the All Stars they all share the buses so Music is in the middle so that's not too bad. Sports is the first one meaning they get picked up first and dropped off first. That was nice. I have several places I could suggest for dinning if you are interest.

 

[wishing4PA]

We have been several times and all but once we have stayed at the Value resorts. Have you looked in the family suites? Both at All Stars and at the new one Art of Animation? We really don't spend much time in the rooms. We go back in the afternoon for a couple of hours but basically just use the rooms to sleep. With the All Stars they all share the buses so Music is in the middle so that's not too bad. Sports is the first one meaning they get picked up first and dropped off first. That was nice. I have several places I could suggest for dinning if you are interest.

Nice idea. I was bored so priced out the ASMu suite with OP's options as $4667 (s/p/d offer) - unless I overlooked something.

 

[brenarmywife]

Our family of five has stayed in both All Star Music and POR and we personally love All Star Music much more. We usually get a family suite, since our three kids do not like to share a bed and I love the kitchenette and two bathrooms. Not to mention that I like having our own separate room from the kids without the worry of whether they will be able to fulfill an adjoining room request. We always have cereal and shelf stable milk shipped to eat breakfast in the room and other snacks as well, so having the kitchenette is nice. They stock it with plates and such, so we don't even need to worry about having that shipped to us. It makes breakfast quicker and we can make it to the parks earlier if everyone eats in the room. That way while some are showering, some can eat and it means we have more time in the parks. We also didn't care for the resort theme of POR as much for our kids and they love the pool in All Star Music. It will really come down to what works best for your family. The extra space in the room equals less family conflict for us which means I get the nice relaxing vacation I want.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Thank you. Will the kids (11 and 9 year old boys and a 7 year old girl) enjoy POR or will they be disappointed because it looks like the theming isn't quite so over the top cartoony.

I can't answer for your kids, but we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter last Thanksgiving, and my kids loved the theming at both that and Riverside. They really likes the subtle touches, looking for Hidden Mickeys, etc. That being said, we have never stayed at a value, as double beds don't work well for us. I think your kids are old enough to appreciate the subtle Disney touches that the moderates offer. The other plus to a Mod is the waterslide and hot tub, but as I said earlier, it depends how you will spend your time...if you will be in the parks most of the time, then I'd go for bed and bathroom space first.

 

[MMS1125]

As a family of 5 as well i can say that we like 2 rooms or a suite better than POR but when my kids were younger like yours POR worked out just fine. Will the boys sleep in the same bed? If so I think you'll be ok. The advantage of 2 rooms is you get 4 beds and 2 bathrooms where POR you will get 2 beds and a small Murphy style bed and 1 bathroom. You get regular dining though not QSDP that you'd get with the values.