CSR or ASMo/ASMu

[Camno's Mama]

Okay, so we've never stayed onsite before, and we are really thinking about doing it. Dh was all about saving money until he saw some of the pictures. (We usually stay in a villa, but are already spending more just to stay in a value).

To be honest, while I'm very excited to stay onsite, the big statue things and all that don't really do it for me at the values. I know my kids will love it, and I know it's still really nice, but we are both more interested in finding out about the moderates now. Specifically, CSR. Or, are there pretty spots at the values? It looked like ASMu had more greenery and things like that than the other values. I guess there is a part of me that just wants the resort feel, you know? Is that the only way that the moderates are better?

So, what do you think? Is it worth the 441 more for the week? (That's what I've priced out from the website...I haven't actually called Disney yet.)

Thanks for the input!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, so we've never stayed onsite before, and we are really thinking about doing it. Dh was all about saving money until he saw some of the pictures. (We usually stay in a villa, but are already spending more just to stay in a value).

To be honest, while I'm very excited to stay onsite, the big statue things and all that don't really do it for me at the values. I know my kids will love it, and I know it's still really nice, but we are both more interested in finding out about the moderates now. Specifically, CSR. Or, are there pretty spots at the values? It looked like ASMu had more greenery and things like that than the other values. I guess there is a part of me that just wants the resort feel, you know? Is that the only way that the moderates are better?

So, what do you think? Is it worth the 441 more for the week? (That's what I've priced out from the website...I haven't actually called Disney yet.)

Thanks for the input!

How old are your kids? Will you be taking breaks/down time at the resorts for swimming, relaxation, fun? All of this will make a difference. Truthfully, we stayed at the All-Star Sports once and have never stayed at a value again. We just didn't like the crowds, the noise, etc., and moved to a moderate which is where we have stayed put (except one year at the Polynesian for son's high school graduation). As far as the CSR, I love it as do many others (and you'll find those that hate it). We have stayed seven times and have already booked stay number eight for next September (did a review of our stay two weeks ago).

If you are going to spend a lot of time at the resorts and depending on the age of your children, I would go up to the moderate. There is more to do--bigger rooms, bigger and better pools (and more than one pool in some cases), hot tubs, bike rentals, etc. (the CSR even has a fitness center/spa).

I would then look at the pictures of all the moderates and read the facts on them and decide which ones theme appeals to you.

And if you choose to stay at a value, I'm sure you'll be just as happy--you'll be at Disney after all.

 

[Camno's Mama]

How old are your kids? Will you be taking breaks/down time at the resorts for swimming, relaxation, fun? All of this will make a difference. Truthfully, we stayed at the All-Star Sports once and have never stayed at a value again. We just didn't like the crowds, the noise, etc., and moved to a moderate which is where we have stayed put (except one year at the Polynesian for son's high school graduation). As far as the CSR, I love it as do many others (and you'll find those that hate it). We have stayed seven times and have already booked stay number eight for next September (did a review of our stay two weeks ago).

If you are going to spend a lot of time at the resorts and depending on the age of your children, I would go up to the moderate. There is more to do--bigger rooms, bigger and better pools (and more than one pool in some cases), hot tubs, bike rentals, etc. (the CSR even has a fitness center/spa).

I would then look at the pictures of all the moderates and read the facts on them and decide which ones theme appeals to you.

And if you choose to stay at a value, I'm sure you'll be just as happy--you'll be at Disney after all.

So, do the food courts and all that have the same kind of choices and stuff? We will not be doing any sit downs at WDW other than Chef Mickey's. Everything will either be CS or offsite.

By the way...Hello from Naperville KatMark. I see that you are from Carol Stream!

 

[KatMark]

So, do the food courts and all that have the same kind of choices and stuff? We will not be doing any sit downs at WDW other than Chef Mickey's. Everything will either be CS or offsite.

By the way...Hello from Naperville KatMark. I see that you are from Carol Stream!

Here is the menu from the Food Court at the Pepper Market (it is set up differently than others)--it is near the bottom of the first page of Buzz's CSR website.

I don't remember the food court at All Star Sports except that it was VERY crowded--but that was 9 years ago.


Yes, we are in Carol Stream. And we know Naperville very well--my best friend works there and we spent many years there with high school sports between our school and Naperville North/Naperville Central/Nequa Valley.

 

[Amy&Dan]

If the value statues sound too much for you, I would go with Music. Music is the calmest, most nicely landscaped of the values. Its rooms all received a very nice refurb recently. It doens't have the big icons, it has these sort of wooden things on the buildings (hard to explain) but not the big statues in the middle of the grounds. Its still very cute, but in a more understated way.

Music also currently has games for kids in the afternoons by the pool and movies at night by the pool. Which depending on the age of your kids might be appealing.

Now as far as CSR, its a huge, well themed resort with a ton of dining options. Its food court has many more selections than Music's. It also has a lounge and a full service restaurant and room service. My kids prefer the values food courts, a lot of the choices at Pepper Market were lost on them. They want hot dogs and hambugers! Dh and I thought Pepper Market was great, its more expensive but its got a lot of choices. CSR has lot of deluxe level amenities for a moderate price. It has great transportation and a beautfiful lake to enjoy. If you check out the slide show on Buzz's site, you can see lots of pictures and get information. That link is posted on the sticky thread of resort FAQ at the top of this board. Its really hard to compare CSR to a value because they are so different.

The main pool at CSR has a great slide, hot tub and CSR has numerous quiet pools as well. Music's pool is also really nice, but no slide, no hottub. It does have those games and movies that I mentioned above.

Room size to me isnt' that much different between values and mods. I am able to fit a twin sized airbed in both of those rooms just fine. CSR does have queen beds which is very nice.

I don't think you can make a bad choice. You pay more for CSR, but you get more. You just have to decide if those things you pay extra for are things you will use and enjoy! I have stayed at both and enjoyed both.

I would have to say, stay away from Movies. I love that resort, but its the only value that has yet to receive a refurb, its generally the most crowded with kids and it has those great big icons you are not sure you'll like! If you stay at Music, you can enjoy the grounds, icons, food courts and pools of the other two All Stars. They are all right next to each other. Pop is also great, but its at times very crowded and its pretty large. Music just feels a lot calmer and relaxing while still being very fun.

I will also say that at Music a preferred room is nice. Its not a large resort, however its laid out in a straight line. So the buildings are one right after the other, not a circular layout. So if you get in the Country Fair section, you can have a walk to the food court and bus stop. Unlike CSR where you may be far from the food court but close to a a bus stop, Music has one bus stop. I like to pay that extra $10 a night to stay preferred.

 

[Buzz'sBetterHalf]

I'd pick CSR!

 

[Camno's Mama]

and now I've seen some beautiful pictures of CBR...those are awesome, too! This is crazy! I can see why you all stay onsite!

 

[redc]

All Star Resorts in general have much more imaginative Themeing.

And the price is right, but you get what you pay for.

The rooms are smaller and the food is lacking at All Stars.

And although the busses at CSR leave a lot to be desired, All Star busses are worse.

It's a tough comparison, because neither is great.

 

[KatMark]

I forgot to post the site for the CSR with Pepper Market info. Here it is:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1734215

 

[Amy&Dan]

Well CBR is also wonderful! Kinda my personal favorite although I can't say its a big win over CSR since I love that one too.

Really and truly, you cannot make a bad choice. I have used the busses at all the mods and values and never had a problem. At park closing, all the bus ques are crowded but they keep sending them and somehow everybody gets "home". Busses are hit or miss, but on average my family has found them to be overall reliable. We seldom rent a car and we have yet to regret that when we don't. Its free and given the price of a Disney vacation and the fact that in fact they are built into the cost of your room, I just go with the flow and allow plenty of time to get to where I need to go.

Pick the resort that has the theming and budget you know you will love.

In some ways, CBR and CSR are similar in that they are both situated around a lake, are spread out and have a tropical feel. CBR's new pool looks wonderful. CBR doesn't have as good of dining options as CSR however. I happen to think the Pepper Market is wonderful, its pricey but the selection is huge! CBR is just more your average food court. Really good but not that big range of choices that Pepper Market has.

You will get so many opinions because people have their favorites. You just have to sort through all the information and weave that into what your family enjoys.

And if all else fails, flip a coin! I have literally been known to do that when I can't make up my mind!

 

[Dawn68PA]

It is a tough decision! I won't even consider staying off-site because of all the beautiful resorts on site. Of the 3 you mentioned in your original post, ASMu is the only one we've stayed at and we loved it. I would recommend it. I've read about bus sharing but we only shared once in our week long stay there. We're spending a night at ASMo in November and I'm sure we'll like that too.

Anyway, ASMu is nicely laid out, my kids loved the pools and we didn't have a preferred room but a lovely location close to everything in the Jazz building. I've read lots of positive remarks since the refurb has happened as well. The food wasn't memorable but it wasn't bad either. We all found plenty to eat at the food court.

Good luck with your decision. I'm anxious to read where you decide to book!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yes, I also have to add that during our 2 stays at Music (as well as our stays at Sports and Movies) we didn't share a bus that much. Quite the opposite. If we did share, it was usually mid day when we either got a late start to the parks, or were returning back to take a midday swim/break.

I also think the Music food court has enough to offer. Heck my kids would rather eat at a food court than anyplace else and my husband is about the same!

The Pepper Market food court is more like a sit down restaurant with selections and quality (you can get a steak at that food court) but its more expensive than a value food court. But still a good deal by Disney standards in particular.

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

I would pick CSR over the values. I think it's worth it especially if you all will be there a week. I know the space difference is not that much but a 2 queens over 2 doubles anyday. Also, the calmness over craziness wins me over. I think the CSR is much quieter and laid back

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! Great main pool area, awesome transportation, and terrific food options. CSR now has QUEEN beds too!! Also, CLUB LEVEL will be an option as of 01/2009!! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

Photo by steery1