Deluxe Taste at AoA

[johnnyr]

We are a family of 4, two adults and two teens 17 and 14. We usually stay at either GF, Poly, BC, or POFQ. We have no problem with the 4 of us staying in the same room. My kids think they will like AoA for our next trip but I'm not sure we will like it after staying deluxe and moderate all these years. We have stayed in ASM and Sports in the past. They were just not for us. Looking at the decor of AoA, it reminds me of the value resorts. Not that it is a bad thing, it just doesn't appeal to me. Do you think a family of 4 with deluxe taste will like AoA?

 

[*Fantasia*]

Can you show some pictures of the AoA and perhaps some videos of the resort to your family? You can also read up on AoA, so you know what amenities they offer and what what not. If the other value resorts doesn't appeal to you, then you may want to stay away from this resort. It is basically set up like the other value resorts, except they were extensive with the detailing on the theme.

If you are going to stay here, just go in with an open mind and not compare this value resort with the deluxe or you will be disappointed.

 

[minnie mum]

I doubt that you'll be bowled over by it. If you have found in the past that you didn't like other value resorts, I can think of no reason why you would like this one any better. You will find the room smaller than what you are used to at a mod or deluxe. You won't have queen sized beds. You won't have a pool with a slide. You won't have TS restaurants or lounges. You will probably notice the crowds more. And you already know that the decor doesn't appeal to you. If you are looking at the suites, then you are paying deluxe prices for a value stay. If it was me, I'd stay where I KNOW I'll be comfortable.

 

[longhorns2]

Maybe consider a split stay? 2 days at AoA and then move to a deluxe? That way they get a taste of it, and you will satisfy that desire, but still have the option to go where you know after.

I've stayed at the Allstars and at Poly--- and there is a big difference in the vibe, the grounds, the amenities, and I think even CMs seem to be more friendly at the deluxe. I am sure that could also just be my perception as well. LOL

 

[lsenquiz]

For me the biggest differentiator would be the transportation. You will have to take a bus to all 4 parks. There also won't be a slide at the pool at AoA. I am a tried and true Boardwalk fan. We go every September with several members of our extended family. This year my Aunt and Uncle decided to stay at AoA and tried to get me to switch also but I didn't. I am just too much of a bus hater to say anywhere else

 

[addicted2dizney]

no matter how you slice it, AOA is a value resort. Sure they have the family suites. (but so does music, not sure about the others but I've stayed at the music ones) I personally found the suites to be more of a burden to stay in than a benefit. Yes nice to have the extra bathroom and kitchenette area but I like the 4 in my family to have "real beds" to sleep on. 4 nights on a fold out was no fun for me.

I guess the biggest question you have to ask your family is what is it they did like about the deluxe and what they didn't like about the value. Once you have those answers you can decide if it's worth it for your family to stay at AOA.

I personally love the values although I do stay at the deluxe often. My daughter (18) actually likes the colors themes etc... at the values better than the deluxe so it really depends on what your family is expecting to decide what will be a successful trip.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

We are a family of 4, two adults and two teens 17 and 14. We usually stay at either GF, Poly, BC, or POFQ. We have no problem with the 4 of us staying in the same room. My kids think they will like AoA for our next trip but I'm not sure we will like it after staying deluxe and moderate all these years. We have stayed in ASM and Sports in the past. They were just not for us. Looking at the decor of AoA, it reminds me of the value resorts. Not that it is a bad thing, it just doesn't appeal to me. Do you think a family of 4 with deluxe taste will like AoA?

I have pondered the same question because it is new and interesting. Our conclusion was no. If you prefer Deluxe, then book Deluxe. AOA may be shiner and newer with more benefits than other Values, but it is still a Value resort. If you want closer to Deluxe, book a Moderate. In the end, Deluxe is Deluxe.

 

[michashell]

We are a family of 4, two adults and two teens 17 and 14. We usually stay at either GF, Poly, BC, or POFQ. We have no problem with the 4 of us staying in the same room. My kids think they will like AoA for our next trip but I'm not sure we will like it after staying deluxe and moderate all these years. We have stayed in ASM and Sports in the past. They were just not for us. Looking at the decor of AoA, it reminds me of the value resorts. Not that it is a bad thing, it just doesn't appeal to me. Do you think a family of 4 with deluxe taste will like AoA?

I understand your dilemma. I am also a family of 4 with much younger children (4 1/2 and 2 1/2). We were originally booked at GF for the last week of October. After Disney announced the last round of closures due to the DVC construction, we decided to switch to an AOA family suite. We've never done a value BUT we've also never been to Disney with our children. We had to change our mindset a bit.

My initial reaction to your question was - give it a shot since your kids find it appealing. However, when you said that the other values that you tried just weren't for you that made me pause. What exactly did you not like?

We will have a rental car. If not, we probably wouldn't have considered it. Also since our kids are so small, the themeing of a pool is important but not water slides. I agree about the decor but this trip is more for my boys to experience Disney for the first time. We liked the looks from the reviews of the food court area - fresh food, good variety compared to the other values. We will, however, miss having a sit down restaurant.

I'm still conflicted, but there was a significant cost savings over GF and too many amenities that weren't going to be available to us during our stay. I also really like having another bathroom and a separate sleeping area with AOA. Again, our kids are much smaller than your. If BC had been available during this time period, we would have definitely stayed there.

Allears.net has some good pictures and reviews, if you haven't read them yet. Good luck!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I have pondered the same question because it is new and interesting. Our conclusion was no. If you prefer Deluxe, then book Deluxe. AOA may be shiner and newer with more benefits than other Values, but it is still a Value resort. If you want closer to Deluxe, book a Moderate. In the end, Deluxe is Deluxe.

I agree.. I also considered AOA but decided against knowing we wouldnt really be happy there...

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I have pondered the same question because it is new and interesting. Our conclusion was no. If you prefer Deluxe, then book Deluxe. AOA may be shiner and newer with more benefits than other Values, but it is still a Value resort. If you want closer to Deluxe, book a Moderate. In the end, Deluxe is Deluxe.

I agree 100% - we toured AOA on the day it opened.
It has a really fabulous food court and arcade...and of course the theming is fun..and everything is bright, shiny and new..but it is a Value. Don't get me wrong..we stayed at POP happily for 4 trips - but AOA felt sooo much like POP. If you don't enjoy Values, I can't imagine that you would enjoy AOA.

 

[kerriemiller]

at the risk of sounding short NO you will not like AoA. Like PP it is a value, a nice new value but a value.

We were booked at AoA for our Nov trip. In a Lion King room. And it was not a value in price. I discoverd that after I upgraded from the free QS to the DDP for only $30 more we could have a standard room at AKL. Since you said that you dont mind being in one room. I would say that AoA is not worth the money.

8 nights at AoA Lion King room, 7 days of park tickets, DDP $3992.66
8 nights at AKL standard room, 7 days of park tickets, DDP $4022.46

To me those numbers are crazy.

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks for all the replies. My first reaction after researching AoA was to choose a diffferent resort but I wanted to give the kids the benefit of the doubt. We all looked at some pictures taken by actual travelers on Tripdavisor and decided against it. It gave us a good look from a traveler perspective rather than Photoshoped professional pictures. I know from experince after staying deluxe and moderate you never go for anything less. We are going to stay with our moderate/deluxe taste and most likely stay at one of the EPCOT resorts. Maybe BC or BW.

 

[raven69david]

We're AKL lovers and we had no problem with AoA. We loved the resort and are doing an AoA/AKL split stay in early December. The resort was awesome and this will be our new Value resort when we need a 1 or 2 night stay (Friday-Saturday nights) before continuing to AKL or any other resort(s).

 

[kerriemiller]

We're AKL lovers and we had no problem with AoA. We loved the resort and are doing an AoA/AKL split stay in early December. The resort was awesome and this will be our new Value resort when we need a 1 or 2 night stay (Friday-Saturday nights) before continuing to AKL or any other resort(s).

I would agree with this totally. We would do this too. But we do prefer deluxe. I hope to stay at BC or YC next trip. We are waiting for the kids to be a bit bigger so we can enjoy the pool more.

 

[Cynt]

no matter how you slice it, AOA is a value resort. Sure they have the family suites. (but so does music, not sure about the others but I've stayed at the music ones) I personally found the suites to be more of a burden to stay in than a benefit. Yes nice to have the extra bathroom and kitchenette area but I like the 4 in my family to have "real beds" to sleep on. 4 nights on a fold out was no fun for me.

I guess the biggest question you have to ask your family is what is it they did like about the deluxe and what they didn't like about the value. Once you have those answers you can decide if it's worth it for your family to stay at AOA.

I personally love the values although I do stay at the deluxe often. My daughter (18) actually likes the colors themes etc... at the values better than the deluxe so it really depends on what your family is expecting to decide what will be a successful trip.

I agree, we like REAL BEDS too. I think Disney missed it big on this. I'm still puzzled by the design of the family suites at AoA. I really wish they would have made it a two bedroom value suite w/ a living area. King bed in one room and two queens in the other room w/ the living area in the middle or skip the living area all together and keep the kitchenette. I would rather have beds than a living area. They could have put two twin/full beds in one room and a king/queen in the other room. Man, I wish they would have checked the Disboards for suggestions.

I'm planning a family vacation for 11 and I really want to stay on site but the accomodation options are far better offsite. We need at least three beds per family group. If it was a couple of days a pullout/murphy bed wouldn't be a big deal but 7 nights? YIKES!!

OK off my soapbox.

 

[wmoon]

We were thinking of a Nemo suite at AOA for 18 nights, we have 3 adults and a child in our group, now I am thinking after your comments is a pull out bed a good idea for that length of time.

Looked at AKL standard room which is slightly cheaper with the dining p,an included.

Also looked at port Orleans French quarter, standard room which is nearly $3000 dollars cheaper and has the added quick service dining plan.

In our group it's me, my husband, my son, he is 5 and my mother in law. Two bathrooms would be good as would a bit more space but will it really be worth it at AOA. I now have no idea where to book.

 

[Cynt]

18 nights!!?!? No way would I stay at AoA w/ a pullout and murphy bed for that long. Deluxe villa or offsite condo. I would rather stay at another value w/ two beds and not have to deal with a pullout/murphy bed or a moderate with two queen beds.

18 nights that screams offsite condo. The money you will save on lodging you will still be w/in budget to rent a car, pay for parking and pay for meals OOP. Bonnet Creek, Windsor Hills, Reunion, Seven Dwarfs...o the list goes on and on.

 

[DAZY3BYZ]

at the risk of sounding short NO you will not like AoA. Like PP it is a value, a nice new value but a value.

We were booked at AoA for our Nov trip. In a Lion King room. And it was not a value in price. I discoverd that after I upgraded from the free QS to the DDP for only $30 more we could have a standard room at AKL. Since you said that you dont mind being in one room. I would say that AoA is not worth the money.

8 nights at AoA Lion King room, 7 days of park tickets, DDP $3992.66
8 nights at AKL standard room, 7 days of park tickets, DDP $4022.46

To me those numbers are crazy.

Exactly! Those numbers are crazy! This is why I get frustrated with this being Disney's answer for families of five. Why would I pay those prices for a value resort when I can pay basically pay the same amount and enjoy the amenities that a deluxe offers. Just wish there was a more affordable option for families of 5. For now, we just stick with deluxe. Why wouldn't we?

 

[Cynt]

Exactly! Those numbers are crazy! This is why I get frustrated with this being Disney's answer for families of five. Why would I pay those prices for a value resort when I can pay basically pay the same amount and enjoy the amenities that a deluxe offers. Just wish there was a more affordable option for families of 5. For now, we just stick with deluxe. Why wouldn't we?

DITTO! DITTO! DITTO! Planning this family trip has opened my eyes to what the family of 5 endures. AoA was a perfect shell to accomodate the family of 5. I recon that the imageneers were all single young folks. No moms, no family of 5 participants were included in the design. In that case, no family of 4 w/ a teenage boys and/or girls that refuse to share a bed. WE NEED 3 BED accomodation Disney!

 

[AliceIn]

We were thinking of a Nemo suite at AOA for 18 nights, we have 3 adults and a child in our group, now I am thinking after your comments is a pull out bed a good idea for that length of time.

Looked at AKL standard room which is slightly cheaper with the dining p,an included.

Also looked at port Orleans French quarter, standard room which is nearly $3000 dollars cheaper and has the added quick service dining plan.

In our group it's me, my husband, my son, he is 5 and my mother in law. Two bathrooms would be good as would a bit more space but will it really be worth it at AOA. I now have no idea where to book.

I just returned from AoA, and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. The table bed is truly like a normal bed, and the pull out doesn't have that awful bar to bother your back. I was very, very pleasantly surprised by the AoA and the quality of the resort overall. I would think that with three adults, you'd be much more comfortable having two bathrooms, and a completely separate sleeping space.