Disney river side or an all star resort?

[MistyLou123]

Working on planning a vacation for next year for the family around my DD 14th bday. Youngest DD will be 10. Last time we went they were 9 and 4. So it’s been awhile and we stayed offsite. We are looking at going with another family who wants to stay at river side. I’m debating on river side or an all star. I think the kids would much rather enjoy the over the top themeing at the all star resorts. Any suggestion? And anyone traveling with another family experienced staying at separate resorts?

 

[SarahC97]

We've stayed at both and my kids enjoy both. The All-Stars are more in your face Disney, but Riverside is pretty lovely too. I think if the cost isn't a deciding factor, I'd go with Riverside. It has a waterslide and a hot tub, plus quiet pools that my kids enjoyed. The All Stars are great, but I normally stay there when I want to go for longer because it's less expensive.

 

[llachance]

Prefer Riverside for a number of reasons - mostly the quietness - most of the time.

 

[Sue M]

I’d vote Riverside any time. It’s one of our fav resorts. Beautiful grounds, fun pool, boat to Disney Springs, fun evening entertainer, central location. Best food court. Horse & carriage rides, fishing hole.
Larger rooms, queen beds.

 

[MistyLou123]

We've stayed at both and my kids enjoy both. The All-Stars are more in your face Disney, but Riverside is pretty lovely too. I think if the cost isn't a deciding factor, I'd go with Riverside. It has a waterslide and a hot tub, plus quiet pools that my kids enjoyed. The All Stars are great, but I normally stay there when I want to go for longer because it's less expensive.

Yea cost isn’t huge factor, although saving money is always nice lol. We have over a year to plan I was just wanting opinions to help us decide. Forgot to mention we are looking at about a week there. I’m leaning towards 4 days for parks and one free day.

 

[SarahC97]

Yea cost isn’t huge factor, although saving money is always nice lol. We have over a year to plan I was just wanting opinions to help us decide. Forgot to mention we are looking at about a week there. I’m leaning towards 4 days for parks and one free day.

If you're doing a resort day, I'd stay at a resort that's a bit nicer like Riverside, then. The boat to Disney Springs is really nice and it has a lounge and table service restaurant.

 

[rdaky]

Riverside. Queen beds vs full, better pool with a waterslide. It still has lots of kid appeal even without the gigantic statues everywhere like you'd see at All Stars.

 

[Sadeesmom]

I’m in the minority here. We did a split stay in 2016 with Pop & POR, and while I loved POR (mostly for the hot tub at the end of a long day), when I asked my daughter (currently 12) where she wanted to stay when we go next year, she looked at all the values and moderates (I said no to the deluxe pricing), and she chose All Star Movies. She likes the theming best there. You would probably prefer Riverside, but the kids (at least the younger one), would probably prefer the fun of All Stars.

 

[MistyLou123]

I’m in the minority here. We did a split stay in 2016 with Pop & POR, and while I loved POR (mostly for the hot tub at the end of a long day), when I asked my daughter (currently 12) where she wanted to stay when we go next year, she looked at all the values and moderates (I said no to the deluxe pricing), and she chose All Star Movies. She likes the theming best there. You would probably prefer Riverside, but the kids (at least the younger one), would probably prefer the fun of All Stars.

I think that is where my delima is lol..since we have never stayed onsite not really sure what we’d like. Bed size won’t be a problem because after a long day in the park I’m asleep once my head hits the pillow and the kids could sleep anywhere lol. Although better softer beds lead for a better night sleep lol

 

[sbd78]

If you are drawn to over the top Disney theming, have you checked out Art of Animation? Most of their rooms are suites, but the Little Mermaid section has regular rooms.

 

[MistyLou123]

If you are drawn to over the top Disney theming, have you checked out Art of Animation? Most of their rooms are suites, but the Little Mermaid section has regular rooms.

I have not..is AOA better then the values?

 

[sbd78]

AoA is technically a Value, but yes, it is arguably the best (and newest) value. VERY over-the-top Disney theming with a Little Mermaid, Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars section.

 

[Hopefully]

I have not..is AOA better then the values?

AoA is a value.
I would definitely choose POR

 

[Sue M]

I have not..is AOA better then the values?

It is a value, all but one section is suites starting at $315

 

[ClapYourHands]

I have not..is AOA better then the values?

AoA is a value resort, but it's newer than the All-Stars and the theming is better. There are also a lot of Family Suites, if that appeals to you - I'm not sure how big your family is.

 

[awalker1015]

Riverside, no question.

 

[HopperFan]

We have been quite a few times with others and stayed at different resorts. I actually prefer it for most people. It gives us the time to do just our family, our pool time, and getting out to the parks on our own time. I always suggest you make plans to meet up after the rush in the morning .... say at MK, meet us by Haunted Mansion at 10:30 am. That way if one family decides they want to sleep in, or skip breakfast it won't hold up the other family. You should stay where YOU want to stay, and make plans together for parks and some meals.

By next year most of Allstar Movies will have all new rooms and comfy beds. They will have finished the rooms at POP Century so look at those, they'll be similar. If you'd rather save the money and do uber-Disney look at ASMo and POP. If you stay at POP walk over the bridge to AoA and check out some awesome imagineering. Great photo ops.

 

[Haley R]

We really liked POR when we stayed there but they are refurbishing the rooms at Movies so you may have a chance at one of those next year. I think I would actually vote for movies in your case. I know as a kid I would not have been impressed with POR compared to the large characters over at movies. As an adult, I choose POR hands down. I guess you just have to decide what’s more important.

 

[Meglen]

POR. Is my vote. So much more to offer and the resort doesn't need to be over the top because going to the parks is plenty of characters and "Disney in the face". It's nice to go back and hit the pool and get a little break. It's like 2 vacations in 1.

 

[MistyLou123]

We have been quite a few times with others and stayed at different resorts. I actually prefer it for most people. It gives us the time to do just our family, our pool time, and getting out to the parks on our own time. I always suggest you make plans to meet up after the rush in the morning .... say at MK, meet us by Haunted Mansion at 10:30 am. That way if one family decides they want to sleep in, or skip breakfast it won't hold up the other family. You should stay where YOU want to stay, and make plans together for parks and some meals.

By next year most of Allstar Movies will have all new rooms and comfy beds. They will have finished the rooms at POP Century so look at those, they'll be similar. If you'd rather save the money and do uber-Disney look at ASMo and POP. If you stay at POP walk over the bridge to AoA and check out some awesome imagineering. Great photo ops.

Good point...we’ve traveled with family in the past for vacation and staying together was so hectic at times lol