family of 5, 3nights, 2 parks (MK and DHS). where to stay????

[Kac923]

I need advice! We are staying 3 nights following our cruise on the Dream this Feb/March. We have only been to WDW once and that was another quick trip (2 nights at CR TPV). Kids are 9, 7, 5 (boy and 2 girls).
Here's my thoughts:
1)AoA: kids will love theming and will be nice to have space after 4 nights all in one room on cruise ship. However, for practically same money we could stay in one of the deluxe resorts with nicer amenities
2) deluxe: everybody in same room but nicer amenities and better transportation. Husband thinks we will spend such little time in room that space isn't issue.
3) AKL 1 bed villa: looks beautiful and this would give us space plus washer and dryer which would be fab after the cruise. Is it worth an extra $400 though?

we will get off cruise on THurs morning and spend that day at resort relaxing. next day at MK and next day at DHS. following day we do have all morning to enjoy resort before leaving. Hubby HATES crowds so his vote is for whichever resort gives us easiest to/from to parks. he loved ability to walk to MK from CR last time and quick monorail home at end of night (when kids were too tired to walk anymore!). However, is there any resort that gives easy transport to MK and DHS? I know there's a monorail that goes to epcot but I'm unsure about DHS.. It's my understanding that all MK deluxe resorts have to bus there. True?
I would love to hear some opinions! what would YOU do? where would you stay? worth more money to have bigger room or better to be on monorail?

Kac

 

[mickeynut1]

An Epcot resort would be the most convenient to DHS, but a monorail resort would be the most convenient to MK. From an Epcot resort, you are within walking distance/boat ride to DHS, but have to bus to MK. At a monorail resort, you are a quick monorail ride to MK, but have to bus to DHS. I think any deluxe resort would be great, however, a monorail resort would offer the largest room of the deluxe resorts (not including the 1 bedroom villa). We are staying at WDW before and after our cruise next summer and chose the YC prior to the cruise and the Poly for after the cruise so we can get the best of both worlds. Good luck.