First trip help picking a resort

[Kialovesbooks24]

Hi! i am trying to plan our first trip and it is a surprise for the kids and i need some help making the best decision for us.

I am trying to decide on a resort! We’re stuck between a garden room at Port Orleans French Quarter and a family suite at All Star Music. A little about our family.

it would be 1 adult and 3 teenagers, they will be 15, 16, 17 at the time of travel

I think the main difference for me is I know Port Orleans has a hot tub which will be beneficial after a day at the park but the extra space we would get from the family suite at ASM would be nice with three teenagers, i guess i am just looking for an outside input from those who have been before and are familiar with these resorts.

Any input is appreciated!

 

[Karalee402]

How exciting to be planning your first trip! Can you give us a bit more info like your party size? I know for my family of five, that definitely impacts which resort I book.

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

I should also add I’m either looking at

How exciting to be planning your first trip! Can you give us a bit more info like your party size? I know for my family of five, that definitely impacts which resort I book.

1 adult and 3 teens, ages 14, 15, and 16 this is a surprise that I’ve been wanting to do for awhile for them before they’re grown, I know we could probably fit in a standard or preferred room at either location but teenagers don’t like to share beds lol

 

[Karalee402]

What a fun surprise! And I totally hear you! We have an 8 year old, a 14 year old, and a 17 year old, and the older kids hate sharing beds, although it's sometimes worth it depending on the resort. If you book a family suites, everyone will definitely get their own beds, so if that's the priority, I'd go that route!

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

What a fun surprise! And I totally hear you! We have an 8 year old, a 14 year old, and a 17 year old, and the older kids hate sharing beds, although it's sometimes worth it depending on the resort. If you book a family suites, everyone will definitely get their own beds, so if that's the priority, I'd go that route!

Any recommendations on travel agents? I have a couple that I’ve talked to but I’m not sure on using them

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

This is actually kind of a hared choice for me.

Having teens they'd probably enjoy the theme of Port Orleans French Quarter and there's good food options at the Port Orleans resorts and good transportation option.

BUT...

First let me tell you that if you're going all day at the parks the bed will be calling more than the hot tub.
I've stayed in several resorts with hot tubs and since I'm someone that loves a good hot shower to relax I thought I'd go for a dip at the end of the day to relax the muscles but I literally not once have!

So in your situation I'd probably go with the All Star Music Suites because there's more room to spread out, there are 2 bathrooms, and there's a kitchenette

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’m not “ anti travel agent” but if I feel confident booking solo, I do so whether domestic, international, land or sea.
What benefits are you looking for from a TA?

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

I’m not “ anti travel agent” but if I feel confident booking solo, I do so whether domestic, international, land or sea.
What benefits are you looking for from a TA?

For me, I think it’s experience with the parks and Disney, this is uncharted territory for me and obviously I would love to touch base with someone who is more familiar with this, the other thing is having someone to monitor if there are any promos that I’m missing out on come closer to the time of travel

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

This is actually kind of a hared choice for me.

Having teens they'd probably enjoy the theme of Port Orleans French Quarter and there's good food options at the Port Orleans resorts and good transportation option.

BUT...

First let me tell you that if you're going all day at the parks the bed will be calling more than the hot tub.
I've stayed in several resorts with hot tubs and since I'm someone that loves a good hot shower to relax I thought I'd go for a dip at the end of the day to relax the muscles but I literally not once have!

So in your situation I'd probably go with the All Star Music Suites because there's more room to spread out, there are 2 bathrooms, and there's a kitchenette

I suppose this is going to boil down to price too, because there is a significant difference between a family suite and a standard room, ideally, I would like to say that we are going to be in the parks all day and only in the room occasionally, but I also have mobility issues with my back, so that is a whole other concern with being at the parks all day

 

[NYCgrrl]

I can’t assist with picking either hotel as I’ve never stayed at either but do enjoy this big step and be sure to have fun!

Oh I just thought of something to check for: the resort closest to the parks you want to visit is probably the best bang for the buck. I dread long bus trips with tired children after a full day at the parks

 

[NYCgrrl]

but I also have mobility issues with my back, so that is a whole other concern with being at the parks all day

Don’t forget to explore renting a mobility scooter if that’s an option that seems sensible to you. Lots of people use them, allowing them to keep up and occasionally, surpass their family members.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

French Quarter is a wonderful hotel but for your group I think the family suite would be better.

However for a first time trip, I would go watch some YouTube videos or read some of the more popular blogs/websites to get a feel for what you think your touring style will be.

 

[Karalee402]

First let me tell you that if you're going all day at the parks the bed will be calling more than the hot tub.
I've stayed in several resorts with hot tubs and since I'm someone that loves a good hot shower to relax I thought I'd go for a dip at the end of the day to relax the muscles but I literally not once have!

THIS!! I've considered going to the hot tubs so many times, but in all my 20 years of going to the parks, I think I've been in a hot tub once!
If price is the main consideration, I'd definitely start by pricing the family suite vs. the moderate standard. The family suites can be pretty pricey!
And I absolutely second using YouTube for planning. You'll learn SO much about all aspects of planning. You can find videos detailing both resorts you're considering, videos about dining, videos about lightning lanes - you name it, there's a vlogger who has made a video about it!

 

[MICKIMINI]

Exciting! How long is your trip? Driving or flying? Set a realistic budget or you will all be stressed and disappointed. Hopefully, the teens have part time jobs so they can stash a bit of cash for snacks and trinkets.

Work backwards:

Transportation to/from WDW
Rental Car
Tickets
$100-200 per person per day for meals
$$ Daily extras

You should have this information at the ready before you contact a travel agent. Most work for commissions from hotels and some may want you to spend up. After you establish the part of your budget you can estimate, you will know pretty much what you have to spend on accommodations.

I would recommend getting a suite on property. Three teens take up a lot of room! You should all be comfy when at your resort. Being in the "bubble" is safer, easier to get around and lets your family be immersed in their trip. WDW is 40 square miles so transportation is essential.

Early May and all of September is pretty low season at this point. Moving to another month can increase your accommodations spending by an amazing amount. Decide on a couple potential dates to do a comparison. You can go online to the Disney website and do a comparison of resorts yourself.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[Giraffe_Zen]

Look into family suites at Art of Animation resort. Depending on when you visit, it may be cheaper and they are nicer than the ASM family suites.

 

[TPG0235]

Port Orleans French Quarter for the win. Smaller, quieter resort. More adult-ish. Closer to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Boats to Disney Springs which could be a hit for your teens. That alone would do it for my teenage girls. Hop on the boats / walk from Saratoga Springs and within minutes they are shopping, dining, people watching.

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

Port Orleans French Quarter for the win. Smaller, quieter resort. More adult-ish. Closer to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Boats to Disney Springs which could be a hit for your teens. That alone would do it for my teenage girls. Hop on the boats / walk from Saratoga Springs and within minutes they are shopping, dining, people watching.

Now the real question is picking when to go

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Look into family suites at Art of Animation resort. Depending on when you visit, it may be cheaper and they are nicer than the ASM family suites.

Highly doubt they would be cheaper.
And they are not as updated as the music suites.

 

[Kialovesbooks24]

Highly doubt they would be cheaper.
And they are not as updated as the music suites.

I agree, I looked at AoA and it’s more expensive

 

[CharissaOKC]

Here are a few things to consider from my point of view.

How many park days will you be doing? Will you have any break/resort days? With teens they may enjoy the resort amenities more at a moderate.

A suite at all stars will have 3 queen beds. Have you considered a moderate that sleeps 5? You would still have 3 different sleeping surfaces but with moderate resort amenities.
This would almost always be cheaper per night than the suites at All stars.

Unfortunately you will have to look outside French quarter for that but it might be worth it.

What time of year are you thinking of going? If it were me that would also play a part in which resort I would choose.