Help me choose...

[michyi]

We will be visiting the World in February. We will be at my son's soccer tournament over president's day weekend and then starting our mini vacation. We will be offsite from Feb. 14-17 for the tournament. We will then head to WDW from Feb. 18-22. I'm debating where to stay. Do we save the $500 and stay at ASMu suites or save $700 to stay at POR? Or splurge at contemporary? My budget is flexible, so all of these are options. I love all of your thoughts and opinions. The planning part of the trip is so much fun for me, so thank you for helping! I appreciate you.

Traveling: Me (mom), DH, DS 14, DS 13, DD 11
We arrive to our resort on Monday, but we'll probably still have soccer on this day, so we will have 3 days at the parks and probably hoppers. (Tues-Thurs)
We will leave on Friday around noon for our drive home to Michigan. We will have a car but will use resort transportation.

I've considered 2 rooms at a Value, but am nervous that I wouldn't have connecting rooms. I know that they are not guaranteed.

We've stayed at Poly, Beach Club and AoA Nemo and loved them all!

 

[Pkltm]

I picked POR, as I enjoy the grounds and the pool. I find the contemporary theme doesn't wow me.

 

[swanwed6206]

I would probably stay at All Star in this scenario. If you are only there for 4 nights you will likely be on the go so the room doesn’t matter too much. Plus the busses at all star are non stop and pretty efficient and the food court is great. The kiddos will probably have an awesome time in the pool when you are there and it is a great atmosphere! Hope you have fun!!

 

[happymommy]

For two separate rooms, two bathrooms, I'd do the suite. I cannot sleep with many people in a room, can't do all four of us (stopped when youngest was maybe 9 or 10).

You will likely not spend time in the room other than sleeping and showering, so more space to do that to me is crucial. Likely you won't have swim time at all, and in February it can be so cold anyway.

 

[Christine]

I didn't know how to vote, but I did just get back from the Garden Wing at the CR and loved being in close proximity to MK and the monorail. I think that saved me a lot of time. I enjoyed the resort, the quietness of the pool area (even in July), and the Contempo Cafe area where I sat everyday and had my English Breakfast tea. The rooms were spacious and very, very quiet.

Now, having said that, what's important to you? Transportation, room size, pools, theming. It all plays into what you would choose. I know the CR is more "plain" than others but it SCREAMS Walt Disney World to me because it was the first hotel I stayed in in 1975 when I was around 11/12 years old. It is classic Walt Disney World.

 

[SG131]

This is a tough one. Since it’s the boys that are oldest, I’m guessing you guys aren’t too concerned with only one bathroom. I think I’d pick contemporary. In case boys try to go swimming in February the pool will have a slide verses all-star that doesn’t. And it’s within walking distance to MK so can’t beat that! Port Orleans would be nice if you are foodies and want to spend some time at Disney springs, but on a short trip like that I personally would rather focus on the parks.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I voted CR, Garden Wing. The CR rooms are quite spacious and I find the garden wing to be quiet peaceful.

I think you'll be really cramped in POR and doubt any of your children will even fit on the extra bed.

I'm not a fan of the All Star resorts.

 

[Shanti]

We loved staying at CR Garden Wing. I recommend that. The rooms are great and you'll save so much transportation time.

 

[HopperFan]

Voted Contemporary.

ASMu comes right off my list because I don't care for the resort at all and the suites have not been renovated in forever (actually going to be soon) so no way I'd put my kids on all those old pullouts.

I chose Contemporary over POR because the rooms will be much bigger and the POR bunk is small.

 

[Sue M]

I voted CR Garden Wing. The rooms are large, with 2 queens and day bed. Good transportation options and love being able to watch the fireworks and Electric Water Parade from my resort.

I love Por but rooms are too small for 5 IMO.

I’ve never been a fan of AllStars. I’d go with AoA suites over AllStars.

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

I voted POR. The grounds are beautiful and the rooms are nice.

I personally prefer the tower rooms in CR. Not a fan of the garden wing.

 

[kappyfamily]

Stayed at all of these and there’s no comparison, CR is awesome! It’s our favourite on Disney property. Have fun!

 

[DisMommyTX]

We usually choose 2 value rooms and the only time they were not connecting we were moved the second day. Our family doesn't do well sharing a single bathroom for more than a night or two, so I would opt for the suite. The All-Stars are being refurbished now, but I don't know when the AsMu suites should be done--might be worth checking out. We loved the redo at Pop!

 

[MinnieTink]

I voted CR but a suite would be fine too. Or even to revisit the idea of two rooms maybe at POP. Plenty of room and two bathrooms.
I would have to say absolutely not to POR tho. We stayed there one night when my youngest was about 6 and we felt cramped and that little tiny bed was a bit small even for him.

 

[k5xs]

So much of this is driven by your taste. For me, CR wins every time. I love the architecture, its massiveness, and how the monorail glides through. As others have said, the Garden Wing is so peaceful. And who can't love the Electric Water Pageant outside your room? And WALKING to MK?

CR.

 

[Luvs Mickey]

I voted Contemporary due to POR will be very cramped given the ages of your kids and ASM not being renovated.