Help me decide... POFQ or AoA?

[mollybug2]

I am planning a five-night visit in December. My party will include myself, my non-Disney loving husband, my eight year old daughter (3rd trip) and my five year old son (1st trip). We hope to go the first week in December, which I believe is the Pop Warner football event but otherwise a quieter time in the parks. I priced out two options with a travel agent. POFQ is about $300 less that AoA, so the current price difference isn't big.

I stayed in POFQ years ago and loved the decor, smaller size, location, etc. I think my family would like the theming, size and potential for a bit more peace and quiet. I assume POFQ might be included on a promotion if one comes out, either room discount or dining.

My husband wants more space in the room. So we looked into a family suite at AoA. While I think it looks fabulous, I am worried about it being really busy or being a long walk to/from bus stops. I am assuming AoA would probably NOT be included in a room discount since it is new? My agent says free dining, if available at that time, could possibly include AoA.

My last four Disney trips were staying at Bonnet Creek, I haven't stayed at a WDW property since 1998 or earlier. Anyone who has been to POFQ or is going to AoA or just has something to add want to give me any advice?

 

[mollybug2]

BUMP!

 

[maxiesmom]

I have to say I don't think someone who doesn't love Disney will be happy at AoA. From the pictures, it is very in your face Disney. Also, if you stay at AoA you will lose out on having a hot tub and pool slide. And the boat ride to DownTown Disney.

If the pool slide and hot tub are not a big deal, but location is, have you given any thought to an All Star Family Suite? All of those are located in the preferred buildings at the Music resort, so you are bound to be close to the food court and bus stop. But keep in mind you are still going from one of the quietest resorts at Disney to more frantic feeling value resort.

 

[jesswindsor]

Your children will Love AoA, your husband on the other hand...not so much. AoA will be a visual overload for your husband. AoA will have just opened so you would get to enjoy a brand new resort, the family may be nice to have the extra room. But AoA will be more crowded than POFQ just because of the size alone. Really is just comes down to smaller rooms/ smaller resort/ less crowded Vs. Bigger rooms/ larger resort/ more crowded. There are pro's and con's to both resorts.

 

[nkereina]

Agree with the previous posters. I'm avoiding AoA until the novelty wears off. I would imagine it would be very busy, crowded, and they'll be trying to get all the kinks worked out for at least the first few months - if not the first year. Plus, as you said, discounts for this hotel will be iffy. I would do POFQ in your case.

 

[photobob]

A moderate $300 cheaper than a value, no brainer!

 

[mollybug2]

Thanks for the advice! We are going with POFQ. Really appreciate the responses!

 

[WINTER]

Your children will Love AoA, your husband on the other hand...not so much. AoA will be a visual overload for your husband. AoA will have just opened so you would get to enjoy a brand new resort, the family may be nice to have the extra room. But AoA will be more crowded than POFQ just because of the size alone. Really is just comes down to smaller rooms/ smaller resort/ less crowded Vs. Bigger rooms/ larger resort/ more crowded. There are pro's and con's to both resorts.

Sounds like the resort would be perfect for the kids! Let it be about them!