Help me decide!

[osu2k1]

We had planned on staying at Westgate Villa's and after reading reviews...Um not happening! We are going Dec 8-15, this is our first trip ever to WDW. It will be DH, myself and our 2 boys (7 & 4).

So Now we want to stay on property, but I can't decide where!! We are trying to be budget conscience. So here are my options so far from AAA:
Art of Animation in a family suite
All star Music in a family suite
Coronado Springs with 2 Queens
Port Orleans Riverside in a Royal Room (2 queens)

We will do the dining plan. Am I missing any that I should really look at? Which is the better resort (recreation, closeness to parks-not into AK really, etc)? Thanks!!!

 

[padawans]

We had planned on staying at Westgate Villa's and after reading reviews...Um not happening! We are going Dec 8-15, this is our first trip ever to WDW. It will be DH, myself and our 2 boys (7 & 4).

So Now we want to stay on property, but I can't decide where!! We are trying to be budget conscience. So here are my options so far from AAA:
Art of Animation in a family suite
All star Music in a family suite
Coronado Springs with 2 Queens
Port Orleans Riverside in a Royal Room (2 queens)

We will do the dining plan. Am I missing any that I should really look at? Which is the better resort (recreation, closeness to parks-not into AK really, etc)? Thanks!!!

First of all I would not leave out Ak. Your boys are going to love expedition everest, the safari and the other rides and shows it has to offer. My boys love this park. Por royal rooms are pretty girly. I have never stayed in a value so I don't have an opinion on AOA. I will tell you we love Coronado Springs. It has one the best pools on properties. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We had planned on staying at Westgate Villa's and after reading reviews...Um not happening! We are going Dec 8-15, this is our first trip ever to WDW. It will be DH, myself and our 2 boys (7 & 4).

So Now we want to stay on property, but I can't decide where!! We are trying to be budget conscience. So here are my options so far from AAA:
Art of Animation in a family suite
All star Music in a family suite
Coronado Springs with 2 Queens
Port Orleans Riverside in a Royal Room (2 queens)

We will do the dining plan. Am I missing any that I should really look at? Which is the better resort (recreation, closeness to parks-not into AK really, etc)? Thanks!!!

It would definitely be cheaper to do a standard value room...there's only 4 of you...unless you need that extra space. With the suite prices, you could start looking at a deluxe resort.

 

[disneydee6]

Since there is only four of you, I would do Port Orleans or Coronado Springs. Personally, I think that the amenities you get with a mod resort are better than paying extra for the unnecessary space of the suites for your family of four.
Also, I second that don't dismiss AK, at your kids age, it is a really special park and there is a lot of hands on things, lots of sights, and awesome rides.

 

[NHKristy76]

I'm pretty sure that you can get a room at AKL for the price of the family suite at AOA.

I love AKL and for a group like yours, I think it would be perfect!

 

[mmmears]

I'm pretty sure that you can get a room at AKL for the price of the family suite at AOA.

I love AKL and for a group like yours, I think it would be perfect!

I was thinking the same thing -- we love AKL. Or maybe even WL, if AKL doesn't look good to you...

 

[robinb]

If you want this to be a "budget conscious" trip, I would stick with one of the Value resorts (All Stars, AoA) in a regular sized room. It is a smaller room, but you will be able to fit with 2 small kids. In addition, the resorts are designed to appeal to children. I would skip the Family Suite ... it's WAY too expensive. $260-$295 is just insane for a "value" resort IMO. You can get a much nicer resort for that kind of money.

If you really wanted to stay at a moderate, I would choose CSR. I think the Royal Rooms are too girly and I am not wild about POR.

Another option you could consider is to rent points from a Disney Vacation Club member (here is the rent/trade board http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29) for about $11-12 per point. You could stay in a Savannah View Animal Kingdom studio for 116 points for your dates or $1276 - $1392 for the week with no taxes. That's the same as a room that would cost $162 - $176 per night pre-tax. Saratoga Springs is 102 points and Old Key West is only 78 points (what a bargain!) for those same nights. If you really want a villa with a full kitchen and laundry (like Westgate) then you may want to consider an OKW one-bedroom for 174 points which is about the same price as the Family Suite at AoA.

 

[osu2k1]

Thanks! I think we decided to go with Port Orleans. Now the planning really begins! ADRs here I come!

 

[3sweetpeas]

POR is an excellent choice! You'll love the atmosphere!

I strongly urge you not to skip Animal Kingdom. I know a lot of people think it is "just a zoo" but I promise it is so much more than that. Expedition Everest is my 3 kids' favorite ride. You must see Lion King! It is my favorite show in all the parks.

Happy planning! It's a lot of fun!

 

[maryj11]

I would go with POR or CSR, much better then a value plus you will get 2 queen beds enough room for 4.

 

[maryj11]

Thanks! I think we decided to go with Port Orleans. Now the planning really begins! ADRs here I come!

You know you can add a request for a room location to your reservations ? They do not always grant requests but they are pretty good at filling them. Have AAA call and add one or you could I guess all you need is your reservation number and ask if they could add a request