Help me decide!

[AinsleyLM]

Hi, all! I have planning a trip for myself, my sister, her three kids, and my boyfriend. We plan on going at the end of next summer, 2018. Basically, this has been an awful year with my brother-in-law walking out on my sister when she was six months pregnant! We want to be able to give her three older kids (will be 7 and two 4 year olds) the trip of their lives following this horrible year! We have been before, but I want this one to be the best one yet! Options look like either a lion king suite at AOA, 2 rooms at POP, or depending on the discounts, 2 rooms at either CBR or CSR! I absolutely love CBR, but I know the construction has made things a little difficult. We stayed at CSR last time, and it was fine. I enjoy CBR's theming better for the little ones! If you were in my position, where would you stay?

 

[hllb]

Well, I love AoA when me and a friend stayed there. Is the baby going too? I may opt for a suite at AoA then. We stayed at CBR and didn't love it. Too big, too many bus stops. The busses at AoA were faster. It would save money too, over 2 rooms. I've never been to CSR. We didn't use the pools at AoA, but the themeing around the resort is excellent.

 

[Shanti]

Hi, all! I have planning a trip for myself, my sister, her three kids, and my boyfriend. We plan on going at the end of next summer, 2018. Basically, this has been an awful year with my brother-in-law walking out on my sister when she was six months pregnant! We want to be able to give her three older kids (will be 7 and two 4 year olds) the trip of their lives following this horrible year! We have been before, but I want this one to be the best one yet! Options look like either a lion king suite at AOA, 2 rooms at POP, or depending on the discounts, 2 rooms at either CBR or CSR! I absolutely love CBR, but I know the construction has made things a little difficult. We stayed at CSR last time, and it was fine. I enjoy CBR's theming better for the little ones! If you were in my position, where would you stay?

Out of those options, my vote is for CSR. CBR's construction is scheduled to still be ongoing next summer, and you want to avoid that. Theming is very much a matter of personal taste, so I wouldn't let that sway me when the trip is mostly devoted to another person. In summer, CSR is definitely preferable to a value, due to its feature pool with its pyramid water slide that the kids will likely enjoy very much. They'll remember that more than the resort's theme.

Sounds like you're a great sister. This trip is a very kind gift to give.

 

[AinsleyLM]

Well, I love AoA when me and a friend stayed there. Is the baby going too? I may opt for a suite at AoA then. We stayed at CBR and didn't love it. Too big, too many bus stops. The busses at AoA were faster. It would save money too, over 2 rooms. I've never been to CSR. We didn't use the pools at AoA, but the themeing around the resort is excellent.

The baby is staying at home with my parents. Did y'all stay in a suite at AOA? I'm just worried about the bed situation there. Or else, I would just go for the suite because I think the kids would love the theming there.

 

[Moms]

I would go with whichever option is the best value. Honestly the kids are going to have a great time wherever they stay!
That said, AoA is themed to appeal to the kiddos and a suite may be far more convenient if you want to spend time together at the hotel. I loved CBR too but construction can be a bother. I am not too familiar with CSR but I think the theming at AoA might be most appealing ... besides who doesn't love The Lion King?

 

[hllb]

No, there were just two of us so we stayed in a little mermaid room. I had planned to stay in s suite there the next time we went, but we got a really good deal on deluxe resort, so we aren't. It was still tempting though. Those Cars suites are so cute!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I can't really comment on CBR (stayed there 20 years ago) or CSR (I've only visited), but I have stayed in an AoA suite (Nemo). I'm assuming, if you went this route, you and your boyfriend would take the queen bed room and your sister and kids would be in the living room? The pull-down bed would probably be fine for the little ones to share. I slept on the pull-out in the suite and it was the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept in. I barely got any sleep the entire time we stayed there. Have you considered POFQ or POR at all? They are both lovely and the rooms and beds are far more comfortable than anything at AoA. I would also suggest checking the August Resort discount thread on these boards. You can typically find some very good discounts at the end of August. https://www.disboards.com/threads/august-2018-discounts.3635134/

 

[Disneyhenry]

I would say AoA because having that many kids she could probably use some help and there is no Guarantee that you will get joining rooms - have fun!
That sux about your BIL what an idiot

 

[Nancyg56]

Have you thought about POFQ? I love theKing Triton pool for kids. The resort itself is pretty small and the grounds are nice. The water taxi is a great convenience as well. If youi make connecting rooms your only request you have a good chance of gettin it honored.

 

[AinsleyLM]

I can't really comment on CBR (stayed there 20 years ago) or CSR (I've only visited), but I have stayed in an AoA suite (Nemo). I'm assuming, if you went this route, you and your boyfriend would take the queen bed room and your sister and kids would be in the living room? The pull-down bed would probably be fine for the little ones to share. I slept on the pull-out in the suite and it was the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept in. I barely got any sleep the entire time we stayed there. Have you considered POFQ or POR at all? They are both lovely and the rooms and beds are far more comfortable than anything at AoA. I would also suggest checking the August Resort discount thread on these boards. You can typically find some very good discounts at the end of August. https://www.disboards.com/threads/august-2018-discounts.3635134/

My boyfriend and I do not sleep together, so that wouldn't be the case. But thank you for your reply, I was wondering about the pull out bed and how comfortable/uncomfortable it was. I really would like to do the suite but I want us all to have a comfortable bed at night. I haven't considered Port Orleans simply because I know they are on the more expensive end of the moderates normally. We are on a budget, so it just depends on how much the discounts are.

 

[AinsleyLM]

I would say AoA because having that many kids she could probably use some help and there is no Guarantee that you will get joining rooms - have fun!
That sux about your BIL what an idiot

Yes, he is definitely an idiot. We got connecting rooms last time. I called and requested it and were lucky to get it. I'm hoping if we go with 2 rooms we get it again. We are going to have a boys room and a girls room, lol.

 

[AinsleyLM]

Have you thought about POFQ? I love theKing Triton pool for kids. The resort itself is pretty small and the grounds are nice. The water taxi is a great convenience as well. If youi make connecting rooms your only request you have a good chance of gettin it honored.

We got connecting rooms last time, so I am hoping it works out again this time.

 

[Nancyg56]

We got connecting rooms last time, so I am hoping it works out again this time.

I follow the discounts too. Personally, I would look at yoru overall budget and choose a resort that falls within and still leaves enough for tickets and fun. I bet the youngsters will love any resort you choose. I think that I would be careful about CBR because of the construction that is going on. It does not bother a lot of people, but it can be annoying, so think about how any inconveniences will affect you.

CSR is nice IMO. Again, there is construction so consider that.

I have never stayed at POP but I really think the theme screams Disney, so if that is the resort that falls within your budget, the kids will think you are the best! I also have not stayed at AofA but I have heard the sleep spaces can be uncomfortable for adults.

 

[Disneyhenry]

Yes, he is definitely an idiot. We got connecting rooms last time. I called and requested it and were lucky to get it. I'm hoping if we go with 2 rooms we get it again. We are going to have a boys room and a girls room, lol.

Nice! A boys room and girls room sounds fun

 

[DisMommyTX]

With a similar travel party on our next stay, we decided on two connecting rooms rather than the family suite. The main factor for us was having four real beds vs one real bed and lots of pullouts. Hopefully the rooms will be connecting, but if not, we have enough adults that we'll survive. Also, by adding the Deluxe Dining Plan to only one of our two rooms, we are able to save money on some fancy character meals for the whole party.

 

[Babsy]

I would be wary of two rooms at POP. The refurbished rooms only have one bed in each. If you are looking for 4 real beds, you need to stay elsewhere.
I like AoA, but am not fond of the sleeping arrangements.
I second the notion of POR or POFQ, if affordable.
Otherwise, I would get two rooms at CSR and ask to be located away from the construction with connecting rooms. CBR is great but the construction is extensive. The construction at CSR isn't as bad, IMO. Plus, the CSR pool and hot tub area is great!!

ETA:
Have you considered two rooms at the Swan or Dolphin? They come with most of the perks of staying at WDW (no DME or dining plans, though - and don't forget to add ~ $25 (no car) - $45 (with a car) for fees per day). They can be about the same price as a moderate, depending upon discounts. The location is awesome and the pool area is very nice. Something to consider....