Help Needed - Urgent

[Andy Lou & Meg]

I was just about to book our holiday when I had a thought:

We are looking to stay in ASM in Jan for 2 weeks but I was hoping somebody could tell me if we are able to use the facilites at the other resorts eg;

Childrens Club
Boating Lake
Bike Rides
Swimming Pools etc etc
Horse Riding

Also can we travel from one resort to another or do we have to go via DTD.

Also do you think its worth updrading to the Carribean for an extra £400?

As we are also going in May this is supposed to be a cheap getaway (Virgin are offering free kids) so although we are planning to visit the parks it will be at a more leisurley pace.

One more thing, if we are allowed to use the other facilities does anybody have an idea as to how much they cost.

Would appreciate all help as I am going to either book this evening or first thing tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your help.
Lou

 

[Goofyish]

See some answers below:

I was just about to book our holiday when I had a thought:

We are looking to stay in ASM in Jan for 2 weeks but I was hoping somebody could tell me if we are able to use the facilites at the other resorts eg;

Childrens Club
Boating Lake
Bike Rides
Swimming Pools etc etc
Horse Riding

You can use some facilities like Childrens Clubs, Boating Lake, Bike Rides, Horse Riding, but you can't pool hop between resorts.

Also can we travel from one resort to another or do we have to go via DTD.

There is no direct transport between most resorts (except The Epcot Resorts and the MK Resorts). You will need to go to a park or to DTD to resort hop.


Also do you think its worth updrading to the Carribean for an extra £400?

Really depends on what you want - there are more pools at CBR and it's more spread out, with nice landscaping etc. The CBR also has a full service restaurant, where the All Stars only have food courts.

As we are also going in May this is supposed to be a cheap getaway (Virgin are offering free kids) so although we are planning to visit the parks it will be at a more leisurley pace.

One more thing, if we are allowed to use the other facilities does anybody have an idea as to how much they cost.

Not sure on costs - sorry.

Would appreciate all help as I am going to either book this evening or first thing tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your help.
Lou

 

[pigby]

Just got back and would like to give my input on your questions.

Have stayed at All Star resorts 3 times and POP twice and we have been very happy with the value resorts. My DD really likes the over the top icons in the value resorts and I think you should do what feels right for you - or split your stay if you can. £400 will buy a few meals and extras. Also Caribbean Beach has more pools than ASM but if you are staying at an All Stars, you have access to ASMo and ASSp pools as well - 6 pools in all. For the kids clubs and horse riding you will have to visit a deluxe resort anyway.

We just returned today from a split stay between POP and WL. My DD stayed at Cubs Den - the childcare facility (at her own request) for 3 hours on Tuesday - the cost was $10 per hour - this included a kids meal (if your child was there before 7.30pm). The hours were 4.30pm to 12 midnight. She really enjoyed the craft activities and the video games. On a previous trip, whilst staying at ASMo, she spent some time at Simbas Cubhouse at AKL, which she also enjoyed, and that would be a good choice if you decide to stay at ASM -you should have change from $10 if you get a taxi back (much better than changing buses at DTD, especially late in the evening with tired kids)

Regarding getting from one resort to another - avoid DTD in general if you can - if a park is open switch buses there instead (avoid park closing time though!) as it takes ages to change at DTD - 2 stops. In January park hours are shorter but Epcot should be open till after Illuminations at 9pm.

From memory, I think hiring a bike for an hour was about $8 at WL - I picked up a price list and put in in my shorts pocket (which are still packed in my case) - if I find it, I'll post exact details on pricing.

 

[disneyholic family]

£400 is a lot of money if your goal is a cheap getaway.
While CBR has nicer landscaping and slightly bigger rooms, i think if it were me, i'd rather put the £400 to another use (like all those things you ask about).
if you stay at the all star, you can think to yourself that you have £400 to spend on 'fun' stuff. Because all those things you mention do add up.

The horse riding is at Fort Wilderness (at the Tri Circle D Ranch - right next to the Kennel Club at Fort Wilderness). We did it a few years ago. It was a slow trail ride for about a half hour i think (the whole thing takes an hour - what with each person being given a horse, mounting, dismounting, etc). We enjoyed it and as i recall it was reasonably priced (for Disney that is).

Everything adds up and if you want to do all those activities, save the £400 and spend it on that.

 

[Miffy2003]

I think it's a great idea you are looking to do all these different activities! I think I've seen this posted on your other thread but it is possible you may not be able to have as much pool time as you would like due to the temps.

Our 23 day trip in Dec had only 5 days when we braved the pool (and to be honest 2 of them were too blooming cold but we thought Hey, we're Brits! And did it anyway!)