Help with decision - what resort?

[MARTINEZCL]

My husband and 4 year old son are traveling to WDW in October and can't decide which resort.

A few things we are weighing:
easy access to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom (not sure if we should go to a water park)
moderate cost
to rent a car or not?

Has anyone stayed in the All Star Music Resort? I read that the rooms are small (but realistically we won't be in the room much). Is it worth while to spend a little more for a moderate resort?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jkovick]

Welcome to the boards! I think it all depends on how you plan to tour the parks. Will you be mostly just sleeping at the resort or do you plan to use the resorts amenities? Personally if you won't spend much time at the resort I would stick to ASMu. Also staying value gives you more $$ to spend on nice dinners or extra goodies. Your 4 year old will love the "larger that life" icons. Have a great trip.

 

[TINK61]

I've stayed at the ASMu. The rooms are small, but certainly large enough for a family of 3. My friend recently returned from WDW and ASMu. They were 5 in one room. The theming is great, and the time of year your're going, you will not have any problems with the buses. If you're not going to be in your room much, then this is the way to go. Of course, if you can fit a moderate into your vacation budget, then you will be even more pleased.

 

[dawgfan]

All Stars Music is perfect for your sons age. The theme is something that he would visually appreciate. I have stayed here twice and my 2 daughters first trip to WDW was here. The youngest was 4. Our goal at the time was to enjoy the place through the kids eyes and excitement. The resort type , as far as luxury or price, was not an issue with the kids. They want a neat looking surrounding that really looks like something completely different than any other place they have ever been or will probably go to. All Stars certainly meets the bill. Pop Century does as well. WL would be pretty good if you were willing to spend the extra money. This is especially true for a little boy. However, if this is the first family trip to WDW, I would go with the All Stars and visit any other resort you thought might be of interest while you are there. Go to the WL or POR for lunch and check it out. That way you get a cost savings and the experience to know what you want to do next time around. Travel time on the bus to the MAgic Kingdom is about 20 minutes on a crowded day. The wait for a bus is not bad. The travel time to Animal Kingdom is even less.

 

[swilphil]

If easy access to MK, Epcot and AK are a priority, you should look into resorts closest to the parks. Poly and Contemporary are next to MK, but they are pricey. I also believe AKL is on the pricey side. We stayed at the Dolphin which is within walking distance to Epcot. It's a deluxe hotel, but because it's not owned by Disney you can get rooms for much cheaper. Right now, there's an AP rate of $139 for the Swan and Dolphin, only one member of your group has to have an AP. They also have various other specials that you can read about on this board, or check with Dreams Unlimited.

I love Swan/Dolphin's location by MGM, Epcot and right next to the Boardwalk. You didn't mention MGM, but my 3 yo son loved that park. There are lots of Disney characters around and great shows. He really enjoyed the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground and just looking around the park.

Also, you do not have to rent a car if you stay there. Bus service to MK/AK is great from the Swan. It's the first stop on the bus route.