Hotel Choice Dilemma

[aka1809]

I am looking for people's opinion on which hotel to choose.

We are a family of 4. Husband, wife and an 8 year old boy and 11 year old girl.

We have been to WDW multiple times and have stayed at AKL as well as BLT. Right now we plan to go in October and have an AoA Car's themed family suite on hold for a weeks stay. The idea of the extra room is really appealing to us. We were all set with these plans, but then we saw we could stay at All Star Sports for literally a third of the price. So my question is, is the suite really worth that much more money? All Star Sports would be our last pick as far as preference, but for that price, it is hard to ignore. We plan to spend most of the time in the parks, but do like to use the pools if we can. We love the deluxe resorts, but we won't be staying in one this time around.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

The AoA suites are priced more like deluxe because of space/ability to sleep six.

Have you considered a moderate...? You would still be saving money over a suite, you'd be getting queen beds and a little extra square footage, plus better pools with slides.

 

[aka1809]

A moderate would be a little less money than the AoA suite, not enough for me to switch to that. My dilemma is really between AoA and All Star Sports simply because of the huge price difference.

 

[schrammalot]

If you're between AoA and All Stars, I'd be 110% for AoA.

 

[aka1809]

Thanks, but I guess my question is it really worth three times the amount to stay there?

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Thanks, but I guess my question is it really worth three times the amount to stay there?

Only you know whether the space is worth the price to your family. For me, I wouldn't pay that.

 

[schrammalot]

I don't think so, but if you don't want to do a deluxe, AoA is your best shot.

My opinion is to look at renting points for Old Key West. Huge rooms, nice pools.

 

[PRomano]

We manage in a value. I can't justify spending the extra money if we aren't going to be in the room much. I have stayed at AoA and Pop so I don't know about the all stars. Look online at the floor plans and figure out if the room is large enough for you. Think of the money saved!

 

[HopperFan]

Is AoA worth 3x the amount with only 4 of you? Depends on guests.

You are used to deluxe, do you usually stay deluxe in other places?

DH traveled for many years, mostly staying in deluxe hotels .... one short stay in Disney value and he told me never again. If he goes we stay moderate and up or offsite.

AoA is the deluxe of values and honestly doesn't feel value at all.

AoA gives you a queen and each kid their own bed .... will you be happy with all four of you in 2 double beds?

AoA is much better in terms of design, imagineering, pools for sure, dining is much better .....

Have stayed ASSp several times last few years due to price but we spend next to no time in room, we each get our own double bed, and we never use pools or food court. It's truly a bed and bath, and we stay due to price, EMH and the bus. If you are using it just for sleeping and showering ..... it's fine.

I would look at the moderates and price them out.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with the others. Only you know what worth means to you. I would not go to the double beds at the All Stars. I would stay home and save longer before I would do that

 

[DeanDoug]

Only you know your and your family's comfort threshold. Sounds like you are fine with the AS! With the savings perhaps you can choose some great ADRs that you may not have tried otherwise!

 

[Marthasor]

IMHO, a value is a value. The AoA suite simply offers you more space, more bed and an extra bathroom. If you don't feel you need that extra space, but can stay in a value for a week, I would consider switching the reservation. If you are used to a deluxe, you may be in for a big shock. Massive difference between a deluxe and value room. I, too, would price out a mod if you think room and bed comfort will be a factor in your vacation.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

In your original post you mentioned that the extra space seemed appealing after already having stayed at AKL and BLT. It sounds like AS Sports is only appealing because of the money. If you were hoping for extra space after staying in those deluxes, you may get very cramped in a single room at Sports. The square footage is quite small, it has double beds and only one sink. Will that work for your family of 4 for an entire week? Only you know if your family tends to prefer closeness or if they prefer to decompress from the parks independently.

For our family, we like to have quiet time in the room and not feel cramped as the parks are so stimulating. If that is your family style as well, then, yes, triple the price could be well worth it for extra floor space, extra bed space, an extra bathroom, and extra room amenities. If your family is always close and enjoys cuddling up together and floor space is not a concern, then Sports may work just fine if saving money is a high priority this trip.

As others have posted, a moderate, with a discount, could be the best of both worlds for frugality and comfortable space.

 

[Kaytie]

Have you considered the AllStar Movies Family Suites? They're converted connecting rooms in two of the buildings, two bathrooms, kitchenette, bedroom/living room (queen bed in the bedroom, convertibles in the living room) and less expensive than AoA

 

[aka1809]

We have considered ASM Family Suites, but AoA seems like a better, nicer option. We have priced out a moderate and it would be a little less than the AoA family suite. I think the extra space is worth a little extra money. Our dilemma is really only between AS Sports and AoA because it is the biggest price difference. I am simply asking people's opinion on what they would do. I do know only I can determine what things are worth to me and my family.

 

[VACamm]

Unless you plan on spending a TON of time at the resort, it is not worth the price!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Personally I wouldn't do value. Double beds and no pool slide. I would save a little more even if it meant I had to wait a little longer for my trip.

 

[Beer Me]

We are a family of four and have stayed at all of the all star hotels a total of 4 times. Space is tight and getting everyone bathroom time can be a challenge but we have learned to make it work.

I have looked at the AoA suites but couldn't personally justify the cost. Our last trip was at CBR and an upcoming one to beach club. I'm willing to pay more for location, nicer surroundings, amenities, and better pool and restaurants. Living space is lower down on the list for me because it comes at such a high premium at Disney.

 

[bumbershoot]

I would do Sports.

But we're a family-bed family so the double beds wouldn't be an issue (one kid with one parent) and we have hanging cube things for clothes on the bar in the AS closet space, etc. easy.

 

[mercydisney]

I have stayed in both All Stars and AOA. I personally prefer All Stars because it a less crowded hotel. I like the designs and that when you stay in a suite you are usually close to the bus stop.
AOA is an experience. If we were doing this as once in a lifetime trip I would go to AOA.