I need some help... AOA suite or POR

[roux_crew]

We are booked to go in October (my hubby, kids 13, 11, and 9 and myself). I currently have the Finding Nemo suites booked at Art of Animation. However, looking at Port Orleans Riverside, I see it's $1000 cheaper for the length of our trip. So, what would you do? I like the space to spread out at AoA, but I like the lower price at POR. My hubby and myself just did a quick trip at POFQ and LOVED it!! We will be there from October 11th-16th; park days every day with a free morning on the 15th with MNSSHP that evening. So, what would YOU do?! I'm torn! TIA!!!

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

I'm in the exact same situation!! I'm also booked at AoA Finding Nemo suite and was looking at POR for my family of 5. I really don't know what to do either! Following this for the responses!

 

[HopperFan]

$1000 ............ my gang would be sharing a bathroom.

As long as bedding works for you, one on fold out bunk .... and you can schedule around the bathroom .......... I'd move to POR. Especially with a down day, the pool there will be much nicer to relax before the party.

PS We are a family of 5.

 

[dansdad]

We would switch to POR even if the $$ was the same. But to save $1000, we'd be all over POR. Like @HopperFan stated, as long as the bed situation works for you at POR I would do it.

 

[rosiebean]

I've shared POR with 3 adults for a similar stay, and it was great. I'd think it would be a bit more crowded with 2 adults and 3 kids, but if you think your family would be ok sharing a bathroom, it's a great resort.

I LOVED POR. I loved the theme, loved the room (we were in a RR), loved the gift shop, loved River Roost and Yehaa Bob, loved the dining at POR, loved walking along the river, loved hanging out at the quiet pool at night, and I LOVED the boat to DS.

Still...honestly, with a family of 5, I'd be tempted to stay in an AoA suite. But with $1000 in savings, I could put up with less space at a great resort (and if I could comfortably share with my two adult and rather high maintenance much loved nieces, I think two adults with kids would be fine).

 

[alex9179]

We stayed in a Cars suite for a couple of nights on our first trip. The roominess of the suites is great, but not for $1000 more. I'd book POR...and did! My kids are 13, 12, and 9. We don't hang out in the room a lot, but do like to take advantage of the resort's offerings. We'll be using the DS boat a couple of times, enjoy Yeeha Bob's show, and the various dining between the two resorts. POR has a pool slide where AOA does not. Something to consider for your free morning.

 

[cantoine]

I've stayed at both, I personally would do POR. Less crowded resort, water slides, better food, and transportation to Disney Springs and I get to save 1000.00! I would switch in a heart beat! I have a family of 6

 

[lindsayjs]

I've got my group of 5 booked in a Lion King Suite but the lure of POR is real! For us the savings would only be about $200 to switch so I'm still thinking 2 bathrooms win. For $1000 I'd happily jump on the POR boat literally and figuratively!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've stayed at both and my vote is for POR. Yes, you get extra space at AoA, but the room was so uncomfortable and loud, IMHO. The bedding was terrible and the walls are paper thin. Plus, POR is just a nicer resort with better amenities. Better resort, more comfortable beds AND $1000?! Yes!

 

[maxiesmom]

To me, it is a tough call. I love POR and have stayed there many times. But having 2 bathrooms is a huge plus. Have you looked at an All Star Family Suite? They are considerably cheaper than a suite at AoA. You don't get all the huge character themeing, but you will still get a bedroom for the adults and 2 bathrooms.

Otherwise, if you can make 1 bathroom work, POR is great. But be aware the fold down is only slightly larger than crib sized, so if your smallest child likes to roll around a lot that may be an issue.

 

[happymommy]

I'd do two rooms at Pop if it were me. Or the suite. I personally can't sleep with 4 in a room much less 5 (we outgrew the 4 of us in a room many years ago).

I agree to look into All Star Music suites if it will save money, but either way a moderate room for 5 to me wouldn't be a vacation.

 

[IrishNYC]

For me, two real beds beats two bathrooms.

 

[jenrose66]

We are booked to go in October (my hubby, kids 13, 11, and 9 and myself). I currently have the Finding Nemo suites booked at Art of Animation. However, looking at Port Orleans Riverside, I see it's $1000 cheaper for the length of our trip. So, what would you do? I like the space to spread out at AoA, but I like the lower price at POR. My hubby and myself just did a quick trip at POFQ and LOVED it!! We will be there from October 11th-16th; park days every day with a free morning on the 15th with MNSSHP that evening. So, what would YOU do?! I'm torn! TIA!!!

I have stayed at both. If you could afford it I'd stick with AOA. Given the age of your kids it will be nice to have the extra space. Plus the second bathroom and private bedroom gives some much needed separation. My kids are 10, 8, and 6 and I would stay offsite before squeezing in at POR. Plus the resort is bigger so the room location will likely be farther from "the action " so to speak.

 

[mickeymom22]

We are a family of five and have stayed at POR numerous times. To save $1000, I would definitely stay there! We have never stayed at an AoA suite, but we have stayed in a family suite at ASMu. The extra space is nice, but really is only an issue, if you are in the room a lot. We tend to be at the parks and pools during the day, and really find ourselves using our room as a place to sleep.

I vote stay at POR! Save the $1000 for your next WDW trip!

 

[BrianL]

I've shared POR with 3 adults for a similar stay, and it was great. I'd think it would be a bit more crowded with 2 adults and 3 kids, but if you think your family would be ok sharing a bathroom, it's a great resort.

Not to hijack, but I am trying to find the best solutions for 3 adults, and do you think POR is suitable for that? It looks like it has two regular beds and a fold-down thing. Is that big enough for an adult? Thanks.

To the OP, POR is a bit nicer than AoA and for the $1000 savings, yeah, I'd probably go for it.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not to hijack, but I am trying to find the best solutions for 3 adults, and do you think POR is suitable for that? It looks like it has two regular beds and a fold-down thing. Is that big enough for an adult? Thanks.

To the OP, POR is a bit nicer than AoA and for the $1000 savings, yeah, I'd probably go for it.

The fold down is just over crib sized. So not suitable for an adult

 

[BrianL]

The fold down is just over crib sized. So not suitable for an adult

Mmm, okay, that's really small. Good to know. It's hard to tell from the pictures. I was hoping for something more like a pull-out couch. Thanks!

 

[maxiesmom]

Mmm, okay, that's really small. Good to know. It's hard to tell from the pictures. I was hoping for something more like a pull-out couch. Thanks!

You can always pack along or send down an air mattress for the 3rd adult.

 

[MichaelWill&Megan'sMom]

We stayed at POR for several years before making the jump to Beach Club. My three kids love POR and have suggested a split stay to go again. The pool is great, food court is great, YeeHa Bob - it is a fantastic resort. Especially with a down day.

 

[BrianL]

You can always pack along or send down an air mattress for the 3rd adult.

I suppose it's a possibility. Ideally I'd just like a second room, but that makes it more expensive for the odd man out. If we had a fourth it'd be perfect. We'll have to hash out our options. Thanks for the idea though. It's something to consider.