Is it really worth it to spend the extra money?

[Jackie H.]

We've stayed at PO-R & ASSp and I really don't think the food court is as large at PO-R as at ASSp....

We liked All-Stars better acutally. I have to believe everybody (I guess) when they say the rooms are bigger, but they don't seem any bigger. We like the food court better at ASSp. And I really didn't feel like the difference in price was justified. Not only that, PO-R is really spread out and it was a really long walk to our room after walking all day in parks.

 

[Dana_Buckley]

Our first trip was with 2 yo DS this past June, without even considering other options we stayed at Poly, mostly due to monorail, and going back to the room everyday from 2-5-ish. We sure did like not taking DS out of the stroller to get on the monorail & the fireworks from the hotel & EWP everynight.
My next trip will be in January (7-11) and I am planning on FQ. I'll be alone with DS after Christmas holiday with the family in Cincinnati. DH has to get back to work, but I'm detouring through WDW!! I am a little concerned about the time on the busses, (and managing DS, diaper bag & folding the stroller) but we used them for AK & MGM last time & it seemed fine. I hope FQ works out & maybe we will stay longer next time, since the rate will be almost 1/2 the deluxes! I think we would also consider 2 resorts during the trip, if it were 7 or 8 days.
Different things are important to different people, but everyone has a wonderful time!

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by milmore104
I just wanted to add something. My DH and I always stayed at OKW and I have to say it was beautiful but the studios are actually smaller than the rooms at AS.

Sorry, but I just knew this didn't sound right (I'm a DVC member and have stayed at OKW), so I checked on the WDWIG:

All Star Rooms: 260 square feet
Old Key West Studio: 376 square feet.

 

[soccer mom]

We have always stayed at moderates (never more that $89.00 a night) and never wanted more of a resort because we only went every three years when the kids were young so we never were at the resort. Felt much the way you do.

Now, we are going every year and last November got bumped up to AKL when POFQ closed. Boy, did that change our minds! For the first time we actually sat back and took a real look at the resort. Our goal now is to try all of the deluxe resorts.

IMHO, if you go every year and stay two weeks, you might enjoy incorporating the resort into your vacation. The deluxes have so much more to offer than just a bed, it really does add to your vacation.

 

[polyfan]

We always stayed at POFQ until this past spring. We stayed at CSR because FQ was closed. We didn't like CSR at all. We just went back for 4th of JUly and stayed at the POLY. We always loved FQ, but decided to try the Poly b/c of a good rate. Well, we just returned and I don't know if I can go again without staying at the Poly. It is hard to explain, but it really does make a difference. The convenience, size of the room, decor, housekeeping touches, amenities, turn down service, and atmosphere. It was well worth it.

 

[milmore104]

I'm sorry but we are also DVC members and we have stayed at OKW since 94' and last year we stayed at ASSp. and the room we had w/a king size bed was larger than the studios we have had at OKW. Maybe they include the balcony in the measurment. I really couldn't tell you but I know from experience that it is more spacious.

 

[WDWguru]

Hmmm... well the description does say some or all of the king rooms are handicap accessible - perhaps they have bigger floor space to accomodate wheelchair access? In any case, 99% of the All Star rooms are quite a bit smaller than OKW. Just wanted to clear this up for those who may be considering a stay there.

 

[SueM in MN]

The sizes that WDWguru posted are correct:

All Star Rooms: 260 square feet
Old Key West Studio: 376 square feet.

We haven't stayed at AS, but we have stayed at CBR, both parts of PO, VWL and OKW, our home resort. OKW is the largest of the DVC rooms.

This is a picture of AS sports.

Picture of OKW studio (obviously the picture is on a different scale than the AS one is).

The official Disney site lists OKW as 376 square feet for the studio (the balcony is not included) They list AS rooms as 260 square feet.

DIS posters who have stayed in king handicapped units at AS resorts have said they are the same size as a regular AS room. It might appear bigger though because one king size bed takes up less space than 2 queens.

 

[Janet2k]

Milmore104, I have stayed in some of the most expensive suites at WDW. And I have also stayed in an AP rate room at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Were any of my stays more magical than the others? No. If you want to spend more money for nicer accommodations, then do so. However, if you don’t want to spend more money for nicer accommodations, then don’t do it. You can find the Disney magic anywhere. Magic doesn’t come with a price tag. It is an equal opportunity event that comes to those with good hearts and souls. To paraphrase the Disney commercials, “Magic happens.”

This is all my humble opinion, and others’ opinions will vary, as it should be. By the way, I'll be at WDW the same time as you. I hope our paths cross.