Just back from AoA

[lilipad]

Hey al,

We just got back from our stay at AoA. It was a fabulous time! We stayed in one fo the Cars suites. It was a really nice place for us. I can't say we have any complaints. The room was more than enough for the 3 of us. It was nice to have a seperate sleeping area for our ds. I thought the layout of the hotel was nice. I know I've read that some found it confusing; however, I didn't feel that was the case at all. Bus service was fairly speedy. I don't think we waiting more than 15 minutes ever.

Feel free to ask me any questions if you want. While it's still fresh in my mind.

-L

 

[AndyFL]

Thanks for posting the review, my Wife was wondering what the new resort was like. Now, how about some pics

 

[Disneyhenry]

Thank you for sharing your review

 

[lilipad]

Honestly, I didn't take any super detailed pictures. I will say that the photos online are representative of what you get. It's super cute outside. We loved walking around. We enjoyed the cozy cones pool almost as much as the Nemo pool. Not a lot of shade at the Nemo pool I might add. It wasn't a huge issue due to clouds and rain while we were there.

Also, the food court was pretty good. My husband ordered the more exotic meals and enjoyed them. I actually ordered kids meals since I wasn't that hungry a lot of times. The eggs at breakfast have that college dorm taste. Not my fave, but certainly tollerable. They were surveying guests while we were there for feedback on the dining. I thought that was a good sign.

 

[lemonpan]

Hey al,

We just got back from our stay at AoA. It was a fabulous time! We stayed in one fo the Cars suites. It was a really nice place for us. I can't say we have any complaints. The room was more than enough for the 3 of us. It was nice to have a seperate sleeping area for our ds. I thought the layout of the hotel was nice. I know I've read that some found it confusing; however, I didn't feel that was the case at all. Bus service was fairly speedy. I don't think we waiting more than 15 minutes ever.

Feel free to ask me any questions if you want. While it's still fresh in my mind.

-L

How fun! How did you find the comfort of the beds and the noise level? (I know noise level is dependent on your neighbors, etc. But I'm just curious what your experience was with noise.)

 

[Lalabubbles]

Did you go to Downtown Disny from there? We have one night next month there and we are thinking of going to Downtown Disney. I know that it is a pain to get there, or at least the return is, from most resorts. Just wondering what your experience was. Thanks

 

[Missyrose]

Did you go to Downtown Disny from there? We have one night next month there and we are thinking of going to Downtown Disney. I know that it is a pain to get there, or at least the return is, from most resorts. Just wondering what your experience was. Thanks

I haven't stayed at AoA but my cardinal rule is to take a cab to and from DTD is you don't have a rental car. The buses between the resorts and DTD are a nightmare and something I never want to deal with again.

 

[AliceIn]

How fun! How did you find the comfort of the beds and the noise level? (I know noise level is dependent on your neighbors, etc. But I'm just curious what your experience was with noise.)

I just checked out today. The suites are fantastic. We had no issues at all with noise. Pools were wonderful. I thought the rooms were a lot more spacious than photos or video show. We had ample room for the five of us. Service was really great too. I was thinking of trying a deluxe this time, but I am glad we stuck with AOA. There were folks who had done earlier in the week stays at moderates and deluxe staying near us who said they'd do AOA for their next visit. It was a terrific stay all around.

 

[AliceIn]

Forgot to say that all of the beds were very comfy. I ciould have slept on any of them.

 

[Missoutandabout]

I haven't stayed at AoA but my cardinal rule is to take a cab to and from DTD is you don't have a rental car. The buses between the resorts and DTD are a nightmare and something I never want to deal with again.

This. After our first DTD "bus nightmare", we use cabs.

 

[Hera]

How's the Splash Area for the kids? The pics show the big character icons and a few holes in the ground that spurt water straight up??

 

[mmouse50]

How big would you say the fold down table bed is? The same size as a double? or smaller?

Older teen (17) - 5'10"

 

[buffalogirl]

I just checked out today. The suites are fantastic. We had no issues at all with noise. Pools were wonderful. I thought the rooms were a lot more spacious than photos or video show. We had ample room for the five of us. Service was really great too. I was thinking of trying a deluxe this time, but I am glad we stuck with AOA. There were folks who had done earlier in the week stays at moderates and deluxe staying near us who said they'd do AOA for their next visit. It was a terrific stay all around.

Thanks so much for posting this! We had a tough time deciding between Wilderness Lodge and AoA for our next stay- the cost was very similar. Reassuring to hear that other people would make a similar choice. Glad you enjoyed your stay.

 

[lilipad]

How fun! How did you find the comfort of the beds and the noise level? (I know noise level is dependent on your neighbors, etc. But I'm just curious what your experience was with noise.)

We were at the very end of the hall on the first floor. Frankly, it was quiet in our grown up suite. I think we were relatively sheltered from any external noises. If there was any hallway noise, my ds slept right through it. You could, in usual hotel fashion, tell when everyone above you was flushing their toilets. That's to be expected to a certain degree. I thought it would be a lot noisier given the party-like atmosphere, but it wasn't imo.

 

[lilipad]

Did you go to Downtown Disny from there? We have one night next month there and we are thinking of going to Downtown Disney. I know that it is a pain to get there, or at least the return is, from most resorts. Just wondering what your experience was. Thanks

We headed down there our first and last days. It was an easy bus ride. It shares the same route with Typhoon Lagoon; however, it's not a long stop nor does it seem out of the way. We first stopped at the Marketplace and then, on our last day, went to Pleasure Island. We actually ended up walking back to the Market Place (Goofy's Candy Shop you know) and then catching the bus back from there. It was pretty easy.

 

[lilipad]

I haven't stayed at AoA but my cardinal rule is to take a cab to and from DTD is you don't have a rental car. The buses between the resorts and DTD are a nightmare and something I never want to deal with again.

That wasn't our experience, but others may disagree. I thought the bus service to/from DTD was no different than to/from the various parks.

 

[lilipad]

How's the Splash Area for the kids? The pics show the big character icons and a few holes in the ground that spurt water straight up??

Very, very cute. The water does squirt straight up and some of the characters squirt at the kids. They are sporadically timed, so it's fun for the kiddos. They also have various activities throughout the day including a pool party. Kids who participate in any of the activities get to visit the treasure chest (rubber duckies and other trinkets). My 7 yr old enjoyed the party. Also, 8:30 is supposed to be movie time at the pool. Unfortunately, we had some bad weather so they moved this indoors. It was a nice break. Near the front desk, they have an area where they play vintage Disney cartoons (and the pool movie) and then throughout the day an animator does drawing classes. He has the attendees pick a character (Ariel is too difficult apparently) and everyone gets to try. His drawing is on the tv so you can follow along. Great place for kids!

 

[lilipad]

How fun! How did you find the comfort of the beds and the noise level? (I know noise level is dependent on your neighbors, etc. But I'm just curious what your experience was with noise.)

Oh and the beds were just fine. The sheets were a little stiff and noisy imo, but frankly, we were too exhausted to care. You get some extra blankets and pillows as well. DS loved his fold down bed and the blankets. It was a hit.

 

[lilipad]

How big would you say the fold down table bed is? The same size as a double? or smaller?

Older teen (17) - 5'10"

I think it's a double. There was room for 2 pillows accross so I'm assuming it's a double. Also, I had no problems lying on it and I'm 5'7".

 

[lilipad]

Thanks so much for posting this! We had a tough time deciding between Wilderness Lodge and AoA for our next stay- the cost was very similar. Reassuring to hear that other people would make a similar choice. Glad you enjoyed your stay.

The rooms were pretty spacious imo. It's like a room with a living room and dining area plus 2 baths. Hopefully that makes sense. It was perfect for us. We do not sleep well when we are all in the same room. It's a nightmare. It was a perfect set up for us. Very roomy. Not a lot of "closet" space. Actually, there are no closets. Just a place to hang things up next to the tv and then ample drawer space. Also, the hangers were real wooden hangers and not those one with the little knobs on the end. It's the little things, right? Also there's a fridge and a microwave and a kitchen type sink along with some shelf space with some paper plates, paper towels, plastic forks, etc. Although the cafeteria people told me I could take the regular china plates and sliver ware with me back to the room no problem.