Looking for anyone who has stayed at AOA in the LM rooms

[greendazy5]

We are planning on going to Disney at Christmas. Yes I realize it is a very busy time of year but really want to go at this time. We are looking to stay at the AOA resort in the LM rooms but are unsure if this will work for our family. Need your opinions on size of room, access to buses, food, would a cot fit in the room comfortably? Etc. please give us the good, bad and the ugly! We want to make sure we are making the right choice for our special trip. Thanks.

Haven't been to Disney since the 90's many things have changed stayed at the CBR that visit.

 

[Ali]

We stayed in the Ursala building in a LM room and when I walked inside I was struck by how small it is. It really was the first thought I had as I walked inside. I don't think you can add a cot because of occupancy rules and the only place to put it would be by the front window/table area and it would probably not fit without squishing something. The improvement over POP was the quieter toilet flushing. I didn't hear much of it and I usually am very bothered by it. The decor is cute.

We were closer to Pop century than AoA and we chose to drive to the lobby area instead of walking because our feet hurt. To get to the lobby you could walk through the themed areas or through parking lots. It was not a fun walk to get a mug refilled so we didn't do it. drink was gone by the time you got back and then you wanted another one.

I think the resort is awesome and we go there frequently for lunch, the arcade, and to look around but I don't have any interest in staying there again. I've stayed almost everywhere on Disney property and I choose to rent DVC points and take what I can get last minute or I pay for POR of POFQ. I am looking at CBR for a trip this summer because we really like that pool area. I admit I am spoiled by DVC studios lately and the extra room there. I can't tell you whether your family would enjoy it. My 12 year old son was not interested in the pool area at all - no slide, little kids all over, juvenile. He didn't want to swim.

I have no information on buses since we always have a car.
Have a good vacation. It's a place you need to go once just to say you were there but if you have older kids you might want to be somewhere more exciting.

 

[ManyMinnie]

We just returned from a stay in a LM room at AoA (building 8).

We wouldn't stay there again, for multiple reasons.

 

[ManyMinnie]

We are planning on going to Disney at Christmas. Yes I realize it is a very busy time of year but really want to go at this time. We are looking to stay at the AOA resort in the LM rooms but are unsure if this will work for our family. Need your opinions on size of room, access to buses, food, would a cot fit in the room comfortably? Etc. please give us the good, bad and the ugly! We want to make sure we are making the right choice for our special trip. Thanks.

Haven't been to Disney since the 90's many things have changed stayed at the CBR that visit.

There is no room to put a cot. The door just barely clears the bed. The rooms are very small.

If you and your children are adventurous eaters, you'll love the food court. It is a hike to the buses (8-9 mins from our building), but we found the transportation to be great.

 

[greendazy5]

Thanks for the info. Our kids are /will be 15 and 13 at the time. We really wanted to stay at AOA because it was new and colorful and it seemed like the themed rooms would be fun to stay in......but I am concerned about the size of the rooms. We are also looking into the CBR with the pirate beds and decor but thought it lacked that colorful theme and that the Christmas theme there would be lack luster. So confused on where to stay. Rooms have to be able to fit and sleep comfortable a 15 year old son who is 6 ft 1 200 lbs and my husband who is 6 ft and 220. Our daughter is tiny so we were thinking of getting her a cot and letting our son have the bed to himself. Still would like to hear from others who have stayed at other value resorts.

 

[jacdolfin]

Thanks for the info. Our kids are /will be 15 and 13 at the time. We really wanted to stay at AOA because it was new and colorful and it seemed like the themed rooms would be fun to stay in......but I am concerned about the size of the rooms. We are also looking into the CBR with the pirate beds and decor but thought it lacked that colorful theme and that the Christmas theme there would be lack luster. So confused on where to stay. Rooms have to be able to fit and sleep comfortable a 15 year old son who is 6 ft 1 200 lbs and my husband who is 6 ft and 220. Our daughter is tiny so we were thinking of getting her a cot and letting our son have the bed to himself. Still would like to hear from others who have stayed at other value resorts.

I have gone to WDW several times but Oct will be our first trip onsite. I don't have any info on the value rooms per say but we just upgraded from All Star Movies to Port Orleans French Quarter thru AAA for $200. If you have AaA it might save you money to upgrade if you chose. I'm not sure if that is an option for you but they do have queen beds. That is the reason we upgraded we are tall people and wanted to have extra room. Also there are the family suites at AoA and All Star Music. hope you have a great trip.

 

[nkereina]

Due to the size of the room, I would guess cots are not permitted due to fire codes. If that's the case, the resort's hands would be tied and you would not be able to get one (unless you brought your own). You could always bring an air mattress and stand it up during the day.

 

[Pats Dragon]

We prefer the value resort pop and now aoa because of the very efficient buses. I don't like to drive anywhere after I finally arrive and these 2 resorts are the best. We also love the food courts. There is a variety and something everyone will like. Aoa is beautiful and new and you will enjoy walking around. We liked the pools and the pool bar with refillable mug station. The down side is that the room is small and if you plan on staying in the room very much you won't like it. I think it is fine to sleep in. We have brought a camping cot to values but it is a challenge to fit it in. You might just bring a foam mattress and put it on the floor. I would stay in cars if could afford it because of the room, extra beds and it is the neatest section I have ever seen. We try to rent 2 rooms at value now because it is nice to not to try to sleep all squished together and the 2 baths are really helpful. The worst thing about aoa is the extremely long walk from the rooms in the back. Ask for ursula if walking will be a problem for you.

 

[Family B]

Our family of 4 spent one night last fall right after LM opened. It's a colorful and fun resort for one night. I'd say the rooms are on similar in size to POP. They are SMALL. 4 with two smaller kids was a challenge for a week at POP, we just wanted a little more space. There definitely isn't room for a cot. We thought the beds to be pretty comfortable. Values don't have waterslides if this is important to your teens at all.

We would stay again for a night or two, but unlikely for an entire week, we just wanted more space.

The LM rooms are very popular, so you might find a great discount (when they finally release them for Fall) at a MOD that doesn't cost must more. POR will sleep 5 in some rooms, your DD might be more comfortable on the trundle than a cot.

 

[cheer25mom]

We stared at AoA in a little mermaid room in Nov. we have always stayed moderate before. the only way you could get a extra bed in that I could see would be a twin air mattress by the door. It would be a TIGHT fit if it was even possible, and IMO not enough space for 2 adults and 2 teens. It was just us and or 9 year old and it was TIGHT quarters. It is also about a half mile to the bus stop from the LM rooms. We won't stay there again because it was just too cramped for us. I would consider a DVC rental. Lots more space to spread out.

 

[delilah18]

We stayed there last September and loved it there I didn't find the walk to bad we were in building 7 facing the lake

I didn't find the room size too small I thought they would be smaller personally lol

I would stay here again

 

[greendazy5]

Thanks to everyone who took to time to post. still would like to hear from others. Also any helpful hints. I have gotten a few so far by reading a lot of the threads. Any must do rides etc. at the parks? 2of the 4 of us has motion sickness and can't do heights. But don't mind waiting for the other 2 while they ride the rides etc. we have not been since 1991 so lots of changes. One being the AK which we plan on checking out. Since we will be there through Christmas any special Christmas things we should do or see. Thanks again for all of you who posted already...

 

[WDWChloe]

We just got back from AoA LM room 2 weeks ago.

It was small. However, if you've stayed at a value before, it's the same size. Plus, when we usually stay at a value, we're mostly in the parks or touring other resorts. So size doesn't matter unless we're planning on spending more time in-room. AoA is everything you would expect from a Value resort.

Pros:
The LM Area is somewhat secluded, nice and quiet compared to Finding Nemo and Cars areas.
Never a long wait for buses. Most we waited was 10 minutes for DHS. Also, AoA doesn't share a route, unlike All-Stars.
We liked the create your own options at the Food Court. They had nice healthier options.
I've seen a few people complain of bussing your own plates Nd cutlery, but I think it's a great conservation move on Disney's part. Plus, we're used to dining at Paneta once in a while so it doesn't bother us :/
The Big Blue Pool is awesome! The music and sounds under water are great.


Cons:
As stated, the LM area is secluded, but that's based on the good 5 minute walk to the main hall - the Big Blue Pool, Landscape of Flavors and transportation.
It wasn't that bad for us, but some families with younger ones may not enjoy this walk. (We drove to Animation Hall some of the time since our car was parked right by our room.)
Since AoA is the newest resort, I was expecting the towels in the bathroom to be in [somewhat] good condition - nope. Thin and raggedy as all value resort towels are. Next time we're bringing our own.


I'll add more to my list as I think of them...


As for what to do during Xmas time, tour the deluxe resorts! Each one has a special set up - GF has the gingerbread house, BW has a gingerbread carousel, YC has a train set , etc.

Also, be sure to watch Illuimations: Reflections of Earth AT LEAST ONCE!! The extra holiday finale is the BEST!

 

[greendazy5]

Can any of you tell me which LM building was the better one ? I keep hearing the Ursuyll (sp) one is the better one or King Triton.

 

[mom2rtk]

We stayed for 10 nights last December. I am really glad we did it. We enjoyed the resort. It is absolutely beautiful.

However, we won't be staying there again. The room size was fine for our group of 3, but we usually stay at a value resort, and this was no different.

For us the issue was just the long haul from our room to the food court, gift shop and bus stop. Once we were in our room, it was just too much effort to go all the way back for anything. It changed the resort experience for us. We typically pay for a preferred room at the Pop and are back and forth to the food court and gift shop frequently. Not so in the LM rooms. We probably only used our refillable mugs 2 or 3 times all week. When we came back from the parks I'd say "Is it worth 2.50 (the price of just buying a drink while I was there) to go back to the room, get the mug and come back again?" And of course, the answer was no, and I'd just pay for a new one.

Because it's such a beautiful resort, I'd do it again if I were staying for 1 or 2 nights, but definitely not on a longer trip.

The Ursula or King Triton building is a little closer, but even that's not great. Because of the way the landscaping is set up, our room was closer to the LK section, but we had to walk back to the Ursula statue to even access the walkway to get out of the darn place.

That said, we're not lazy park-goers. We go park open to park close. We're on our feet all day. But at the end of the night after being on our feet all day....... it just seemed SO far away.

 

[cheer25mom]

We stayed for 10 nights last December. I am really glad we did it. We enjoyed the resort. It is absolutely beautiful.

However, we won't be staying there again. The room size was fine for our group of 3, but we usually stay at a value resort, and this was no different.

For us the issue was just the long haul from our room to the food court, gift shop and bus stop. Once we were in our room, it was just too much effort to go all the way back for anything. It changed the resort experience for us. We typically pay for a preferred room at the Pop and are back and forth to the food court and gift shop frequently. Not so in the LM rooms. We probably only used our refillable mugs 2 or 3 times all week. When we came back from the parks I'd say "Is it worth 2.50 (the price of just buying a drink while I was there) to go back to the room, get the mug and come back again?" And of course, the answer was no, and I'd just pay for a new one.

Because it's such a beautiful resort, I'd do it again if I were staying for 1 or 2 nights, but definitely not on a longer trip.

The Ursula or King Triton building is a little closer, but even that's not great. Because of the way the landscaping is set up, our room was closer to the LK section, but we had to walk back to the Ursula statue to even access the walkway to get out of the darn place.

That said, we're not lazy park-goers. We go park open to park close. We're on our feet all day. But at the end of the night after being on our feet all day....... it just seemed SO far away.

You summarized it better than i could. This was pretty much our experience. The room felt cramped and we just felt too far away form everything to really relax and enjoy ourselves. We rope drop to fireworks park people too, and by the time we got back to the resort, that walk back to LM was killer.

 

[goofy4tink]

I like AoA-LM area. I have no issue with the walk back to the food court. The walks at other resorts is just as long, if not longer. But, then again, I don't make trips to the food court just to get soda refilled.
The rooms are fairly small. I don't think you can easily fit in a cot. You might be able to bring an Aero bed, twin sized and then put it up against the wall during the day, using it on the floor only at night. But, if you have more than 4, you won't be able to book the room, unless that 5th is under 3!

The buses are fine...pretty much the same as at Pop. And the food court is pretty normal...I never had any problem finding stuff to eat. Headed back there for two nights in June!

 

[ManyMinnie]

We stayed for 10 nights last December. I am really glad we did it. We enjoyed the resort. It is absolutely beautiful.

However, we won't be staying there again. The room size was fine for our group of 3, but we usually stay at a value resort, and this was no different.

For us the issue was just the long haul from our room to the food court, gift shop and bus stop. Once we were in our room, it was just too much effort to go all the way back for anything. It changed the resort experience for us. We typically pay for a preferred room at the Pop and are back and forth to the food court and gift shop frequently. Not so in the LM rooms. We probably only used our refillable mugs 2 or 3 times all week. When we came back from the parks I'd say "Is it worth 2.50 (the price of just buying a drink while I was there) to go back to the room, get the mug and come back again?" And of course, the answer was no, and I'd just pay for a new one.

Because it's such a beautiful resort, I'd do it again if I were staying for 1 or 2 nights, but definitely not on a longer trip.

The Ursula or King Triton building is a little closer, but even that's not great. Because of the way the landscaping is set up, our room was closer to the LK section, but we had to walk back to the Ursula statue to even access the walkway to get out of the darn place.

That said, we're not lazy park-goers. We go park open to park close. We're on our feet all day. But at the end of the night after being on our feet all day....... it just seemed SO far away.

We used our mugs twice in the 8 days we were there; the day we arrived and the day we left.

 

[squirrel4569]

We stayed in the Ariel building (furthest from the FC) during Thanksgiving week last year. We loved the resort and the decor throughout.

We didn't think that it was a bad walk. It was about 5 minutes or so and we went back to the FC a couple of times to fill up with hot chocolate on the cold nights. (FYI Bailey's Irish Cream is great with the hot chocolate) We felt like it was a better walk than from the 50's building at Pop. I think the decor walking through the Lion King area to get to the LM area made the walk easier since there was distraction.

The pools there are very nice. The only complaint about the pools was that they didn't have towels. You have to bring them from your room. Otherwise they were very nice. The Big Blue Pool was neat with the music underwater.

The LM rooms are small, but so are the other Values. With the two double beds my wife and I slept in one and our girls slept in another. I don't think it would work with two teens though. I'm 6'1" 240 and I was comfortable but I also didn't have to worry about personal space sharing the bed with my wife. I don't know about putting a cot or an air mattress. Possibly a sleeping mat/bag on the floor in front of the TV or near the sink area.

Here's a video of the room:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3N3IUX1nEGU

I agree with a PP about the sidewalk layout. It's not a straight grid setup so you tend to wander a bit to get out of the building area, around the pool, etc. This results in you sometimes walking past your room door and back tracking to get in or out of the building area.

I think that if the suites were a bit more affordable I'd go that route, but they are more expensive than two LM rooms. Another downside is that the LM rooms aren't typically discounted.

We found the bus system to be as good as Pop though. Dedicated line and reasonably fast.

 

[Pats Dragon]

For Christmas pop has lots of pretty Christmas trees in the lobby, food court and gift shop. We always sit in the corner of the food court next to "our own tree". They also have gingerbread houses made by cms and you get to vote for your favorite. Christmas music plays. I am sure aoa will have something similar.