Looking for some resort advise

[jsrowdon]

I am looking for some advise on the best resort for some friends of ours that will be going to WDW with us on our next trip.

We are DVC members and are planning on staying at BWVs in March. We have been numerous times and don't really have any issues planning or getting around. My issue is that this trip we have some friends that are planning on coming with us and this will basically be their first time. We will be doing most of the planning and will handle booking their dining and fastpasses so no real issue there. We probably wont spend all day every day together but definitely will be spending a lot of time together.

My issue comes in trying to help them decide on which hotel they want to stay at. They are a family of 5 so that cuts out a lot of the rooms since they only sleep 4. They would really prefer some type of family room that has a separate bedroom instead of just a hotel room that sleeps 5 in 1 space.

So far we have looked at the family suites at All Star Sports and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The cabins is what they are leaning towards right now but I am a little concerned about them getting around the Fort. I have never stayed there myself so dont know how much of a hassle that is. How easy is it to get to the buses and boat dock to get to the parks from the cabins?

It seems like it might be a little easier to access the buses at All Star Sports but I have heard those get pretty packed too.

Are their any other family suites that would be in the same budget range, I think the cabins are getting close to the top of their budget for rooms, that I am forgetting about?

Does anyone have any experience with getting connection rooms at either AOA or POP? 2 connections rooms might work and that would put them on the Skyliner line so it would be easier access to the Epcot area where we are staying so that might make it easier on everyone to meet up.

Any advise is appreciated.

 

[DisneyGirlMI]

I have not stayed at the value resorts, but AoA has family suites. That would probably be a good option for them. Remember, when you book two rooms, connecting is a request, not a guarantee.

 

[DWillowBay]

All Star Sports does not have family suites. All Star MUSIC has a family suite. i have stayed there and in Art of Animation Family Suites. The benefit to AoA is that there are not just two separate sleeping spaces, but two full bathrooms as well. This was a real plus for our family. All Star Music Family Suites were great as well. The cabins are nice, but you are right, transportation can be more than I care to handle when on vacation. Connecting rooms are never guaranteed. Our family was separated in January and that was very difficult. We were able to get adjoining (next to but not connecting) rooms at POP once. I'd suggest either All Star Music (buses were just fine) or Art of Animation. Hope you all have a great trip1

 

[jsrowdon]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, it was Music we were looking at, not sure why I was thinking sports.

I am leaning towards Music being the better option than the cabins as well.

The last option that I did just start looking at is having them rent DVC points at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a 1 bedrooms. It looks like it is the same price as the cabins and if we are going to be separated then they might as well be separated at AKL.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I am looking for some advise on the best resort for some friends of ours that will be going to WDW with us on our next trip.

We are DVC members and are planning on staying at BWVs in March. We have been numerous times and don't really have any issues planning or getting around. My issue is that this trip we have some friends that are planning on coming with us and this will basically be their first time. We will be doing most of the planning and will handle booking their dining and fastpasses so no real issue there. We probably wont spend all day every day together but definitely will be spending a lot of time together.

My issue comes in trying to help them decide on which hotel they want to stay at. They are a family of 5 so that cuts out a lot of the rooms since they only sleep 4. They would really prefer some type of family room that has a separate bedroom instead of just a hotel room that sleeps 5 in 1 space.

So far we have looked at the family suites at All Star Sports and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The cabins is what they are leaning towards right now but I am a little concerned about them getting around the Fort. I have never stayed there myself so dont know how much of a hassle that is. How easy is it to get to the buses and boat dock to get to the parks from the cabins?

It seems like it might be a little easier to access the buses at All Star Sports but I have heard those get pretty packed too.

Are their any other family suites that would be in the same budget range, I think the cabins are getting close to the top of their budget for rooms, that I am forgetting about?

Does anyone have any experience with getting connection rooms at either AOA or POP? 2 connections rooms might work and that would put them on the Skyliner line so it would be easier access to the Epcot area where we are staying so that might make it easier on everyone to meet up.

Any advise is appreciated.

We loved staying at Fort Wilderness. Would definitely choose that over a value. Internal transportation at the fort is no big deal, unless they're mobility impaired.

 

[clayfolks]

If they rent points at Kidani, they will have 2 full bathrooms in a one bedroom. If they rent at Jambo, they will only have one.

 

[Luvs Mickey]

I realize this is an added cost but many rent golf carts to get around Fort Wilderness. I think you can rent directly from Disney or a third party.

 

[Hopefully]

The internal buses at the Cabins simply require a bit more time to your destination. They are frequent and convenient to use.
The Cabins offer a FULL kitchen. Just breakfast in while getting ready will save them money. Also cold drinks in a full size frig when they get back to the Cabin is great.
We love it there and would definitely choose it over a value every time