MUST DECIDE: help!!!!!

[canadianmom2three]

Ok, this is getting out of hand, I am obsessing over my decision of what resort to choose, and I have to be up and ready tomorrow a.m. with my decision made BEFORE I call for free dining, or I'm certain the CM will kill me!!!

We (DH and I) are going with our 3 kids (11,8,5) and my parents (48 and 49) August 24 - 30. I have narrowed it down to :


OPTION 1: 2 rooms at a value for our family, one for my parents - total 3 rooms
total cost for me = $2367.77 (for the two rooms)
total cost my parents = $ 1106.10 (one room)
Grand total - $3473.87

OPTION 2: one room at POR for our family (with trundle) + one for my parents
total cost me =$2206.85
total cost parents = $1582.50
Grand total = $3789.35

To me, it is a no-brainer, a WHOLE room extra, for the kids to spread out in, and one for DH and I to relax in = heavenly!!! Not to mention that in the overall scheme of things it is actually CHEAPER!!! But my mom is convinced that the values are going to be crowded, noisy and cheap (and not cheap in a good way like saving money, cheap in the kind of way that implies cheap motel).

Any input on choosing between POR and value (pop or ASmovies)
Also, if I go with the value, I cannot choose between POP and ASmovies, any input as to which one might be more paletable to my parents???

If you've hung in this long THANKS and TIA for any ideas!!!

 

[lilyv]

I don't think they guarantee connecting rooms, although I think they try. So, while 3 rooms would be heavenly, you and dh might end up split up-one with a couple of kids and the other with the third. I'd sure ask about this first, if you're assuming you'd have rooms together with a door between.
If there is no guarantee, I might consider POR. I love the atmosphere there.

If you're OK with splitting up, and 3 rooms is the most important,then maybe go with the values, and cross your fingers you end up with connecting rooms.

 

[maxiesmom]

Honestly, I would choose the 2 rooms at POR. Disney cannot guarantee you connecting rooms, even for just your family of 5. Technically if you book 2 value rooms, you could be split up, with you in one room and your hubby in another. Are you ok with that if it happens?

I am a huge fan of POR, because it is such a pretty, peaceful resort. You truly feel as if you have escaped from the parks to a place where it is quiet, and you can relax and rejuvinate. And if you are in the mood for something upbeat and fun you can check out Piano Man Bob at the River Roost. He is awesome!

I have only stayed 2 nights at a Value resort, and while it was nice, the resort did feel much louder to me. If your mom wants a quiet, restful resort, I don't think she will find it at a Value.

 

[disneymath]

Have you thought about getting a Family Suite + a Preferred Room at ASMusic? It would work out about the same as three value rooms. The nice thing about the suite is that you get a QUEEN bed in the bedroom (for the parents), a double pull out coach (for two of the kids) and a pull out chair (for the other kid). You still get two bathrooms, plus a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, bar sink, and counter space (great if you have left overs from you FD meals!) Also, not worries about whether you'll get connecting rooms or not. Also, ASMu is apparently appeals more to older WDW vactioners (compared to the other All Stars), so that might be a bonus for your parents. And with them in a preferred room, they would be relatively close to you even if there weren't right beside you. HTH - and that if you opt for it, that it is available for your dates.

 

[canadianmom2three]

That was actually my first choice, but I thought that the suites were NOT available with free dining ??? I had read that thread on it, but there seemed to be conflicting stories, with some people saying they got FD, and some not....

 

[hugabearjo]

I visited but, have not stayed in a value. My impression was the same as your mom's. I did stay last Sept. at POR and loved it. The atmosphere was fabulous. My kids love it too. I don't think there is a comparision for the difference in price. I would hands down stay at POR. I couldn't believe how relaxing yet fun it was.

JMHO

Have fun.

Jo

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I have to agree with your mom.....I was at POP last year for the first day of free dining....IT WAS HORRIBLE - the noise was unbearable. For the first time in my life I was GLAD to be going home. Go to Port Orleans.....I am sure your parents will be glad you did!!

 

[auntie]

Go for the POR...listen to your MOTHER!


_________________

 

[tejasranger]

Honestly, I would choose the 2 rooms at POR. Disney cannot guarantee you connecting rooms, even for just your family of 5. Technically if you book 2 value rooms, you could be split up, with you in one room and your hubby in another. Are you ok with that if it happens?

I am a huge fan of POR, because it is such a pretty, peaceful resort. You truly feel as if you have escaped from the parks to a place where it is quiet, and you can relax and rejuvinate. And if you are in the mood for something upbeat and fun you can check out Piano Man Bob at the River Roost. He is awesome!

I have only stayed 2 nights at a Value resort, and while it was nice, the resort did feel much louder to me. If your mom wants a quiet, restful resort, I don't think she will find it at a Value.

I also am a big fan of POR. We just got back Feb. We loved Boatwrights breakfast. Also you will enjoy the nice relaxing boatride to downtown. Your children will enjoy feeding the ducks by the river in the mornings. They also have several pools. One of them has a bar it is by the man hole.I have never stayed at POp century so I cannot compare, I just know I really llike POR.

 

[Cass]

Listen to your mother and stay at the nicer resort.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

I'd definitely vote for POR, not because of the noise or theming, but because, as a pp mentioned, there is no guarantee of adjoining rooms at the value. If your two rooms are across the hall or a few doors apart, you're not going to be able to leave the kids in their room and enjoy another with your DH. I'd play it safe and go with POR.

 

[Fionasmommy]

I'd definitely go with POR - it's beautiful!!!

 

[princessdaisy]

I would stay at POR as I have been at Pop with the free dining and well, trust your mom's instinct She will get a more relaxing atmosphere at POR.

Have a wonderful time at Disney!

 

[bellenbuzz]

It's an Awesome Resort !!
I love the Alligator Bayou Section the Best !!
Request Building #18 in the AB, it's location is great for getting to bus stop, the pool and main building!
Have a Blast Planning !!

 

[Aliceacc]

POR!!!

Moderate, as opposed to a Value.

And, MUCH more important: a guarantee that you'll be together. They won't guarantee that the two value rooms will connect.

 

[nikki'smom]

Two rooms at POP would be great! Two bathrooms is a good thing!!

 

[liftn]

I'm still amazed that your have an 11 year old and your mom and dad are only 48 & 49! Do they get a double take when they are called grandma and grandpa?

 

[mamazaz]

Family suites at ASMu ARE included in the free dining. Called yesterday to verify with CM at Disney. He wouldn't let me know that they were available to General Public, but kept saying "yes they do qualify for the VISA free dining promotion.

We're a family with 9 (including my mother who's going along) and we're booked at POFQ. We want a quiet atmosphere without long walks to get to everything - not a fun thing to do with 6 kids in tow - 3 of them in strollers! Everyone seems to think the pool is more fun at the CSR, but I don't want a HUGE resort to try to get around in.

Good luck - I'm on the phone now on hold at 4:28 a.m. - it took me a while just to get through - I kept getting "all circuits are busy".

 

[canadianmom2three]

YAY holding right now, looking forward to booking the ASmu suite!!!! And yes, my parents look pretty young (esp. my mom, my dad is kind of bald...) they are actually only a couple years older than the parents of some of DS's friends. DH and I were pretty young (OK REALLY young) when we had DS, and all were pretty shocked, but since they got over it ( and since DH and I have happily stayed together and had 2 more kids) they rave about how great it is to be young grandparents. They haven't been to disney since we were kids, and are really looking forward to the trip.

 

[disneymath]

YAY holding right now, looking forward to booking the ASmu suite!!!!

Here's hoping you did!

Enjoy planning your trip and have a wonderful vacation!