Need help making a final resort decision - CBR or ASMo?

[crusoe2]

We've been waivering between staying at ASMo and CBR. We got CBR for only $10 a nite more than the All Stars so I know most people would say go for it. But let me give a little background information.

This trip we will only have 4 park days and plan to spend most of our time in the parks. We've stayed at ASMo before and loved it. We know that the accommodations there are all we really need for this trip. And, while I hate to pass up the chance to try a moderate, I have a few concerns about the size and layout of CBR.

First, we were planning to get charging privileges on our room keys this time and pay it off each nite so that we can keep a handle on how much we are spending. I assume at CBR that we would have to go to the Customs House to pay the bill each nite - how inconvenient will it be to walk over there and how late is it open?

Second, one of the things we really liked about ASMo was getting to walk through Cinema Hall and the pool area everytime we came back from the parks. We just like all the activity & scenery and feeling like we are still in the middle of all the fun. It was also nice to be able to stop off at the foodcourt, gift shop, etc. as we came through. Will we feel too isolated at CBR?

Like I said, I hate to pass up a moderate and all the extra amenities but I'm kinda worried that we may find it less convenient there. I'd love to hear any feedback or advice that you guys can offer. TIA

 

[crusoe2]

Bump

 

[DisneyFan09]

I've not been to AsMo but here's what I think about CBR. It is huge but I think it is set up like a wheel, with OPR (food court, gift shop,main pool) in the middle. There are so many bus stops at CBR that I think you could get off at the Customs House after doing the parks and then get on the next bus and ride it to your stop. CBR is beautiful and it is closer to most of the other parks than AsMo.

 

[Neeter]

I'll have to cast my vote for ASMO! The main reason being the layout. We stayed at DxL in '99 and we hated the layout! We hated how far away the main building was and all of the bus stops we had to sit through just to get to ours. The thought of having to get off the bus at the main building and then getting back on a bus just to get to your room sounds like a pain to me. I guess we were spoiled at ASMO. You have one stop and we much prefer that. Also, since we stayed in the Toy Story section it was really convienent for us to walk over to refill our mugs, grab a snack, and use guest services. The layout at ASMO just fits our family much better.

You mentioned you didn't want to pass up all the extra amentities, however you also said you were going to be spending most of your time at the parks. So, I don't really see spending even just $10 more a nite for extras that you're not really going to have time to use. If I were you, I would wait til I had more days in my trip and then check out a Moderate. Of course that is JMHO.

<i>"Second, one of the things we really liked about ASMo was getting to walk through Cinema Hall and the pool area everytime we came back from the parks. We just like all the activity & scenery and feeling like we are still in the middle of all the fun. It was also nice to be able to stop off at the foodcourt, gift shop, etc. as we came through. "</i>

Yep! That is what we liked most about ASMO too! We never felt like we left the magic behind at the theme parks. We were still surrounded by it even at our hotel. Our kids refuse to stay anywhere else next year!

Hope this helps! I'm sure whichever you choose you will have a great trip!

 

[CamColt]

If you wont use the extra amenities, and you know you will be happy at ASMO, then I say why spend the extra money?

We stayed at ASMO after our previous 2 trips were to DXL. We fell in love with ASMO and I would have a hard time going back to a moderate now. I just dont see anything better there than what we got at ASMO(except Bob the piano player & hes gone now anyway). One major plus I found at ASMO was the size and layout as opposed to DXL, and I hear CBR is even bigger(dont know this firsthand). Since you do sound concerned about this aspect, I think staying at ASMO would be a good choice.

 

[crusoe2]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your input.

I think we've decided to stick with ASMo. (If I can quit second-guessing myself, that is. ) I kind of felt like going with CBR would be like buying something I don't need just because it's on sale - now I feel better about letting it go and I'm excited about staying at ASMo again. It helps a lot when others remind me of what a great resort it really is. Thanks again.

 

[hellokitty]

http://www.wdwig.com/cbrmap1.jpg
here is a map of the CBR-- it is a long long walk to the customs house from most of the resort and if you are close than you are far from the main eating area and pool!!
the buses stop many times at the cbr and you could wait about 15 min. just to get to your bus stop once inside the resort!! we did because we were the last on and the last off!!

the pool is not much more fun, it is rather small and I did like the
asmo feel of the action going on as well.

i vote for asmo for you as well, but good luck with whatever you decide i dont think you will be missing out and $10 can buy
some good snacks or souvieners a day!!

 

[Neeter]

crusoe2 I hope you have a wonderful trip and that you have another great stay at ASMO.

I had fun reading everyone's thoughts about the ASMOs as well. I think it's great that most people who have stayed at ASMO come away with the same feelings... the Disney atmosphere and convenience can't be beat!

Be sure to let us know how your trip went when you get back.

 

[crusoe2]

Hellokitty, thanks for the link to the map. I had looked at it before but I had never really noticed how far the Customs House is from even the closest village. And I really want to be able to go pay off our charges on a daily basis so that our spending doesn't get out of hand. It will be much more convenient to do that at ASMo. Also, altho our nitely difference is only $10, the total savings will be at least enough to pay for a nice sit-down meal. (It's even more than that if you consider how much we would probably end up spending on a new set of mugs, boat or bike rentals, and souvies - all of which would take away from how much time and money we have left for the parks.)

Neeter, thanks for the good wishes. I'm glad to know we're not the only ones who love the hustle & bustle at the All Stars. I read so many posts complaining about that but I like it. If I wanted quiet I would have stayed home. Thanks again.