need help picking a resort

[fearless13]

Our family of 5 is hoping for a WDW vacay around April-May 2013 (long time away, I know), but we are already considering options for budgeting. We have 4 options (with 3 being 2 value rooms just resort changed), and would like input on what you consider to be best. It will be for either 6 or 7 nights also (is that a good amount?). It will be 2 adults 3 kids (girl - 15, boy - 11, boy - 7).

Option 1: two All-Star rooms
Option 2: two POP rooms
Option 3: two AoA rooms
Option 4: Port Orleans Riverside trundle room

I've heard very very mixed reviews of POR, and the room with be much tiner compared to the 2 Value rooms. We will be booking on expedia where prices are $15 cheaper per room per night, but I can't seem to figure out how to book a POR for our size family. We realize All-Stars are less expensive from AoA, and a tad less than POP, but POP and AoA seem to have better locations (aren't they near HS and EP?). But if for a little more we can stay at the new AoA we think it would be worth it. Input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

P.S. This will be our first trip to the World, but we have been to Disneyland way too many times to count!

 

[nolanboys]

I would go with 2 rooms at a value over 1 at a moderate. 2 bathrooms are nice to have. AoA has family suites. Have you priced those out? You would fit nicely in a suite, have 2 bathrooms and a small kitchen.

 

[fearless13]

I would go with 2 rooms at a value over 1 at a moderate. 2 bathrooms are nice to have. AoA has family suites. Have you priced those out? You would fit nicely in a suite, have 2 bathrooms and a small kitchen.

Thanks for your help! The family suites would be more expensive then any of those options. We are going to rent a fridge though if we stay in the value, and bring a small coffee maker, so we'd only be missing out on a microwave. Also with two rooms we'd have 4 real beds instead of pullouts. I think the 2 rooms is also a better option, but I am a little scared because Disney can't also guarentee connecting.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Thanks for your help! The family suites would be more expensive then any of those options. We are going to rent a fridge though if we stay in the value, and bring a small coffee maker, so we'd only be missing out on a microwave. Also with two rooms we'd have 4 real beds instead of pullouts. I think the 2 rooms is also a better option, but I am a little scared because Disney can't also guarentee connecting.

I would book two value rooms over one mod room as well. Two rooms will give you 4 real beds, we would not do well in a family suite--we need real beds to get a good night sleep. Two rooms also gives you two bathrooms and two TV's vs a mod room that will only give you one bathroom and TV.

As for which value? Depends on what your theming taste is. AoA appeals to me, as I love Disney Movies. Pop has a great reputation for good busing and food court.

Bring a collapsable cooler as well as a mini-fridge. We used our cooler a ton!

I understand being nervous about not having a guarantee for connecting rooms, I would be too. Hopefully Disney can accomidate your request.

Have a great trip!

 

[fearless13]

I would book two value rooms over one mod room as well. Two rooms will give you 4 real beds, we would not do well in a family suite--we need real beds to get a good night sleep. Two rooms also gives you two bathrooms and two TV's vs a mod room that will only give you one bathroom and TV.

As for which value? Depends on what your theming taste is. AoA appeals to me, as I love Disney Movies. Pop has a great reputation for good busing and food court.

Bring a collapsable cooler as well as a mini-fridge. We used our cooler a ton!

I understand being nervous about not having a guarantee for connecting rooms, I would be too. Hopefully Disney can accomidate your request.

Have a great trip!

Thank you! For location though which value would you recommend?

 

[Marthasor]

Thanks for your help! The family suites would be more expensive then any of those options. We are going to rent a fridge though if we stay in the value, and bring a small coffee maker, so we'd only be missing out on a microwave. Also with two rooms we'd have 4 real beds instead of pullouts. I think the 2 rooms is also a better option, but I am a little scared because Disney can't also guarentee connecting.

I would book two rooms at All-Stars, POP, or AoA (they will have standard rooms, hopefully by the time you get there) over one mod for all of the reasons mentioned. However, I would hesitate booking through expedia. I know it looks cheaper, but if a disney promotion comes out that is less than expedia's price, you are going to have a hard time switching that reservation over to reflect the lower rate.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Thank you! For location though which value would you recommend?

AoA andPop are connected and are centrally located, so I would go with either of those.

 

[mommy2twinprincesses]

I may be in the minority, but I would stay at the moderate with the trundle. The values are much too noisy for my family...we will never stay in one again.

 

[aly58991]

AoA wil be brand new at that point, and features family suites. i really reccomend going with that one, i am going this may and will be there for the grand opening!

 

[haPevraftr]

AoA wil be brand new at that point, and features family suites. i really reccomend going with that one, i am going this may and will be there for the grand opening!

Because of the ages of your kidds, I would go with POR because there is more for them to do at the resort. Also, you have the DTD boat shuttle which will be great for you and your kids if you want to go there for meals, shopping, DisneyQuest, etc...

 

[creativeamanda]

Because of the ages of your children, I don't think I would do the one room at POR. Have you priced the Beach Club? I think it is actually cheaper than the family suites.