Need help picking a value

[stargazertechie]

So DH and I have some unused air travel funds that *have* to be used by 2/28... so I figured why not surprise him with a trip to Disney. We've had a rough year personally, and just had to cancel our big winter cruise trip (we take annually with our best friends) because our cat was diagnosed with cancer and his vet bills make Disney look cheap

That being said, I have access to a 40% off discount at the value resorts. We're going down for a quickie 4-day/3-night trip.

We could get Music or Sports for $222, or Pop Century for $244. The $22 difference certainly doesn't break the bank, but the thrifty/cheap/Dutch part of me says "well, that $22 could pay for lunch for 50% of your trip"

Music is my last choice option. I've stayed there twice before, and that's two too many times

If it makes a difference, DH has always wanted to stay at Pop, but this obviously won't be our last trip ever. He's also suggested staying at ASSP before when we travel for the marathon, so I know he would be happy with either choice.

I was originally looking at renting DVC points since the cost would be comparable to the spring room-only offer... but then miracle of miracles I got a discount offer! So I'm trying to re-adjust my line of thinking back to value and I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it.


So sell me- Pop? All Star Sports? All Star Music?

 

[DisneyFamily7]

When staying in value resorts in the past, we always stayed in All Star. Movies was our favorite. But since we are going in the summer this year during the crowded season, I decided to go Pop because they have their own busses. During the time of year you are traveling, it probably won't matter much, but for our trip, the bus siutation made my decision. It is crazy to me that all three all-star resorts share busses.

 

[mike the canuck]

I loved The Little Mermaid rooms at the Art of Animation. It was a great resort. The Big Blue pool and its underwater speakers were really cool. The cars section was pretty immersive and cool. I will be staying there again for sure. Here are some videos I took during my stay:

Lobby video tour of Animation Hall: http://t.co/t3WfAuXh

Little Mermaid room: http://youtu.be/H1Gnima3Abg

Big Blue Pool: http://youtu.be/Sov9jQCmZoA

Cars wing and pool: http://youtu.be/bEHo_97ABwc

 

[stargazertechie]

I loved The Little Mermaid rooms at the Art of Animation. It was a great resort. The Big Blue pool and its underwater speakers were really cool. The cars section was pretty immersive and cool. I will be staying there again for sure. Here are some videos I took during my stay:

Lobby video tour of Animation Hall: http://t.co/t3WfAuXh

Little Mermaid room: http://youtu.be/H1Gnima3Abg

Big Blue Pool: http://youtu.be/Sov9jQCmZoA

Cars wing and pool: http://youtu.be/bEHo_97ABwc

Unfortunately the discount doesn't extend to AOA, otherwise that would have been my first choice

 

[Danibelle]

With all the cheerleading, twirling, etc. going on, I would stay wherever there is an opening. I think the weekend of Feb. 8-11 is pretty full (the cheerleaders are there at AS's and CB). I originally tried to book LM at AoA and was told no rooms were available. I got a good discount at Pop that weekend. (that was back in October). Good luck! I would try Pop if available.

 

[stargazertechie]

With all the cheerleading, twirling, etc. going on, I would stay wherever there is an opening. I think the weekend of Feb. 8-11 is pretty full (the cheerleaders are there at AS's and CB). I originally tried to book LM at AoA and was told no rooms were available. I got a good discount at Pop that weekend. (that was back in October). Good luck! I would try Pop if available.

We're looking at the very end of February for that reason! Hoping to avoid most of the chaos!

 

[mike the canuck]

Unfortunately the discount doesn't extend to AOA, otherwise that would have been my first choice

Dang! That's a bummer. I missed out on free dining by staying at AOA. I was a little disappointed when I booked but I do not regret my decision now. I loved it

 

[Gantu]

DH and I stayed at Pop with out the kids and love it!

The bus service was the best out of all the hotels we stayed. We got to Epcot and DHS super fast.

The Food court was great and the staff was super nice!

We liked Pop beter the the WL.. but that's just us......


Have a great time!

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Stay at POP and ask for a lakeview room. Then it will feel a little more upscale. We had a great corner room in the 60s building with a view of the lake and AOA.

 

[mlittig]

I would also recommend Pop and second getting a lake view room That is what I had, it was lovely and I could even see some Epcot fireworks I also think Pop has the best food court on property

 

[lovesdumbo]

Unfortunately the discount doesn't extend to AOA, otherwise that would have been my first choice

If you stay at Pop you can walk over to AoA to check it out. I've stayed at ASMO twice and ASMU twice and they are both fine but I prefer Pop-have been there 6 times. I prefer the layout of the food court/gift shop at Pop compared to the All Stars.

 

[meowmarie]

I say POP as well, it's so fun and Disney-esque. My parents went with us when we stayed at Pop a few years ago, then my mom surprised my dad the next year with a trip on their own and she booked a moderate. She said when they got there he was upset and wondered why they couldn't stay in Pop again

 

[Belle83]

We're doing the same kind of trip in April (had to use plane tickets by a certain date, doing a quick last-min. trip and keeping it as cheap as possible). Pop was $55-ish more total for our 5 night stay than AS Music or Sports. I know it's not lots of $ but that's $ we could use for food. Ultimately we decided on Pop. It's newer, I like that it's on a lake and that I can walk over to check out AOA, and the buses are apparently better.

 

[stargazertechie]

So I played my DH last night. I told him I was looking to add a 1-night stay before our DVC stay in July. I asked him if he'd prefer ASSports or Music.

He got the saddest look in his eyes and said "But what about Pop?" I told him it was $100 more per night (he'll believe anything I say) and he said, "well, sports will work then".


I booked Pop, despite the (minuscule, $22) price difference. Can't wait to tell him at 10:00 the night before that we have to get in the car RIGHT NOW because we're going to Disney!

 

[Dixiemom]

Good job!! He will love it. Nothing like doin' The Hustle in the lobby at 6 every night......I hope your feline family member recovers smoothly

Try and eat at AoA while you are there, their tandoori options are fantastic!!!!

 

[themrsp]

I vote Pop.

I've stayed at Sports and Movies...and I hated it! Haven't stayed at Pop, but heard great things. The rooms are REALLY small at Value. Even for DH and I, it was teeny tiny and the quality seemed very cheap.