Non DVC resort questions

[Bouncin-Tigger]

We are just returning from a great trip at BLT & found a week available for us to return in August but out of points. So after doing some messing around online with some codes and annual pass discount we were able to get an incredibly great rate for All Star Music for 7 nights 8 days, we were originally going to the Illinois state fair for 4 days and 5 nights and it was cheaper for the week in WDW. I dont think I am a resort snow but I havent stayed anywhere outside of DVC properties as an adult and I am used to being spoiled. Is it that big of a down grade to ASM? Has anyone stayed there and have any thoughts? We are drivers and drive to parks so buses are not an issue. Also we have noticed at DVC resorts it isnt overcrowded at counter service rest. and at the pools, after looking at the map of the resort it seems huge are the common areas very crowded? Also room size, would it be comparable to most holiday inn type hotels? Any tips advice or info would be appreciates. DW is kinda feeling spoiled by perks of dvc and nervous about this stay. Thanks

 

[Chuck S]

If you can get POP Century for roughly the same price, I'd personally be happier at POP. I've stayed at All Stars twice, the food courts are smaller than POP, and the travel groups (Pop Warner, school bands, grad groups, etc) tend to stay at All Stars.

You will miss some of the amenities of DVC when staying at a value resort, but overall, they aren't awful.

 

[twinklebug]

How many of you will be in the room?

The accommodations at the values, to me, are a big step down: but then I love the DVC balconies to sit out on every morning and evening, the kitchenette, beds, and even the pillows at DVC are a good step up from the values

If it's just you and another and you don't spend time in your room the value should be okay. To me however the room is part of the experience and I feel like those Value rooms are glorified closets. I stayed there one night and couldn't wait to leave.

Have you priced out any of the moderate resorts with discounts? POR is nice and I would return to there.

 

[karrit2000]

If I'm booking a cash stay I always have gotten a room at ASMo, ASMu or POP. I stay away from ASsport. The Food court at POP is roomier than ASMu. Outside of Breakfast time the food court has not seemed overly crowded to me. Yes the rooms are about the equivalent of a basic Holiday Inn room. Personally once I leave the room for the day I don't normally return until I'm ready to go to bed. So to me it's just a place to sleep. The one perk is that you get daily maid service if you want it. The pools do get crowded.

 

[AirGoofy]

We are just returning from a great trip at BLT & found a week available for us to return in August but out of points. So after doing some messing around online with some codes and annual pass discount we were able to get an incredibly great rate for All Star Music for 7 nights 8 days, we were originally going to the Illinois state fair for 4 days and 5 nights and it was cheaper for the week in WDW. I dont think I am a resort snow but I havent stayed anywhere outside of DVC properties as an adult and I am used to being spoiled. Is it that big of a down grade to ASM? Has anyone stayed there and have any thoughts? We are drivers and drive to parks so buses are not an issue. Also we have noticed at DVC resorts it isnt overcrowded at counter service rest. and at the pools, after looking at the map of the resort it seems huge are the common areas very crowded? Also room size, would it be comparable to most holiday inn type hotels? Any tips advice or info would be appreciates. DW is kinda feeling spoiled by perks of dvc and nervous about this stay. Thanks

We've stayed at the All-Stars and POP, then CBR, then bought into DVC. One reason was for the bus transportation, which you seem to have resolved with your car transportation. I'm not a fan of using my car for park transportation. As for the room, we do DVC studios as BLT is one of the smallest. I read that the all stars were all going to get refrigerators, but I like having my coffee and toaster and kitchenette. As for the pool and food service courts, I think the pool just depends on the day. I have seen some of the DVC resort pools full sometimes and other times empty. You just roll the dice there. We are not resort QS people, outside of an occasional snack, so can't help you there.

Would I go back to a value resort after DVC? Yes, only if the price is right.

 

[Song of the South]

About 3 weeks ago, BFF and I had a grand tour of all WDW lodgings...we stayed at POFQ (would DEFINITELY stay there again), Contemporary (it was a business expense...probably would stay at POFQ in the future), AKV savanah view (not much to say except ) and also at ASMov. Although ASM was like $100 for the night (and it we reserved less than 24 hours in advance!) it wasn't like a Holiday Inn imo...it was like a Motel 6 or Red Roof Inn. I understand the appeal to those staying on a tight budget or for school groups. The bed was comfortable although the pillows weren't great. It was 2 adults and 2 infants and we felt crowded with our 2 suitcases and 2 strollers. But, BFF's dd LOVED the giant Buzz and Woody and we were able to park close to our room. I'd stay at POFQ over any AS resort in the future for a cash stay.

ALL of that said...if the choice were staying at an AS resort and staying home...I can pack a pillow!

SotS

 

[sweetdana]

I like the pop for 1or 2 nights, more than that I need a coffee pot, a hot tub, and in Aug covered shade to wait for busses.

I HIGHLY rec either POR or FQ. Both get all those things above and a larger room. The pool is much better at both and the food court at POR (walking dis for FQ), is IMO best in DW. I would pay the extra 100$ a night or so for the moderate upgrade. Also I think there was FD (maybe not your dates), if so you get an upgraded plan at a moderate. If you are using any promo it usually is 5% off additional for the upgrade.

If your sold on a value, I second that POP is much nicer, due partially to the busses, and it is just a better layed out resort.

 

[DenLo]

....The bed was comfortable although the pillows weren't great.
. . . . .SotS

I have stayed at POP and enjoyed the food court, but the bed about did me in. I would think ASM would be similar. It was like a rock, by day two it took me extra time to limber up in the morning. I missed my bed at BLT which we then moved to. :good vibes The pillows were okay, not great nor bad, just ordinary pillows.

As to the size of the room it's is not as large as the current Holiday Inns but an older one, it would be comparable. I would much prefer a Holiday Inn Express for space and comfort. But an HIE is not on property. Location is great, really close to to EPCOT and not that far from AK and one of the water parks.

We sometimes go to the food court at POP for a meal because the prices are reasonable and we can use our TIW card for a discount too.

Although the price is always tempting, I'd opt for one less day and stay at a moderate. We love CSR and I have heard wonderful things about POFQ.

 

[Who's your Mickey?]

We are just returning from a great trip at BLT & found a week available for us to return in August but out of points. So after doing some messing around online with some codes and annual pass discount we were able to get an incredibly great rate for All Star Music for 7 nights 8 days, we were originally going to the Illinois state fair for 4 days and 5 nights and it was cheaper for the week in WDW. I dont think I am a resort snow but I havent stayed anywhere outside of DVC properties as an adult and I am used to being spoiled. Is it that big of a down grade to ASM? Has anyone stayed there and have any thoughts? We are drivers and drive to parks so buses are not an issue. Also we have noticed at DVC resorts it isnt overcrowded at counter service rest. and at the pools, after looking at the map of the resort it seems huge are the common areas very crowded? Also room size, would it be comparable to most holiday inn type hotels? Any tips advice or info would be appreciates. DW is kinda feeling spoiled by perks of dvc and nervous about this stay. Thanks

The All Star resorts are more like Disney's take on Motel 6 or Super 8

 

[Chuck S]

We sometimes go to the food court at POP for a meal because the prices are reasonable and we can use our TIW card for a discount too.

We do, too.

 

[sarahk0204]

I will admit I am a resort snob!

In December, we drove down to WDW. We allowed extra time for bad weather and didn't need it. We ended up arriving a day early and stayed 1 night at ASMo before moving to a studio at SSR. We rented the fridge for 1 night, although having them furnished now will be nice. Anyway, we were so happy to move to our DVC the next day. On the road, we tend to stay at Drury Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Those are both bigger than a Value Resort room.

On the other hand, you are at Disney! Just look on it as a great adventure. Good luck and have a great trip, whatever you decide.