On site, AoA mermaid room

[dizzydrop]

So I’m booking a last minute trip for my son and I from 9/26-9/29. I had planned this trip earlier but had some medical issues come up so had to cancel everything, now the issues are dealt with and my oldest son just had got some disappointing news from his father. My son, who has autism and has a hard time relating to people most days, was supposed to be going to NYC for 10 days with his father who he hasn’t seen in 3 years. Well, long story short and a lack of planning on father’s part but he cancelled.
So, my husband, who is my husband’s Dad (has been since 6 months old), came home with the idea for me to take him to disney for the dates I already had planned previously.
I will be renting a car because we fly into Sanford and I’ve looked at several hotels in the area but can’t decide where to stay. I currently have AoA standard mermaid room booked but it’s booked at the $207 price, should I keep it? I cannot find any other Disney resorts to stay at, only off site. I can’t seem to get any points to rent for DVC either.
Any thoughts or suggestions, should I just keep that reservation and suck up the price and enjoy it, because ideally he’s 16 with the mentality of a 6 year old who loves drawing and all things Disney, or should I try to find something off site close to Disney, even though I don’t really know the best properties to stay at. I need help, lol, I’m so indecisive!

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Based on the info you have provided I would definitely keep AOA. I think it would go a long way in making up for your son's disappointment. The resort is beautifully themed and really geared towards kids (and certainly adults too!) It is expensive, for sure, but it is only for 3 nights and for such a short stay do you really want the bother of driving in and out every day? Keep in mind that you will be charged for parking at the resort, I think it's $15/per night. If you stay offsite you will be charged for parking at the parks. However, what you can do is decline mousekeeping and you will be given a credit of $10 per night minus the last night. You can use that to offset it a bit. I don't know how comfortable you would be with Uber/Lyft. They are not expensive if the only reason for a car rental is Sanford airport. Have a great vacation, whatever you decide.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm so sorry to hear that happened. It must have been very disappointing to your son. How sweet of you to put this together last minute to do something so enjoyable with him!

I would keep AoA for now. I know you are renting a car, so could drive in from offsite, but staying onsite really is more convenient with the transportation they provide to the parks. If you choose to use the buses (and I definitely would to MK at least), you get dropped off quite close to the park entrances. It sounds like your son will really enjoy the theming at AoA as well. I would keep checking, though, to see if something less expensive becomes available at Pop, which is right next door and walkable to AoA. There's always a chance.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I can’t seem to get any points to rent for DVC either.

Inside 30 days, availability is pretty stank, so that would be why. Even distressed points, availability has to be there. And there are no studios for ANY of those days, let alone even partial.

The Disney Springs hotels can be cheaper. You can look for deals at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace or Hilton Lake Buena Vista. Watch out for resort fees, but now that AOA will charge a parking fee anyway, that may all wash out. However, I think you WOULD have to pay to park at theme parks from the DS hotels, which can have inconsistent park buses. You might very well just be best off at AOA, with the included theme park parking.