Please advise: All Stars or Moderates?

[Moby]

Our first family trip to Disney May 2-10 with our 4 1/2 year old daughter. Initially, we booked a vacation home in Florida Pines with private pool, but now are reconsidering staying on-site so it's easier to return for afternoon naps and swimming. We'll have a rental car and want a fun pool for her.

Any input as to whether to stay in All Stars or a Moderate? Which hotel would you specifically choose and why? Do any of these resorts have whirlpool/spa's?

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated as I don't have too much time to plan.

Thanks!

 

[honeymom]

I think she'll like either all stars or the moderates.

We stayed at pofq with a 5 and 2 1/2 year old. They loved the pool area. It is great for kids that age.

Will you need a little more space? Also, will you be spending much time relaxing at the resort. If you are spending relaxing time, you might want to spring for the extra money. Then pick the theme that appeals to you.

 

[jaysue]

Moderates 315 Square Feet
All Stars 260 Square Feet

Offsite is not a bad idea either especially since it will be a relatively quieter time you are going

Have you tried to rent DVC Points?

Thanks
Jason

 

[HM]

For our first trip (kids were 4 and 6) we stayed at ASMu. The kids loved the place. Since then we've stayed at CBR, Poly, AKL, and WL. The kids still ask to go back to the AS hotels someday because of their fond memories. I think for a first trip the value resorts are just perfect. You get great themeing but you aren't spending a bunch of money on amenities you won't use because you are so interested in optimizing you park time. And the bus service and food courts are great. Have fun deciding what to do!

None of the All Stars or Moderates have hot tubs. -HM

 

[pouncingpluto]

>>None of the All Stars or Moderates have hot tubs. -HM [/B][/QUOTE]

That's not true. PO FQ definitely has one, and I've been in it. I'm not sure about any of the others.

 

[Star Wars Guy]

Caribbean Beach has a hot tub, though it's not very big.

 

[dznyfn1]

MOBY,
Your daughter would be thrilled with the AStars or the moderates. It is more of a question of what you are looking for in the other amenities.
THe moderates offer a hot tub near the pool. The AStars do not have hot tubs.
I have stayed at POR, CBR and the AStars and have selected the AStars again this year due to the cost savings. The buses etc are very convenient at the AStars. I recall waiting longer for buses at POR and CBR but not a long wait. My kids prefer the food courts at the AStars. They are 16 and 13.
Your daughter would probably prefer the theming of the AStar Movies if possible. I definately recommend staying on site!
Check out these websites for some pictures of the resorts:
www.wdwig.com
www.disneydollarless.com
Either way have a great trip. I took both of my kids at approximately that age and those are some of my best memories and why I am such a disneyfan!

 

[webray]

If you want the hot tub..stay at the moderate resort, as the all stars do not have them.

Anything else is way better at the all stars...conveniently laid out...easy walk to anything no matter what building they put you in.

We would choose the all stars over the moderates anyday...yes, giving up the hot tub.

 

[Sharby]

If your daughter (or any child that age) could stay 1 day at the ASMo or ASMu and 1 day at the moderates and then you asked her which resort she'd like to stay at for the rest of the trip - I'd bet that she'd pick the AS. Most children would - with the bright colours and bigger-than-life outdoor decor - it must seem like being in a cartoon to them.

Of course, if the adults could stay 1 day at the ASMo or ASMu and 1 day at the moderates - and then pick a resort that they would like to stay at for the rest of the trip - the adults would probably pick the moderates.

 

[Moby]

I appreciate all of your replies.

Sharby - you've summarized it so well. Thanks!

Jason - What are DVC points?

I think my dd would love All Stars, but I sure love a hot tub to soak aching muscles in after a day of sightseeing.

Decision, decisions

 

[jaysue]

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=28

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=29

The above links should help

Thanks
Jason