Pop, All Star Movies, or AoA Cars Suite?

[virge]

Help! I need some advice/suggestions. An unexpected financial situation means we need to use some of the money we saved for Disney for something else. While part of me is sad that we won't be able to do the trip level I planned for the past year, I know we'll still have a fantastic time. We were planning on staying at the Polynesian but could really use the cash we'd save by switching to a Value. I'd love some feedback about which one of these options may work best for our family. All 3 are currently have Free Dining rooms available during our stay. My biggest concerns/disappointments are room size, noise level (other people, as well as making sure my boys don't bother nearby rooms), & transportation to our ADRs at Chef Mickey's (arrival night, which wasn't a concern when staying at the Poly but now it would be a problem), Crystal Palace before park opening, & O'hana breakfast the morning we leave.

All Star Movies - My 6 years old sons LOVE 101 Dalmatians but I've read the noise level from groups/bus situation is sometimes a problem at the non-Pop values.

Pop (preferred room) - It seems like this is the best value resort for food, transportation, etc but I don't know how much we'd like the theming.

Art of Animation Suite - Higher costs than the other 2 but I think the increased space would be really nice with my active 6 year old boys. Room size was one of the things I looked forward to at the Poly.


Thanks for any information you can share that may help with our decision.

 

[donaldude]

I've only stayed at POP once but it is a kids paradise. AoA also looks cool.

 

[msmith07101]

Hello! Have stayed at Pop and really liked it...loved the food court and the busses...no issues with busses during my stay. Rooms are pretty small. Have not stayed at movies, but stayed at music several years ago. AoA...looks super cute, but the suites are expensive...priced one for our trip in November, and it was over a thousand more than Pop for 2 adults and 1 teen. I guess you just need to determine what is most important to you...price, theming, room size...and make a decision. For me, I am just happy to be onside, and don't care too much about the theming, but this depends on when i am staying. If I am planning on lots of pool time, then that will factor into my decision on where I stay. if I am not planning on swimming, like this trip in November, then I just want somewhere decent to sleep and eat...and Pop fits the bill for that. Plus...it connects to AoA so we can go check it out and easily try the food court there for a change of pace.
Whatever you decide, you will have a great time...can't go wrong anywhere onsite!

 

[Singinglizzie]

Like you, we had to choose a value for this upcoming trip , or ... Yikes.. not go. We went with Music. I prefer Music or Movies, since they have much more greenery and to me it feels more relaxing. I found Pop to be big and very motel like, but hey most folks love Pop. I think in your case, I would go with Pop, since it does have a lake, and you originally want the Polynesian. Plus you will be able to walk over the bridge to the new AoA food court which should be fun. Request a "quiet" room and you should be set. Save the $$ this time, and some other time you can go back to do the Poly - unless maybe you become a new Pop lover !You can't go wrong at any of the Disney properties, IMHO!