Second guessing my resort!

[bennifer]

OK, so we're booked at AoA in a Cars suite for 8 days in Sept. It will be DH, DS4, my parents and myself. DS4 loves all things Cars, so we thought we should stay right there in Radiator Springs But, I just priced 2 separate rooms at ASMo and there is quite a huge price difference. He does like Toy Story, so Buzz and Woody would be a hit, even Herbie because he's a car after all. On the other hand, this may be the only trip that we would stay in a suite, and at least splitting the cost with my parents helps. But, DH and I will be spending 7 nights on a pullout. I just don't know what to do!!!!

 

[jenjencc514]

Too many days on the pull-out! Go for the 2 rooms and save your back!

 

[robinb]

OK, so we're booked at AoA in a Cars suite for 8 days in Sept. It will be DH, DS4, my parents and myself. DS4 loves all things Cars, so we thought we should stay right there in Radiator Springs But, I just priced 2 separate rooms at ASMo and there is quite a huge price difference. He does like Toy Story, so Buzz and Woody would be a hit, even Herbie because he's a car after all. On the other hand, this may be the only trip that we would stay in a suite, and at least splitting the cost with my parents helps. But, DH and I will be spending 7 nights on a pullout. I just don't know what to do!!!!

Hmmm ... this is a tough one. The pull outs in the DVC resorts are actually pretty comfortable so I assume that the ones at AoA are also OK. I know that an AoA suite is more expensive than 2 All Star rooms. What is the price difference? Also, are you going during free dining? That might bring the price down even more.

 

[Kristibo42]

Get two connecting rooms. Works great for us. The only thing is you won't have to kitchen.

 

[bennifer]

Too many days on the pull-out! Go for the 2 rooms and save your back!

I haven't really thought about just how long 7 nights are...

 

[cherylleigh59]

We stayed in a Lion King Suite for a week in January and loved it. The theming at the AoA resort is wonderful.

 

[bennifer]

Hmmm ... this is a tough one. The pull outs in the DVC resorts are actually pretty comfortable so I assume that the ones at AoA are also OK. I know that an AoA suite is more expensive than 2 All Star rooms. What is the price difference? Also, are you going during free dining? That might bring the price down even more.

We are going with free dining It's about $1600 difference! That's A LOT of souvenirs! Plus my older son is starting college, and that's been a huge financial drain! But, it's my younger son's first trip that's all about him and not worrying about having to share with his older brother, so I wanted to make it extra special.

 

[bennifer]

Get two connecting rooms. Works great for us. The only thing is you won't have to kitchen.

True, this is what we've done in the past. We really don't need a kitchen!

 

[bennifer]

We stayed in a Lion King Suite for a week in January and loved it. The theming at the AoA resort is wonderful.

See?!?! This is what I mean! I think the theming may just be worth it!!!

 

[chrystalc77]

My vote is the Cars suite. We are booked there for November 2014. I have a friend that is at AOA right now staying in the LM rooms, and she said the Cars area is amazing!!! I have also read that the pullouts are quite comfy. However you could book the two rooms, and just hop over to walk through the AOA resort. But then you may end up wishing you had stuck with the original plan!!! Good luck with your decision!!!

 

[robinb]

We are going with free dining It's about $1600 difference! That's A LOT of souvenirs! Plus my older son is starting college, and that's been a huge financial drain! But, it's my younger son's first trip that's all about him and not worrying about having to share with his older brother, so I wanted to make it extra special.

The difference is $200 per night . Since it's your son's first trip it will be special enough without needing to throw an extra $200 per night at it ... especially since that money could go toward your older son's college expenses. Your 4-year old really won't know the difference and he'll be thrilled with All Star Movies. Think of it this way, your portion of one night's lodging would pay for a full visit to the Pirate's League including costume: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2428848. Save your money and enjoy your time with your family.

 

[bennifer]

My vote is the Cars suite. We are booked there for November 2014. I have a friend that is at AOA right now staying in the LM rooms, and she said the Cars area is amazing!!! I have also read that the pullouts are quite comfy. However you could book the two rooms, and just hop over to walk through the AOA resort. But then you may end up wishing you had stuck with the original plan!!! Good luck with your decision!!!

Thank you! That's exactly what I'm afraid of...regretting changing. I could always switch if the pullout gets too much halfway thru, right? hmmm...

 

[chrystalc77]

Or maybe you could do a split stay???? How about 2 rooms for the first half of the vacation, and then switch over to the Cars suite for the last half? You could still save some money, and end up where you wanted to stay to begin with.

 

[wysteria]

I think since he is 4 and this is his first trip he will still be impressed by the 2 rooms connected. In fact wouldn't you rather start at the 2 connecting rooms so next time if that is what you can afford, he doesn't want the suite, or if you do get the suite its a totally upgraded cool experience for him.

$1600 more money is a bit much, especially since you mentioned your other sons college expenses.

Besides even if you were determined to spend X amount on disney, take the $1600 and do stuff like Wishes desert party, pirate cruise, waterparks etc. You could do quite a few memorable activities with the 1600$ instead of just the suite at AoA.

 

[bennifer]

The difference is $200 per night . Since it's your son's first trip it will be special enough without needing to throw an extra $200 per night at it ... especially since that money could go toward your older son's college expenses. Your 4-year old really won't know the difference and he'll be thrilled with All Star Movies. Think of it this way, your portion of one night's lodging would pay for a full visit to the Pirate's League including costume: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2428848. Save your money and enjoy your time with your family.

True...I know he won't remember this vacation, so we the money we save this year could be spent when he does remember!

 

[bennifer]

Or maybe you could do a split stay???? How about 2 rooms for the first half of the vacation, and then switch over to the Cars suite for the last half? You could still save some money, and end up where you wanted to stay to begin with.

I would love that, my DH not so much. Split stays are not his thing....

 

[wysteria]

You said you had free dining?
you could stay in 2 connecting rooms and upgrade to the DDP from the QSDP

do a lot more character dining then which he would love! My son, when he was 4, doesnt really remmeber the All Star Sports but he remembers pooh and piglet from crystal palace!

 

[bennifer]

I think since he is 4 and this is his first trip he will still be impressed by the 2 rooms connected. In fact wouldn't you rather start at the 2 connecting rooms so next time if that is what you can afford, he doesn't want the suite, or if you do get the suite its a totally upgraded cool experience for him.

$1600 more money is a bit much, especially since you mentioned your other sons college expenses.

Besides even if you were determined to spend X amount on disney, take the $1600 and do stuff like Wishes desert party, pirate cruise, waterparks etc. You could do quite a few memorable activities with the 1600$ instead of just the suite at AoA.

True! He's only 4, so he's just excited to be going to Disney regardless of where we stay! I just asked older son what he remembers from his first trip when he was 5 and he said that all he remembers is looking at the pics! Lol! I guess there's my answer.

 

[bennifer]

You said you had free dining?
you could stay in 2 connecting rooms and upgrade to the DDP from the QSDP

do a lot more character dining then which he would love!

Yes! Hmmmmm....since he won't remember it anyway, maybe I'll upgrade to a mod for just a little more with free DDP and a bigger more comfortable bed!

 

[bennifer]

Thank you everyone for helping bring me back to reality and posting your opinions! I really appreciate all of the responses!