Second thoughts about ASMu

[Desnik]

I booked a spur of the moment budget trip at ASMu for 11/3-11/8. This will be a suprise for DD(4yo)and we are on a strict budget, having just gone to WDW in May and we have a baby on the way and planned a trip to WDW for Oct.2003 for 2 weeks. The last couple of times at Disney we stayed at deluxe hotels(GF, BWI). I am woried now about ASMu. It was the only hotel available and I got an AP rate for $274 including tax for 5 nights! I am very happy with the rate, but will we like it here? We plan on spending at least one day enjoying the resort, but will there be anything to do there? Should I just bite the bullet and try to get an AP rate at a deluxe, even though that will put me over my budget? I am already saving $$ by driving(DH doesn't fly), I have an AP and we still have days left on DH and DD hoppers, and we will bring snacks and breakfast items to save on food.
Tell me your thoughts on this resort. Should I pay extra to be in a preferred bldg?

 

[cheshirekitty]

Don't pay extra for a preferred building!! Everytime I have stayed at ASMu, I requested Calypso and I have always gotten it without paying extra. Last time I even got a great view of the pool!

I personally love the All stars, but that is because I don't hang out at the resorts much except to lay out by the pool.

However, if I could spare the cash, I would stay at a moderate at least!

 

[Disney Debbie]

I've never stayed in a deluxe so I can't compare the two. But I've stayed at All Stars plenty and we've always liked it fine. The pool area isn't as interesting - but most 4 year olds don't care as long as it's wet and mom and dad are playing with them! The food court area is better then the moderates IMO.

As far as paying extra - it only puts you closer to the main building - it's not worth it to me because I don't think it's such a big deal to walk back to the rooms.

If you truly want to call it a budget trip - stay with it! You might be surprised!

 

[HM]

I've stayed at ASMu twice. IN 1999 it was our first trip with our kids (then 4 and 6) for 8 nights. They still talk about how they loved the place (and we've stayed mostly in Deluxes since then). Then this past Aug, I stayed for 4 nights with a friend. The family trip we stayed in Calypso Bldg 10. Great location! During our August trip I had asked for Jazz buildings, but we were placed in Rock and Roll (had noisy neighbors and asked to be moved) and then were changed to Country Fair (in the furthest room at the resort)...... After a few days of the hike from RnR and CF buildings, I decided that paying the extra $10 was worth in next time (esp if my kids were with me). So I disagree with the above posters who say not to pay-----though I would have agreed with them prior to staying in the further buildings. I wouldn't have thought it mattered....but it does, especially if you plan to use Refillable mugs and eat in the Food Court frequently. -HM

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by cheshirekitty
Don't pay extra for a preferred building!! Everytime I have stayed at ASMu, I requested Calypso and I have always gotten it without paying extra....

That's because the extra $10 per night charge for the preferred buildings didn't start until January 2002. Previous to that, there was no extra charge to stay in Calypso.

 

[SpottyDog]

Desnik, just jumpin in to agree with all of the above. Sure, it's no Deluxe, but I'm sure yer 4 yr old will love it,especially the pool areas. You will probably find it bland and maybe even boring after a deluxe, but just imerse yerselves in yer daughter's joy and you'll be fine.
I'd definitely recommend the Calypso block for convenience and the better pool.

The worst that can happen is you hate it , but if that should happen you then could use the money you've saved on accomodation to spend on an alternate family day out instead.

 

[m&m's mom]

My 2 and 6 yo DD's loved the ASMu. We could, and have, stayed at any of the hotels and we keep coming back to the AS because of the food courts. They are so extremely convenient for little ones. I wide variety of food available up to 11pm and open at 6am. That works w/ our varied schedule.
Last time we were at WL Roaring Forks was miserable. Hard to get our mugs re-filled because so small and at the AS if they kids are tired and cranky I can easily find a corner to retreate to where they do not bother anyone.
When kids get older we will go back to moderated and deluxe probably but I won't waste the money until then.

 

[Rhonda]

I agree too! Stay with ASMu! Your daughter will love the theming! The food court is great, and the pool is fun!