So I made the mistake of showing DDs the resorts

[princessap]

So I made the mistake of showing my DD's the resorts at disney...one is 3 and one is 5....the 3 year old wants AOA LM room (although we would do a suite here and just visit LM section)...the older DD wants POR-royal guest room....it will be DH, DD5, DD3 and DD 8 months old at time of trip...suggestions??

I think AOA looks more disney but POR looks nice and lots of people I know have stayed there with their kids....we will be doing a quick two night stay added on to a week visiting family in Clearwater....first day will be resort day and DTD and then second day will be MK (already booked BBB and cannot wait) and then check out third day....what does everyone think?

My DH is leaning towards the suite as he likes his room to spread out once kids are in bed...but POR is cheaper....what to do??

 

[DizDaD7]

If it were me I would pick AOA. We did stay at POR and yes it was nice AOA just looks like it would be so geared to the young onez n the young at heart. Both would be nice but more room in the suite. plus the buses gotta be better at AOA than POR

 

[princessap]

thanks...was POR cramped in the room? we would have a pack n play for our youngest dd too...

What is the pool area like for kids?

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I like the royal rooms at POR better, but with the ages of your kids I would pick AOA. Everyone will sleep better and you can stay up if the kids go to bed early.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Also, your kids will like the pool and play areas at AOA more than POR.

 

[princessap]

Also, your kids will like the pool and play areas at AOA more than POR.

Thanks...I was wondering what the pool and play areas at POR are like. I am leaning towards AOA but love saving money too! LOL.

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks...I was wondering what the pool and play areas at POR are like. I am leaning towards AOA but love saving money too! LOL.

The pool area is one of the best things about por. Not sure of the swimming ability's of your kids because they do have a nice slide.AoA pools dont have slides. We werent cramped with 4 at all but with pack n play maybe tough. I still would go with AOA.

 

[DizDaD7]

What about possibly renting pts. And staying at a dvc villa. Definetely would be cheaper fhan AOA and they have awesome pools n play areas./ Splash n play areas too.

 

[fairestoneofall]

honestly, you are going to be more cramped at AOA versus POR. we love Pop, but now that we have a third child, i just can't. the room is small already, but add a pack-n-play to the mix and you're really cramped.

we want to stay AOA, but i'll only do it on the trip where the baby isn't with us (my sister and i are taking the older two to MNSSHP next fall and there is no way that my youngest DS would enjoy being out that late).

 

[AlohaAnnie]

AoA Suite - You will be much more comfortable.

 

[mickeymedic]

POR is our favorite resort. And the boat to DTD is really convenient. However, from what you described about your family, I think a Family Suite at AoA would be the better choice.

 

[MMS1125]

I think you'll have more room at AoA obviously b/c it's a suite but I'd probably stay at POR-Royal Room since it's probably the only time you'll be able to stay there in 1 room since they only sleep 4. Once the baby is 3 or older you will have to have 2 rooms at the Royal Rooms and LM rooms both so I'd take advantage of one of those before you can't. Your kids won't take up much room so I wouldn't worry too much about space in a smaller room vs a suite.

 

[mrsksomeday]

honestly, you are going to be more cramped at AOA versus POR.

According to wdwinfo.com a POR room is 315 square feet and an AOA suite room is 565 square feet, how would they be more cramped?

 

[DizDaD7]

According to wdwinfo.com a POR room is 315 square feet and an AOA suite room is 565 square feet, how would they be more cramped?

Lol u beat me to it. I was going to ask that question myself.

 

[shalom]

POR has the better pool, plus you'd have access to the POFQ pool, which can be a real hit with kids that age range who can swim (it's the one with the big sea serpent). Haven't heard any reviews of the AoA water LM play area, but it looks kind of cool.

AoA fails big time when it comes to non-water play area, though. A bunch of bone ribs, a little cave, lots of tempting "don't climb on that" stuff. POR gets all the points on that front.

OTOH, the kids might really enjoy touring AoA and looking at all the big "stuff", and maybe walking across the bridge to Pop and doing the same.

And don't forget, at the AoA Pop's tie dye cheesecake just a walk over the bridge away. That'd definitely influence me in AoA's favor.

Riverside has a good QS in terms of food (the pasta bar gets great reviews) but the theming doesn't excite as many kids. The AoA QS is getting pretty good reviews food-wise but is apparently really noisy even for a Value. Toss up, I guess.

An AoA suite definitely has the edge when it comes to room size.

Room theming is about the same level of "Disney", IMHO, although of course the focus is different.

While the AoA has more space, and it'd definitely be better for naps, I'd find the decor in the Princess room a lot more restful! I give the story behind it (the other princesses gifted Tiana with various aspects of the decor) higher points, as well, but I would guess younger ones would be more excited by the AoA theming because it isn't so subtle.

According to wdwinfo.com a POR room is 315 square feet and an AOA suite room is 565 square feet, how would they be more cramped?

Bet they caught the LM part but not the suite part -- the LM section is single rooms, memory serves.

 

[princessap]

What about possibly renting pts. And staying at a dvc villa. Definetely would be cheaper fhan AOA and they have awesome pools n play areas./ Splash n play areas too.

I considered this and priced out blt and akv and the one bedrooms are still more money than aoa suite.

I have read on here not to do the studios as i was considering akv studio as it would be cheap but was advised not to as it is same size as reg room.

 

[lanejudy]

Unless you definitely plan to be back again within 14 months, this could be your best chance to have a Royal Room for your princesses. Once your youngest is 3 you will not all fit in 1 Royal Room.

But there are also good arguments in favor of AoA. You can't go wrong either way, just don't second-guess yourself once you make the decision.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[princessap]

thanks! who knew picking a resort for two nights would be so tough. this is our first time onsite as we normally stay at bonnet creek so I want it to be perfect!

My dream is bLT but unfortunately dh cannot be convinced

 

[goofyintoronto]

POR is our favorite resort. And the boat to DTD is really convenient. However, from what you described about your family, I think a Family Suite at AoA would be the better choice.

I agree. Dont get me wrong, POR is my fave moderate resort. But one thing you should keep in mind is that AoA has a ZERO ENTRY walk-in pool (main pool). That would be perfect for your little ones!! They will enjoy listening to Dory under water. i cant wait to try that out! It really sounds like AoA would be perfect for your family. You get more space and a great theme inside youre suite.

 

[princessap]

I agree. Dont get me wrong, POR is my fave moderate resort. But one thing you should keep in mind is that AoA has a ZERO ENTRY walk-in pool (main pool). That would be perfect for your little ones!! They will enjoy listening to Dory under water. i cant wait to try that out! It really sounds like AoA would be perfect for your family. You get more space and a great theme inside youre suite.

Good point...DH only likes suites or I would book AKL or POR in a second!