SURPRISE 5th BDAY... AoA or Beach Club?

[lorilclevelandrn]

Hi there,

Please help me decide. Honestly, I've never had so much trouble trying to decide between 2 resorts. I'am thinking it has something to do with it being a surprise trip for my daughter and on her birthday.

Additional information.., We brought Elle on her very 1st Disney trip May 2017 and stayed @ POR in Royal Guest Rooms. I loved POR and she absolutely LOVED the room; however, we experienced challenges with transportation. We often waited and waited for buses and middle of trip made the decision to uber just about everywhere. Second trip November 2017, GF as early Christmas gift from Gramps. We were completely spoiled by my Father-n-Law this trip. A perfect castle view w/ fireworks from our balcony for 7 days along w/ water pageant every night. I'm not sure it can get any better although I'm going to try.

Elle will turn 5 on September 9th. We plan to arrive 9/8-9/13. I'm torn between AoA Nemo family suite or BC. I feel n my heart AoA she will love due to theming, oversized decor, and large pool; however, she loves swimmimg pools anywhere. Beach Club is appealing to me primarily due to its location along w/ Stormalong Bay, restaurants, and Boardwalk. I'am trying to remind myself this trip is for her, although my bday in 9/11, and not me. I'am trying to reserve here quickly w/ the free dining promo n very near future. I would love to hear your thoughts and graciously appreciate any additional ideas as well!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The location, pool, restaurants and amenities at BC completely trump anything at AoA. Particularly if your last experience was TPV at GF. That's high up there in deluxe room categories. AoA is a value and won't even slightly compare to GF or POR, IMHO. Yes, the statues are cute and it's fun to pull the bed down in the Nemo suite and see Nemo and that's where the fun ends. The resort is noisy, the beds uncomfortable and the food court is chaotic. Not to mention, it's buses everywhere unless you uber again.

I would, hands-down, stay at BC.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think either resort is a great choice, and it comes down to your budget. If whatever deal makes their prices close, I would chose the Beach Club. There is a lot to be said for staying in a resort where you can walk to/from a major theme park.

BTW, if it’s your birthday while you’re on vacation at Disney or wherever, you should feel free to celebrate it, Mama. Your birth dates are close; I bet your daughter will enjoy celebrating your birthday as much as her own.

Make it a mother-daughter birthday trip.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Beach club all the way. We loved our stay at BC. AOA is a value abd after staying at the GF that’ll be a huge let down.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

Thank u both for ur speedy reply. There is only a $200 difference between the 2 resorts. I’m thinking BC seems to b a no brainer, especially if I’am able to snag FD promo @ deluxe. I believe the upgrade from QS to TS would make up the difference n total cost.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

My crew...

 

[Marionnette]

Thank u both for ur speedy reply. There is only a $200 difference between the 2 resorts. I’m thinking BC seems to b a no brainer, especially if I’am able to snag FD promo @ deluxe. I believe the upgrade from QS to TS would make up the difference n total cost.

I would choose AoA because there will be a time in the very near future when she wants something more grown up and then YC/BC/BWI will be more her speed.

Use the $200 savings to buy tickets for MNSSHP or do a fireworks dessert party. Order a special birthday cake (check the cakes thread on the Restaurant Board). Have lunch in the castle or at BOG. Do the Wonderland Tea Party at the GF.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

Fantastic ideas, thank u!

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

First picture.., view from balcony @ GF. I’m not so sure which strings Gramps pulled to get this one. I went as far as double checking @ checkin if we were n correct room after he said he paid for “standard view.”

 

[JerseyJanice]

Beautiful photos @lorilclevelandrn! You have a great looking family.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

Thank u, so funny I can’t get any of my son’s pictures to download.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thank u both for ur speedy reply. There is only a $200 difference between the 2 resorts. I’m thinking BC seems to b a no brainer, especially if I’am able to snag FD promo @ deluxe. I believe the upgrade from QS to TS would make up the difference n total cost.

omg, only $200?! BC all the way! There are some great character meals within walking distance, rent a surrey bike at BWI, play the games and see the entertainment at night at BWI - it's such a magical area to stay.

 

[Shellyb84]

BC hands down! We went with DD for the first time when she was five and it's still her favorite. Stormalong Bay is amazing, and they have a really nice kiddie pool with a small slide she would probably enjoy at that age. We really like breakfast at Cape May, and we are trying the Trattoria breakfast this year as well. The surrey bikes on the boardwalk are fun. There is so much to see and do in Epcot it's great to be so close. You'll definitely want park hoppers!

 

[patty57]

I know when my kids were that age, they could not have cared less where we stayed, as long as we were at Disney. I would pick the one you want to stay at.

 

[OneinThree]

If it's for your 5 year old daughter, of course she's going to better appreciate AoA. If it's for your you, the deluxe obviously has better amenities and location, neither of which a 5 year old cares anything about.

 

[BOST99]

We had a similar situation. My dd is turning 7 and I thought we would have limited time left in which she would enjoy AOA.

In the end I picked BWI (BC was sold out) because I thought being closer to the parks was most important. We will spend less time traveling to parks which means more afternoon pool time with a pool slide, which she loves.

 

[lorilclevelandrn]

Again, thank u all for ur input along w/ fantastic ideas. It looks like BC has the overwhelming lead