We have stayed at AOA four times now. We really enjoy it for the colorful immersive Disney movie experience. Each area even landscape is tied into the movie feel of Little Mermaid, Nemo, Cars, Lion King. If any littles on the trip love one of those movies it's a plus!! Or even a 90s gal who remembers Little Mermaid release!
Cafeteria yes it's loud but it's real silverware and plates not paper & plastic. There are a ton of food choices. We have always found a seat even at busiest of times. Example we stayed at Contemporary once & did not care for the limited selection & seating at Contempo Cafe.
Buses have been really good on our four trips with many repeat buses waiting in que at resort. Yes at the parks oh my goodness AOA is the last stop. And after a ten hour day in the park, it's seems terrible. But you forget about it until the next time cause you've had great day (grin).
Front desk staff has given us some very magical moments especially our last trip when they went out of their way to talk with my newly adopted daughter on her first trip to Disney. We received a beautiful gift in our room after a brief general discussion with front desk folks to make some payments charged to room. I was so surprised & my girls were amazed that the CM remembered their favorite characters and even mine. I was so surprised as we had not experienced such pixie dust in any of our four prior trips!
You will have fun no matter where you end up staying - it's vacation time, it's Disney and it's not work!!!
