thinking of switching hotels-----HELP!!!

[andychris14]

I have the asmu booked for 9 nights and am thinking of switching to a moderate. This is our 1st time onsite. I am hearing mixed reviews about the music(all value hotels). I do not want to come off as a snob( I am far from it-and always looking to save a buck) but this is my vacation and I want to stay somewhere nice with nice amenities, etc.
I am hoping that the discounts will be out soon and won't be to much of a jump in price. I am willing to pay a little more.
Here are my questions:
1- Should I switch to a moderate?(Caribbean beach/port orleans/french quarters/coronodo springs)
2- Which one?any why?
3- I do like the idea of the boat to downtown disney(from port orleans.
4-I do have children 5 & 7, so a great pool is a must.

any help would be appreciated.
thanks guys!!!

 

[Gagebre]

We just returned from ASM a few days ago. I have never stayed in a moderate so I can't help you with that but I can tell you about a few things I noticed. The pools were very crowded! I posted a question about this and wondered if it is the same at the moderates or deluxes because if it isn't I will definately try one of those next time. I really like the food court. The game room was great. The rooms were clean, but very basic and small. I realized that I had forgotten our toothbrushes and called housekeeping, but they told me I would have to go to the gift shop and buy them (which I did). We came back to our room around 3:30pm and our room hadn't been cleaned yet which was a little frustrating since we were going to rest and shower to go to Chef Mickey's that evening for a b-day dinner for my son. They did come by about an hour later and we just told them not to worry about cleaning and got our towels. I'm really not trying to be negative, I know this is a value resort. The buildings were really pretty and well kept and I really liked the atmosphere when I was out of my room.

 

[Judgekw]

I would definetly vote for a moderate. The difference in price is not substantial and nine days is a long time. There is a much less chance you will run into huge crowds at the moderates. They are much more spread out and handle the crowds better. In addition, the rooms are bigger and you will be there a long time. I have stayed in Carribean Beach and Port Orleans and they are both great. I think the choice boils down to theming. Would your family like a beach atmosphere or the country rural atmosphere at POR. Both have great pools with slides that I think is a real plus for kids. Plus they have playgrounds and lots of space to explore. I am staying at Coronado Springs this June and although I have not stayed there I did go look at the property last trip and it is beautiful. The pool there looks great as well. You really can't go wrong whichever you choose. Have fun. Kristin

 

[enord]

I suggest PO-FQ. It has a great pool, my 5 and 8 year old love it. The food court is very good and the theming is beautiful. Plus you can catch the boat to Downtown Disney. It is my favorite moderate.

 

[Laurabearz]

PO would be my choice for a mod stay....... but I am also a fan of the All Star resorts.... the theming is just plain FUN!!

Since your down for 9 days..... why not split your stay between two resorts. Fisrt half at AS second half at a Mod. It saves you money plus you get to experice two wonderful resorts!

We are splitting up our upcoming 9 day trip. I cant wait!!!

Have fun planning and let us know what you decide!!!

 

[MJames41]

I agree 100% with Laurabearz. Personally, I am more of a fan of the All Stars than I am of the moderates. If you get a good building at the All Stars, you don't have as far to walk to get to the pool, gift shop, bus stop, etc. The moderates do have more to offer but are more spread out. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't turn down a stay at a moderate (I just saw someones pictures of Caribbean Beach and it made me want to go back), they are great resorts as well. If you will be spending more time at the resort, then they would be perfect for you. I also think the All Stars were made with kids (and kids at heart) in mind, especially 5 and 7. The icons are huge, and overstated. I think your kids will love it there. That is why I think a split (All Stars first, moderate 2nd) would be your best choice. Since you like the idea of the boat to Downtown Disney, I would suggest one of the Port Orleans resorts. Depending on how your kids are, I would probably go with the Riverside, Alligator Bayou section. The pull out Trundle Bed would be great for one of your children if they don't like sleeping together (or just want to sleep by themselves). If you request a trundle bed there is an extra $15 per night charge though. Have a great vacation!

 

[caverill]

We have never stayed at a value resort, but have stayed at DxL (now Port Orleans) twice.

I think you will find the moderate worth the price difference, but I did like the idea of spliting your stay. The pool at DxL was great, as was the food court.

You won't be disappointed with either!

 

[N.O.Parrothead]

I know that some think that it is too much trouble to pack up and move in the middle of a trip, but I love it. We always try to split our stays. It always feels like the start of a new adventure on the day you switch, especially if you are going to a resort that you have not stayed in before. Whatever you decide have a wonderful trip.

 

[Grumpy92]

Another vote for the moderates. Stayed in both types and prefer the moderates. I feel like I can get away from from the crowds at the mods. At the values we do get a good rate but they always seem very crowded, the pool, the food court, noisy and filled with kids groups on trips.
I like POR, POFQ or CSR they have one main pool and then a few quiet pools. We like the PO resorts because they are a short stroll away from each other, and we can enjoy both resorts amenities.

 

[Mickey76]

I would definitely stay at a moderate before a value resort. I have stayed at the All-Star Music and the Carribbean and the two CBR was much better. Piglet203 and I will be at the Coronado Springs in 16 days and we feel that it is the best of the moderates. It has a lot of cool things to do there and the landscaping/theming is great. However, if you really want to take a boat to Downtown Disney, you'll have to stay at Port Orleans. Either way, you're going to be at a nice resort. Good luck in deciding and have a great time!

Mickey76

 

[susy]

I just got back from CBR a few days ago and I stayed at the ASMovies in Jan. Here is my list of pros and cons for each:


CBR: we paid $84 -FL Res rate
pros-
1.beautiful, new LARGE room (largest among the moderates and all just refurbished with bright tropical colors). If you want early room makeup(in any resort) you must call before you go out for the day. This room had tons of storage, hooks to hang packs (our table was always clear)
2. covered bus stop-could make a huge difference in the heat or rain.
3. amenities: coffeemaker and coffee ($1.14 a pack), iron and hairdryer (on request), sit-down rest, hot tub, slide, boat rentals (didn't use any of this stuff-my son wouldn't go down the slide).

cons-
1. I didn't use the extra amenities
2. The food court didn't open until 7 (except for bakery). You have to pay at each station. I only went to one for breakfast- yummy Mickey Waffles!
3. Wasn't too impressed with pool theming.
4. Buses were quick to come, but took forever, stopping at each stop in the resort
5. The resort was very spread out! We were in TN and it was a much longer walk to the food court than the walk from Toy Story section to food court at ASMo.


ASMo- we paid $49 FL Res Rate
pros-
1. great pool for a value
2.really great food court- with refrigerated grab and go section that we loved!
3. rooms were cute enough and very clean
4. Buses were great- no sharing and only one stop
5. short walk from Toy Story (and we were in the far building)to the pool and food court

cons-
1. rooms were small, but it didn't bother us, since it's only myself, DH and DS.
2.No extra amenities


Overall, I felt the value for us was better at ASMo, since we only go for the weekends. For nine days, where you will probably take a day off or two, I would go with the mod- but make sure you use all of the extras!!!!!!

 

[robinb]

There are no slides and no hit tubs at any of the value resorts. I would say to spend the money on a moderate if the "pool upgrade" will make a difference. Those amenities may or may not be worth it to you. If your kids are not water slide types or if your passes include the water parks you may just want to stay at the All Stars and save some $$. I'm a DVC member and I love the luxury of the DVC resorts. I stayed at CBR and loved it. But ... I stayed at the All Stars and also loved it! Personally, I found the All Stars to be a better resort for us because the busses run very frequently, none of the rooms are really that far away from the main building, and I really like the food court.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have stayed at ASMu and POFQ, and would vote STRONGLY for a moderate. One big issue is that ASMu seems to attract a lot of teens and college students, and the language I overheard was very un-Disney sometimes! Made me glad I didn't have little children with me. And before anyone thinks my ears are overly sensitive, I teach high school at an all-boys military school, so my ears are pretty unshockable. Also, there seemed to be a lot of young workers in the food court who were more concerned with socializing among themselves than they were with waiting on the guests. And I had expected to like ASMu-DS is a college music major and so I was looking forward to going there. WHat a disappointment! POFQ is so much more family-oriented, quieter, CMs are nicer, pool is nicer, food court is nicer, etc.

 

[andychris14]

Thanks guys!!!
If I weren't staying at the vistana(sheraton) for the first 4 nights of our 2 week trip I would definitely split the trip up with the first half at the asmu and then a moderate. I do not think I want to switch resorts 3X's.
I am leaning to the moderate, thanks to all your help.
I just have to figure out which moderate.
I would love to know the pros/cons of each hotel.
Thanks for all your help.