TORN between 3 resorts

[belcanto29]

We are visiting in January 2014, bringing our 10 year old daughter to WDW for the first time. She has autism, and she does best with a separate sleeping space. So a standard room is out. We are really torn right now between the Art of Animation suites, the All Star Music suite, and a junior suite at Coronado Springs. The appeal of the Coronado Springs junior suite is that they have some with a king size bed, which is appealing for comfort for hubby and I, since we are both larger folks. But the theming at AoA is the most appealing overall. And the price is right at All Star Music. I have researched a LOT and just can't make up my mind. I would LOVE any input or experiences with these different resorts. They all have their pluses and minuses. Just not sure which one is right for us.

 

[JennyDrake]

I cannot comment as to the suites but I have stayed at each of the 3 resorts.

If I had to pick, it would be close between ASMu and CSR. ASMu is my favorite value. Super CMs (I stay there at least once a year), seems a little quieter than the other values. Love the theming.

CSR is a beautiful resort and I enjoyed the freshness of Pepper Market. I do not know which section has the suites, but some of the buildings are a long haul from the food court. Terrific pools and the Maya Grill is very, very good TS.

AoA has INCREDIBLE theming. But it had too many negatives for me. There seemed to be more "room noise" at this resort than AS--and I am a heavy sleeper. Very aware of babies crying in rooms and doors opening and closing all around.

The REAL negative is the food court. It has a terrible layout and it is just BEDLAM. The queuing lines are not nearly as long as they need to be. Service was sluggish and I can't tell you why. It seemed a bit understaffed, but not terribly so. It took 10-15 minutes (one time 20 min) to get through the lines and get food, then stand in line again to pay. By the time you are seated, the food is tepid. Then you have to get silverware, drinks, find a table, etc. The noise level is HORRENDOUS even at non-peak times. And the traffic flow design (WHAT traffic flow design??) is very poor. There is no real flow pattern.

Seating is ample, which is nice. You get real plates and silverware which is good news/bad news. I found that I bristled at having to so bus my own table. You have to try to get the trash and remnants into a trash receptacle with a too small door that is spring loaded to close. Then you sort of recycling and the dishes in one bin and flatware in another. It reminded me WAY too much of bussing tables in a restaurant.

Food quality was OK but not remarkably better than AS, which is what I had hoped for... The food "looks" better than it tastes. Naan bread is VERY good and I really enjoyed the build your own fruit bowls and yogurt/granola bowls for breakfast.

 

[Hooked On The Mouse]

I have stayed at 2 of the 3 resorts you mention. I have never stayed at AsMu. Both Coronado and AOA are nice resorts, but I think I would recommend AOA for you. There are multiple sleeping spots in an AOA suite, as well as 2 bathrooms and separation between parents and child if your daughter wants some space. I agree with the previous poster that the theming of the whole resort is amazing. We didn't, however, experience any of the food court negatives mentioned, although to be honest, we only ate there a couple of times. I will also agree that the volume of the resort is a little louder than I expected, but we were generally able to tune out any extra noise easily, and I really think that might happen anywhere. Wherever you stay, I hope you have a great first visit!

 

[belcanto29]

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it. My husband and I stayed at what used to be Dixie Landings when we went on our honeymoon, and a LOT has changed at WDW since then. There are some things you just can't tell by viewing photos and videos! I will take all you mentioned into account.

 

[Jrabbit910]

I have stayed at all 3 but I have not stayed at a jr suite in CS. I have seen pictures and to me as nice as it looks, seems more adultish! ?
I loved AoA and so did my family which includes my beautiful autistic son. He too needs a separate space to sleep in and it worked out great. Plus the theming was awesome (we are nemo and cars fans), the zero depth entry pool was great for him as well.
The food court can be very crowded but there is plenty of seating. The buses ran quickly as well!

Is your daughter verbal? And Does she show any interest in any particular theme? Since its her first time I would pick AoA! it's wonderful and hope u have a wonderful time!

 

[belcanto29]

My daughter is verbal - she is a bit more high functioning. Just does better with her own space and needs her sleep after being in sensory overload all day! Which she most certainly will be, in a good way, though. She LOVES LIttle Mermaid, but since we need a suite I was considering the Nemo suites at AoA, since she also loves Nemo and has a fish theme bathroom here at home. But she is also very musical - she knows all the instruments and styles and I am sure she would enjoy the surrounding at ASMu, as well (I am a musician and used to teach music so it is a big part of our family). It really is a toss up! AoA may edge out ASMu because of the over the top theming which makes it so magical. I also love that there are indoor entries and keyed entries to the pool because safety is a concern with autism. But going in January, we will probably not use the pool. I am starting to angle away from CSR because of the lack of theming. I really want this to be special for her. She has never been and she is SOOOO excited to be going.

 

[nkereina]

The only thing about CSR is that the number of junior suites they have is limited. The good news is that January is slow season, and I don't think it's much of a convention season which is good because the junior suites are often held for and/or booked by business people staying there. If you opt for the junior suite, I would book it sooner rather than later.

Personally, I'd probably try AoA. It's the newest resort with very cute themeing that your child will probably appreciate. You also won't be exempt from any discounts, as long as you stay away from the Little Mermaid rooms.

 

[DWillowBay]

My son is autistic. We tried the AsMu suite two years ago and it worked out beautifully....for the exact reasons that you highlighted. Separate sleeping space, privacy in the bathroom, etc. This year, we are trying the AoA suites (Lion King). I'm hoping that experience is just as successful for him. I hope, no matter what you choose, that your trip is terrific!

 

[Jrabbit910]

I think ur making the right choice (btwn the 2) and I completely understand about ur daughter needing her own space. I look forward to hearing which one u pick and ur plans leading up til then!!!
Have fun and enjoy planning! It's almost as fun as going

 

[belcanto29]

My husband and I sat down last night and talked about the pros and cons of each resort and I think we have decided to go Coronado Springs as our first choice - and the AoA as out second choice. I understand CS does not have a ton of suites, so we are prepared in case it is booked.

Our thinking is that since it is that first week in January, and so far there are no conventions scheduled there, it will provide the most quiet and comfort compared to the other two resorts. The lack of kiddy theming might actually be a plus after a long day filled with a lot of stimulation.

So the plan is to wait for the 2014 Magic Your Way packages to come out. As soon as they do we will try to book a king suite at CS and if it doesn't pan out, we will book a Nemo suite at AoA and use the money we saved to upgrade our dining plan and do some other fun things.

 

[katiee37]

I'm glad you came to a decision, OP! Although AoA has great theming, I was going to add that depending on what may affect your daughter, perhaps AoA might be even more sensory overload--especially when the crowded food court is taken into account.

I'll be staying at AoA the same time you'll be down there though!