Two couples at AoA?

[kitnrose99]

We're in the early stage of planning a trip to WDW with another couple and trying to decide where to stay. We're four adults, no kids, all in our mid-30s. Planning a trip during value season for 5 days/6 nights - 4 days at WDW, 1 at Universal.

I'm a WDW vet, they're newbies, and DH has been three times. We'll probably need some downtime in the room (I'm the only one that runs around like a squirrel on espresso) so comfort there is nice (though none of us are very picky) and we'd use a fridge and microwave if available.

Because of that, AoA is really appealing to me with the one-bedroom option but I'm worried it'll be small. DH and I can handle the pull-out double if it's anything like the ones at the DVCs or we have an air mattress if needs be. My bigger question is if we'll feel like we're all on top of each other all the time or not and how much privacy the living room occupants really feel. Much as I love the idea and themes, would it work?

The other options are:
- Two rooms at a value - More privacy, bigger beds, but no fridge/microwave, no promises we'll be anywhere near each other, and, honestly, the themes do not appeal to me. Plus I am concerned by the noise issue.
- Two rooms at POR - My favorite moderate by a long shot and I'd love to go back but the lack of fridge/microwave is still present as is the possible distance. Bigger issue is budget - if we stay here, we might well have to do a shorter stay which is not optimal.

 

[happymommy]

Either way, I would go with two rooms wherever you choose. No way would I share a room with my husband and another couple and call it a vacation.

You'll have a fridge wherever you choose.

If you need a microwave, the food courts all have them for you to use. I personally wouldn't use one - we just got back from a one bedroom villa stay and, while we did use the kitchen, I don't think we even used the microwave there! I do use the coffee pot ANYWHERE I stay, but brought a small travel one to Pop Century last year.

Trust me, you will want your privacy. I'm not sharing a bathroom with another couple, and would definitely want privacy.

 

[Allison]

Get separate rooms....without a doubt.

 

[HopperFan]

ALL rooms have fridges. There are microwaves in food courts - but how much would you really use it?

I would get two rooms in a resort you WANT to stay in. Make requests to be close and hope you get it. Otherwise no big to meet somewhere.

Most resorts have public spots to hang out together if you want.

 

[rhiansmom]

Are you looking at a family suite at AoA...if so is its the same size as two values. I don't think it would be topi bad of an option to split

 

[happymommy]

Are you looking at a family suite at AoA...if so is its the same size as two values. I don't think it would be topi bad of an option to split

Only one couple would have a bedroom; the other would sleep in the living room. I wouldn't do that.

 

[JennyDrake]

SEPARATE rooms--no doubt. And you will have noise issues at AoA...... I've have very little issues with noise at (other) values by requesting top floor, landscape view.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

Trust me, you will want your privacy. I'm not sharing a bathroom with another couple, and would definitely want privacy.

The suites at AoA (which I assume is what the OP is reffering to as "1 bedroom" rooms) have 2 full bathrooms, so no bathroom sharing.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

I'm a WDW vet, they're newbies, and DH has been three times. We'll probably need some downtime in the room (I'm the only one that runs around like a squirrel on espresso) so comfort there is nice (though none of us are very picky) and we'd use a fridge and microwave if available.

Because of that, AoA is really appealing to me with the one-bedroom option but I'm worried it'll be small. DH and I can handle the pull-out double if it's anything like the ones at the DVCs or we have an air mattress if needs be. My bigger question is if we'll feel like we're all on top of each other all the time or not and how much privacy the living room occupants really feel. Much as I love the idea and themes, would it work?

I have stayed in a Nemo suite and really liked it. To me, it was HUGE. I feel like there is adequate privacy with the bedroom door, too. If the mini kitchen is important to you I would choose that over 2 value rooms. You'll each have your own bathroom, too.

During our stay I thought the murphy bed was more comfortable than the couch, but you could try both. To me, the room was big enough to "hang out" in without feeling like you're on top of one another. Of course your own room would be ideal, but I prefer NOT to stay in value rooms, and mods are pricey for 2 people.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[maxiesmom]

Two rooms. Why would you pay more to sleep on a fold out? Plus the only couple with any privacy would be the ones in the bedroom. Those sleeping on the fold out would be at the mercy of the other couple walking out of their room, or wanting to use the kitchenette.

 

[smiths02]

Two rooms. Why would you pay more to sleep on a fold out? Plus the only couple with any privacy would be the ones in the bedroom. Those sleeping on the fold out would be at the mercy of the other couple walking out of their room, or wanting to use the kitchenette.

This is what I was going to say. As the couple on the pull-out...you would have to go to the bathroom to change clothes, etc. The bathroom for that part of the suite is also not nearly as big.

As much as we enjoyed our Cars Suite...I would do two rooms at a moderate. You'll get a fridge and a coffee maker and queen size beds.

Also, while there are discounts on the Suites, two rooms at a moderate with a discount will probably be similar to an AoA suite cost wise. For example, the summer offer is 15-20% off values but 20-25% off moderates

 

[SillySallySews]

I've stayed in a Cars suite and while it was fine and plenty spacious for my family, I would not stay in one with just my husband and another couple. The murphy bed is 104% more comfortable than the pull out sofa bed. The murphy bed is *thisclose* to the bedroom door. What if the couple in the bedroom wants/needs to exit the room for whatever reason in the middle of the night? They will have to walk right past the couple sleeping on the murphy bed, because there is no way to get out of the suite directly from the bedroom. The bathroom in the bedroom is large and spacious enough to get dressed in after showering, but the one in the living room (in my opinion) is not. That could potentially cause uncomfortable situations when showering/dressing. I would just get two rooms.

 

[kitnrose99]

The suites at AoA (which I assume is what the OP is reffering to as "1 bedroom" rooms) have 2 full bathrooms, so no bathroom sharing.

Bathroom sharing is a deal-breaker for me, even though we did actually live through that with this same couple on a previous vacation. Some things are only done once ... so the fact the AoA suites have two bathrooms is appealing.

I'm still torn because the one thing most advocating against the AoA suite are picking up on - the privacy issue - honestly doesn't rank any higher in our travel book than most other things. Yeah, change in the bathroom, but we do that when staying with this couple other times or when vacationing with my parents. I guess it just doesn't bother me. Actually, the crowding and the hinting to get of the couch so I can pull it out and get some sleep is rather part of a Disney vacation to me ... I realize now that my experiences might not be terribly normative.

It's helpful to hear the pull-out isn't great. How does it compare with DVC pull-outs, for those who've tried both?

I really don't want to do a value and perhaps I'm wrong or biased, but I've done PoP Music before and was not charmed. Meanwhile, I really have wanted to stay at AoA since it was announced, though the ideal would be doing it with just my DH. POR still calls but, for the time we're going, it really is a good bit more expensive and would require some budget shuffling. We can do it but I'd like to make sure it's really worth it, especially if shuffling means we need to cut a day off the trip.

 

[BabyFu18]

I say no matter where you stay get two rooms, or maybe a two bedroom DVC (where each couple has their own bedroom and share the living/kitchen space) but that might not be the most budget friendly idea.

As far as a refrigerator and microwave, you'll have a small refrigerator in all types of rooms (I believe) and you can always request a microwave and see if you recieve it (if not you could use the one in the quick service location if you really need it).

I can't imagine two couples sharing a room, I mean I'll share a room with my family members or my girlfriends but I don't see myself personally ever wanting to share a room as a couple or with other couples. I feel like privacy and space are a big issue and the only way I can see it working is if the only space that was shared was common areas (living room, kitchen, balcony).

Everyone is different though and what I like on vacation isn't what others may like or want out of a vacation, so good luck with your decision and have a great trip!

 

[Minniesgal]

rent points for 2 DVC studios then you will each have a bed and a sod for during the day

 

[maxiesmom]

I really don't want to do a value and perhaps I'm wrong or biased, but I've done PoP Music before and was not charmed. Meanwhile, I really have wanted to stay at AoA since it was announced, though the ideal would be doing it with just my DH. POR still calls but, for the time we're going, it really is a good bit more expensive and would require some budget shuffling. We can do it but I'd like to make sure it's really worth it, especially if shuffling means we need to cut a day off the trip.

Then stay at AoA in 2 rooms. Are you not aware they also have regular rooms at AoA in addition to the suites?

 

[PooH14]

We just got back a month ago and stayed our first 6 nights at POR, and spent 1 night at AoA in lion king suite cause we wanted to check it out. Wish we would would've just stayed at POR. That sofa bed is hard as a rock, tossed and turned all night. Also felt the resort was a bit hectic. And if you were to stay in the mermaid section, your looking at a long walk to the main lobby and food court. Love the theming of the place but it will more than likely be the last time we stay there. I'd recommend the two rooms at POR or another moderate, just due to the fact of privacy you'd have, and the relaxed feel you get from the resort. A little biased though cause we have stayed there twice and loved it both times.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Two rooms. There is no way I'd share a hotel room with another couple.