Value Suite vs. Moderate Room for 5

[mousemommamegan]

Hi all . . .

Starting to plan a trip for 2010 . . . kids will then be 9, 8, and 6. First trip in '06, youngest turned 2 during stay, so we had a value room (All Stars Movies) that all 5 of us stayed in. In '08 my in-laws came with us, so we had 2 adjoing rooms at All Stars Sports, the kids took turns sleeping in Gramma and Grampa's room. Travelling with just our family again in 2010, and wondering from those of you who know, is it cheaper to book a suite at the All Stars Music, or a 5 person room (trundle bed option) at one of the Moderates, i.e. Port Orleans?

The ammenities of the room don't matter to us a bit, we really don't spend much down time in the room, we use it to sleep and that's about it!

Any input much appreciated!

 

[WishMom09]

Great question! We are also a family of 5. WHen I price trips it appears to be a better deal to do POR than ASM suite!

 

[momto3pirates]

We are a family of 5 also and have done both POR and 2 rooms at value resorts. While it may be less expensive to do one room, it is sure nice to have the extra bathroom,space and TV for that many people. I also remember the trundle bed at POR was not a full size bed, so my son was a little cramped.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Almost always if I have a choice of 1 bathroom or 2, I'll choose 2! So that's an easy choice if you're trying to decide between an All Stars suite or a mod. But an on-the-monorail deluxe with a daybed for 5? I'm certain we would all agree to take turns in the bathroom, or find alternate ones around the lobby or pool. And I mean real bathrooms, not bushes!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Rates for POR (the only mod with the trundle option) are always lower than rates for the Family Suites. Some people have reported that the Family Suites are not eligible for discounts (AAA, codes), but I don't know if that is because they book up so quickly that there is no discounted availability or if they are excluded.

Family Suites give you two bathrooms and a kitchenette, but you only have one real bed (although it is a queen) - the others are pull-outs. The benefit is that your kids wouldn't have to sleep together if they didn't want to, plus you have a room to be in after the kids are asleep. POR gives you two doubles and a trundle, which should be plenty big enough for your 6 year old. The pool at POR has a slide, and you get more landscaping at a moderate resort.

 

[karliebug]

We have a family of 5,too. We did POR with the trundle bed when the kids were small (under age 8) the trundle is small and it was crowded but we spend very little time in the actual room (think "crash pad") My girls loved the POR pool. Once they got bigger we now go for 2 rooms at a value. It is still cheaper than the family suite and everyone gets to sleep on a "real" bed rather than a pull out sofa or chair. My kids would be arguing over who got to sleep where for sure. The 2 bathrooms are a plus

 

[kileybeth]

Not clear as to whether the grandparents are going again? If yes, family suite at value will hold all 7 of you and there are 2 bathrooms and small kitchenette. very nice options. But it tends to be pricier than just getting two plain value rooms but you lose the microwave and fridge.

If it is just the 5 of you, I highly recommend PORiverside. We loved it and that is even with having 6 of us in there! (one under 3years) I guess the amenaties of the resort are more important to us then the amount of floor space and such? And fridge and micro are once again included in your price.

Alas, our moderate days are behind us as we now have 6 (no one under three!) so it is back to the values with two rooms or family suite. Only way we would do moderate is if we had free dining to buffer the cost. Our fist onsite stay was the POLY CL with free dining to boot so we are bit spoiled!

cost wise:
chapest, 2 values
next is POR moderate
most family suite at value

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Not clear as to whether the grandparents are going again? If yes, family suite at value will hold all 7 of you and there are 2 bathrooms and small kitchenette. very nice options.

cost wise:
chapest, 2 values
next is POR moderate
most family suite at value

The maximum occupancy of the family suite is 6 plus an infant under the age of three. The OP's youngest is 6 years old.

Two value rooms in standard season would be $164 plus tax (2009 rates, no discounts) - does not include refrigerator rental fee of $10 per room per night

POR in value season is $149 plus tax (fridge in room, no microwave)

Family suite in value season is $184 plus tax (fridge and microwave).

OP, value rooms are 260 square feet. POR rooms are 314 square feet. Unless you are truly there only to sleep, you get a lot more square footage by getting two value rooms or the family suite. You may be able to get two value rooms connecting guaranteed because the kids outnumber the adults, but if not, you'd need to weigh the possibility of not getting two rooms together.

 

[TheLittleRoo]

The cheapest option is POR, followed by two rooms at a value, then the family suites. IIRC, the FW Cabins are only slightly more than the suites at ASM. Just a thought...

No one has mentioned the other benefits of POR over the values, namely being connected by a waterway to DTD. Very nice for your evening meal, and very relaxing. Also, there is the sister pool at POFQ so you get two pools, really. And you have the options of fishing on a cane pool, renting boats, surrey bikes, and enjoying a carriage ride - - all onsite at POR for your "off days". I know OP said she doesn't hang around her resort, but she may decide it's easier to enjoy hanging out at POR's pool and marinas than at ASM.

 

[luvsgrumpy]

Just our experience, went in Feb., 5 of us, me, DH, DS14, DS12, and DD8. Yes, our kids are older and bigger (DS14 is 6'). We did 2 value rooms and would not have been able to fit into one room, even just to get ready in the morning and night and take a nap. Just not enought room and having 2 bathrooms was a blessing. Not to mention, DD and I got a little girl time since the boys all decided to room together!

 

[mousemommamegan]

GREAT! Thanks for all the info...the grandparents are not coming again, it will be just the 5 of us....so I think we will go with the moderate, POR as we can fit 5 in one room. The space is not an issue for us, and we usually do the dining plan, so in room meals are not necessary either, so the kitchenette would be obsolete for us - we bring a bunch of granola bars and mini cereal boxes . . . the cost is the most important factor for us, so it seems a moderate room is the best bet as it is less expensive than either 2 rooms or the suite in the value resorts.

THanks for your advise all!

 

[kileybeth]

wow, thanks for clarifying that about the ASMu family suites. (occupancy maxes at 6 people plus one under 3) It's been awhile since I toured them and they are really cool to look at but we have never booked one as I prefer two rooms and I guess it has been so long ago now I was just thinking , we all still fit in one of those (occasionally we have our college age son with us as well as our 2 teens and 2 tods.) hhmm, guess our youngest was under two last time I thought about that option!

I just love the ameneties at the moderates so we usually go that route when we can get a decent rate and we normally travel off season.

Good luck to the OP, since you are just going with five and your kiddos being so young, I do think you will be great in a moderate. Even though I prefer the Mansion section, only Alligator Bayou has the trundles so you would be in that section. Bldg 14 is our favorite, close to everything!