Value vs. Moderate if budget wasn't an issue

[Mickeycrazy]

This has probably been asked 47 million times, so pardon 47,000,001. We are going in February, and have already made reservations at ASMo. At the time we weren't sure how much money we would have. Well, it looks like money isn't going to be a problem (no we didn't win the lottery, but my wife just got a nice bonus from work), that in mind, is it worth upgrading to a moderate? We have 2 boys ages 8 & 6. We stayed at CBR in 1990 on our honeymoon and loved it. Any advice is alsways appreciated.

 

[scanne]

Well, this is a matter of opinion and how much time you'll spend in your room. I think the kids will love the theming of ASMo with Toy Story and 101 Dalmations! The food courts are really good at the All Stars and the pool areas are great. The only thing that would sway me to stay at a moderate are the room sizes. The values are 260 square feet and the mods are 314 - 340 sq. feet. (Caribbean Beach is 340). So if you plan on being in your room a lot, you may want a mod for the spaciousness. If it's cool theming and fun you're after, and you plan to only use the room to sleep, then stick with ASMo. If I had to pick a mod over the values, I'd choose CBR or PO - Alligator Bayou - for the kids. I've stayed at Coronado and it was ok. The pool is great, but I wasn't thrilled with the resort. PO-R is next on my list!

Hope this helps a little!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The moderates are basicly just glorified All-Stars. But, they have a little added luxury, and are a little nicer. If you don't mind spending the extra, and would prefer a nicer place to stay, then make the upgrade.

 

[Nolcrest]

I think ASMo is cute but if you were going to switch to a moderate I'd consider POR. I think the family would love it there. The pool has a slide plus you can also use the themed pool at the french quarter. At POR you can fish using canes. It's catch and release but when I visited there last week there were several kids fishing and they were catching alot. They were very excited. The boat to DD is also convenient. DD has a great lego store and of course MCDonald's right next door. At a moderate you can also rent a surrey bike that the whole family can enjoy, boats too. The food court at POR is almost as nice as ASmo. Not as many choices but very kid friendly and convenient. There are so many activities at POR that the kids will be just as happy to spend time there and not in a park. There is also a nice bar near the pool that has some rocking chairs to relax on. My kids enjoyed the non-alchoholic smoothies. POR has a very nice laid back feel to it which we've enjoyed after a hectic day at the park. It really has a Huck Finn feel to it.

 

[travelitis]

If theming is important than make the switch. Have you looked at pictures online of the rooms. www.wdwig.com has pictures, or do a search on the web. You know what they say, a picture is worth ...

BTW according to the Unofficial Guide's commuting times using Disney's transportation, you're better off at AS than CB. For Moderates Dixie Landings and Coronado Springs have the shortest overall commute times to the parks. If you go up a notch to WL the times get longer. Oh, what the heck, I was looking at it anyway. Here it is. Maybe this is helpful and maybe it's my planning psychosis manifesting itself in a public forum.

AS to MK 11-31, Ep 8-28, MGM 7-27, AK 8-25
CB to MK 13-40, Ep 12-45, MGM 6-33, AK 15-46
CS to MK 11-31, Ep 8-28, MGM 7-27, AK 8-31
DL to MK 11-36, EP 9-33, MGM 9-34, AK14-43

 

[SandraC]

Actually, the transporation for All Stars in April 2002 looked horrid. We rent cars, but everytime we walked by a bus stop at the parks (and we went to the parks A LOT) the All Stars bus stops were PACKED any time during the day. I'd say go with your gut. You really know in your heart where you want to stay! S

 

[CamColt]

After staying at DXL 2x and ASMO once, if money wasnt an issue, Id definitely choose ASMO over DXL(POR ).
To me DXL was a hotel(very nice at that, I had no complaints) but ASMO was DISNEY!

 

[tnkrbell]

I actually feel the opposite of Camcolt (I cant believe it we usually think alike)
I would say POR!! I think its very Disney and it has a GREAT food court!! (I hated the food court at ASM)
The pool is really nice you can take a boat to DD disney,and they have entertainment in the hotel.
I stayed at both and would never stay at AS again. (JMHO )

 

[chancellor]

To me, the difference in room size alone is worth the upgrade. The CBR rooms seem HUGE compared to All-Stars, plus they have all been recently renovated. We stayed at CBR in May (have been to ASSp before), and found it worth the extra$$.

 

[CamColt]

LOL, tnkrbell! I do agree with something you said though, about the entertainment. We thought Bob, the piano player was great and were lucky enough to catch him on both of our stays at DXL(I just cant get used to the new name). Ive often said the only thing I prefer at DXL over ASMO was the lounge and the entertainment.

 

[jfranklyn]

Having done both Moderate and Value, I think the only things that would sway me to moderate are: a little more room and pool slides. With your boys ages, they would definately enjoy the pool slide at the moderates. Other than that, the All-Stars really do it for me!