Which is better for MK?

[cjparker0110]

When we go to WDW in 2017 we will have 4 children with us who will love MK probably more than any other park. We will visit all of them, but I am guessing MK will be the most frequent. Because of our budget and family size we will be staying in the suites at either AoA or ASMu. Which of those two is better for transportation to and from MK (or any other parks for that matter)?

 

[MissDisneyDora]

There may be those who disagree with me but having stayed at both AOA and an All Star, I didn't notice much difference in terms of drive time between the resort and the parks. With parks like Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, it would make a slight difference but to Magic Kingdom it would be about the same. Buses are pretty reliable from both. I didn't have any problems getting to/from the parks with either. You can expect longer lines getting home at the end of the day- especially after fireworks etc. The values are always busy and so are the bus ranks. I think its more about what would suit your budget with AOA coming in as more expensive.

x
Dora

 

[aaarcher86]

I think it's negligible.

The All Stars share a bus if that sways you to AoA.

 

[dansdad]

Since both resorts are bus only to the parks, there is no difference.

 

[buzznina]

AOA has a dedicated bus where ASMU will sometimes share with the other all-star resorts. But other than that, not much of a difference. I would just pick the resort you would like to stay at, for us, transportation is not a factor in our decision on resorts.

 

[rlovew]

The all stars only share buses when crowds are low (like off times in the afternoons). That does mean however they tend to get more frequent buses back from the parks at those times of days. It depends on how you are structuring your days a bit but overall the transportation to Mk will be basically the same at both choices.

 

[GreatLakes]

I don't think there is much if any difference in drive time to the parks from those two resorts. I wouldn't use it as the determining factor. Price them both out and decide either based on price or which theme you enjoy more. I do think AoA has the better food court so that is another factor you could use.

 

[cjparker0110]

There may be those who disagree with me but having stayed at both AOA and an All Star, I didn't notice much difference in terms of drive time between the resort and the parks. With parks like Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, it would make a slight difference but to Magic Kingdom it would be about the same. Buses are pretty reliable from both. I didn't have any problems getting to/from the parks with either. You can expect longer lines getting home at the end of the day- especially after fireworks etc. The values are always busy and so are the bus ranks. I think its more about what would suit your budget with AOA coming in as more expensive.

x
Dora

Thanks Dora. This is about the exact answer I was expecting...haha. I didn't think it would be much difference, but having never stayed at either, I wasn't sure.

Budget is going to be tight either way, but we REALLY love the theming of AoA. Our one advantage is a CM discount on hotel that we can get thanks to a life long friend. Otherwise, I think it would for sure be ASMu.

I am expecting longer lines getting back at the end of the day. Even in monorails that is the norm. I remember some long waits to get back to the CR from the MK. We'll probably just stroll back through stores or something if the kids are up for it. Or maybe take in a last ice cream treat if possible while the crowds die out. It's so hard to plan this far ahead, but I know the two oldest are night owls...getting them to bed on time is a lost cause as it is. Might as well take advantage of that at WDW.

 

[MissDisneyDora]

Thanks Dora. This is about the exact answer I was expecting...haha. I didn't think it would be much difference, but having never stayed at either, I wasn't sure.

Budget is going to be tight either way, but we REALLY love the theming of AoA. Our one advantage is a CM discount on hotel that we can get thanks to a life long friend. Otherwise, I think it would for sure be ASMu.

I am expecting longer lines getting back at the end of the day. Even in monorails that is the norm. I remember some long waits to get back to the CR from the MK. We'll probably just stroll back through stores or something if the kids are up for it. Or maybe take in a last ice cream treat if possible while the crowds die out. It's so hard to plan this far ahead, but I know the two oldest are night owls...getting them to bed on time is a lost cause as it is. Might as well take advantage of that at WDW.

If you are able to take advantage of a staff discount then I would definitely go AOA- the theming of the family suites is too brilliant to pass up. I've been dying to stay in the Radiator Springs section but sadly my DD5 just isn't up for it! Enjoy the planning and let me know how you get on.

x
Dora

 

[Sparkly]

AOA's bus service was excellent and we really enjoyed our suite. (we stayed in Cars, loved it)

Plus two bathrooms in AOA which made it so much easier to get ready in the morning. Both the sofa bed and the table bed were reasonably comfortable. I've heard that the pull outs at ASMu can be a bit uncomfortable sometimes.

 

[cjparker0110]

If you are able to take advantage of a staff discount then I would definitely go AOA- the theming of the family suites is too brilliant to pass up. I've been dying to stay in the Radiator Springs section but sadly my DD5 just isn't up for it! Enjoy the planning and let me know how you get on.

x
Dora

Thanks. Yeah...we really like all the suites. I think the kids will love Nemo the most, but all in all they would take any of them. Value or not, I think AOA is one of the best themes I've seen for any of the WDW hotels as far as being kid/family friendly. I always liked the Poly, but that is really geared towards adults. But AoA looks like kid heaven to me.

I'll keep you posted as we progress this next year on plans. Still trying to figure out exactly when we will go. It's my parents anniversary celebration but they want to make sure as many of us can be there as possible. We are all trying to convince my niece to take her boys out of school for one week so we can avoid spring break pricing and crowds. We are homeschooling ours so it won't matter for us.

Have a great day!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Plus two bathrooms in AOA which made it so much easier to get ready in the morning.

Just to clarify - two bathrooms in all the ASMusic Family Suites as well.

 

[Sparkly]

Just to clarify - two bathrooms in all the ASMusic Family Suites as well.

Ohh I didn't realise ASMu suites had two bathrooms too! My mistake.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yeah, they created the ASM Family Suites out of connecting rooms.

 

[HopperFan]

- Agree travel TIME is probably about the same to MK.
- The sharing vs not sharing could be an added concern though.
- With the discount GO FOR AoA, there really is no comparison in the two.
- AoA suites are bigger, newer, nicely finished bathrooms and the resort is really a Value+.
- AoA is DISNEY while ASMu is the least Disney resort of them all.

 

[cjparker0110]

- Agree travel TIME is probably about the same to MK.
- The sharing vs not sharing could be an added concern though.
- With the discount GO FOR AoA, there really is no comparison in the two.
- AoA suites are bigger, newer, nicely finished bathrooms and the resort is really a Value+.
- AoA is DISNEY while ASMu is the least Disney resort of them all.

The main reason we would choose the ASMu is price. Secondary reason is a love for music...my wife sings (amazing jazzy style voice) and plays some piano, recorder and working on violin. I play guitar, bass, piano/synth. My 3 year old is playing drums...yes...3. Haha. He's not great yet, but he loves to do it. So while the theme isn't very Disney, it fits with our family. But I do think AoA is hands down the best theme I've seen of any of their hotels as far as really grabbing the Disney flavor.