Which VALUE RESORT for inlaws?

[newjmom]

WE are booked for AKL and now at the last minute in laws want to come but want to stay in a value.
Which value would you recommend for 2 70 somethings traveling alone?
Is one value any closer to akl?
TIA

 

[lilyv]

I guess my first question would be this: Do your mom and dad in law have recent experience and recent information to allow them to make an informed decision?

Do they understand the true difference in the rooms they think they want? Are they OK with spending less time with you all (kids?) due to logistics?

In general:
Deluxes aren't equal to The Four Seasons
Moderates aren't equal to most Hampton Inns, Embassy Suites
values-they are a great deal...but is this really what they are looking for in vacationing with their family? Will they be disturbed by noise/busy atmosphere? Will they be bothered waiting for buses without a shelter?

If they are basing their decision on price points of (for example) hotels above, they aren't going to receive what they may be expecting.

What you do get at Disney is fun theming, the full experience, and the transport. Hope you're able to work with them so you all have a wonderful time!

(One other thought-have you tried to see what's available with the current special offer? It would be great if you were able to find something at a super rate!)

 

[vacationwoman]

WE are booked for AKL and now at the last minute in laws want to come but want to stay in a value.
Which value would you recommend for 2 70 somethings traveling alone?
Is one value any closer to akl?
TIA

I would not send them to a value especially if it's their first trip. But it just depends on each individual and what they like. My DH and I are 60ish and we wouldn't stay there but many seniors do like it. There is no help with luggage, generally more noise (especially if large groups are booked, no sit down restuarant (if that's important to them) and as mentioned no overhead covering at bus stops. I personally also do not like the atmosphere there.
As to closeness to your hotel, unless you will have a car that doesn't matter because there is no resort to resort transportation.

 

[robinb]

The All Stars are grouped together quite close to AKL. Pop is farther away. Will they have a car? If not, being in a different resort than you may be a problem.

FWIW, I think that the All Stars is a perfectly fine option for two adults. I might choose Music because it's a bit quieter and a bit more grown up than the other two.

 

[LakeAriel]

I am a Grandma and have no problem with POP..Find it cute actually..The only problem IS the very long walk from the bus stops to the front gates of the parks. If they have any mobility issues and no car..I would go with a moderate.

 

[newjmom]

Thanks for the input, I've told them of all these difficulties and even offered to pay the difference but they are very old world and stubborn and feel they do not need the upgrade but a basic room. SO I was hoping to get them as quiet as possible and least walking to buses as possible. I was able to use the code so that is a definitely a bonus.

 

[Magic2000]

I would also suggest the All Star Music if they are looking for the quietest of the values! I found it to be very quiet when we stayed there a few years ago.

But actually, Pop Century is my favorite value resort! The theming is great - no bus sharing, and the food court isn't bad at all!!!

Last summer, my brother & his family stayed at Pop Century and we were at Boardwalk Inn. We were easily able to meet up with them at the parks; we actually timed it pretty good where our buses almost pulled up at the same time!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[mickeyfan2]

Honestly the values are not a place for 2 70 year olds. Too many kids runnning, too much noice, too cramped bathroom, small room, huge etc. I would get them a value.

Closest value to the AKL would be the All Stars. Music is the most quiet, cut the layout makes it have the most rooms with long walks.

Moderate - Coronado Springs.

 

[SandraC]

Have the in-laws make a room request to get as close to bus stop as possible....explaining their age.

I have only stayed at mods, but want to stay at POP or All Stars next trip. I think the themes are adorable.

We walked thru ASMo and ASMu last March Break and didn't find it noisy at all.

S

 

[JennyDrake]

I have also stayed in all the values more than once.

Music is my favorite because it is quieter and has more of an adult crowd as it seems to be the favorite for budget honeymooners. At first teh theming didn't grab me, but once I slowed down and really looked it at, I think I like it best of all the values. For instance the New Orleans rose garden and wrought iron bench in the jazz section, the horse corral with real saddles in the country, etc.

Movies has the most colorful, charming theming, but it is so hard to get a room there as it is very popular. It has the highest Small Screaming Child Quotient.

Sports IMHO has the best bus schedule/service; while I certainly would stay there again, I'm just not a huge sports fan. ("Real" sports fan--I like the resort.) It can have the Highest Obnoxious Pre-teen Male population.

Pop has the best food court with more offerings, including the grilled flatbreads. It also has an indoor lounge and an outdoor lounge. I've probably had the best front desk service (of the values) at that resort. What keeps Pop from being my favorite is just the size and hence, number of people. it seems the food court was constant, loud mayhem--not matter what time of day or night, and there was always something of a line at the bus stops (from the resort or from the parks back.) BUT 3rd or 4th floor at Pop, lake view in the 50's is a very convenient location, beautiful view and quiet. I've stayed there 3 times.

 

[newjmom]

WOW Jenny, you are definitely a VALUE expert....thanks for all that great info!!

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Music would be the quietest for two senior adults. I would probably kick in the extra $10 per night for a preferred location because it is a pretty big resort and that would help them get a room closer to the buses, food court, etc.

 

[VrBchJ]

I wish you could convince them to take you up on your offer to pay the difference between value and AKL. AKL is so special. I'm sure they cannot imagine how fabulous and unique it is. They will never stay anyplace like it. I have stayed at Allstar Music and Pop. They are great for families with kids but I was an adult alone and it was just too much noise and activity for me. I wonder at the end of the day when they have to go back to their hotel alone if they won't really miss being with you.