Which Value Resort?

[MN96]

Hello, I've used the boards for a long time but didn't have an account until yesterday so this is my first post. I hope this is the right section, but if not please let me know.
A few friends and I were talking about going to WDW, mostly hypothetical, but it is a possibility if we keep a budget, so we would probably have to stay at a value. I guess a more important question is how old you need to be to rent a room at Disney resorts, as we will all be above 18 but below 21, would we be able to rent a room? Which value would you go with? I have stayed at POP before personally as well as at all of the All Star resorts, but one of the friends that may go has never been to a Disney resort, the other hasn't been since he was younger. Also, with college we are limited to normal college breaks. I was thinking the best options are either early January, like somewhere between New Years and Martin Luther King Jr. weekend without including either as I understand they are busy, or late August. Which would you choose? I know August is very hot, but my last two WDW trips were in August and I found the heat manageable. I also understand that early January is when the WDW marathon takes place, how will the marathon affect crowds? Any tips to save when booking? I've heard that Orbitz has good deals, would that be the best bet for the room? And then should I use undercover tourist for tickets? Sorry for so many questions all at once, hopefully I did the abbreviations in the poll right. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[pixarmom]

When I was in college, value resorts did not yet exist. But shortly after graduation, I stayed at Sports with friends and it was a ton of fun. Since then, I've stayed at Pop, Music and AOA with kids (including teens) and we agree that Music is our favorite. The landscaping, pool bar, jazz courtyard, Broadway area are all a little unique. Feels like fewer super - giant icons there makes it just a bit closer to a mod resort at a value price. We also prefer the layout of the buildings and the fact that it feels smaller than AOA and Pop. We stayed at Music last August with a great rate and loved it!

 

[bookgirl]

They are all basically the same. Just pick a theme you like and go there. Sports and Music are the cheapest.

 

[MN96]

When I was in college, value resorts did not yet exist. But shortly after graduation, I stayed at Sports with friends and it was a ton of fun. Since then, I've stayed at Pop, Music and AOA with kids (including teens) and we agree that Music is our favorite. The landscaping, pool bar, jazz courtyard, Broadway area are all a little unique. Feels like fewer super - giant icons there makes it just a bit closer to a mod resort at a value price. We also prefer the layout of the buildings and the fact that it feels smaller than AOA and Pop. We stayed at Music last August with a great rate and loved it!

This is the type of thing I wanted to consider, so thank you! I've stayed at music my last two trips with my family and loved it, but I figured other opinions would be good becuase I think it's been about 10 years since I've stayed at any of the other values. Once again thank you for all the your opinions.

 

[HopperFan]

- You only have to be 18 to get a WDW resort so you are good there.

- POP would be my first choice, Sports would be my second. I think both are more appropriate to your age group. Not too young and not to stuffy.

- Room Only Discount this year was:
1/5/15-3/28/15 10%-30% off room-only rates for general public (also bookable as package) available to book 10/9/14, exp 12/29/14
- But keep ears open they have opened it up sooner than that before.

- Undercover Tourist is a good place. If anyone has a parent with access to Tickets At Work they sometimes have some good rates as well.

 

[bookgirl]

Music is my favorite and they have family suites, which you might prefer (it will not be as cheap as one value room + $20 for two extra adults), but you will get more sleeping options, two full bathrooms, and a small kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee pot, something you will not get at any other value room. They will also NOT charge you the $20 for two extra adults in the family suites as they are exempt from the two adult rule.

 

[MN96]

They are all basically the same. Just pick a theme you like and go there. Sports and Music are the cheapest.

That's what I was thinking mostly, I was curious as to what others thought. I know the ASMu food court just got renovated or rehabbed as it was closed for the majority of my trip last August, so I wasn't sure if one resort had an edge in that way or anything. Thank you!

 

[caroline1851]

We just came back from a stay at Sports. I had only stayed at CSR before so this was a big difference imo. The pool was always packed with balls being thrown around and loud pool side games for the little kids. But...the theming was neat. I would choose it over the other 2 cheap ones because when they all share a bus, the bus goes to sports first, so less chance you'll have to stand.

 

[MN96]

- You only have to be 18 to get a WDW resort so you are good there.

- POP would be my first choice, Sports would be my second. I think both are more appropriate to your age group. Not too young and not to stuffy.

- Room Only Discount this year was:
1/5/15-3/28/15 10%-30% off room-only rates for general public (also bookable as package) available to book 10/9/14, exp 12/29/14
- But keep ears open they have opened it up sooner than that before.

- Undercover Tourist is a good place. If anyone has a parent with access to Tickets At Work they sometimes have some good rates as well.

Thank you very much, good to know it is possible.
Also my uncle has access to discount tickets through work now that you mentioned it, not sure if we Gould use those?
Thank you for the info about the discount dates too!

Music is my favorite and they have family suites, which you might prefer (it will not be as cheap as one value room + $20 for two extra adults), but you will get more sleeping options, two full bathrooms, and a small kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee pot, something you will not get at any other value room. They will also NOT charge you the $20 for two extra adults in the family suites as they are exempt from the two adult rule.

I loved the suites there that's where we stayed as a family for part of our trip last August as we are a family of 5. I didn't realize that you won't hit the extra adult charge that way either. The extra bathroom would be great plus having four beds would be good, the pullout sofa and chair would definitely work great, and I'm sure someone would be comfortable on the pullout ottoman, not sure what that was called or how it's spelled.

 

[Fizban]

My 2 daughters took a friend of theirs to WDW in January of this year and stayed at Music. The room price was ridiculously low (something like $59.00) so the season is perfect for your price requirements. While POP is our favorite value, I would go with whichever is cheaper of the allstars because they are all the same with different paint.

 

[MN96]

We just came back from a stay at Sports. I had only stayed at CSR before so this was a big difference imo. The pool was always packed with balls being thrown around and loud pool side games for the little kids. But...the theming was neat. I would choose it over the other 2 cheap ones because when they all share a bus, the bus goes to sports first, so less chance you'll have to stand.

It definitely is a whole different atmosphere at the values, we stayed at CR one year and the Dolphin for five nights as part of our split stay in August, but I didn't mind the noise too much at the pools at the values. Also I don't know how much pool time we will use since one of us hasn't been before so he will want to see as much as possible. I don't think we will mind standing on the bus, but being picked up first would be nice anyway since then we could make sure we were near eachother for the ride.
Thank you!

 

[pamster]

I've only been to WDW once, but I'm planning my second trip for Jan 2016 (participating in the Marathon weekend) -

1. I am pretty sure that you can rent rooms as over 18 year old adults (even if you're under 21). At the time of check-in, Disney will probably require one of the guests to provide a credit card to be on file (like any other non-Disney hotel).

2. Marathon weekend starts on Wed, January 6 and continues through Sun, January 10. All Star Sports is currently at ~$115 a night (I called last week to inquire). Pop is about $15 more per night.

3. If you go in January/slower months, please note that some rides or attractions may be down for refurbishment (for example, Splash Mountain was being refurbished when I visited in Feb 2014).

4. If I recall correctly, the All Stars usually share bus service and All Star Sports is usually the first to be picked up and dropped off. I think Pop and AoA have individual bus services; if you're heading back to the resort from elsewhere on Disney property, you can hop on the first bus that arrives and walk over the bridge.

5. I bought my tickets through Undercover Tourist; they ship very quickly. The MouseSavers e-newsletter provides a link that gives an additional dollar off; I can always forward that link to you if you would like it.

6. Unfortunately, I haven't used Orbitz for hotels as I prefer to book directly with the source. I purchase Disney gift cards at Target using my RedCard credit card at 5% discount. When I call in to book my reservation, the CM is able to charge the entire amount to my gift cards. (The Disney website only allows the guest to input one gift card per transaction; in order to use more than one gift card per transaction, the guest needs to call their reservation line and speak to a CM). Also, I am planning on charging most of my food and park purchases to my hotel room, then pay it off each night with those gift cards. Of course, carrying gift cards in large quantities comes with risk of them being lost or stolen (just like cash).

Hope this helps Have fun!!! I went to college in Los Angeles, so I was at Disneyland every other Friday between January and April.

 

[AndiSlamberg]

POP 100%, literally the best value!! It's OWN bus system, and amazing food court! PLUS you're a short walk away from AOA which is so fun much to explore. Also if you don't like the food choices in the POP food court just walk over to AOA they have some of the most unique menu items.

 

[MN96]

My 2 daughters took a friend of theirs to WDW in January of this year and stayed at Music. The room price was ridiculously low (something like $59.00) so the season is perfect for your price requirements. While POP is our favorite value, I would go with whichever is cheaper of the allstars because they are all the same with different paint.

Wow that is a great price, thank you for the advice!

 

[MN96]

I've only been to WDW once, but I'm planning my second trip for Jan 2016 (participating in the Marathon weekend) -

1. I am pretty sure that you can rent rooms as over 18 year old adults (even if you're under 21). At the time of check-in, Disney will probably require one of the guests to provide a credit card to be on file (like any other non-Disney hotel).

2. Marathon weekend starts on Wed, January 6 and continues through Sun, January 10. All Star Sports are currently at ~$115 a night (I called last week to inquire). Pop is about $15 more per night.

3. If you go in January/slower months, please note that some rides or attractions may be down for refurbishment (for example, Splash Mountain was being refurbished when I visited in Feb 2014).

4. If I recall correctly, the All Stars usually share bus service and All Star Sports is usually the first to be picked up and dropped off. I think Pop and AoA have individual bus services; if you're heading back to the resort from elsewhere on Disney property, you can hop on the first bus that arrives and walk over the bridge.

5. I bought my tickets through Undercover Tourist; they ship very quickly. The MouseSavers e-newsletter provides a link that gives an additional dollar off; I can always forward that link to you if you would like it.

6. Unfortunately, I haven't used Orbitz for hotels as I prefer to book directly with the source. I purchase Disney gift cards at Target using my RedCard credit card at 5% discount. When I call in to book my reservation, the CM is able to charge the entire amount to my gift cards. (The Disney website only allows the guest to input one gift card per transaction; in order to use more than one gift card per transaction, the guest needs to call their reservation line and speak to a CM). Also, I am planning on charging most of my food and park purchases to my hotel room, then pay it off each night with those gift cards. Of course, carrying gift cards in large quantities comes with risk of them being lost or stolen (just like cash).

Hope this helps Have fun!!! I went to college in Los Angeles, so I was at Disneyland every other Friday between January and April.

That is so cool that you are doing the marathon! I think I want to do the half one day, but I think I'm going to wait on that.
1) Thank you, and yes the credit card makes sense.
2) I think that'd probably fall in the middle of our dates that'd work, hopefully they still have some sort of discount offer, I guess I will have to wait and see if they include those dates.
3) That is a very good point, hours are probably shorter too.
4) Another good point, definitely a consideration!
5) I will probably look for that if I can't get the tickets from a family member who works somewhere that sponsors a ride.
6) Great idea! I will probably get cards for food and souvenirs even if I book through orbitz or another site!
Thank you very much!

POP 100%, literally the best value!! It's OWN bus system, and amazing food court! PLUS you're a short walk away from AOA which is so fun much to explore. Also if you don't like the food choices in the POP food court just walk over to AOA they have some of the most unique menu items.

What special foods does AoA have? I hadn't even thought about the fact that I could resort hop from pop to AoA so easily for different food! Plus it would be very cool to explore AoA and that would make it much easier!

 

[MN96]

Bump, I've gotten lots of great info, just hoping someone has insight into how the marathon will affect crowds

 

[pamster]

That is so cool that you are doing the marathon! I think I want to do the half one day, but I think I'm going to wait on that.

I'm only running the half marathon (my first!) Thanks for the props!


I don't have any personal insights regarding crowds during Marathon weekend, but I've included some links below:

Josh at EasyWDW posted his comments for this past January 2015 Marathon weekend crowds here (scroll down to January 10 and read through January 11):
http://www.easywdw.com/calendar/january-2015-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/

Summary: half marathon event on Saturday may cause some re-routing of car routes to parks. Marathon on Sunday will definitely cause some traffic re-routing.

My own theory: runners & their families will probably not be actively touring the parks on the morning of those running events. This might mean less people in the parks through the morning, but they may show up in the parks later that afternoon / evening to show off their medals (because that's what I'm planning on doing )


In addition, Josh just posted a new topic for the upcoming January 2016:
http://www.easywdw.com/news/disney-...-schedule-released-without-extra-magic-hours/

Essentially, Disney hasn't released any upcoming Extra Magic Hours, which is one of the factors that he uses for predicting crowds.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

Sports would be first choice with pop being last. No problems at all with sports and too many with pop when we've stayed at these two.

 

[MN96]

I'm only running the half marathon (my first!) Thanks for the props!


I don't have any personal insights regarding crowds during Marathon weekend, but I've included some links below:

Josh at EasyWDW posted his comments for this past January 2015 Marathon weekend crowds here (scroll down to January 10 and read through January 11):
http://www.easywdw.com/calendar/january-2015-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/

Summary: half marathon event on Saturday may cause some re-routing of car routes to parks. Marathon on Sunday will definitely cause some traffic re-routing.

My own theory: runners & their families will probably not be actively touring the parks on the morning of those running events. This might mean less people in the parks through the morning, but they may show up in the parks later that afternoon / evening to show off their medals (because that's what I'm planning on doing )


In addition, Josh just posted a new topic for the upcoming January 2016:
http://www.easywdw.com/news/disney-...-schedule-released-without-extra-magic-hours/

Essentially, Disney hasn't released any upcoming Extra Magic Hours, which is one of the factors that he uses for predicting crowds.

The half is still a lot of running! Good luck in your training and your race!
I will definitely check out those links, and I think you're probably right with your theory. I know I would want a break after waking up pretty much in the middle of the night and running over 13 or over 26 miles!

 

[MN96]

Sports would be first choice with pop being last. No problems at all with sports and too many with pop when we've stayed at these two.

Good to hear that you've had positive experiences at sports! Sorry about Pop though, what went wrong there if you don't mind me asking?