Which would you do?

[HunnyPots]

I still have not chosen a resort for our trip in June because I keep going back and forth on this question: Would it be better to stay at a moderate (CSR or CBR) and cut the food budget, meaning no character meals and eating all our meals at the food court or counter service. OR should we stay at All Stars and do a few sit-down meals and maybe a character meal or two?
This is our first trip to the world and it will be me, dh, dd15, and ds12.
What do you think? All opinions are welcome!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I choose AS and nicer meals/not as tight of a budget.
However, if you are the type who spend a lot of time at the resort, (pool, spa, etc) then you may want a mod.
So far the AS' have treated us better than either mod we have been at.
But maybe that's just a fluke so far too.

 

[BounceyOne]

I second the vote for the value resort. Even if you don't spend the money on food.
How much time do you plan on spending in the room? With a 12 and 15 yo you won't need to be in there much if you don't want to be. I rather spend the money someplace else.

 

[puffkin]

I would go for the All-Stars!

We have stayed at ASMO and POR and both were very nice. However, since this is your first trip, you probably won't spend very much time at the resort, so the All Stars should be fine. Plus, there isn't that much difference in room size or amenities. I would save the money for some nice meals and activities. Your kids look like the right age to really love the water mice. We drove them from the Polynesian and had a blast (we are two twenty-somethings). They are a little expensive, but it was one of our favorite things of the whole trip. And, June is a really nice time to go. My trip reports from the previous two Junes are linked below if you would like to read them. They are pretty extensive on prices and wait times and stuff like that. Good luck with your decision!

 

[DisneyFan79]

I would go for the All Stars also. The mod's are nice and a bit bigger, but there are also some really neat places to eat in WDW. I would also suggest getting more bang for your buck at some of the buffets. You can get filled up and just snack the rest of the day. All Stars will offer adequate accomodations for your family. The theming in my opinion are excellent for a value resort. Hope your stay is well!!!

 

[CamColt]

Im another one who has stayed at ASMO & POR(2x each) and I would definitely choose ASMO over POR. I dont see much of an advantage of a moderate over ASMO.

 

[aurora713]

I agree with the others. Being your first trip, there will be so much to see and to do that your room will probably be for sleeping and showering!

I would spend more money on the experiences (especially character meals) than on the room if you don't anticipate spending lots of time there.

Good luck!

 

[Hsminnie]

Well, I'm really just echoing everyone else, but I say go for All Star accomodations. The beds in the moderates are the same size as in the values and the rooms are not that much bigger (from what I've heard). Since you have older children you probably want more flexibility about being in the parks and when and where to eat. If you do the All Stars you can decide on a whim where to munch. If you stretch your budget too far with the moderates you may miss the flexibility.

Of course, my first trip isn't until December 12, 2002 so I really am talking out of my hat!

Have fun!

 

[opal]

We've never stayed at a All Stars, mostly stayed at the mods, but I think you would be missing more to not experience Disney dining and and character meals. None of Disney's hotels are shabby.
I would book the value hotel and hope for codes later on, you might be able to upgrade for not a lot more.

 

[cindyfan]

Sorry, but I have to go against the majority here.
With teenagers.......I would choose the larger room and more activities at the resort.
Try for Caribbean Beach...they have the largest rooms of the moderates. And the largest "lake".
You will have so many more options, such as boats, bikes and even beach volleyball.
And I am not real sure what 2 teenagers would think of a character dinner.
I remember my DD when she was 13!!! It just wasn't "cool" to eat with Mickey......but she LOVED being able to sit on the beach at the Caribbean Beach and take a mouse boat out on the lake.
There is also a much better pool with a slide and 6 quiet pools if you just feel like relaxing.

Ask the kids!!!!
See which they would prefer. I have just found that with teenagers, meals are not as important as other activities.
And the extra space will be better for you.
Good Luck deciding!!

 

[maddy]

We have stayed at all levels and we always start our trip off at AS. The food court is great and you can spend that extra money anywhere else you want,even rent water craft at any of the mod or delux resorts, all the MK resorts have water craft. Or how's this for an idea rent 2 rooms,adjoining, at the AS and have 2 bathrooms and 2 tv's and some timeout space after a long day. Staying on site is the way to go and from there on its all in how your family operates and what sounds fun. maddy

 

[dansyr]

We have stayed at AS the last 4 trips..................love it. We are 2 adults and still love the atmosphere of AS. This yr by staying at a value resort it allowed us to do a deluxe pkg. of the 3 AS's. we love movies the best.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

Originally posted by HunnyPots
I still have not chosen a resort for our trip in June because I keep going back and forth on this question: Would it be better to stay at a moderate (CSR or CBR) and cut the food budget, meaning no character meals and eating all our meals at the food court or counter service. OR should we stay at All Stars and do a few sit-down meals and maybe a character meal or two?
This is our first trip to the world and it will be me, dh, dd15, and ds12.
What do you think? All opinions are welcome!

I've not stayed at either resort you're considering, so this is just my opinion ... LOL .. I think you need to consider - how much time are you going to spend in the room? If you're like us, we spend a fair amt of time at the hotel on our summer trips - relaxing at the pool, taking midday breaks, etc. Does that sound like something your family might do also? If so, then I think I would say *maybe* you should go for the moderate - more room space, perhaps a little nicer all around atmosphere.

But if you plan to tour commando style, up early and back late, then you'd be better off staying at a value resort, since you'll basically be using it to sleep only.

All that said, I'm someone who likes to eat nice meals, especially on trips ...... so I guess if it were me, I'd choose the AS.

 

[JulesMom]

I say do All Stars and enjoy some great meals!

Keep an eye on the boards, because there may be some great discount codes for rooms and you may be able to stay a a mod for a great price

 

[ripleysmom]

The All-Stars was very nice but I would not stay there with 4 to a room unless they were small children.

 

[susy]

I have stayed at the AS three times and at CBR. Just came back from a trip with my niece and nephew (16& 13). We stayed at ASSp in two rooms. I can't imagine us all in the same room there. You have to also account for all the stuff you will have.


The CBR rooms are the largest of the mods. LOTS of storage. Two sinks -with a privacy curtain between the dressing area and the room. coffee maker, iron, hair dryer, pool slide, hot tub, just refurbished food court and sit down rest. , marina.... should I go on?Oh, yes.. the quiet pools and the hammocks on the beach

Yes, you will be spending a lot of time in the parks, but the parks will be open later and it being June, you will want to take a mid day break (take it from this Floridian)- the kids can hang out at the main pool while you rest at your quiet pool (we loved this). Also, the rooms were just redone and very bright and tropical. I would look out for discount codes and budget for meals. Kids don't care about sit-down restaurants-they want to ride! You and your DH will probably be able to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner while they are riding! Trust me! I planned a nice eveing of strolling around the World showcase and ended up waiting for the kids to go on Test Track twice! Should have just let them go on their own!


I may be alone on this but I say :

STAY AT CBR-THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A VACATION!!!!!!!

 

[Yvonp]

We did our first trip when my son was just under 2, and a great 'traveller'. We stayed at ***, and we went early am until late pm at the parks. The resort was more than adaquate - this time he is 8 and his sister 5 and we will spend more time at the resort so we have chosen CBR. I do feel that experiencing the restaurants are part of the magic, and that at your kid's age, I don't expect you will spend much time at the resort - but whatever you do, take lots of pictures and have wonderful time!

 

[HunnyPots]

that the vote is split!
But I so appreciate all your opinions. Thanks for giving me so much to think about.
Maybe I should just flip a coin

 

[susy]

Maybe it would help you decide if you look at the counter service/food court menus at wdwig.com

We have had some great counter service meals-delicious and healthy!


If you get a good code rate, perhaps you can swing one character meal.

I still vote for CBR!

 

[currycook]

The AS is not one of my fav's, but if this is your first trip I would recommend staying there and spending more on food and character meals. The simple rule is how much time will you spend there. If you dont plan on spending much time there that should answer your question. Have fun.