Worried about upcoming stay ...

[cwt580]

id check on Port Orleans Riverside rooms. great resort for all ages and a bit nicer than most values. Very budget friendly... definitely 2 rooms. added bonus is the boats to Disney Springs. WE usually stay at French Qtr when budget restrains us from POly/wilderness/contemp

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would call WDW and ask what your options are for switching at this point. AoA is a value resort with fewer amenities than the mods and deluxes and, IMHO, not as comfortable. If you can find two rooms at a mod or deluxe, I would switch. It will cost more, but I think you would be more comfortable. If you have a package, it may be a little tricky as you will have to take some people off your package (which may result in a change fee) and then make a new package reservation for the second room. If it's room-only, you will just have to modify your suite reservation to a regular room, take a few people off that first reservation and then make a second room-only reservation for the people you took off the first (if that makes sense). If you end up booking two rooms, you can request connecting, though it won't be guaranteed. If you can swing a deluxe, I would check on availability in that category as well. AKL and WL usually price out less than the other deluxes and they are both lovely resorts.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There is rumor Disney's going to do away with category names or change them, since even within a category you can see really wide cost variance (family suites for Value, the junior suites at Coronado, the range from Standard to Pirate and Royal Rooms and etc. etc., and even at Deluxe, there is sorta-expensive standards and hen there's CL 1BR $uite expensive).

 

[Babsy]

I would look into moving somewhere more comfortable if you can fit it into your budget. As far as value resorts go, AoA is the best, but pricey and still a value.

There are deluxe rooms at the WL and the BWI that sleep 6. I have stayed in the deluxe room at the BWI and it is both large and comfortable. However, these options have only one bathroom and are still in the one room together. For yourself and for your grandparents, I would suggest that two rooms at a moderate might be the best option. You would have 4 real beds, two separate rooms and two bathrooms. Ideally, you will be in two rooms with a connecting door, but that is only a request and not guaranteed. But before you say we need to be all in the one room or connecting, I would like to say that we are grandparents that travel with our 'kids' and grandchildren and we have come to appreciate a little bit of time apart. Separate rooms are not a disaster and can even feel like a life saver.

Good luck!!!

 

[Lynne M]

Disney's resort categories aren't comparable to those in the outside world. Their categories are based on the amenities the resort offers. Value resorts have fairly basic amenities: pools don't have slides, food service is limited to one food court, there's just one gift shop, transportation to parks is by bus. The moderate and deluxe categories have fancier pools, more dining, shopping and recreational options, and other forms of transportation.

AoA isn't going to be like any budget motel you'd find outside of Disney property. The room will be very clean, security is very good, and there won't be any scary-looking people hanging around outside your door. The resort itself is very well maintained, with bright, colorful Disney theming and pretty landscaping.

My biggest concern in your case would be the number of people you'll have packed into one family suite. Yes, Disney does allow six people plus an infant, but that's the absolute maximum they'll allow to book a family suite. It's going to be very tight, and there won't be much in the way of privacy.

 

[Dakota731]

That would be too many adults in a row for my taste. We did it with our four kids but I wouldn't want to do it with grandparents. Someone will be uncomfortable!

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

Art of Animation is a very nice resort and isn't missing anything in terms of quality. That said, as others have mentioned, I agree that your group is very large for a family suite. I think you'd be more comfortable in two regular hotel rooms, or a larger villa if you want the kitchen and it's in your budget.

 

[DaisyJ]

Someone mentioned you're going next week, the second busiest week of the year at Disney? Doubtful you'll find a room that isn't $800 plus a night a week prior.

 

[amberpi]

That's the absolute max that can fit in your room. The adults won't have proper beds. Even if you want to stay Value level, get 2 rooms at AOA and get more proper beds and 2 bathrooms. Have a BLAST!

 

[New England Mickey]

I wouldn't worry about the sleep quality. I stay every time I go to disney in the "value resorts." Disney's value resorts would be considered like a hilton brand. Not bad at all don't worry. I know hotels well I am a hotel expert on tripadvisor. I wouldn't switch the room but it's ultimately your choice. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We are heading down to stay at Art of Animation next Friday for a week. We are traveling with my parents and our 3 kids, one of which is an infant. We have booked a family suite because they say it sleeps 6 adults but now were getting worried about the quality of the hotel since we've found its actually a budget hotel. Can we switch to a different resort and just book 2 rooms? I guess I'm not as worried about the sleeping arrangements as I ask that we are going to be disappointed with the resort. Any feed back as far as the quality?

To the bolded--were you not involved in the decision making on what resort you were going to be booked at? I ask because I'm curious how you are just finding out the category according to Disney so very close to your trip and not only that but did you look into the resort prior to booking it such as room pictures, grounds pictures, etc that would give you the idea if you would like the selected resort?. Honest question there.

As far as cramped quarters I think you might find that depending on how you prefer your sleeping arrangements. But really it may not be bad at all and you could find all that worry for nothing.

I would say go in with a good attitude and optimism. I've seen many a-"Just-Back" or "At Disney" threads were people are disappointed...and it comes out that they were already in that kind of train of thought and it snowballed from there (there are def. reasons for some to be upset/disappointed but sometimes it's how you were feeling about the whole situation beforehand that can impact your feelings).

I do agree though with a previous poster you may find switching to be difficult or limited options at this point.

 

[pennylane16]

We are heading down to stay at Art of Animation next Friday for a week. We are traveling with my parents and our 3 kids, one of which is an infant. We have booked a family suite because they say it sleeps 6 adults but now were getting worried about the quality of the hotel since we've found its actually a budget hotel. Can we switch to a different resort and just book 2 rooms? I guess I'm not as worried about the sleeping arrangements as I ask that we are going to be disappointed with the resort. Any feed back as far as the quality?

We loved Aoa! We were in a LM room one year, and next trip a Lion King suite - it was great!
ETA - There were 5 of us - myself, DH, DD, DS, and my mom! We were fine in the suite!

 

[fla4fun]

Your suite will have just one queen bed in the bedroom and a kitchen table and sofa that convert to 2 double beds. These are not real beds, and are not anyway near as comfortable as a real bed.

My personal opinion after sleeping on both was that the Murphy was MUCH more comfortable than the regular queen bed, and more comfortable than the beds at the other value resorts as well. The drawback is that it's a full size rather than a queen, so the width could be an issue for two sleepers. The regular value beds typically have very hard mattresses.

I've yet to find a sofa bed that is comfortable for adults.

 

[Dug720]

With the attitude that it's a "budget" hotel (it's actually a Value and those at Disney I have always found to be better than what I consider "budget"), yes I think you are setting yourself up for a negative experience.

In that case I would either look to change resorts OR try focusing on the precious time you'll be spending and memories you'll be making with your family instead of the lodging.

 

[DJFan88]

If there is availability at POR you might try that. If you can swing it book 2 Preferred rooms, if available. Then you will both at least be guaranteed to be in the same general area. That section has a murphy bed in the room, so you can fit your 5 in that room. Your parents can have the other room.
The doors are on the outside though, not sure if that was something important to you or if others just brought that up as differences, but the resort is very nice and I love the outdoor door feeling at a place like this, fresh air, walks, not at all like a drive up to your door at a roadside inn. Parking is in areas and not at your door, with nice lush walking paths.

 

[Mskay1216]

If your not concerned with the sleeping arrangements then i don't think you have anything to be worried about. how old are your children? we stayed at AOA last year with our 2 yo daughter and 4 yo son--they absolutely loved it and we loved it as well. we stayed in the cars section. we are returning in August and can't wait--this time we are staying in the Lion King Section.

As some have already stated its considered 'value' by Disney standards (as far as costs etc)but my no means is it anything that your thinking.

if your family loves all things Disney and love being immersed in the movie Cars, Finding Nemo and the little mermaid you will have a good time.

just my .02

if you go the Disney resorts board you will find posts of pictures of the resort --that may help put you at ease.

 

[Kaitlyn Conners]

If there is availability at POR you might try that. If you can swing it book 2 Preferred rooms, if available. Then you will both at least be guaranteed to be in the same general area. That section has a murphy bed in the room, so you can fit your 5 in that room. Your parents can have the other room.
The doors are on the outside though, not sure if that was something important to you or if others just brought that up as differences, but the resort is very nice and I love the outdoor door feeling at a place like this, fresh air, walks, not at all like a drive up to your door at a roadside inn. Parking is in areas and not at your door, with nice lush walking paths.

Thank you! I actually called today and they were able to switch us to POR no problem

 

[Hopefully]

Thank you! I actually called today and they were able to switch us to POR no problem

Glad to hear that. I truly think it will be better for you.
You should also have them note on the two reservations a "Travelling with" notation. That will increase the chance of having rooms near each other

 

[Kaitlyn Conners]

Glad to hear that. I truly think it will be better for you.
You should also have them note on the two reservations a "Travelling with" notation. That will increase the chance of having rooms near each other

Yes thank you the lady I spoke to did do that! She originally was going to book us in ajoining rooms but then found out Disney has a policy that they won't do more than 2 adults for those rooms and they are for families with more kids. I'm still happy with the results

 

[Kaitlyn Conners]

To the bolded--were you not involved in the decision making on what resort you were going to be booked at? I ask because I'm curious how you are just finding out the category according to Disney so very close to your trip and not only that but did you look into the resort prior to booking it such as room pictures, grounds pictures, etc that would give you the idea if you would like the selected resort?. Honest question there.

As far as cramped quarters I think you might find that depending on how you prefer your sleeping arrangements. But really it may not be bad at all and you could find all that worry for nothing.

I would say go in with a good attitude and optimism. I've seen many a-"Just-Back" or "At Disney" threads were people are disappointed...and it comes out that they were already in that kind of train of thought and it snowballed from there (there are def. reasons for some to be upset/disappointed but sometimes it's how you were feeling about the whole situation beforehand that can impact your feelings).

I do agree though with a previous poster you may find switching to be difficult or limited options at this point.

I was involved in the planning. I've seen pictures of the themed rooms at AOA for a few years now and thought they look so cute so we decided to give it a try this year. I've never paid attention to the resort levels before honestly. My friend is a travel agent and use to book for us. My husband and I were watching some videos on YouTube giving tours of AOA and I guess it just didn't seem like what we were looking for. They were able to change us at a different resort no problem so all is well.