need some help...which resort??

[meeskamickey]

Hi all. I tried looking for something similar on these boards but didn't find anything...so hopefully this isn't a recent repeat...if so, I'm sorry. My family is currently booked at the All-Star suites in May. We really liked the idea of a suite since one of our children still naps and having two rooms would make it easier for her to sleep. We are a family of five (our oldest child is 6). I'm more than a little concerned after reading information about grad nights (which happens to be one of the weekends we will be there). I am considering moving our reservation. I was looking at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (just one room) and the Wilderness Lodge (just one room). My thoughts of jumping from a suite to a deluxe was that we would have more room in a delux room than if we changed to a moderate. We'll have to have either a pack and play or a crib moved in so I'm thinking we will be pretty crammed but I have not stayed at any of these resorts so I don't know what to expect. Does anyone have any comments and/or suggestions about grad nights, or my other resort options? I would really appreaciate any information on any of the above.

 

[Steve-B]

Personally, I'd stick with the suite and look into changing the dates. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge a few years ago and the standard room is no bigger than any other motel room. We stayed at the All-Star Movies Resort on our first trip (many years ago) with our kids and the food court was great for the variety of breakfast food every morning. IMO, WL doesn't have enough breakfast variety.
The theming there is great, though.

 

[Bri1121]

I am not to sure about grad night but from reading others trip reports and from experience, Pop, Music and Sports hotels are group hotels. This is where you are going to get a lot of group trips. With smaller kids who need to sleep and nap you might be better off getting into another hotel. You can call around and the hotels will tell you the square feet in the room. You can compare that way. When we traveled a few years ago with my son who what 16 months we had a crib delivered to a regular two bed room. It did not take up much room that it bothered us. My son definitely still napped and was so tired he would pass out anywhere. We honestly did not spend much time in the room. We thought we might have some afternoon breaks and take him back for a nap but that never happened.

Having a suite would definitely be nice but having loud neighbors would not be good for anyone.

I would check out other hotels, there room sizes and prices.

Good luck.

 

[Disneykidder]

We stayed at ASMusic and had a suite. It was awesome. The 2 bathrooms were a big plus and the mini kitchen was great, too. (love the fridge and microwave) The suite was roomy, had 2 TVs and was quiet. We stayed there in the summer and the resort was packed but the rooms were in a location where we were really close to the check in area and it was quiet on the end of the building. It was like we stepped into a different place, that's how quiet it was. There were many groups there and the food court was always crowded. We were always able to find a table, but it was annoying. The resort was nice and the staff there were awesome. We did encounter several problems at the resort but it had nothing to do with the staff...they were great. Although we loved the room, we decided after this trip not to stay at a value anymore.

I believe OKW has the largest rooms of the deluxes. My friend lovvvves this resort and only stays there. WL is a great resort and is very close to MK. AK is also beautiful. Either resort you can't go wrong. If you wanted to sgtay at a moderate, I think POFQ offers trundles, since you said you have a family of 5. My family is also 5 but my youngest is 5 weeks old. We are going to try for CSR this summer and will eventually need to move into larger quarters.

Good luck.

 

[bmarkelon]

I think if it's a choice between a suite and a standard deluxe studio you should go with the suite option. The deluxe resorts are fabulous but extra living space and bathrooms are pretty key with a family. I've also requested cribs for my infant too. All of the rooms should have a pack and play in their closet.

 

[kstella]

If you can do a moderate, why not consider a cabin at FW? It would offer you plenty of room and it would be unlikely that anyone for grad night would be staying in the area.

 

[Disneykidder]

I considered the FW Cabins for my trip, too. They look roomy and great but even though they are in the moderate category, the cabins are much more expensive (about $800 more) than a moderate resort. The difference is a bit more expensive than staying in WL and slightly lower in price than SS. I would rather have the amenities at WL or SS than staying in a cabin.
Choose what you feel will work for your family.

 

[onelivelygirl]

I don't have much experience with a suite but I stayed at a Value in January. I have stayed at a Value several times but this trip was during a time when lots of students groups from South America were there. When I got out of my car to walk to my room I saw numerous busses unloading rowdy teens. I got a bit nervous and didn't think that I would get any sleep. I decided to ask for a room change if necessary. I followed the signs to my room and found that I was a good distance away from any of these large groups. Even though the sound in Value carries, I had a very peacful trip. I heard nothing at all because the kids were so far away. Maybe you could call and request a room away from the large groups.

I would also venture to say that many of the grads may stay in the regular rooms instead of the suites because of the price difference.

Hope you have a blast!

 

[meeskamickey]

Thanks for the information/suggestions everyone! We decided to stick with our original plan and stay at the All-Star Suites. Thanks again!