100 responses

  1. Jane
    November 5, 2019

    Hi Dave, I am truly stumped, and usually I’m not. We are staying in a Cars family suite at AOA starting in 2.5 weeks and our friend whom we’re traveling with is in a Little Mermaid room. Of course, we knew going in that we’d be very far apart, but we wanted the military discount and that family suite (the Cars one) was the only thing available. If Mermaid rooms had been part of the discount we would have done 2 adjoining ones and asked to be near our friend; in the past this has worked very well in two of the All Star resorts. The Q is, what should I ask for as far as room requests? When I did online check in I asked for “close to transportation” b/c I figured that would get me as close to the center of the resort as possible. I am thinking about calling the AOA front desk and asking their advice, but wanted to run it by you first. I know that whatever we do we will be far apart but I’m hoping to close the distance as much as possible. And, we have been looking forward to the Cars theming so we don’t really want to change to another type of suite even if one is available. Thank you for any advice.

    Reply

    • Dave
      November 6, 2019

      Hi Jane, you want to call and explain your situation, requesting that both rooms (have both reservation numbers) be as near each other as possible.

      Reply

  2. Beth0
    September 27, 2019

    I did have major doubts about the ASMu pullouts. I heard about the refurb but would never count on a refurbished room. I would love 2 rooms at Pop or All Stars but there’s nothing available there(with or without the free dining) We can make the bed configuration work at AoA so with your help. my decision is made. Thank so much for your valuable input!

    Reply

    • Dave
      September 28, 2019

      🙂

      Reply

  3. Beth
    September 26, 2019

    To amend my previous comment, I wouldn’t want FP for both reservations even if I could.

    Reply

    • Dave
      September 26, 2019

      Beth, FP+ are governed by the number of tickets, nt the number of rooms.

      Reply

  4. Beth
    September 26, 2019

    Hi Dave!
    My son, daughter, and her children(15,9) are traveling to Disneyworld December 8-15. I currently have a free dining package booked in a LK suite and also an ASMu suite. I’m trying to decide whether AoA suite is worth $1100 more. I’m concerned about Pop Warner groups,the buses,and the comfort of the beds at ASMu. Do the AoA suites feel much bigger? Any input comparing the 2 would be helpful! My date to pick FP+ is Oct 8-can I choose FP for both reservations while I decide?

    Reply

    • Dave
      September 26, 2019

      Hey Beth, I dig pretty deeply into the pros and cons of those choices towards the bottom of this page.

      But here’s my quick reaction, based on what I know now: I would not put your son and daughter on the couch bed in the Music Suites, nor a 15 year old on either of the smaller beds in them. However, the AofA suite has just three beds, so the two kids would have to share a bed. That said, Music has just kicked off a room refurb, some (but likely not all) of its family suites will be refurbed by then, and I have no real good guess as to what might change in the rooms with the refurb. I would not count on much improvement, as not only do we not know what it will be, but we also don’t know when they will be done.

      Have you considered just getting two regular rooms, e.g. at Pop or Movies, where the rooms now have two queen beds each?

      Reply

  5. Ann
    April 26, 2018

    Hi! We need to stay in the Little Mermaid rooms for affordability. Can you recommend the best possible room in those buildings – close as possible to the main hub? My kids will be 5 and 2 at the time of our trip. Also, does Disney ever offer affordable upgrades to suites at AoA? Thanks so much! Enjoying your site. 🙂

    Reply

    • Dave
      April 27, 2018

      Hi Ann, request “close to transportation” to be a close as possible (note that at Disney, it’s only a request). The only times you might get upgraded would be if the Little Mermaid rooms were inadvertently sold out, which is rare, but happens.

      Reply

  6. Megan
    October 21, 2016

    We are planning a visit to Disney Oct 29-Nov 5, 2017. We normally stay at a moderate resort but do not like all the stops within the resorts. How is the bussing at AOA? Also noticed they do not have a preferred room option (which is what we get at moderate) any certain suggestion on choice of building to be close to bus and pool? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Dave
      October 22, 2016

      Megan, are you thinking a standard room or a family suite?

      All the standard rooms are a bit distant from the bus stops and pool, with building 8 the worst. Building 9 is closest, but building 7 is almost as close and offers lake views from many of its rooms, so I recommend a lake view room there.

      Among the family suites, the slightly more expensive Nemo rooms are closest, but can be noisy. The Lion King rooms are just a little further, and quieter. Among them, many suites in building 6 offer lake views.

      There’s one bus stop, which makes getting on and off property much faster.

      Reply

  7. Sarah
    May 19, 2016

    Our first trip to Disney…Father n law (He is Military) and mother n law…my husband and I…and 3 kids …2,7, and 10. Going the week after Thanksgiving … I am struggling! Going back and forth between 2 rooms in the Polynesian Villas and then the Lion King Suite. The hard part is deciding between the two thousand dollar difference …. are there any other options that I am missing? Would you say that two rooms in Polynesian is totally worth the $ difference?

    Reply

    • Dave
      May 20, 2016

      Sarah is your father in law aware of the Disney Armed Forces Salute? Big savings on rooms, and also–for short trips–on tickets. See this.

      It’s hard to comment on the value difference. First, it’s your money, not mine…second is how you plan to spend your time. Will you be in the rooms much? Is napping an issue (for either the kids or father in law)? You will have more privacy in two rooms versus the suite.

      Will your 2 year old be three or older at the time of the visit? That will limit your options, but if not you could get two rooms at any resort–Deluxe, Value or Moderate. If so, there are still many 5 person room options, just not at the values other than the family suites…

      Reply

  8. Cheryl
    November 19, 2015

    Dave – I will be there with my 2, 4, and 6 year old girls. We will be at in a Nemo suite. Question: What would you choose for room preferences. I was thinking highest floor (I hate being on the first floor) and lake view as it may be more pretty and quiet. My husband thinks we should choose close to transportation. But being in the Nemo suites, isn’t even the furthest room still pretty close to transportation?

    Reply

    • Dave
      November 22, 2015

      Cheryl, the most distant Nemo suite is <300 yards to the bus stop, and the closest ~150 yards, so you are right, it does not much matter. First floor near transportation suites are bad as they see a ton of hall traffic. So yes, I would go with lake view/upper floor.

      Reply

  9. Andrea
    November 1, 2015

    With your help, I planned a great trip for our family in April. Now, I’m planning a quick weekend all girls trip to experience Disney Christmas for the first time. We hadn’t planned to make another trip, but I’ve never seen the Osbourne lights, and I didn’t want to miss them! My 2 girls, mother in law, sister, and niece will be staying in a Nemo room. Do you think there is room for a twin sized air mattress on the floor when all of the beds are pulled out? I just don’t know that everyone will want to share beds. Thanks for all you do!

    Reply

    • Dave
      November 2, 2015

      Andrea, a twin will fit right in front of the mini-kitchen!

      Reply

  10. Christina
    January 8, 2015

    Hi Dave-

    Just wanted to say that our Sept. 2014 trip was sensational thanks to you and your amazing site! We are planning another visit this coming Sept. We would like to stay in a Family Suite at AOA this trip (last year we stayed at Pop and loved it, but we want more space this go round). My question is what are the best buildings for Nemo and Cars? We’re not sure which we’ll choose when we make our reservation. I’m leaning toward Nemo, but my hubs is pulling for Cars. Are the Cars suites much further away from transportation than the Nemo suites? What should our request be for online check in for each? Thanks Dave!!

    Reply

    • Dave
      January 9, 2015

      Hi Christina I’m so glad to have helped!! The Nemo buildings are about the same. Building 5 is a teeny bit more convenient, but they are pretty equal.

      The Cars buildings are less convenient than the Nemo buildings, but not wildly so. Ask for a Lake view in Building 3. Avoid building 2 (too far) and building 1 (mostly parking lot views)

      Reply

  11. Ian
    November 1, 2014

    Thank you! Can I ask your personal opinion on if you think we should keep trying to get a Nemo suite, or keep with our current reservation in the Cars area? Our youngest is 8. I’ve been reading contradicting opinions…I like to hear what you think.
    Thanks again.

    Reply

    • Dave
      November 2, 2014

      Ian, it can’t hurt to keep trying, especially if its a big deal to the kids…But there’s little difference other than theming

      Reply

  12. Ian
    October 30, 2014

    We are in the process of planning our vacation for the last week in January, 2015. I would’ve loved to have more time to plan it, but because of work obligations, this is the only time we can go. We are staying at Art of Animation. Currently, in a Cars family suite, but honestly would like to stay in a Nemo family suite, although none are currently available. My question is, where should we request staying at in the Cars section, that would be the most convenient to buses and food? Yet, still on the quiet side? Please help…we don’t get to vacation often, and want this to be the best that it can be! Thank you so much for your website…it is incredibly informative and helpful!!

    Reply

    • Dave
      October 31, 2014

      Hi Ian and thanks! You want buidling 1, and in on-line check in request “Near Transportation” and “Highest FLoor” (quieter)

      Reply

  13. gail
    October 24, 2014

    We have planned to stay at Beach Club Villas, there are 5 adults and a two year old. I have a breathing handicap and would like to know what is available for access to parks and pools since i cannot walk long distances and also is there a charge for the two year old? She turns 3 the week we are in Disneyworld. Also is there a height restriction for its a small small world and the train and do they still have the pirates of the carribean?

    Reply

    • Dave
      October 26, 2014

      Gail, there’s no charge for the 2 year old so long as she is two when you check in. Pirates of the Caribbean is still in, and there’s no height restriction for small world or the train. For all the height restrictions, see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/04/21/ride-height-requirements-at-walt-disney-world/

      Most people bring their own mobility devices, or rent them on site. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent at the parks (they can sell out) but not at the hotels. Various companies will rent you such and deliver them.

      Reply

  14. MG
    May 14, 2014

    Great, thanks!

    Reply

  15. MG
    May 13, 2014

    Can you recommend a building/view in the Cars section? Would like to be in a room that’s relatively quiet, but close to transportation (for the grandparents). Thanks!

    Reply

    • Dave
      May 14, 2014

      MG, request “Lake View” and “Close to Transportation’ This should put you in a quieter room in Building 3, which is the best overall choice in the Cars section.

      Reply

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