I'm going to Disney World with my sis and her whole gang this fall. This will be the last of many fall trips, as her oldest son is now a Junior in high school, and will not be able to miss any school time (this trip is mostly over a break). Right now we are booked for 5 nights at the All Star Sports, with no plans of doing a Mnsshp. We have gone twice and had a great time, but the money is just not there.

But, I was thinking of spluging and either upgrading to a moderate resort, or buying us all Mnsshp tickets. Money would be tight, but I could do it. And just today my boss offered me some overtime for the next 2 weeks.:D So it is looking real possible that I can afford to do one or the other.

But which one should I pick? We were at Disney this May (which is why money is a little tight for all of us), stayed at ASMu, and had a great time. But the kids were a little disappointed in the pool. And I know my sis is not a Value resort girl. She is being a good sport by agreeing to stay at one, not to mention her second Value trip in 6 months. Sis really prefers the moderates. She likes the pool areas, the covered bus stops, and the nicer food courts. So I think that everyone would enjoy a stay at a moderate resort. Plus, the resort I was thinking of (POR) is one we have all stayed at, but the 2 youngest kids do not remember it at all. So that would be kind of neat too. But my oldest niece is a sports fiend. So I know she will love being at the All Star Sports.

My first thought was to buy us all Mnsshp party tickets. My youngest niece cried when she was told we were not doing the party this year. She loves the parades and fireworks, and the girls both love all the candy. And there is just something so special about the Magic Kingdom when it is all decked out in Halloween decorations. And I just love Hallowishes! So I know the kids would be thrilled to be suprised with tickets.

So which would you choose? What do you think is the better suprise?

From an adult point of view, the resort upgrade would be well worth it.
From a kids point of view, the party would be something extra special - especially if you surprise them with it.

From what you said in your last paragraph, it sounds like the kids would really love it. And I think that very well may be your answer. :)

As a mom with 2 little girls (ages 1 and 2), we are always thinking about their experience or what we can expose them too. We have less than a month to go, and are staying at POR and MNSSH.....we have never done either.

But like you said some like one, and would love the other. How much time will you be spending in the room? Do you have a specific day planned for hanging out or are you on the go? We have 3 days of hanging out, and I picked POR versus Movies, or another value specifically because we want the extras.

I guess we can all consider we are lucky to have to make these decisions. I know lots of people that have never been to Florida or WDW. Let us know what you decide. Good luck.

I agree with Gus.

From an adult standpoint, a nicer room, a nicer resort, even if your time actually at the resort is limited. I have stayed at a Value once and vowed never to do it again, but that is me. We were also there when a lot of middle school and high school kids were there with seemingly no supervision. This trip we are staying at the Wilderness.


From a kids standpoint they are going to remember the Halloween Party. And, you, will remember their reaction to the joy of the Halloween Party.

We are going to MNSSHP two weeks from today and it is not cheap. right now the plans are that my husband or I will go with our daughter and the other will stay at the hotel with the 22 month old son. Will that change? Probably!!! Thank goodness the Halloween shops are already open!!

As others have said, I was all prepared to recommend the upgrade. But if the party means that much to your family, they'll freak out when you show them the tickets. Even staying at a value, they'll still be thrilled to be at the World. Enjoy your trip!

I had the same toss up of a decision to make. We (myself and DD6) are going Oct 18 - 23. But my daughter really put it in prospective for me... She pointed out that all I do in the room is snore so does the room matter? She does have a point. When we go to Disney World, it is commando style. We are packing as much fun in the days we are there as is possible. When we get back to the room either our heads hit the pillows and we fall asleep or we fall asleep and our heads hit the pillows... I'm not real sure of the order.

That five hour party is packed with entertainment for the kids. There are two parades, a fireworks show, other smaller venue shows and character greetings... There is face painting, trick or treating... etc. I'm just hoping that my camera batteries, SD cards and all that hold out for the entire day!

...all I do in the room is snore so does the room matter? She does have a point.

When you're visiting with kids and park storming till you drop, then yes, it doesn't much matter where your room is. But when you've visited WDW enough times to where you can start to slow down and smell the roses a bit, it's nice to stay in a place where you can enjoy a rose or two. When money's tight I don't mind staying at the Pop - I think it's the nicest of the values. But I'm normally a moderate kinda guy. I get the feel of staying in a nice resort without having to feel guilty about spending 2 to 3 hundred bucks just for a place to sleep. The moderates work very well for me!

Ok, you guys all convinced me. I just bought tickets!!!!!!:fez:

My first choice, October 31, was sold out. So I got tickets for the 30th. We may end up having to cancel either our dinner on Oct 30 at Le Ceiller, or our breakfast at Kona on October 31, depending on how tired we all are. But I figure we can make that decision once we are there.

I didn't realize how much I wanted to go to the party, until I saw the tickets for Halloween night were all gone. I kind of freaked!:eek:So I know this was the right choice. Thanks everyone!!!!!!

Now if I can only keep this secret for 2 whole months without exploding!