Your opinions on the Moderate Resorts

[halfway there]

Before I head off to bed (I've a had a very busy first day here!), I thought I would ask a question of my own.
Due to the special rates this summer on moderate resorts, I can't resist planning a trip. Although, I have also read that there are other resorts offering discounts as well. Originally, I was trying to decide between Riverside, Coronado and CBR. Which of these would you recommend and why? Or is there another you think is even better? I'd like to stay someplace I haven't before (I have a goal, you see) so that rules out YC,CR,PO,Swan,BW, All-Star Sports (what a good abbrev. for that?) and the Polynesian. We have stayed at the CBR but that was BC (before children) so we're considering it again for their sake. Please give me all you've got! Thanks!

[RNMOM]

Well, I too should be in bed but, her is my opinion.

We love WL best. Just love the ambiance.

We stayed at PO last trip and WL too and needed two rooms with the teen boys at PO. It was nice to have the two rooms and two baths. We liked the food court and the size. The thing I don't like is the outside corridors. I think it is quieter and just a little safer with inside corridors.

We stayed at CSR in 98. We only had one room and a rollaway for one kid. Boys won't sleep together, ya know. :rolleyes:

We felt it was pretty but somewhat basic, being our first mod. The place is so huge and the walking was an ordeal for me with my arthritis. The food court got old fast for us. The plumbing gave us repeated issues and had to call them several times. I guess we really did not enjoy this resort much. I must say we had a parking lot view and it was baking in the sun all afternoon. My kids liked the pool but they also like WL pool.

Would we stay at a mod. again? Yes and we would get two rooms. I think I would lean toward CBR for our family but the WL keeps calling me back.

[Janet2k]

I have enjoyed every WDW resort that I have stayed in. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, as they all have something unique to offer.

I have stayed in the GF, BWV, BWI, YC, CR, OKW, CSR, CBR, WL, and AKL. My favorite is the AKL, while my husband's favorite is the GF. MY children love every resort they happen to be staying in at the time (I kind of agree with that, too).

To really get a good taste of each of the WDW resorts, please go to the Dreams Unlimited Travel's "Around The World In 30 Days Tour" Webpage (http://198.65.141.47/) and poke around. Don't forget to view all their video footage of the resorts. And if you're looking for a great travel agency, don't forget Dreams Unlimited Travel (http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/index.html) (I used them for my last vacation and they were wonderful to work with). If you don't need a full-service agency, then check out the new DISavers (http://www.wdwinfo.com/dissavers/dissavers1.html) service. I just joined DISavers and will be saving several hundred dollars on my upcoming vacation.

Whatever you decide to do, and wherever you decide to stay, I hope your vacation is magical.

[Mickey76]

:)

I think the moderates are great. I have stayed at the CBR and I liked it alot. I just wish Piglet203 had been there with me, because it would have beenb a better vacation. She has stayed at the POFQ and she liked it too. We'll both be staying at the CSR next month and we think that, from what we've seen and heard, it's a great resort. If we had more money, of course we'd like to stay at the WL or AKL (we're saving the Polynesian for our honeymoon, someday). However, having the extra money allows us to spend a lot on souveniers. :D OYu have said that you already stayed at the CBR, so why not try either the PO or CSR. Have a great time!

Mickey76:)

[daannzzz]

All of the moderates are really fun and the food courts are good though each one is run differently. It all depends on what theme you would like. CBR is the largest and most spread out but the rooms are bigger and it is more colorful than the others. POFQ is the smallest so easy to get around but IMHO is the blandest of the four.

[halfway there]

RNMOM - Just a few questions about CSR: You say that the walking was bad. Can you give any comparisons between that and the CBR or Riverside? Anyone? I'm wondering which will be easiest to navigate. (We're spoiled by deluxe resorts!) Also, you mentioned the food courts but isn't there a couple of restaurants at CSR too? I know the CBR only had a food court until recently and I've not heard good things about the restaurant. We prefer a sitdown restaurant (again, spoiled) Yeah, I'd like to try WL or AKL next if the price is right but I will get to all of them eventually anyway!

It seems like quite a few have plans to visit CSR in the very near future so maybe I should wait till I hear some more reports? We've never stayed in the AK area yet so I'm kinda leaning toward that but if you had to choose between CSR and AKL, most would say AKL? Yes? No?

Janet2K - Thanks for the links! I will check those out. Since you've stayed at CBR and CSR, how would you compare the two?
See, now I'm thinking about one of the Lodges. I hope that special is good for all resorts.

Mickey76 - When you say PO, are you referring to FQ or Riverside? 'Cause I am interested in info on Riverside but FQ I've already stayed in. CBR I would consider again, if only for the sake of my kids. They drooled with envy when we visited friends there one year!

Finally, daannzzz, I'm not really too concerned about theme altho' it probably will influence my final decision. I'm more interested in ease of commute and amenities. You mentioned that the food courts are all run differently. Could you elaborate? I'm also interested to know why you think FQ is the blandest?

In case you can't tell I am very anal when it comes to planning our Disney trips!! Once we're there I can usually relax and have fun...sorta!!!

[SME]

We just returned from CSR and this was the 2nd time we stayed there. We really like it. The first time we were in the Cabanas and this time the Ranchos. Like both equally. I would definitely recommend staying there again.

[daannzzz]

The food court at Carribean Beach resort has numerous windows Styles of food. Ie; Italian, Sandwich, burger. You go to the cash register for each window, place your order, pay and move forward to wait for your food. Food is served on Paper and plastic with plastic knoves and forks.
At POR (Dixie Landings) You go to different windows and order your food or take it out of cold cases and everyone goes over to the cash registers and pays. Food is served on Paper and plastic.
At POFQ. You go to the cash register and order from the menue and pick up the food from one(or two) bid windows. food is served on Paper and plastic.

At Coronado Springs. You are guided by a cast member to your table. which is set with real silver ( metal) ware. Each person in your party is given a card to take around to the different food stands. you order what you want, they stamp the card and you pay on the way out including an automatic 10% gratuity. (this can be waived if you order your food to go. Food is served on glassware.

It is just my opinion that POFQ is bland because all the buildings are the same or similar. At CBR, CSR and POR there are numerous styles of buildings at different angels and spread out. PORQ is set up like a little city with streets but the buldings all meld together and there is not effort to make each area look different, architecturally. It is still cute and the gardens are nice but just not as interesting to me.

[rosebery]

I've stayed at both Riverside and FQ, and both were acceptable, although I did prefer Riverside despite the extra walking (all that water in the middle you have to walk around). I agree that FQ is a little bland -- the theming seems forced, and the pool is not quite as interesting. (My kids loved the Riverside water slide.) Transportation (by bus) was quick in both cases -- we had a room fairly near the main bus depot in Riverside. But I found both moderates noisier and busier than the deluxes (food courts can be packed at peak hours and there is that outside-hallway thing) and slightly more cramped with a family of four. But they are a bargain, esp. with the discounts you can find on sites like www.mousesavers.com.

Riverside is very pretty, both the bayou and mansions sections. We saw lots of wildlife -- not only the typical ducks and bunnies, but also river otters in the river. But next time we're staying at CSR, just for variety (I've heard the pool and waterslide there are fun too).

Cheers,
Tara

[halfway there]

Thanks SME! And daannzzz that info is extremely helpful! I guess I kinda liked the logic and order and sameness of FQ myself. Straight lines and square bldgs are kinda my thing, although I like angles too (as long as they're straight! LOL). To each his own! It's true what someone said about it being good there's so much variety 'cause everyone's tastes are different.

rosebery, may I ask what bldg were you in at Riverside? And do you have any recommendations as far as Bayou or mansions?

Thanks!

[DeeCee]

The only moderate that I've stayed at is PO Riverside. This is my favorite Disney resort! We always split our stay between a few resorts (I, like you, would love to visit them all:) ), but this is always a must for the biggest part of our trip.

They just have so much to offer. They have a great sit down restaurant (I've only eaten breakfast here, but it was super each time.) I love there food court. There is a lot of variety. They have a beautiful main pool and several (6 I think) quiet pools with laundry facilities at them.

You can rest all types of boats and bikes. I also love that you can take the ferry to DD. (for me that is the biggest perk).

The grounds are beautiful. I love to just walk around.

I'm sure the other resorts are just as great, but, as I said, I haven't been to them YET. I just wanted to let you know why I love Riverside.:) I'd be happy to answer any ?'s, if I can.

Have fun planning.

[SeaSpray]

The only moderate I've stayed at is CBR and I LOVE it :)

I have some web pages with pictures and info, the links are below if you'd like to take a look :)

[halfway there]

DeeCee - I love your sig line! Mr. Toad was my favorite ride!
I've heard so many good things about Riverside! I guess my opinion had been skewed by a bad experience my mother and sister had there once a long time ago. So many people like it I decided to consider it this time esp since the mod rates are so low this summer! Now when we stayed at FQ in '98 the boats to DD were not running for some reason so I never got to take advantage of this feature. How long would you say it takes to get there from POR? Are the surrey bikes available there?
Thanks for your input!

And Seaspray thanks for the memories!!! Great pics!

[DeeCee]

halfway there,

The boat ride to DD is about 20 minutes each way. I find it so relaxing and the breeze is nice on a day in July:) .

Yes, they do have surrey bikes available. Every year we talk about renting one, but have yet to do it.


I'm sorry your mom and sister had a bad experience there. I know that can really turn you off of a place.

Anything else?

[Luv2Roam]

We have stayed at CSR (January '01) and ASMo (January '02) and have POR coming up next month.
I actually liked ASMo better than CSR. DH liked CSR better. I think he liked the resort feel better and without a doubt the Pepper Market. He REALLY liked the PM.:rolleyes: Esp the fresh pastries and food.
I didn't mind the food court at ASMo. There was nothing wrong with anything we had and the prices were reasonable, esp by Disney standards.
The CM's were MUCH nicer and more efficient at ASMo than CSR. No comparison for us.
CSR had a hot water issue while we were there and I don't know if that was the norm for them or not. Even the hot tub water wasn't hot.
CSR is much more spread out than ASMo. At ASMo everything was a convenient walk for us. CSR (Casitas 4) was not a FAR walk to EL Central (or whatever it's called). But it certainly wasn't convenient either. We just had to decide how badly we wanted that free refill drink after walking the parks all day too. :rolleyes: Sometimes the pop machine was more inviting.
At ASMo the walk was no big deal at all.
The CSR laundry facilities were GREAT. The laundry facilities at ASMo were a ROYAL pain and I would not attempt it there again. Not unless you have a lot of free time for a few loads amd want to jockey (and pray) for the few available washers and dryers.
CSR was great looking and well kept.
ASMo was fun and quirky and well kept.
I would just go with rate and theming to decide. We picked POR over CSR just to go with something different.

[Gabrielle]

I recommend going to the FQ in the summer. I'm thinking of the heat and weariness factors. FQ is compact and everything is a short walk from the room.

The moderates are great if you're renting a car. You can park close to your building and have just a short walk from car to room.

[Buzz2001]

Check out my web site below for CSR. Good luck deciding!

[Janet2k]

Halfway there, I don’t know if I can compare the CBR or the CSR as I really enjoyed both of them. I liked both resorts’ main & quiet pools. I liked both resorts’ food courts. Hhhmmmm. As to the lodges, I have stayed at both the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite resort of all time, so I would point you towards that one. Of course the Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom Resort, so if you’re going to be spending the bulk of your time in the Magic Kingdom, then I would point you towards that resort. However, if you are going to be bopping all over the World, I would point you at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in a heartbeat. The resort is unique and has some of the best Cast Members found on property. This, of course, is my humble opinion, and others’ opinions will vary, as it should be.

[halfway there]

Thanks again DeeCee!! And Luv2Roam for all your info too!

Buzz, I saw your link on another thread last night but I am honored to have you include it in mine too. I was so impressed! Not just with the resort but your pictures are great!! I was really saying "definitely CSR this time..."

Until today, of course :rolleyes:, now after reading the way Janet2k is gushing over AKL, I want to stay there! I'm so fickle! Actually I do want to stay in that area anyway. I should probably call and see what they have available before everything is taken!

Thanks!

[Janet2k]

Halfway there, I think I gush over the AKL because when I stayed there for the very first time, it was under the dark cloud of possible breast cancer. My vacation was literally almost cancelled at the last minute, but I chose to go ahead with it (I found out in the late afternoon and hopped on a red-eye flight to Florida that night). I thought it would be the worst vacation ever due to my circumstances. However, once I set foot on property at the AKL, the Disney magic began to happen. I don't know how Disney does it, but they can transport me to another place and time. The Cast Members at the AKL had no idea about my personal situation, but I don't think they could have been nicer to my family had they known. The Cast Members there, in my humble opinion, are some of the best at WDW. Anyhow, the AKL will always hold a very, very special place in my heart. By the way, a few weeks after I returned home, and several more rounds of tests, I was given a clean bill of health. This time. Breast cancer runs in my family and I will never stop worrying about it.

Here is a link to some of my WDW resort photos. I’ve got photos in there of the AKL, CBR, CR, GF, BW, and I forget what else. Janet2k's On-Line Photo Albums (http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/rlst?.dir=/&.src=ph&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/vwp%3f.dir=/Walt%2bDisney%2bWorld/Fishing%2bExcursions%26.dnm=Fishing%2bInside%2bEpc ot.jpg%26.src=ph).

Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you have a magical vacation.

[GeorgeG]

My personal vote goes to the CBR, but I'm sure any of the moderates are nice, too. It's just that we've found something we like in the CBR and have decided not to mess with success. I guess it all depends on the theme that appeals to you the most.

We switched to the CBR after a number of years at the Contemporary. While we certainly liked the CR, we didn't like it "twice as much" as the CBR (thinking $'s).

Basically, though, if you're staying anywhere onsite, you're ahead of the rest of the world.

[DeeCee]

I have to echo what Janet2K said, the AKL is an outstanding resort! My second favorite behind POR. We are heading back there this summer, too.

[halfway there]

WOW Janet2k! What extraordinary circumstances you experienced! I can see why AKL would have special meaning for you. You were very brave to head off anyway and it paid off!
I believe everyone has at least one resort that they have some sentimental feeling about. With AKL though, I have not heard one bad report yet. Maybe because it is so new or maybe it's just that good! I like to hear from people who really, really like a resort, their enthusiasm is catchy. So I hope you don't think I meant it in a bad way.
I'm glad you had such a magical trip that time and I hope you have many more (cancer-free especially!) You're right about Disney's ability to magically transport you out of your hum drum existence if for only a short time. I feel that way every time we go. I guess that's why everyone loves it so much!

Thanks again everybody! I will be sure to let you all know where we end up!

[WedWay72]

We still think the moderates have some of the finest landscaping in all of Disney. Although the rooms are simpler and smaller the grounds are something else. Riversside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach....all area beautifully themed. Very family friendly as well.

[halfway there]

Yes, WedWay, the moderates are very charming in their own right and we will probably end up in one of them due to the great low prices. Altho' AKL will be calling me for a long time to come...
BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed your site! I originally found it through the link on Buzz's site. (So you'll have to thank him). You people are so talented!!

[jellypooh]

I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (when it was still Dixie Landings in 2000) and loved it. I have to admit that the only other resort we have stayed at was All Star Sports a few years ago, so not much else to compare to, but even after looking at the other moderates, I would still chose POR again. This year we got a wonderful deal on POFQ, since it reopened for our dates, so we will be trying this side of Port Orleans this time. We are planning on walking to POR just to walk around - the grounds are beautiful.


7/1995 - First time to WDW offsite
3/1997 - Honeymoon ASSP
8/2000 - POR
7/2002 - POFQ

Only 94 days to go!! WooHoo