Can't decide!!!! Coronado springs OR French quarter!!

[pannm]

Please help me decide! I like both. Tell me what you like, what you dislike, what the perks, tips and tricks are of both please...

We currently have ressies for French quarter for 7 nights on the S,P,D deal. Coronado is $5 more per night, is it worth the $5 more per night or no?

Why would you choose one over the other? Does one have better transportation times, more frequency?

Which pool is better? Hot tubs are better? Which rooms are better? (Bigger? better locations for the Standard view rooms)

We are staying in the standard view no matter which resort we're at.

Does one have better snack, food, activity options?

I know French quarter has bon fires, I don't know much more.

If you absolutely dislike one resort, please don't just say "I can't stand XXXX , I'd never stay there." Because that does not help me. I need to know WHY. I need to hear the positives and negatives of both.

I like the looks of both. I like that French quarter is smaller...does that mean less walking to get to the dinning/activities/bus stops??? I think the pool LOOKs cooler at Coronado- but is it just the pictures that Disney has posted to make it look that cool???

Please help. Rooms are available at Coronado currently, and our current ressie is for French quarter. If I wait until the 8th (when the offer is available to the general public), the rooms may fill up pretty fast.

 

[scanmom]

I like it more than CS because of the size and the themeing. I thought CS would be better food wise, but I found that I really didn't like Pepper Market. The whole place was hectic feeling to me, despite the size. And I went to the pool at CS to use the hot tub, but it was nothing special. I walked around the pool area at POFQ, and it seemed ok. The themeing there appealed to me as well. I guess I can't give too many specifics, but I definitely liked POFQ much more. And I expected the opposite.

 

[lizabean]

have stayed here 8 times . the boat to down town is the draw i always request river front nice to have coffee on the walk and watch the boats. dont have any childeren any more so it,s very small and enjoyable

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

The pool is nicer at CSR. I didn't like the food court at CSR at all. I don't remember the hot tub so I guess it wasn't anything special.

But I like the room better and the buses better at POFQ. I loved the boat to DTD. It's a much smaller resort.

Between the 2, I'd choose POFQ. But then I don't spend more than one afternoon at the pool so the pool isn't a big draw for me.

 

[danceteachermom]

I have stayed at both. I prefer CSR over POFQ.

What I like about CSR:
-The grounds are gorgeous and the resort is beautiful. Love walking around the resort and the Southwest theme. Beautiful lobby area.
-Love the variety of food choices...Pepper Market plus a quick service area, bar, table service, great food at the pool too.
-The pool is my favorite on property.....large and lots of seating. The hot tub is the largest on Disney property and MUCH nicer than the one at POFQ.
-Multiple Bus stops and the resort does not share buses.
-Has the feel of a Deluxe.
-Nice playground area, they also do bonfire, s'mores, and outdoor movies.

What I like about POFQ:
-Rooms are nice...recently remodeled.
-The boat to DTD.
-Selections at food court.
-Small grounds are great if you are there when it is cooler...less walking.

I would choose CSR mainly for the pool, the transportation, hot tub, and variety of food choices. Both resorts are nice. I doubt you would dislike either. The boat to DTD is wonderful....if you spend a lot of time there, POFQ would be a great choice. That being said, I think CSR is worth the extra $5 a night.

We are debating between CSR and VWL for our next trip.

 

[wdwnut61]

FQ

We love the central location, small size, boat to DTD, recently updated rooms and the friendly staff.

To be honest we have never stayed at CSR and while it looks beautiful for our family we prefer the compactness of FQ.

 

[DWillowBay]

I've stayed at both. They are very different, so depending on what you're looking for, either is lovely. FQ is small, peaceful and you have the advantage of the boat to DtD and the use of all the facilities at POR, which is also very nice. CSR, on the other hand is very large, but BEAUTIFUL! The benefits there are the fitness facilities and the massage/ spa benefits. The large pool is great and there are an abundance of small/ quiet pools. The drawback, at least for me, at CSR is the possibility of being there when a conference group is also there (I got caught with the cheerleading competition...they were very nice girls, but there were SO MANY OF THEM. ) The theming at both are great. I like the food court at FQ much better, but others have praise for the Pepper Market. It wasn't horrible, but not my favorite. It really just comes down to what suits your needs best. Have a great trip, no matter what!!

 

[EMom]

I've stayed at both. They are very different, so depending on what you're looking for, either is lovely. FQ is small, peaceful and you have the advantage of the boat to DtD and the use of all the facilities at POR, which is also very nice. CSR, on the other hand is very large, but BEAUTIFUL! The benefits there are the fitness facilities and the massage/ spa benefits. The large pool is great and there are an abundance of small/ quiet pools. The drawback, at least for me, at CSR is the possibility of being there when a conference group is also there (I got caught with the cheerleading competition...they were very nice girls, but there were SO MANY OF THEM. ) The theming at both are great. I like the food court at FQ much better, but others have praise for the Pepper Market. It wasn't horrible, but not my favorite. It really just comes down to what suits your needs best. Have a great trip, no matter what!!

ACK! We booked at CSR and well after we booked, they announced cheerleaders could be there. I am not happy. What was the impact on your stay? (Wait time for bus, food, crowded pool, etc.?) Where were they (Casitas, Cabanas or Ranchos?) Where were you?

Thanks!

 

[Chaoticsweetness]

I have stayed at both CSR October last year & POFQ in December. They both are unique in their theming.

I adored PoFQ though. They had issues with their computer systems were down so we were unable to check in & get out DP stuff. The CMs went over & beyond to help us get settled & made up for the computers being down.

Their bus system was awesome, we never waited more than 5 minutes for one. The bus was never crowded to & from parks & DTD.

I really like the pool area at POFQ also, it wasn't crowded. They have one hot tub that no one was ever at.

CSR is nice also. The pool area was large & seemed peaceful. I really liked their ping pong table. My sister & a CM had a pretty good game, my sister won. The resort itself is beautiful. We only stayed one night, so we didn't do a lot with the activities. I have no complaints about the resort.

 

[baldy6060]

POFQ. We've stayed at both. CSR was pretty & pool & playground was nice but it didn't have that Disney feel. CMs weren't as friendly. It felt like a convention resort with more adults (some seemed to be hitting on my 15 yo DD). Food was mediocre. Took awhile to walk to front desk. POFQ feels like Disney. I felt it was worth every penny & if I stay moderate it will be PO. You can use either PO pool. The grounds are beautiful. I can't really complain about it at all. We even felt the food court pizza was pretty good. We just really enjoyed it a lot.

 

[mamamary]

That's a tough one. We stayed at both and loved both. I'm gonna give the edge to POFQ for the small size.

We liked rooms at both, I liked both food courts, the better pool area is CSR though. We had some rowdy convention people at CSR during our stay that woke us up one evening. They were very rowdy but I blame them not the resort. CSR is def. the prettier resort. We loved the boat to DTD at POFQ. Bus service was about even.

I'm the one in the family that does the most running around at the resort so I really appreciated being close to everything. One morning I made an early morning run for bkfst for the family and when I got back someone else wanted something - no problem - ran back. At CSR I would not have done that - too big.

 

[wiigirl]

FQ

We love the central location, small size, boat to DTD, recently updated rooms and the friendly staff.

To be honest we have never stayed at CSR and while it looks beautiful for our family we prefer the compactness of FQ.

 

[Shaden]

I have stayed at both. I prefer CSR over POFQ.

What I like about CSR:
-The grounds are gorgeous and the resort is beautiful. Love walking around the resort and the Southwest theme. Beautiful lobby area.
-Love the variety of food choices...Pepper Market plus a quick service area, bar, table service, great food at the pool too.
-The pool is my favorite on property.....large and lots of seating. The hot tub is the largest on Disney property and MUCH nicer than the one at POFQ.
-Multiple Bus stops and the resort does not share buses.
-Has the feel of a Deluxe.
-Nice playground area, they also do bonfire, s'mores, and outdoor movies.

What I like about POFQ:
-Rooms are nice...recently remodeled.
-The boat to DTD.
-Selections at food court.
-Small grounds are great if you are there when it is cooler...less walking.

I would choose CSR mainly for the pool, the transportation, hot tub, and variety of food choices. Both resorts are nice. I doubt you would dislike either. The boat to DTD is wonderful....if you spend a lot of time there, POFQ would be a great choice. That being said, I think CSR is worth the extra $5 a night.

We are debating between CSR and VWL for our next trip.

^^^^^ This

CSR for us hands down over POFQ. POR, another story.

 

[wzd081]

I've stayed at both the FQ and CSR. FQ is my absolute favorite hotel outside of the deluxe category (and even then I consider it a contender especially for the price). CSR is HUGE. When I stayed there it was a good 10 minuteish (I can't remember specifics, but it was one of the longest room to food court walks I've done at any Disney hotel I've stayed in, but of course room location always varies and yours could be less) walk or more to the food court. There's a huge lake in the middle of the property (as I'm sure you've seen) so there isn't a straight shot to the main area, you have to walk around. Also, as another poster has said if you get stuck there while a convention is going on it could get annoying. As several other people have said the boat from FQ to DTD is so awesome! It's pretty fast and it's just a nice peaceful ride. It also has its own buses (sometimes you share with Riverside which has 4 stops, but it's not an always thing as opposed to Coronado where you will always have 4 or so bus stops either leaving or coming back depending on where you get on, on the circuit).

 

[Shaden]

I've stayed at both the FQ and CSR. FQ is my absolute favorite hotel outside of the deluxe category (and even then I consider it a contender especially for the price). CSR is HUGE. When I stayed there it was a good 10 minuteish (I can't remember specifics, but it was one of the longest room to food court walks I've done at any Disney hotel I've stayed in, but of course room location always varies and yours could be less) walk or more to the food court. There's a huge lake in the middle of the property (as I'm sure you've seen) so there isn't a straight shot to the main area, you have to walk around. Also, as another poster has said if you get stuck there while a convention is going on it could get annoying. As several other people have said the boat from FQ to DTD is so awesome! It's pretty fast and it's just a nice peaceful ride. It also has its own buses (sometimes you share with Riverside which has 4 stops, but it's not an always thing as opposed to Coronado where you will always have 4 or so bus stops either leaving or coming back depending on where you get on, on the circuit).

To be fair, the Boat to DTD IS very nice, but it is not at all fast. How you could complain about the walk at CSR being way too long (and 10 mins is an overstatement most likely) The boat ride to DTD is actually 20+ mins. They even tell you that when you get on the boat, and that's not counting any time you have to wait for the boat. It is still a nice perk, but quick, its not.

There is a certain irony to some of the general thrusts of posts I see here (and be aware the DisBoards are POR and FQ army strongholds) ....

People point to CSR, and complain that its too big and can have too many people.

But at CSR its the size and layout of the resort which makes it seem like there are fewer people than there actually are. POFQ on the other hand, which is very compact, lacks the sweeping views and sprawling grounds, and is stacked three Stories high all around, actually seems cramped and more busy because there are so many people in such a tight space ...

 

[wzd081]

To be fair, the Boat to DTD IS very nice, but it is not at all fast. How you could complain about the walk at CSR being way too long (and 10 mins is an overstatement most likely) The boat ride to DTD is actually 20+ mins. They even tell you that when you get on the boat, and that's not counting any time you have to wait for the boat. It is still a nice perk, but quick, its not.

There is a certain irony to some of the general thrusts of posts I see here (and be aware the DisBoards are POR and FQ army strongholds) ....

People point to CSR, and complain that its too big and can have too many people.

But at CSR its the size and layout of the resort which makes it seem like there are fewer people than there actually are. POFQ on the other hand, which is very compact, lacks the sweeping views and sprawling grounds, and is stacked three Stories high all around, actually seems cramped and more busy because there are so many people in such a tight space ...

I was saying fast in the grand scheme of things. I wasn't trying to say it was a speed boat. Just that for a boat ride it was fast to me and comparable to a bus ride plus it let me off right in the center of DTD. Everything's relative.

Also, I didn't complain about the walk in any way. I simply stated that it was one of the longer walks to a food court that I've dealt with and estimated around what I thought it was. Also, I never complained that CSR was "too big". I simply stated that it was "huge", especially compared to the FQ. And as far as the people go I stated that if you are there with a convention it "could" get annoying. I apologize that you read what I wrote in a negative way as I was only stating my opinions and observations.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I've stayed at both and prefer CSR.

CSR pluses:
- Better pool. The pool at FQ looks more juvenile. The pool at CSR has a fun, long slide (I think longer than any of the other Mods). There are quiet pools, also.
- More food options. We've had several good meals at Pepper Market and Café Rix. I like getting my food and eating it while hot, like at Pepper Market, rather than having to get it in line, wait to pay for it, then wander around looking for a table. POFQ's food court was OK, but nothing special. IMO, it is too small for the resort.
- Scenery. CSR is beautiful, especially at night. It has more visual interest to me than POFQ. POFQ does feel like New Orleans Bourbon Street - narrow and everything close together. I like how spacious CSR is; I don't feel like I'm on top of the building next door.
- Better bus service. We've had good service at CSR on every trip, and the trip to POFQ was decent, but not outstanding. The CSR bus stops at the parks are often closer than POFQ's.
- The rooms at CSR have a more modern feel. The sliding wood door that separates the vanity area from the rest of the room is far superior to the curtain at POFQ. I can shower and get ready without waking the rest of my family.

We took the boat to DTD one night when we stayed at POFQ. I truthfully didn't see what the big draw is. It's a boat. It's not very speedy. It was January and it was quite a chilly ride.

Everyone always says how big CSR is. I never mind the walk - I'm too busy looking at the views across the lake, watching the birds and fish and turtles in the water, looking for rabbits. It has a lot more green space than POFQ and it just feels more like a resort to me.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi We have stayed at CSR twice and POR once. While we were at POR we visited French Quarter.

Personally I like CSR. The pool and hot tub area are awesome. If you are getting the dining plan I think the Pepper Market is a good deal. The rooms are nice and the resort is really beautiful. The resort is large but it is in a big circle so it is very easy to navigate. We stayed in Casitas and Cabanas and loved them both.

French Quarter is a lovely resort. The grounds are nice and it is much smaller. The resort just had a refurb about a year and a half ago. My personal opinion is that the main pool is really geared for smaller children. The food court is okay I feel POR is better. You could use all the amenities at POR if you choose. The one selling point for me is that you can get a boat to DD. We go there frequently and really enjoy it.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I've stayed at both and prefer CSR.

CSR pluses:
- Better pool. The pool at FQ looks more juvenile. The pool at CSR has a fun, long slide (I think longer than any of the other Mods). There are quiet pools, also.
- More food options. We've had several good meals at Pepper Market and Café Rix. I like getting my food and eating it while hot, like at Pepper Market, rather than having to get it in line, wait to pay for it, then wander around looking for a table. POFQ's food court was OK, but nothing special. IMO, it is too small for the resort.
- Scenery. CSR is beautiful, especially at night. It has more visual interest to me than POFQ. POFQ does feel like New Orleans Bourbon Street - narrow and everything close together. I like how spacious CSR is; I don't feel like I'm on top of the building next door.
- Better bus service. We've had good service at CSR on every trip, and the trip to POFQ was decent, but not outstanding. The CSR bus stops at the parks are often closer than POFQ's.
- The rooms at CSR have a more modern feel. The sliding wood door that separates the vanity area from the rest of the room is far superior to the curtain at POFQ. I can shower and get ready without waking the rest of my family.

We took the boat to DTD one night when we stayed at POFQ. I truthfully didn't see what the big draw is. It's a boat. It's not very speedy. It was January and it was quite a chilly ride.

Everyone always says how big CSR is. I never mind the walk - I'm too busy looking at the views across the lake, watching the birds and fish and turtles in the water, looking for rabbits. It has a lot more green space than POFQ and it just feels more like a resort to me.

Thanks for this post. We just changed from Riverside to CS and I was worried about doing it but going from a Royal room to a standard gave me another night for basically the same price. It was worth it to me. Plus my DD will be there with other cheerleaders.

I have looked at pictures and videos and CS is gorgeous! I have stayed at Riverside many times so I'm looking forward to something new. It's funny too that you mentioned the wooden doors separating the dressing area. That's one thing that I noticed and loved about the rooms there.

 

[ready123go]

We have stayed at both (& will stay at each again). Our disclaimer: in general, we prefer larger resorts, cruise ships, etc.

Prefer CSR for:
- The grounds, gorgeous and expansive. Lots of walking & we love to walk.
- Restaurants, loved the variety at the Pepper Market.
- Rooms seemed larger and more modern.
- Feels more like a Deluxe than a Moderate
- Seems less crowded, because of spreading layout.

- Drawback - cheerleading conventions in Feb. - Teenagers loosely supervised. Survivable, but ugh...

I've heard the CSR busses are less crowded, due to so many 'conventionears'. We have been there at a convention, so I can't speak to that. I don't notice any difference between transportation at the two resorts, but we go in Feb.


POFQ is nice for:
- Great theming.
- Good evening/ nightlife, if you like that sort of thing (we don't).
- Generally quaint.