First time Visit - Moderate worth upgrade from Value Resort?

[Murmur]

This is our first visit to WDW (myself, DW and 4 yr DD) and have our rooms booked in POP with the upgrade to FD. We have a room only res for Aug 30 (no FD) and the rest of the trip Aug 31 to Sept 6. Running numbers, this is what I come up with:

- POP with upgrade to the standard DP (what we currently have)
- CBR (includes standard DP) - additional $281.77 over POP
- CSR (" " " ) - additional $319.82 over POP

Since this is our first trip, I have been scouring the net to get an idea of whether to stay at POP or upgrade to one of the two mods - and I get plenty of positives and negatives for each resort. My current plan is to hit the parks in the morning and evening and relax at the resort during lunch.

Are we good to stay at POP, or is it worth it to upgrade to either CBR or CSR (both still have availability for us)? Looking for some thoughts since we have never been here before and want to try to make the best of it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Pop is a wonderful resort, i think your DD would love it. The theme is fun and vibrant, they have the best poolside entertainment staff, and if you get a lakeview room, its gorgeous.

However, the upgrade to CBR isnt a huge $ amount. CBR has zero entry pools and a wicked pirate ship splash structure for little ones, your DD would love it. Thats a huge bonus. CSR only has a kids wading pool, pretty boring. The downfall from CBR to CSR is that CBR has double beds while CSR has queen.

So you have to weigh the positives and negatives, whats important to you. It all depends on your taste. Some people wouldnt set one pinky toe in a value resort while people like myself absolutely love it!!!!

In your situation, i think either POP or CBR would be a good choice. I'd go for CBR if you can swing it financially.

 

[PonyChick79]

We went to Pop last year for the first time and upgraded our dining. We loved it. I've stayed at CBR and actually prefer Pop. CBR is VERY spread out. Both are beautiful resorts. In my opinion the pool is better at CBR. I prefer the food court at Pop over the one at CBR. (check out the menus as we all have different tastes) The beds are the same size since CBR doesn't have queen beds. I don't know anything about CSR from personal experience. It's really all in what you are looking for.

My daughter who was 2.5 at the time had a blast at Pop and so did we. We are going back this year.

 

[goofyintoronto]

We went to Pop last year for the first time and upgraded our dining. We loved it. I've stayed at CBR and actually prefer Pop. CBR is VERY spread out. Both are beautiful resorts. In my opinion the pool is better at CBR. I prefer the food court at Pop over the one at CBR. (check out the menus as we all have different tastes) The beds are the same size since CBR doesn't have queen beds. I don't know anything about CSR from personal experience. It's really all in what you are looking for.

My daughter who was 2.5 at the time had a blast at Pop and so did we. We are going back this year.

I was at pop in August, and while we use to love the food court there, in august, it was so disappointing. Since the station on the far right has closed down (so there were only 3 out of 4 stations open), there werent as many options as there use to be.

 

[Skywise]

That's a hard call for a first time...

If your plan is to spend some significant time at the resorts during the afternoons (younger children? Nap time? using the pools?) I'd say splurge for the moderate where you could enjoy a decent lunch or early dinner too.

 

[minniegirl19]

Im not sure because i haven't been following exactly but have seen people talk about it here and there.. Theres renovations going on at CBR I'm not sure when its done but its something to look into to see if it will effect you! I have never stayed at CBR but have visited and the bus service was awful i would never stay there because of how spread out it is and how many stops are in the resorts for the buses.

 

[mrsparker13]

You also have to take into consideration that if you upgrade to a moderate your free dining plan changes from a quick service to the regular plan!!! You would have a table service each day you could use to book character meals and such! We stayed at CBR last September and absolutely loved it!! Would probably upgrade to preferred room as well bc the resort is a little on the big side.

 

[Murmur]

Everyone, thanks for the replies! We decided to stay at POP this time around. Being our first visit (with more future visits) we decided to keep it nice and simple, especially since we have no idea on what to expect from this trip. We will just use the money towards the memory maker package.

Looking forward to a great trip!

 

[Princesca]

Really just depends on preferences. DH and I stayed at Pop in 2012 and swore we'd never go back. We don't have kids, so the theming does not balance the madcap chaos at that resort, for us. I also think the overall ratio of kids to parents at Pop is very lopsided so there is not as much supervision, or that's how it felt. For kids, I think it's great. We are at CSR this time; won't be doing a value again.

 

[Wendybird55]

I prefer POP over moderates (I've stayed at all Moderates) because it's just easier to get around. Moderates are very large and spread out and include an internal bus system to get from area to area - so depending upon where your room is, it could take awhile to get from bus stop to your room via bus route or walking.

I think your daughter will enjoy the bright colors and fun theme of POP..the food court is very good and offers a nice variety of food. There's also a nice little play area.

Yes the room in a moderate is bigger...but to tell you the truth, if you're going back to room for nap in afternoon - moderate or value you're in one room with 2 beds, chair, table and TV...and you and wife will need to be quiet for daughter to rest...but then, all of you may need a nap.


From my experience, I vote POP and you can use the saved money for a special treat like Wishes Dessert Party - or extra OP TS meal...or more souveniers!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Everyone, thanks for the replies! We decided to stay at POP this time around. Being our first visit (with more future visits) we decided to keep it nice and simple, especially since we have no idea on what to expect from this trip. We will just use the money towards the memory maker package.

Looking forward to a great trip!

Pop is a wonderful resort! We love it there. I think you'll have a great time. If you have a standard room, (not a preferred one), ask for lakeview in the 60's building (ground floor would be great). Its so pretty!!! Gorgeous view. its like youre at a different resort. Try walking over to the bridge and drop some goldfish crackers or bread in the water, you will see tons of huge fish swim to the surface. Such a neat thing to see. While youre there, cross over the bridge to the Art of Animation. Love walking around that place!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I love Pop - have a great trip!