Yet another one.... CSR or POP?!

[Christinaxo]

Hello all

We are preparing for our upcoming stay at CSR and I can not help but be nervous! I am so intimidated by the size and the multiple bus stops! We were initially going to stay at POP with FD but with the cost to upgrade to the regular dining plan it made sense to just stay at a moderate. With only CSR and CBR we went with CSR. We have always liked the look and appeal of the resort but have no choice to go by reviews since we have never experienced it ourselves. Weve only been to WDW once and we stayed at AKL. Everything was indoors and it felt small so it was nice. Will we be disappointed? Everything about the resort looks awesome and we will be on DDP so I am not really worried about the QS or anything. Its weird because if POR was included in the promotion we would stay even though it is huge and has alot of bus stops. I requested Cabanas 9A hoping to be close to bus stop, pool, and QS. I guess I am wondering if it would be safer to just stay at POP since they have better reviews overall. Any advice greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Disney4Shaw]

We really liked CSR when we stayed there. We have not stayed at a value yet so it's hard to compare. CSR has good atmosphere and is really pretty at night. We were fairly close to a bus stop. I don't remember bus transportation being bad. The room was nice. Not quite like a deluxe, but nice.

 

[jasonpope2003]

We went to CSR last year. Loved it.
its big. but its mature and gorgeous. We did not want to stay at one of the more family related resorts we liked the more mature setting of CSR and the conference center. The restaurant was fantastic we ate there 2 times in the week the Sitdown not the court. great margaritas and steaks and fajitas.

The only negative I can think of was the distance to the front to get drinks or food. that was the bad part. which coupled with the tiny size of the cups they sell became an issue to the point we drove out and hit a mini mart for soda and drinks for the room.

Other than that was great and we will be going back this year as well.

 

[ariane37]

I can't really help you, just want to say we're kind of in the same boat We're staying at CSR for the first time in August. I'm excited, the kids are excited about the pool - but I'm also nervous b/c of the size! We never felt size was an issue at the deluxes we've stayed at and of course didn't have a size issue at POFQ. We didn't like how far the LM rooms are from main building and bus stop at AOA though......

So having said all that, I'm still looking forward to trying it out! I love the looks of it and I have found lots of positive reviews. We didn't feel like FQ again; considered renting points again for BW or another deluxe but nothing good was coming up so CSR here we come ! I don't even think you can compare it to AKL so I wouldn't. And since your first choice was POR, hopefully the size at CSR won't bother you.

I also requested Cabanas 9A lol. So fingers crossed we both get our request and find a new resort we love

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Another one in the same boat.... we've stayed at All Star Sports the last 2x but booked POFQ then found out that it wasn't included in the FD so switched to CSR. The major pull of the mod and particularly those 2 mods over the others & the value resorts was the QUEEN beds vs. a full bed. Throw in the free dining (table service included not the quick service plan) and I was sold. From the conversations I have read/heard, the size of POFQ and CSR are actually quite similar. CSR from what I understand has it's own bus as well vs. sharing with other resorts, so while there may be a few stops, its all at the same resort.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I stayed at CSR last year. As another person posted, I felt it more "mature" especially walking around at night closer to the conference center. There were business people outside doing adult drinking and smoking. They were not noisy or anything, just standing around talking.

My personal opinion between the two, I liked POP better cause I liked the more kid friendly environment, but honestly I didn't go over to the fun pool that the kids all like, and that isn't in the area I walked by.

I did not find the bus stops far from our room, any more than when I stayed at POP. Keep in mind you are at Disney and there is so much beauty to see that you can make the walk no matter where you are going, fun.

I've also POR and POFQ. When I stayed at POR the busses were a lot more crowded and part of that was the amount of strollers compared to CSR.

If this is about the upgraded meal plan being free, I would stick with CSR and enjoy the fun pool. But honestly, the other thing is we were so busy with the food plan/TS and parks that we were hardly at the resort so I didn't see a lot nor did I get to lay on a hammock.

Not sure how much this post helps, but thought I would offer the try.
I think you will like CSR as many many families do. You won't really know until you give it a try.

 

[Lillabelle0]

I have stayed at POR, CSR, CBR, and POP. CSR is nice but the convention part was a negative for me. I didn't find the bus stops to be a problem but then again, I am a fan of CBR. IMO, the best thing about CSR is the pool. My kids loved it. They don't want to stay there again though. I don't like the theming either but they do have nice beds and central AC! Enjoy your stay!!

 

[RapunzelIsMyHomeGirl]

I've stayed at POP, CSR and SSR; of the three, CSR is my favorite followed by POP

I would choose CSR over POP:
- much more deluxe feeling than the other moderates (I've only walked through the others--not stayed at them)
- everything seems more modern
- The pool is AMAZING; I never used the quiet pools because the big pool was great with the slide and never felt too crowded; at POP I avoided the main pool because it was so noisy and just used the smaller pool
- it's gorgeous and tranquil
- water activities

The only benefits I feel POP could have over CSR are:
- closer to the buses (I experienced: casitas 5 at CSR; bowling pin? area at POP)
- dining area at POP felt more Disney as it was right next to the store and more kid-friendly theming
- The theming of the grounds can be really fun for kids at POP
- there may be a large convention at CSR

 

[ariane37]

Another one in the same boat.... we've stayed at All Star Sports the last 2x but booked POFQ then found out that it wasn't included in the FD so switched to CSR. The major pull of the mod and particularly those 2 mods over the others & the value resorts was the QUEEN beds vs. a full bed. Throw in the free dining (table service included not the quick service plan) and I was sold. From the conversations I have read/heard, the size of POFQ and CSR are actually quite similar. CSR from what I understand has it's own bus as well vs. sharing with other resorts, so while there may be a few stops, its all at the same resort.

I think you mean the size of POR and CSR are similar FQ is the smallest of the mods and very compact. Has one bus stop which is great, except when you share buses with POR! Didn't happen our first stay at FQ but did happen our 2nd stay and it was hell Haven't stayed at POR, just walked around (beautiful) and ate in food court. They have 4 (5?) bus stops so that is similar to CSR. We really dislike the size of POR and the bus situation totally turned us off. When we shared, by the time we hit the 2nd Riverside stop the bus was usually full and so they and the folks at stops 3 & 4 had to stand or wait for another bus. Not sure why this isn't concerning me about CSR lol!! Possibly b/c they don't share with another resort?? Possibly b/c we're planning on a car this time Even so I think the not sharing will make it better than POR. Honestly, I've read more negative reviews of the buses at POR than I have at CSR.

The convention thing is bothering me, either. I know it's been said there's less of a Disney "vibe" at CSR, but I think between the parks and other things you can still get enough Disney while there (although, is there ever enough Disney??) Plus I just want to judge for myself. I did see there's some type of convention the last few days we're there but again, I mostly read that the conventions don't effect those vacationing. I don't think they use the buses that much, and if they do it's probably mostly at night and same with the pools. My guess too would be that they may stay away from the main pool where the kids are, and stick to the quiet pools......just a guess.

The queen beds are definitely a plus. Because we wanted to try something different from FQ and have no desire to stay at Riverside, that pretty much left CSR due to no queens yet at CBR!

 

[DizDaD7]

Honestly, there's comparison here. For the little bit of $$ to upgrade Its well worth it, by far.

Not that POP is terrible,(because I like it a lot) it's just the sheer fact that you get so much more at a mod than at a value....And this is any mod. The fact that you are staying CSR just boosts it even further. CSR is basically a deluxe-lite.... Its one of the nicest themed resorts. So beautifully done with 3 separate distinct areas to stay in. The only one that's sorta secluded is the Ranchos section. (If u want quiet than this is your spot) but if you don't get what u requested in cabanas, then Casitas is just as fine..I actually like it a lot better,

True this resort is a lil larger, but remember unless you pay extra$$$ to stay in the 60's & 70's section at POP then it's not a close walk either.

The pools are way better. The pepper market is way better than the food court, the Maya grill is excellent, they have cafe rix, and also lounge. Largest hot tub on property. Spa/ gym area.
And the best of all, their bus service.....Its the best out of all resorts including deluxes too.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Honestly, there's comparison here. For the little bit of $$ to upgrade Its well worth it, by far.

Not that POP is terrible,(because I like it a lot) it's just the sheer fact that you get so much more at a mod than at a value....And this is any mod. The fact that you are staying CSR just boosts it even further. CSR is basically a deluxe-lite.... Its one of the nicest themed resorts. So beautifully done with 3 separate distinct areas to stay in. The only one that's sorta secluded is the Ranchos section. (If u want quiet than this is your spot) but if you don't get what u requested in cabanas, then Casitas is just as fine..I actually like it a lot better,

True this resort is a lil larger, but remember unless you pay extra$$$ to stay in the 60's & 70's section at POP then it's not a close walk either.

The pools are way better. The pepper market is way better than the food court, the Maya grill is excellent, they have cafe rix, and also lounge. Largest hot tub on property. Spa/ gym area.
And the best of all, their bus service.....Its the best out of all resorts including deluxes too.

I completely agree here. We've stayed at both POP and CSR and while we really enjoyed POP, we loved CSR so much more and for the small amount to upgrade, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Will also add that if you're afraid of ending up in the Ranchos section because of the distance to the main building, then I'd suggest to pay for a preferred room.

 

[kmv]

We have stayed at both. 2 years ago at CSR and this past May at Pop. My kids (9 and 3) enjoyed the decor at Pop, busing was quick, easy and a close walk to our room, food court was convenient.
CSR had a wonderful pool with a slide, beautiful grounds, bigger nicer room, we were right by the main building and busing. Busing was kind of a pain to stop at 3 stops every time.

I personally enjoyed CSR a million times more as did my 9 year old. My 3 yr old loved Pop and my husband said he truly liked them both.

 

[shyjade]

I am happy to hear all the great reviews for CSR. We have stayed at Pop and it's perfectly fine, but I'm looking for a more relaxing vacation vibe to our next trip. I've decided to upgrade from Pop to CSR. I'm looking forward to more comfortable beds (I found the beds at Pop to be miserably hard), nicer décor and a beautiful resort with an atmosphere much different than what we get here in Wisconsin. I'm looking forward to that relaxing feeling wash over me when I step foot on the grounds (like it has at the deluxe resorts we've stayed at) but never experienced at the values. Staying at the values feels like "we're at Disney" more than it feels like "we're on vacation".

 

[wdwjeffc37]

CSR all the way. In my opinion Conventions actually make it better for families staying there. In the mornings none of the convention people are going to the parks so the buses are not crowded at all. If they are going to go to the pearls at all it will probably be after four because that's when the special convention tickets usually start. I think that the resort has something for everyone. The Dig Site pool is great for kids and adults alike. The slide and pool games for the kids and the hot tub and pool bar for the adults. They also do marshmallow roasting and outdoor movies there in he evenings. We always stay in the Cabanas section (we like building 8A) because it is close to the main pool, the Ranchos quiet pool, and the bus stop. For a little more money than a value you get so much more. Have fun.

 

[vettegirl]

Stayed at both and CSR is way more relaxing and just overall a beautiful resort.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[LoverDisney]

We stayed at Pop in 2012 and loved it, but this time I wanted a change. I upgraded to CSR so I am glad that the reviews are great so far.

 

[Christinaxo]

I can't really help you, just want to say we're kind of in the same boat We're staying at CSR for the first time in August. I'm excited, the kids are excited about the pool - but I'm also nervous b/c of the size! We never felt size was an issue at the deluxes we've stayed at and of course didn't have a size issue at POFQ. We didn't like how far the LM rooms are from main building and bus stop at AOA though......

So having said all that, I'm still looking forward to trying it out! I love the looks of it and I have found lots of positive reviews. We didn't feel like FQ again; considered renting points again for BW or another deluxe but nothing good was coming up so CSR here we come ! I don't even think you can compare it to AKL so I wouldn't. And since your first choice was POR, hopefully the size at CSR won't bother you.

I also requested Cabanas 9A lol. So fingers crossed we both get our request and find a new resort we love

HAHA too funny! Yes fingers crossed for pixie dust for us!

 

[Christinaxo]

Thanks everyone for the awesome reassurance! I do feel like it would be worth it because as some of you mentioned, CSR looks like we will feel like we are on "vacation" not just at Disney! We love Disney and are hooked already but it will be a nice break from the parks! Im thinking if I should try any of the restaurants. g Thanks again! August can not come soon enough!!!

 

[Praying Colonel]

We've stayed at both twice, including in the last 8 months. We like both but prefer CSR because it has more amenities than Pop (hot tub, quiet pools, etc.) and CSR has queen beds.

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks everyone for the awesome reassurance! I do feel like it would be worth it because as some of you mentioned, CSR looks like we will feel like we are on "vacation" not just at Disney! We love Disney and are hooked already but it will be a nice break from the parks! Im thinking if I should try any of the restaurants. g Thanks again! August can not come soon enough!!!

Honestly, if I were you I'd definitely try n score an adr at Maya Grill... This place is a hidden gem that not most know about, just mainly the CSR devotees. I also love the pepper market for quick service fare too.