Trying to decide on first time Resort

Hi all,

So we are planning our first WDW family trip for October 2016. My wife and daughter have never been to WDW before. The last time ** I ** went to WDW, the Disney Studios park wasn't even built yet, so I'm going to say that this is more or less all of our first times.

We are considering the 4 resorts below. It looks like many of you spend more time at Disney than at home, so if any of you have spent time at all 4 resorts, I was wondering if you could list a few pros and cons from your times at each?

The resorts we are considering:

Port Orleans: French Quarter
Port Orleans: Riverside
Caribbean Beach
Coronado Springs

We are looking to spend 10 days (including to and from travel days) and not really interested in switching resorts part way through either.

My wife and I are open to most things, and our 11 yr old loves to be in ANY hotel. While we're there to play hard at WDW and UO, we're also looking for some quiet time and relaxation periodically as well.

Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

I'll say that from a transportation standpoint, they're all pretty equal. POR, CBR an CSR are all very large resorts where upgrading to preferred rooms can make a big difference in your internal walks to things like feature pools, drinks and beverages, etc.

I'll also say that with 3 of you, you may be able to rent DVC points and stay at the Poly in a studio for just about the same cash room-only outlay.

I've stayed at all the ones you listed.

POFQ:
Pros - small resort so you can get to the main building quickly no matter where you're at. You also get picked up first when you share a bus with Riverside. The food court has some unique options (BEIGNETS) and the pool slide is really neat! I'm 19 and still love doing it. There's also a boat to Disney Springs.
Cons - the theming isn't my favorite and eating inside the food court creeps me out because they use actual props from mardi gras floats and there are some that are just creepy. Only 1 pool. Because of the small size of the resort there are no quiet/leisure pools here.

POR:
Pros - larger resort so you get a variety of quiet pools. The theming is more subtle than POFQ, and it feels more relaxing. The bayou rooms can hold up to 5 people, which is great, but it looks like it will just be 3 of you so that's not really an issue. There's also just a lot of recreation choices here, you could easily spend a day at the resort relaxing and having fun. The boat to Disney Springs also runs here. Also, Royal Rooms are here and they are BEAUTIFUL. They may appeal to your daughter, they are so neat.
Cons - the food court is meh as far as options go. It's not awful but it's never my first choice of places to eat. The bus situation here can be very...frustrating and intense. Depending on where your room is and which bus stop you are closest to and use, you may be waiting 2-4 buses to get on one in the morning (especially for Magic Kingdom).

Caribbean Beach:
Pros - amazing main/feature pool. We love it. The resort is just really well themed and laid back, and we love the recent remodel done to the rooms. Plus, pirate rooms are here and I don't care that I'm 19 I love staying in them and sleeping in a bed shaped like a boat.
Cons - like POR, this resort is really spread out and the bus system here can be even more frustrating than POR. We've never enjoyed our bus service here, but there are people who will say they had no issues so your mileage may vary. We also didn't care for the fact that the building you check in at is on the other side of the resort from the building where the main store and food court is.

Coronado Springs:
Pros - this hotel feels like a mini-deluxe at the cost of a mod. It just looks nicer than any of the other mods, and they offer more amenities since it is a convention resort. The main/feature pool here is my favorite out of the moderates, it is really neat. Out of the moderates, we've had the best bus experiences here. We never had to wait long for a bus, no matter which section we were in, and we found that for some reason the bus stops AT the parks (like for when you're exhausted after a full day and trudge out to head back) are really close to the exit. We appreciated this, especially at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. There was also a spa here when we stayed (I know it's been closed for a refurb so I'm not sure if it's open yet) and I love getting to go to that. You are also the most centrally located moderate staying here, and bus rides to every park aren't that bad. Even Animal Kingdom (which is farthest out) isn't all that bad of a ride. The rooms also look and feel the nicest here to me, out of all the moderates.
Cons - since it is a convention resort, sometimes the resort can feel very busy and it can be hard getting in to the lounges and food court because the convention goers that are staying there have flooded the area. This resort is SUPER spread out. You can't get from one end of the resort to the other without walking all the way around a giant lake. They do have CMs in golf cart things that can get you from place to place, but you can also use the buses to get from section to section. If theming is a big thing to you, this resort doesn't really have a theme most people enjoy. I personally do not care for it because it feels like I'm staying at a Hilton resort in San Antonio. We're from Texas, so the theming is just kinda eh for us. It just doesn't feel Disney to us, but that is a bonus for some people!


My favorite moderate is Coronado Springs just because of the amenities, with POR close behind! I think no matter where you choose, your family will have a great time.

Lots of great info above. Easywdw has a page with pics comparing all the moderates here:

http://www.easywdw.com/resorts/best-disney-world-moderate-resort-hotel/#more-863

I've stayed at all but Riverside and I agree with the Pro's and Con's listed above, though personally, my favorite of the 4 that you listed is PO French Quarter. In fact, that may be my favorite overall resort.

Personally, I LOVE the small size. The worst part of Disney, for me, is walking back to my room at the end of a long day, so POFQ's small size is great for me. It's also easy to get to the pool and food quart.

I recently returned from a trip to Caribbean Beach and while the hotel itself was nice, I'm not a fan of the huge spread out resorts, so I'd say if you do go for one of those, go with the preferred room to be closer to the action. I was only there for a long weekend, but while I was there I didn't see a CM after checking in - and I only checked in at the main building because I was early and I knew my room wasn't ready yet. If I'd gotten the text with my room number, I'd have gone a whole trip without seeing an employee. It may be fine for some people, but I didn't like it!

If you stay at either PO Resorts you can use the pools at both. We stay at POFQ and walk up to POR several times a trip. Plus if you are interested in going to Disney Springs you can take the boat rather than a bus (weather permitting)

I've stayed at all but CSR, mainly because it doesn't appeal to me. I would rank them as
POR
POFQ
CBR

POR our fav. Although it may be a large resort, unlike CBR & CSR that are built around lakes and walks can be long, POR is built along a river with several bridge crossings. We love the mansion section. The non Royal rooms are in Acadian House & Magnolia Terrace. I request a location close to foot bridge, convenient location.
Resort has beautiful theming and landscaping. Both POR resorts have a little extra to offer like boat transportation to DTD (now renamed Disney Springs), Carriage Rides, evening family entertainment in the lounge by Bob Jackson.
Good food court, our fav is the make your own pasta bar or salad bar. In the morning it's an omelet bar.
Lots of quiet pools as well as the feature pool. Very relaxing resort, even at full occupancy it doesn't feel it.

POFQ smaller resort but only a short walk to POR Riverside. It's more compact and not as spread out as POR so nowhere is really far from main buildings with shops, food, and bus stop. Theming is nice, and it's also along the river. So has the boat transportation, carriage rides, and different evening entertainer. I haven't seen the new guy so can't comment. Pretty landscaping but IMO because it's a more compact resort it doesn't feel as relaxing to me as Riverside. It's just my personal opinion. We do love it here too.
I do like the POR food court better although POFQ has some good options, notably the mentioned Begniets!
POFQ only has the one pool. And just one bus stop which is nice vs the multiple stops at the other moderates.

CBR pretty resort, beachy feel. Love the hammocks on the beaches. No elevators in the buildings, and no inside lounge. The main check in building is almost on opposite side of resort from the other buildings with food & resort shops. Odd set up. Very spread out around the lake with one bridge in the middle, so your best location without paying preferred is being close to foot bridge. We had a nice location in Jamaica by beach & quiet pool. Also was often first bus pick up. Beautiful landscaping. Food court was o.k. No extras like both POR resorts, but a nice resort.

There really is no bad choice on disney property and having never stayed in a resort, go with the theme that makes you happy. There isn't too much different from a value to a moderate as far as the room goes. A moderate tends to be a little nicer in it's theming and landscaping and generally has some more room options that are above what a value will give.

POR: Great place, many people favorites, several decent food places at the same resort, walking distance to POFQ.
POFQ: My favorite, much smaller, less food options than POFQ but walking distance to POR if you want to change it up one morning but stay nearby. It has a new orleans street neighborhood feel and being around nyc, it was a little comfort and vacation at the same time.
Both Port Orleans: The boat option to disney springs is really nice an enjoyable ride. The smell of honeysuckle in early december when it's blooming is amazing!

CBR: Just stayed there the first time last trip in sept. It was the best option for the discount I used when I booked (free meal plan). I wasn't unhappy, had a preferred room reasonably close to the main food area and first bus stop. Really good view of both epcot and hollywood studios fireworks. The bus will generally take 10-20 minutes longer than other resorts to get anywhere because of it's size and 6 bus stops. (note: I read that shortly after our last trip the buses might have changed and there's 2 different buses now but I would confirm that). I would stay again if it was the best option for best price (aka POFQ not available with the discount I am using).

CSR: Never stayed here. It is one of the convention resorts and the theme doesn't interest me much. It's a last choice for me personally but again there is no bad choice on disney property it just depends what your looking for in atmosphere, dining options and proximity to what parks and other resorts.

Of the four, I have only stayed at CSR, for a number of conventions, It is large, but with the bus system going around it you can get to park easy. But if you plan on eating everyday at the resort and are the far side, it will be a PIA.

Does the DD have any fav character? maybe you P do, the you could look into a character room? Also stayed at Poly, Art of ani, Fort Wilderness campground (they have cabins) depending on favor you are looking for offer great options. AOA i think have one of the best food service for a resort, in that is SO much choice in one place. Also AOA some rooms have second bathroon and separate Ps bedroom/bathroom with mini kitchen.(microwave,sink,fridge)

In this order:
POR
POFQ
CBR
CSR (never been to this resort)

But I could easily be convinced to switch the first two around. Those with very young kids may like POFQ better because of the pool theme. Older children would probably prefer the POR pool. The two resorts are within easy walking distance, or boat ride. As far as POR being a larger size resort, that doesn't matter to me. I am an early riser, I go to the food court for a cup of coffee and wander/explore the resort before it is fully awake. Just the hum of the CM carts moving about. But I can see it being a issue for those with very young children or those having problems walking long distances. POR will be the only resort we will have revisited after our stay there next year. We were in the Mansions last time, requested Alligator Bayou for our next stay. We really like the theme of POR, the boat to DTD, the horse carriage ride, the short walk along the river to POFQ.

Thank you all so much for your input so far. This is exactly the kind of comments, experiences etc.. I was hoping to come across.

I think we've narrowed it down to one of the Port Orleans resorts now.... We are going to have another 'round table' discussion this weekend, lots of photo and video comparisons to go through to see which one we want. I think * I * might be leaning more towards POR though. We'll see what happens. But in the mean time, I am finding these posts to be quite helpful!!

I haven't stayed at CBR or CSR because I haven't been interested in either theme or how large these resorts are. For years POFQ was a favorite for size and charm, but ever since we stayed at POR in 2012, I absolutely love this resort!!! I could easily choose it over any resort on property including some of the deluxe resorts. It's such a beautiful, relaxing place to come home to at night. Walking along the river at night is a favorite. I really like the food court variety and choices. Yeeha Bob is fun. Boat to Disney Springs - especially to eat at Wolfgang Puck Express.

We were adults staying in Royal Rooms on the mansion side and loved them. We did end up in a room in Parterre Place that was a bit of a hike from the bus stop and food court. If I stayed in a Royal Room again, I think I would pay for the pool view option which I think would be rooms closer to the bridge. A few less steps at night after a walking day in the parks make a big difference to me. Next time, I am considering trying the Alligator Bayou rooms. There again I would pay for a preferred room to be closer. The Alligator Bayou buildings are two story and have no elevators.

I thought bus service was pretty good in 2012. That may have changed.

I'm excited for you!! The planning and anticipation always make the trip seem longer to me. It's nice you have enough days to really enjoy your trip.

I see you're leaning towards the PO-those would be my choices, hands down. I've stayed at almost every resort (except CSR and AoA) and I love PO. The ability to take the boat to Disney Springs is a big perk-the bus and parking situation there can be annoying. You will have easy access to so many restaurants and even entertainment if you want a non park day. The size of POFQ is great, and it always seems a little quieter. I like that POR has more pools and a restaurant on site if you don't want to leave the resort. I'd go with a preferred location room at POR.

I have stayed at all of those. CBR most recently last month and will never stay there again. POR stayed there my first ever trip when it was still Dixie Landings and then again in 2002. Stayed at Coronado Spring on my honeymoon in 2009. I liked it but DH thought it was okay. We stayed at POFQ last October and both LOVED LOVED LOVED it.... so of those 4, that would be my first choice... POR second, Coronado Springs third and CBR 4th.

Blackadder337 said:

Thank you all so much for your input so far. This is exactly the kind of comments, experiences etc.. I was hoping to come across.

I think we've narrowed it down to one of the Port Orleans resorts now.... We are going to have another 'round table' discussion this weekend, lots of photo and video comparisons to go through to see which one we want. I think * I * might be leaning more towards POR though. We'll see what happens. But in the mean time, I am finding these posts to be quite helpful!!

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I think either one of those is your best decision!

What you need to remember is its your first time in a long time. No matter where you stay it will be magical. But make sure you book your fast passes and dinners. It seems weird at first but it will make your experience so much nicer. We had been to Disney when our kids were small and then started going back with dance and cheer teams when our kids were older. Now let me say my husband was not a Disney fan at the time! Now he loves it! Our goal is to try all the hotels!

I know people complain about the size of POR. We didn't think it was that bad. Previously, we had only stayed at Poly. There's so much for kids to do at POR. The main pool is awesome, and the quiet pools are convenient. I think POR is better for kids, especially bigger kids. Our DS9 loved it. We will be staying there again in March or June. I think POFQ is great, but I think it's more appealing to adults or people with little kids. We didn't do the food court. The boat to Disney Springs is awesome. I don't think you can go wrong with either place. The rooms are a bit small, especially coming from Poly, but we don't really spend much time in our room. If we are awake, we are out doing stuff at the parks or hotel.

soniam said:

I know people complain about the size of POR. We didn't think it was that bad. Previously, we had only stayed at Poly. There's so much for kids to do at POR. The main pool is awesome, and the quiet pools are convenient. I think POR is better for kids, especially bigger kids. Our DS9 loved it. We will be staying there again in March or June. I think POFQ is great, but I think it's more appealing to adults or people with little kids. We didn't do the food court. The boat to Disney Springs is awesome. I don't think you can go wrong with either place. The rooms are a bit small, especially coming from Poly, but we don't really spend much time in our room. If we are awake, we are out doing stuff at the parks or hotel.

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I agree, I've never found rooms at POR to be that far. We always request Acadian or Magnolia building in the mansion section close to footbridge. Some of the buildings in Aligator Bayou can be a hike and I don't care for the room theming either in AB.

I recommend Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside because you really feel the love and magic of Walt Disney World. It's got great grounds and great cast members with nice rooms! Hope this helps!

Sue M said:

I agree, I've never found rooms at POR to be that far. We always request Acadian or Magnolia building in the mansion section close to footbridge. Some of the buildings in Aligator Bayou can be a hike and I don't care for the room theming either in AB.

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We stayed in AB our first trip, last time. It was OK. I think I want to request a Mansion next time though. They really ooze New Orleans for me. Plus, with that hide-a-bed, that we didn't need for us 3, I felt we lost some storage space. I don't think I could stay at a deluxe again for a significant time after staying at POR. It just doesn't seem worth it, unless you really want to be within walking distance of MK (Contemporary) or Epcot (BC, YC, BDI).