Port Orleans vs Caribbean Beach for Toddler

J

JPMango

Earning My Ears

Joined

Feb 7, 2016

• Feb 7, 2016

• #1

Hey All!!

My wife, toddler (2 1/2 yo) and I will be traveling to Disney in the first week of December. We are having a hard time deciding between Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans. I was hoping on getting some advice on which one would be best for us. Here is what is important

1. We don't mind walking, we actually enjoy all the walking

2. It will be the beginning of December so I don't know if we will be able to swim- my toddler is not a huge fan of swimming right now anyways

3. There will be days that we will not be going to the parks. So having a resort that is fun for a 2yo would be best.

4. She doesn't have any favorite characters so having character theming is not too important

5. We will have a quick service meal plan- no table service for us

Thanks all in advance for the time!!!

 

skuttle

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 23, 2000

• Feb 7, 2016

• #2

I've never stayed at Caribbean Beach, but we did just stay at POR with our 3 boys (12, 4.5 and 3). We stayed in the alligator Bayou section because we are a family of 5. They all enjoyed it. They liked the hammocks, riding the boat to Downtown Disney, there's a small playground, you can also rent surrey bikes and go fishing in the morning. The food court was a good size as well.

We normally stay at Deluxes, but this was a short last minute trip just to see Osborne lights one last time. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at POR again. We all really enjoyed it. Our room felt bigger than our WL room that we stayed in for spring break!

We were at POR Dec 19-23 and the last 2 or 3 days of our stayed we could have went swimming if we wanted it. It was that hot!

 

Kevin355

Future Disney Employee

Joined

Aug 18, 2004

• Feb 7, 2016

• #3

CBR has a zero entry pool.

 

P

Pinkos

Mouseketeer

Joined

Feb 15, 2015

• Feb 7, 2016

• #4

I've only stayed CBR and have no complaints. Mainly for the pool bc my kids love both the slides plus the kiddie splash section but if your toddler isn't big into swimming maybe POR would be better. ESP if not going to parks everyday ... The boat ride to DS I'm sure would be entertaining both resorts have a playground and surrey bikes, but POR also has fishing. A couple of more options for resort days at POR.

 

wdw4rfam

DVC Member/AP holder

Joined

Feb 25, 2011

• Feb 7, 2016

• #5

We've stayed at both, and prefer CBR. We like the food court at both, but found more at CBR. There is a zero entry pool, as well as really cool kids pirate pool. Love all the beaches and the tropical feel. POR has the boat to Disney springs, which is a huge plus. CBR is our favorite, but if it was booked, POR or POFQ would be my next choice.

 

HopperFan

"It's a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess."

Joined

Sep 6, 2003

• Feb 7, 2016

• #6

Since you are ruling out the probability of the pool being a big part of your trip then I would look at POR. Why?

- POR has a good food court AND you can easily walk along the river to the POFQ food court, so you get two.
- Boat to Disney Springs is enjoyable and relaxing, and a couple of your best QS options are at Disney Springs.
- If you can do the Royal Guest rooms, they are really well done and fun. Fireworks in headboards can't be beat.
- It's not a long ride to Magic Kingdom or any other park.
- Maybe she would enjoy a carriage ride or surrey bikes are fun!
- YeeHa Bob in the "lounge" is fun entertainment, for the whole family. With shorter park hours it could be a fun night event.

Good source http://www.portorleans.org/

 

Last edited: Feb 8, 2016

Jetta8300

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 27, 2010

• Feb 7, 2016

• #7

I've stayed at neither, however we are going to CBR in a few weeks. Having a toddler myself I'd probably do the CBR only because I think the theming at Port Orleans may not appeal to little ones as much... And Also CBR has a really great splash pool for toddlers. The pool area in general seems great for kids. I know mine would play all day in that splash pool. I think Port Orleans French Quarter is putting a splash pool in right now and is supposed to be done soon also though. They're very similar it's just a matter of what theming you prefer. Port Orleans French Quarter is supposedly much smaller with less walking and that appeals to some with young kids. But to me the rooms look quite outdated.

 

minnie mum

Unapologetic Disney Fan(atic)

Joined

Mar 8, 2011

• Feb 8, 2016

• #8

CBR would also be my choice. They have probably the best themed Splash pad for toddlers on property ( if the weather is warm enough). And there is a playground on the island. POR is OK, but doesn't have a splash area. But, as a PP noted, POFQs should be finished soon. Both of these also have playgrounds.