2 value rooms or 1 moderate?

[pakhowe]

We are going to wdw in August for 12 nights. My wife and I + two boys ages 11 and 13. We are deciding between two connecting rooms at a value resort or 1 room at a moderate resort like Coronado Springs. The price with the AAA discounts is about the same, a little cheaper for the 1 room at Coronado Springs. We are wondering if we should sacrafice the space of the two value rooms for the experience of staying at the moderate. We have stayed at the value resorts before. Any thoughts?

-Pat

 

[KatMark]

I would choose the CSR. We no longer stay at values because our kids are grown and in college (22 and 20 years old). When the boys did go with us, the CSR was their favorite resort out of all the ones we had stayed at (including the All Star Sports). With the age of your boys, I think they would love the Dig Site pool and the volleyball court and arcade. There is also a fitness center if either one of them is in to that type of activity.

 

[gatorfreud]

If the boys will be pretty much keeping to your same sleeping schedule, I think you'd be fine at CSR. We spent 9 nights in November and by the last couple nights, I was getting a little stir crazy after the kids went to bed. If they will routinely go to sleep earlier than you, you may like to have that extra room for the last couple nights.....

CSR is super fun! I wished we had left even more time to enjoy the pool... great slide, arcade, volleyball, play area right there. Really awesome place. More food choices for a long stay I think..... Can rent bikes, watercraft.

I think for 12 days I personally would choose CSR. Can you afford (and is it available) the junior suite at CSR? I hadn't even heard of those until recently... not sure of the cost though, might be an issue.

Either way, have a great trip! 12 days, I am so jealous!

 

[Tink888]

My boys are 12 and 10. I would choose 1 room at a mod over 2 rooms at a value. Especially for 12 nights. I like the value resorts very much but the pools are better at the mods, the resorts are more spread out and there are more recreational activities. All the mods come standard with a fridge and coffeemaker also.

We didn't spend a whole lot of time in the room so that is something you have to consider also. If you're planning on a lot of down time in the rooms, then for 12 days, you might do better with 2 rooms.

 

[pakhowe]

The moderate resort does sound nice. How do the rooms compare with those at the value resorts? Are they any roomier or does the difference have more to do with the resort itself? The value rooms were pretty cramped and the kids were 5 years younger then. Unfortunately the junior suite is out of our price range.

-Pat

 

[NewCrew42]

We have not stayed at a mod but we have stayed in one room at a deluxe.

For us, my kids are now 10 and 12, 2 rooms at a value is our favorite. We each have our own bed, which means everyone gets a good nights sleep. My ds 12 is a big as I am, so it is like 3 adults and one child. So we love having our own bed.

Having two bathrooms is wonderful. We are used to having more than one bath at home, so having two on vacation just makes us more comfortable. It seems someone always needs to go at the same time someone else is going, if you know what I mean.

In fact, my kids think having two rooms at a value is more deluxe than staying at a deluxe resort.

My kids love the arcade at POP! They also like the pools there as well. They are more into swimming than sliding, plus my ds didn't want to stand in line for the slides at the deluxe pools.

Also, it is nice to have two TVs for those moments that you want to relax in the room. The kids can watch something in their room and you can watch something in your room.

12 nights is a long time, we are usually just there for 8. For a short amount of time we could handle one room, but for 8 nights, our family is more comfy with two rooms.

Good luck making your decision.

 

[lastminutemom]

Isn't this your vacation too? For a long weekend, one room maybe, but for 12 nights, I would think you would want and need your own space and having an extra bathroom alone would make the decision for me. But that is just me.

We always get two rooms or big suites -- we view it as our vacation too and believe that everyone benefits from some "me" space.

 

[Tink888]

The moderate resort does sound nice. How do the rooms compare with those at the value resorts? Are they any roomier or does the difference have more to do with the resort itself? The value rooms were pretty cramped and the kids were 5 years younger then. Unfortunately the junior suite is out of our price range.

-Pat

I really think the difference is more with the resort itself. I'm pretty sure there is a little bit of extra square footage with the mods but honestly, I didn't see a big difference in room size from the mods to the values. We stayed at POR in Nov - I really liked the fridge in the room (for no extra charge per day), especially for a longer stay. Nice to be able to bring leftovers from the restuarants and store drinks without having to run back and forth to the food courts. There was a curtain between the sink and bed area which was nice. And then your standard beds and table and two chairs. I think that yes, if you're in the room for a long period of time, you do kind of feel "on top of eachother" at both places. For us it wasn't too bad - one boy would play handheld video games, one might watch tv.

What I really liked about the mods though was the overall resort. The theming is more specific to the resort type as opposed to all Disney theming like you have at the values. When you did feel cramped, you could take a walk (lots of walkways, or to the food court, wherever) - and it was just so scenic. Walking along the river at POR or sitting on a bench. At CSR, there were so many quiet spaces with fountains and the buildings surrounding the lake and being all lit up at night was just beautiful. It was just really, really nice. We rented bikes one day. We could find quiet nooks at the pools. There was just a really peaceful and relaxing vibe at the mods. You were still at Disney but it was almost like being on two separate vacations because you had all the best of Disney and then all the relaxation and theming of your resort.

I don't mean to in any way diminish the values either because we like those resorts too. I just felt much more peaceful at the mods. We did do a trip one year with two rooms at a value becuase my dad came so there were five of us and the extra space was really nice. Definately a little more privacy.

It really comes down to how much you think you'll be in the room. I just know for me, I loved being outdoors and soaking up the atmosphere of the mods. Sorry for rambling - I'm remembering what a nice trip it was. I wish I was there now..... I hope you have a great vacation where ever you decide to stay.

 

[KatMark]

I really think the difference is more with the resort itself. I'm pretty sure there is a little bit of extra square footage with the mods but honestly, I didn't see a big difference in room size from the mods to the values. We stayed at POR in Nov - I really liked the fridge in the room (for no extra charge per day), especially for a longer stay. Nice to be able to bring leftovers from the restuarants and store drinks without having to run back and forth to the food courts. There was a curtain between the sink and bed area which was nice. And then your standard beds and table and two chairs. I think that yes, if you're in the room for a long period of time, you do kind of feel "on top of eachother" at both places. For us it wasn't too bad - one boy would play handheld video games, one might watch tv.

What I really liked about the mods though was the overall resort. The theming is more specific to the resort type as opposed to all Disney theming like you have at the values. When you did feel cramped, you could take a walk (lots of walkways, or to the food court, wherever) - and it was just so scenic. Walking along the river at POR or sitting on a bench. At CSR, there were so many quiet spaces with fountains and the buildings surrounding the lake and being all lit up at night was just beautiful. It was just really, really nice. We rented bikes one day. We could find quiet nooks at the pools. There was just a really peaceful and relaxing vibe at the mods. You were still at Disney but it was almost like being on two separate vacations because you had all the best of Disney and then all the relaxation and theming of your resort.

I don't mean to in any way diminish the values either because we like those resorts too. I just felt much more peaceful at the mods. We did do a trip one year with two rooms at a value becuase my dad came so there were five of us and the extra space was really nice. Definately a little more privacy.

It really comes down to how much you think you'll be in the room. I just know for me, I loved being outdoors and soaking up the atmosphere of the mods. Sorry for rambling - I'm remembering what a nice trip it was. I wish I was there now..... I hope you have a great vacation where ever you decide to stay.

Very well put, Tink888. You explained perfectly why we love the CSR so much.

 

[karibritt01]

Room size is 260 sq feet at the value verses 314 at the mod. Both resorts have about the same number of rooms, but CSR is spread out, giving it a very uncrowded feel. We have stayed at CSR twice for a week each and absolutely love it. We prefer the Ranchos 6A as it is very quiet, and removed from the traffic of the main building and pool. My personal opinion is, while the extra room would be nice, 12 nights of the "in your face" theming at POP would wear me down. CSR is very relaxing from the moment you walk through the doors to check in... the music, smells, ambience... you just feel completely transported to another place!

 

[disneymath]

My vote would be for the 2 values rooms - for 12 nights, two bathrooms, 2 tv's, a bed each, and room to spread out could be a very good thing.

You might also want to consider a Family Suite at ASMu - same perks as 2 values rooms essentially - except its one queen bed for mom and dad and a pull-out couch and pull out chair for the kids plus a kitchenette with sink, mini friddge and microwave ... nice for a longer stay.

You could also do a split stay - say 6 days at CSR to experience that resort and 6 days at a value.

 

[Buzz2001]

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[canadianmom2three]

We were at CSR last year, all in one room, and while we LOVED the resort, the grounds were beautiful, the pool amazing, and the room lovely, we have booked two rooms at ASMo for our trip this year. DH and I really want to have a chance to talk, watch TV etc....in the evenings, and more beds will mean happier kids for sure. We are only there a week tho...maybe a split stay??

 

[Lilolvr]

CSR! You kids will love the main pool area and slide. The transportation is fantastic and the food is delicious.

 

[alldiz]

I would do CSR.....way too hot in Aug for a value.
Between no ceiling fan, no coffee pot and no shade waiting for the buses.

Values are out for me in the heat of summer.
Happy planning.
Kerri

 

[maxiesmom]

Keep in mind that connecting rooms are NOT guaranteed. Having 2 adults, Disney could put you in 2 rooms that do not connect, and expect you and your husband to split up. Would you be able to deal with that, if it happened?

For such along vacation, I would definately choose a moderat resort over a value. There is much more to do at a moderate resort, and the atmosphere is more relaxing, less frantic. Most moderates have more than 1 pool, and most have table service restaurants, as well as a lounge area. Over 12 days I would think you would be spending a good chunk of time at the resort, and I would pick one of the moderates over a value.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

For me, the two bathrooms are the selling point.

If you think you can do without, go with the moderate.

Good luck!

Remember, it's still Disney property, no matter where you choose...

 

[cheerforchelsea]

Since there is no guarantee that you would be assigned connecting rooms at a value resort - I think I would choose a moderate resort. Especially with 2 boys the extra bathroom would not be that much of a plus - 2 girls is a totally different thing......Also at the moderate resorts you do get a free fridge in the room!!! Our favorite is the CBR - rooms are the largest of the moderate resorts and we love the feel of being in the Bahamas!!! Bad part is that the main pool area is being refurbished and won't be complete until September.....(each area does have it's own private pool area though so that is really nice) All of the moderates are really nice so it is really a matter of personal preference......

 

[karibritt01]

Keep in mind that connecting rooms are NOT guaranteed. Having 2 adults, Disney could put you in 2 rooms that do not connect, and expect you and your husband to split up. Would you be able to deal with that, if it happened?

People will tell you that they will guarantee connecting rooms if one room is for the kids... don't trust that! A DISer friend of mine requested connecting rooms for that very reason. She was given 2 rooms in TOTALLY SEPARATE BUILDINGS for the first night. The following day, they were able to move 1/2 of the family so they were in the same building for the remainder of the trip, but they were still on different floors. She has 3 kids ages 7-13, so sharing a single room was not an option.

Just want you to be aware that connecting rooms are not guaranteed.

 

[pakhowe]

Thanks for the warning on the connecting rooms issue. The person I spoke to at disney said they are not allowed to use the word guarantee, but that I don't have to worry because they won't put my kids down the hall from me. Sounds to me like that isn't always the case.

Which moderate resort would you recommend? I have heard alot about Coronado Springs and Carribean Beach. The main pool not being available at CBR is somewhat of a deal killer though. What about the others?

Thanks for all the help.

-Pat