Better Resort Option?

[Jason.Wenzel]

We went to Disney World for the first time as a family and stayed at Pop Century in June and already planning another trip back for November-ish 2020. We're a family of 4 and utilize a pack-n-play for out youngest (both children are boys, with the oldest being 7).

We're considering Pop, again, since the pool renovation should be done by then...However, we're also considering moderates, like Port Orleans - French Quarter or Caribbean.

We had considered Art of Animation, but it looks like the big blue pool will be closed in the Fall of 2020.

Not sure what's the best fit for our family. Thoughts?

 

[Hi Pluto]

POFQ is a much smaller resort, which will make walking with your little ones a lot easier. CBR is HUGE and your 7 year old may be begging to be carried after all the walking in the parks.

Both have some fun transportation options though. POFQ has the boat to Disney Springs. CBR will have the skyliner.

Port Orleans Riverside could be a fun choice, particularly the alligator bayou section. Your 7yo would get a kick out of the drop down murphy bed.

I, personally, would aim for moderate over value because of room size. It gets quite crowded, especially with a pack n play.

 

[nkereina]

It really depends what your priorities are to recommend the best one. Lots of dining options? Good transportation? Awesome pool?

I'm a proponent of trying something new, so I wouldn't stay at Pop again. I think a moderate resort is worth a try and it has a few additional amenities. Port Orleans French Quarter has the boat to Disney Springs which is great, and its a small resort which people love. Its very quaint and you feel like you're in a small city. Great theme. Port Orleans Riverside is one of my favorite - so relaxing, peaceful, beautiful grounds, and the best food court on property IMO. Also has the boat to DS. Caribbean Beach will be on the Skyliner route which is a huge benefit, and the resort is beautiful with a lush vacation-y feel. And Coronado Springs is another favorite of ours with a central location and lots of added amenities like multiple TS restaurants, pools, etc. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[mco65]

If i remember correctly, POP was our first resort stay as well.. .

Is there that much difference in the room size at POP vs POR or POFQ ?

I do remember the days of the Pack N Play, coupled with a double stroller.. .geez.. hard to move around.
But in our case, we didn't spend enough time in the room/resort to justify anything other than the value rooms and would have not moved over to the mods had it not been for or party size of 5.
Still, we have stayed at most of the resorts, at least the values and mods and i still prefer the values like POP or AoA for theming over the moderates. The Value resorts tend to keep you immersed in the Disney bubble.. a little more than the Mods do, IMO... regardless, you won't be disappointed in either.

My advise would be to try 'em all... go for a mod this time just to see if the extra room appeals to you or not... The good news is, you will probably love them all. I will say that POP, All Stars and Art have the same feel to them, in your face Disney. If you liked POP a lot you will like the others as well (likely)... As for the mods, Caribbean Beach has a more of a tropical island, beachy feel to it whereas POR and POFQ have more of a back woods, mountain resort feel to it...

My favorite resort for space and bang for your buck is the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Super roomy (you can easily sleep 6).. a full kitchen to offset some of the meal costs. My favorite resort for theming and immersion would be Art of Animation. My favorite resort for convenience would be the Grand Floridian on the monorail. Nothing beats being on the monorail.

 

[FancyNancy]

I've stayed at all of the mods with the exception of CBR and really like them all for different reasons. I would try POFQ for the compact size with your little ones but you really can't go wrong at any. If you decide to do a value again maybe give All Star Movies a shot. Their rooms are in the process of being refurbished to look like POP's but would be a change of scenery and you can use any of the pools at all of the All Star resorts when you stay there.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is there that much difference in the room size at POP vs POR or POFQ ?

260 square feet vs 314 square feet (yes, I do happen to keep these two measurements in my head, along with CBR's 340 square feet ) so really, about 20×13 vs 20x15.

 

[sponica]

With a double stroller, french quarter would be my choice. Hands down.

 

[Ksquared]

I'm also a big proponent of trying something different. We love staying at different resorts because it makes each trip new and fresh. We are also not value resort people but that's just us. I think you would love any of the moderates and since you've not stayed at any, just go with whichever one you think would be the best fit for your family based off your top priorities (whether that's theming, pool area, restaurant choices etc)

 

[a1tinkfans]

Values scare me lol. If I were to choose s resort for a young family , I’d say POFQ
Smaller, great kids water area, boat ride, simple bus transport and quite kid friendly.
Such a lovely resort.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Value resorts also have simple bus rides; the icons are big and colorful: Pop/AoA will, shortly, have better-than-bus transportation.

Don't be scared