CBR or POR?

[wishesUT]

Right now we are booked for Bounceback from September 23rd-30th. We are booked at the Poly, but we have a new baby coming in June and I don't think we will be able to afford the Poly again. That said I think we will be perfectly happy at a moderate. I've tried calling to switch our reservation a couple of times to a mod, but I haven't had any luck yet, so I'm hoping that free dining comes out and I can re-book. I have stayed at POR back when it was Dixie Landings and I really enjoyed it.

We will be traveling with my parents as well as my three boys, ages 5, nearly 3 and a newborn (I may be really crazy to be taking a newborn ).

Now that I've heard that the pool at CBR is undergoing a renovation and they'll have a new pirate ship slide I've been wondering if we should give it a try or just stick with our original choice of POR.

Any thoughts?

 

[typhoonlagooner]

First of all, congrats on your new bundle of joy! We're CBR fans, so of course going to have to send a vote to one of our favorite resorts!

We stayed at POR in CBR in the same year and did prefer CBR here's why.

Yes, CBR is slightly on the out-dated side but the rooms are larger therefore allowing some extra space for a growing family of 5!

Both resorts are spread out but we found CBR to have a much better layout. CBR is divided into 6 villages, each village having a quiet pool, beach area, bus stop, and some even have play grounds.

We prefered the food court and offerings compared to POR, plenty of seating, much better layout/system, and the offerings appealed to us more.

With the main pool slated to open on 9/15 (rumors include that it could even be sand bottom) the overall resort theme and decor appeals to us. Some buildings in CBR will give you views of the higher fireworks of illuminations even. We found both to be on par in terms of bus transportation.

CBR is definately in need of a room rehab, it's starting to show it's age for sure, but we've always had great mousekeeping in a clean, high quality room.

There's advantages and disadvantages to each resort... but we preferred the overall atmosphere and amentities at CBR.

 

[safetymom]

We haven't had any problems with the condition of the rooms at CBR.

The new pool complex is going to be great at CBR. I would pick CBR.

You might want to check out the CBR FAQ thread listed below in my signature.

 

[wishesUT]

Thanks safetymom and typhoonlagooner. I think I'm leaning more towards CBR now. It would be fun to try out someplace that we've never stayed before. Plus I keep thinking about how my boys would love the pirate themed pool and my nearly three year old would love the beach to play in the sand. That was the highlight of our trip to the Poly for him last year!

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Here's another vote for CBR! We haven't had any complaints on the rooms we've been assigned at CBR.

Love the lay-out, atmosphere, themeing of the whole resort. Each island having their own pool, beach with hammocks, vending machines, laundry, etc....

The food court has a much larger selection along with more available seating than other resorts. I have found the two shops fantastic...one with very unique, island themed items and the other with the typical Disney souvenirs.

Love the walkway around the whole resort as well as the bridge and island that connects to OPR! I just can't help but dance as I make my way through the island.

If you don't want to pay for preferred location than I suggest requesting Jamaica...bldg 45 or 44 would be great!

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I would have to say CBR!! We are staying at POR this summer - but only because of the pool rehab at CBR. Congrats on your new addition!!

 

[EnnEss]

With the kids in tow I'd opt for the CBR because of the bigger rooms sizes. I've never noticed the rooms being outdated there. I know in my head they are older, but Por/Pofq aren't brand new I don't think either. The tvs were newish, clean washrooms/tile and same with the carpets.

The plus at the Por is the boat to DTD of course.

 

[mslclark]

Here's another thread that asked about both resorts, it might be helpful to you:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1773900

 

[wishesUT]

Thanks everyone for the opinions, map and other info. I think we'll give CBR a try. The larger room size would be nice since we'll have to have a crib in the room. We're also not too worried about buses since we're planning on renting a car. We thought that might be easier since we have ADRs at some resorts and we'll be lugging two strollers along. I can't wait! Florida sounds so nice right now since I still have some snow in my front yard.

 

[kathiep]

Can I suggest calling back, explaining the situation and asking to speak to someone in Guest Relations?

We booked bounceback free dining last year before checking out as well. We had booked for a moderate but recently decided to updgrade to the Poly.

I must have called 6 times was always told - No, it can't be done.

I finally got "pushy" enough to ask to speak to Guest relations. In less than 2 minutes, my free dining moderate was upgraded to the Poly.

I bet you'd be successful as well. Good luck!

And we'd loved CBR when we were there 2 years ago.

 

[wishesUT]

Can I suggest calling back, explaining the situation and asking to speak to someone in Guest Relations?

We booked bounceback free dining last year before checking out as well. We had booked for a moderate but recently decided to updgrade to the Poly.

I must have called 6 times was always told - No, it can't be done.

I finally got "pushy" enough to ask to speak to Guest relations. In less than 2 minutes, my free dining moderate was upgraded to the Poly.

I bet you'd be successful as well. Good luck!

And we'd loved CBR when we were there 2 years ago.

Thanks kathiep for suggesting that I call again and try to change our reservation. I tried today and when I got the CM on the line I had a good feeling about things. He really seemed to know what he was doing. He told me he couldn't change our reservation but that he would get someone from guest relations on the line who could do it. Ten minutes later our reservation was changed from the Poly to CBR. I couldn't believe how easy it was since the previous four times I've called I was always told no. Now I can breathe easier knowing that I have the resort and days that we want. We'll be there from Sept 23rd-30th! We're really looking forward to trying CBR for the first time.