CBR or POR

[thr33boys]

The last 2 times (and only times) we stayed at Disney, we rented DVC points and stayed at AKL. This trip will be cheaper and am trying to decide between CBR or POR. I've read the info on both and can't decide between the two. Thinking we'll have a rental car. What would you choose and why? There would be 2 adults and 3 kids - 11,8,6 1/2. I assume the murphy beds are the same size in each?

Thanks!

 

[Bama_C]

I have stayed at both and LOVE both! They are very different in feel, each with a unique theme. Depending on where your room is, at either resort, you could either have a short or very long walk to the main areas.

We have stayed at POR a number of times and love it. It has a beautiful reception area where you check in, Boatwright's table service restaurant (which we LOVE), River Roost lounge which features the amazing Bob Jackson on Wed through Sat nights, and Riverside Mill which is IMO one of the best counter service areas on property... lots of tables, a variety of food offerings, beautiful views of the river, etc. The walkways in between buildings are lush and winding (and can be confusing, especially at first). The walk around the resort which follows the Sassagoula River is beautiful! It is about a 10 min walk to POFQ, where you can get beignets! You can also catch the boat to DTD, which is a major plus for us.

CBR is a beautiful resort, with all the buildings set around a lake. We have stayed there twice in this past year (Oct '14 and Feb '15) and loved the newly refurbished rooms (stay in Jamaica, if you can.) The walk across to Centertown (counter service, shop, mug refills, etc.) from Jamiaca or Aruba across the Caribbean Cay bridge is the shortest from a standard room. There is beautiful landscaping all over the resort. We loved the beautiful quiet pool at Jamaica, and each of the six villages has its own beach. The lights reflect off the water at night and you can walk around the resort on a walkway that hugs the water's edge. The main pool has a pirate theme, and although we never swam it never looked very crowded. One thing I absolutely love about the refurbished rooms are the ample outlets and USB charging stations in the new furniture. Check out the CBR FAQ thread here (lots of great pics):

http://www.disboards.com/threads/th...ort-faq-thread-part-viii-updated-4-7.3348628/

and YES the murphy beds are the same size in each. However, the actual rooms in CBR are slightly larger than the rooms at POR AB (the only rooms at POR w/ Murphy beds.)

 

[Babsy]

I have stayed at both and LOVE both! They are very different in feel, each with a unique theme. Depending on where your room is, at either resort, you could either have a short or very long walk to the main areas.

We have stayed at POR a number of times and love it. It has a beautiful reception area where you check in, Boatwright's table service restaurant (which we LOVE), River Roost lounge which features the amazing Bob Jackson on Wed through Sat nights, and Riverside Mill which is IMO one of the best counter service areas on property... lots of tables, a variety of food offerings, beautiful views of the river, etc. The walkways in between buildings are lush and winding (and can be confusing, especially at first). The walk around the resort which follows the Sassagoula River is beautiful! It is about a 10 min walk to POFQ, where you can get beignets! You can also catch the boat to DTD, which is a major plus for us.

CBR is a beautiful resort, with all the buildings set around a lake. We have stayed there twice in this past year (Oct '14 and Feb '15) and loved the newly refurbished rooms (stay in Jamaica, if you can.) The walk across to Centertown (counter service, shop, mug refills, etc.) from Jamiaca or Aruba across the Caribbean Cay bridge is the shortest from a standard room. There is beautiful landscaping all over the resort. We loved the beautiful quiet pool at Jamaica, and each of the six villages has its own beach. The lights reflect off the water at night and you can walk around the resort on a walkway that hugs the water's edge. The main pool has a pirate theme, and although we never swam it never looked very crowded. One thing I absolutely love about the refurbished rooms are the ample outlets and USB charging stations in the new furniture. Check out the CBR FAQ thread here (lots of great pics):

http://www.disboards.com/threads/th...ort-faq-thread-part-viii-updated-4-7.3348628/

and YES the murphy beds are the same size in each. However, the actual rooms in CBR are slightly larger than the rooms at POR AB (the only rooms at POR w/ Murphy beds.)

Great review of the advantages of the two resorts!!!

We love both CBR and POR as well. CBR has a wonderful tropical island vibe while POR has a laid back southern feel. Look at some pictures to see which theme appeals to you the most.

Yes, CBR rooms are slightly larger (340 sq ft) vs 314 sq ft at POR, but unless space is super important, it doesn't make much difference. I like the pool at CBR a little better than the themed pool at POR and there were more quiet pools at CBR than POR. CBR is just refurbished so all bright shiny new rooms is a big plus IMO.

POR has POFQ as a sister resort. When we last stayed, you could use the pools at either resort regardless of which one you stayed in, which was nice. The boat to Downtown Disney is really nice. DD is usually a bus ride, so it is nice to have a peaceful boat ride to get there.That opens up lots of night time entertainment as well as numerous dining and shopping options. PP is right, only AB has the murphy beds, but they are in beautifully landscped areas along the river. If you get a preferred room you will be convenient to everything at POR!

The car will be convenient from either resort. The only place where I would probably take the bus would be the MK, where parking leaves you at the TTC, while the bus brings you all the way in to the MK.

My vote would probably be CBR at the moment with the newly refurbished rooms, but it's a tough call! If I had a better deal at either one I would go with that.

Good luck choosing!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Just an awesome example of the rustic views of POR:

 

[thr33boys]

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm going to show everything to my husband and see if he has an opinion. The price is exactly the same for both so that doesn't help convince me one way or the other. I find when I read the resort threads, they both sound fantastic.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Both are beautiful resorts! CBR has a gorgeous tropical theme. POR grounds is so lush, beautiful, and serene. Between the two, and considering their ages, they might enjoy POR more because of the water slide. Its much longer. Plus you have the boat ride to DTD which is always a nice perk. Not to mention Yehaw Bob entertainment. The food court at POR is much better as well. Great options.