CBR vs. POR/POFQ

[Ariel on Land]

I'm trying to decide between the resorts. We've been to CBR twice, and I honestly love it there. I just love the theme- the peaceful, tropical landscaping, the beautiful brightly colored islands. I love the playground, the pool, the Nemo decorations in the rooms... Really, the only thing I don't like is the double beds. That, and this feeling, that maybe we should try somewhere new. I'm somewhat thinking of AoA, but would really prefer the moderates, so looking at POR and POFQ. But what gets me is it seems so UN-Disney. Other than the royal rooms, they are pretty, but so non-Disney. But the queen beds are most definitely a huge appeal, plus the boat to DTD might be fun. Anyone have any thoughts if you've been to both? What are the playgrounds like? Would I miss CBR? Is there a huge difference between POR and POFQ?

 

[susanm]

it has been a while, but i was at PO for my 50th birthday, and although the resort is up to disney standards, it does not give you the I AM AT WDW feeling. the resort was very quiet as we walked to our room. i felt it was more for a couples honeymoon/anniversary type resort. i love the value resorts, walking to the room and watching the kids having fun at the pool, running around, the girl braiding hair by the pool etc...and disney music while you sit in the food court eating breakfast.... IMHO disney and cant explain the difference

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed at all 3, so I'm going to try and give you some answers.

First off, to be honest, I wasn't that impressed by CBR. So keep that in mind.

To answer you last question first, there are a few differences between POR and POFQ. The main one is size. POR is large and POFQ is small. Being larger POR has 4 bus stops, multiple quiet pools along with the main pool, a large food court, a large gift shop, and a sit down restaurant. POFQ has 1 bus stop, no quiet pools, only the main themed pool, a small food court, a small gift shop, and no sit down restaurant. However, both resorts are a 10 minute stroll apart. So you can always visit the amenities of the one you are not staying at. Even use the pool, as they are sister resorts.

Also, both POR and POFQ are themed. But it is supposed to be a southern theme. the Alligator Bayou rooms at POR are small buildings along tree and moss lined paths. The rooms have a lot of wood and look a bit rustic. The Mansion rooms are decorated as if you are staying at an old southern mansion. They are a bit more formal but very pretty. And as you already noted the Royal Rooms are heavily themed.

I will say too that if you really like the Nemo rooms at CBR, you should probably stay there. There are apparently going to re-do those rooms, and Nemo will be phased out. Sorry! But if you are very fond of them, you may one to stay there at least one more time before they are gone. And save expanding out to another resort for a trip later on.

 

[Tink415]

I've stayed at all the moderates and most values and deluxe. I love CRB, POR and CSR. POFQ is my last choice because the food court and pool don't appeal to me and POFQ offers less amenities than other moderates.

First stayed at CBR in the 1990s before the rooms had the Nemo theme. The moderate resorts are very themed but don't scream Disney like the value resorts do. Disney references are more subtle. I don't consider that UN-Disney. The grounds at the moderates are lush, beautiful and peaceful. The rooms tie-in to the resort theme and have a relaxing vibe. The heavily themed pirate and royal rooms are fairly new and wouldn't really appeal to me or my teens for more than a night, they seem more geared to young children or young at heart. Just my opinion!

POR has the most amenities out of CBR and POFQ. As pp explained the differences between POR and POFQ perfectly. POR has a very nice playground. It also has the best food court and gift shop, we often stop by for a visit when not staying there.

I agree if you really like the Nemo rooms at CBR you might want to stay there before the rooms are changed!

 

[Ariel on Land]

Thanks-- good, quick comparison of the PO resorts!! I think if we go that route, I'll definitely go POR. The New Orleans theme doesn't really appeal to me either. I can't believe they are already going to be re-doing CBR. I remember when we stayed there the first time in 2009 the rooms were all new! I'm sad that they're taking the Nemo theming away. The kids loved the fish everywhere, but yes, the double beds have got to go!

I've never been much of a value person, as I really enjoy the larger, quieter grounds. But I do wonder if the kids would really enjoy it. Will the noise be a big factor do you think, compared to the mods? Are they putting kids/tour groups in the suites or are they still more or less in the All Stars?