Coronado Springs vs Port Orleans vs Cabana Bay

[tanyali26]

We are doing a short four night trip in July with a four month old. We are not going to Orlando with the intention of having to do the parks. If we do we might just do one day at Magic Kingdom if we stay in Disney or One day at the parks at Universal if we stay there. We are going more so to relax and enjoy one of the resorts and restaurants. Again we will have a four month old with us so parks are not super important. I have stayed at CBR and if we chose Disney would like to choose something different. Also would anyone consider staying at Pop and adding the meal plan vs a moderate for what we are aiming for? Also price wise CS is $161/a night, PO is $194/a night, and Cabana Bay is $165 for a suite.

 

[tstidm1]

I don't have a good Port Orleans view yet because I'm going in a week. Out of those choices, I would chose a family suite at Cabana Bay due to more space for a crib along with a Mini-Kitchenette. I stayed in a Standard Room at Cabana Bay and it felt like classic Ocean City, MD and Bethany Beach, DE hotels on Steroids. Great Pool area with a Lazy River along with the Dining options and Relaxation options at UOR outside of the Parks. You get more for the money there.

 

[Sue M]

If I were going for a vacation and not going to any parks, I'd save some $ and not stay onsite. I'd prob go get a hotel on the gulf coast!
I stay onsite and pay the over price room costs for convienence to the parks. If I weren't going to the parks there are plenty of nice hotels a heck of a lot cheaper.

 

[Mom of Jack 2009]

If you aren't going to the parks definitely stay off site. I definitely would not recommend Pop. We like it for cost and convenience when going to the parks and using it for a place to crash. But for the price you can do better elsewhere and it's definitely not a relaxing kind of resort. Also if restaurants are important there is only a quick service cafeteria onsite.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

A big consideration would be transportation. I've stayed at all 3, and each has their pros and cons. You will get Magical Express and/or free parking at Disney. Neither of those apply for Cabana Bay.

It also depends on atmosphere. Cabana Bay I find to be more lively, energetic, etc. (both pro and con). The rooms also looked a little more slapped up quickly (like a really nice Pop). But, it's still effective. The pool area is great.

Of the other two, it's really more personal taste. I love the beauty and sophistication of CSR. But, PO is great too (staying there next month, in fact). Since you are going for more leisure, it's really what theme and environment you like. Both would be a good option.

As others have said, if you have a vehicle, you might look at off-site places, too. But, watch for Resort Fees and Parking Fees. Near WDW, that can easily add $40+ a night to the tab.

 

[tanyali26]

We decided we will be doing one or two days at the parks in Disney. So onsite probably would be best. Still can't make a choice. Leaning towards CSR but for a ling we have to pay $40 more a night and I feel two queens for just the two of us is wasted space especially since we will need space for the crib. If we stayed at Pop the money saved can go towards a nice dinner at one of the restaurants. But will it be to wild with the baby? Aww decicions....

 

[Olaf63]

Never stayred at Cabana Bay but CSR is a great choice at WDW. If the budget allows, look into a business class room with access to the lounge. If not, there are many great choices in room location. No shared buses and a central location make for quick rides to all the parks. CSR has one of the best main pool areas at WDW

 

[StefWalsh]

You're post is almost the exact same dilemma that I'm in haha! I'm taking my niece for her 10th birthday in October and am very much debating between CSR, POFQ (where I am booked), and Cabana Bay, however at the moment there isn't even affordable availability at CSR so it's a moot point I guess. We are doing a little more park stuff though so what's better for me won't necessarily be the same as you.

Anyway, my most recent stay last week was 7 days at Cabana Bay, and one night at CSR after we had to extend our trip a day due to weather at home. I really enjoyed Cabana Bay and it was certainly a better price (and you get a lot of bang for your buck), but CSR was absolutely amazing to me. Also, and this is going to vary person to person, I didn't find the beds at Cabana Bay particularly comfortable. My friend thought the same. The beds at CSR were a dream in comparison.

The pool at Cabana Bay is really nice, but the pool at CSR is quite nice too, plus there are the quiet pools at CSR which I enjoyed much more. You may get a lot of benefit from the quiet pools since you are traveling with a baby, as there is a lot more activity and noise at the main pools in both places.

While I'm still on the fence myself about my upcoming trip, I'd say I'm more likely to keep with POFQ, or potentially CSR if anything should open up there. Since I'll be doing more park stuff with my niece (MNSSHP, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, a day at Universal and maybe a day at Animal Kingdom) I'm going to benefit from the free transit to/from the airport and the parks, versus having to pay more in cabs from Cabana Bay if I keep to my planned park days.

There are just some of my observations and kind of where my head is at for my decision, but you'll enjoy any of these places!