CSR or POR/POFQ?

[isabellea]

I need help with deciding where to stay next March.

Last summer we stayed at CSR and LOVED it, especially the Dig Pool. When we went back to WDW last February for only 3 days before our DCL cruise we stayed at Pop to save money since we were only using the room to sleep but we were less than impressed by the resort and I can honestly say that it’s my least favourite resort so far. When DH suggested we go to WDW after our cruise next March, his conditions were only one day at the parks (MK) and we are staying at a moderate. We would stay 3 nights (March 8-11 2017) and our days/evenings will be spent at MK (one day only), Disney Springs, at the pool and visiting friends who live in Orlando.

He would like to go back to CSR but I am the type of person who likes to try a new resort at every stay so I am debating on where to stay. A few weeks ago I had my sight set on POFQ since it seems to be the moderate favourite for most and it has the boat to DS but now I don’t know.

Should we go back to CSR (business class)? My DH and kids want to go back there for the food (Maya Grill) and the main pool. I am also considering POR Royal Room because the room looks nice although my kids are not big on princesses right now. Another option I am considering is POR Alligator Bayou Preferred room for the murphy bed (my oldest would love not having to share a bed with her sister). Finally my last option is POFQ. For the view, I don’t care so I will probably book standard.

How is the main pool/waterslide at POR/POFQ compared to CSR?

Thank you for your help!
Isabelle

**At the end, I have carte blanche from DH to book the resort.**

 

[Mom24Princesses]

We have been to CSR and WE LOVED IT. Our room was probably the very closest to the main pool. Incredible pool. We stayed at POR AB and had the roll-out bed. I was not impressed with the walk to main building or pool or with the pool itself. We are going to CBR in 10 days. They have a GREAT pool.

 

[loves to dive]

I didn't vote on any of them because I think paying for a preferred room is not necessary. If you are worried about walking distance, every resort has rooms within easy walking distance of the food courts/pools without paying for preferred. I don't see any reason to pay for a view anywhere but especially the moderate and values. With the outside walkways chances are your shades aren't going to be open and you probably won't be looking at the view. All of them have nice little secluded spots to sit and enjoy the resorts. Having said all that, if you don't want to return to CSR I'd go with POR, love the boat to DS if you like going there (I don't) and the resort is absolutely stunning. Fun pool area for the kids, not bad food court.

 

[saskdw]

Business Class at CSR is the premier experience of the Mod resorts at WDW. Best room location of any resort and amenities that the other Mods just can't compete with.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

I'm not a fan of "The Ports" (Orleans or Riverside-lol)
We love CBR, but choosing between your choices CSR would FAR outweigh the others!
Maya Grill, and The Dig : No comparison!

 

[maxiesmom]

I love both CSR and POR. I would show the gang video of both resorts, and let them vote.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

The pools at POR/FQ do not compare to the pool and waterslide at CSR.

 

[maxiesmom]

The pools at POR/FQ do not compare to the pool and waterslide at CSR.

POFQ now has a splash pad area that the OP's 3 year old would love.

 

[mickeymom22]

POFQ! I have stayed at POFQ, POR, and CSR. They are all really nice, but the theming of POFQ is so wonderful. I love the small size of the resort. We are a family of five so we have stayed the most at POR in Alligator Bayou. I was getting bored with it, but on our last trip, my oldest was at college so we booked a Royal Room at POR. It was beautiful! So here is my order of preference:

A tie for first: POFQ/Royal Room at POR
2nd: Coronado
3rd: POR Alligator Bayou

 

[cheshirealliekat]

I can tell you for sure on Saturday as we are trying CSR for the first time after two POFQ stays. However, I LOVE POFQ and would definitely stay there or POR if I was planning on heading to Disney Springs just to enjoy the boat ride vs. another bus ride. We did not go to the POR pool, but the POFQ pool is quaint and doesn't seem as impressive if you want a big waterslide; however they did just add the splash playground. I also love New Orleans, so the architecture and theming of POFQ was a big plus for me.

 

[HopperFan]

Stayed at them all and voted CSR.
It's our favorite moderate and hands down favorite pool.

Do love the Royal Rooms at POR and the resort is lovely. Main pool is always crowded so that has become a resort for non-pool visits.

POFQ, love the architecture but the amenities are not a full range, no TS, small QS and I doubt I'd go back without a good discount.

 

[rosiebean]

If you are spending a day at Disney Springs, I would stay at POR or POFQ simply for the easy boat access to DS. I hate going there from any other resort as I've always always always had horrid waits getting back to the resort. Of course, a cab could solve that problem (something we've used in recent trips when going from one hotel to another for dinner). I loved the whole PO complex, and we adored the POR Royal Rooms even though none of our group were princess people...plus, I found the food court very good, and Boatwrights impressed us so much that we will go back even when we're staying elsewhere. But if you can solve the transportation issue to DS (maybe you will have a rental car?) and your kids are slide-happy and already know they love CSR, then maybe that's the best option for you.

 

[Olaf63]

Love business class at CSR. Guarantees you a great room location negating the size of CSR. The building is close to the main building, 2 bus stops and the main pool. Then you get the advantage of the perks including the lounge

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

The pools at POR/FQ do not compare to the pool and waterslide at CSR.[/QUOTE
True that! I think the pools at both "Ports" are nowhere near as nice as CBR or CSR!

 

[nkereina]

POR is my favorite mod resort, followed by CSR. We love the boat to Disney Springs and also love the food court at POR. We do find the main pool to be underwhelming, especially compared to CSR. But we're two adults and make do with the quiet pools. We'd rather give up the nice pool to have the food court at POR. So IMO, it depends on what's most important to you. If it's the pool, I'd lean towards CSR. If its good food options, POR. We've had ok bus experiences at both, and they're both located well that the park commutes aren't bad. CSR is a little more central, but POR is very quick to MK.

 

[Babsy]

I like CSR BC the absolute best in all the mods! However, you have stayed there already and it is always nice to try another resort. A short three day trip is perfect to get to know a resort without committing a long stay. You mentioned the MK and DS as you destinations. The MK is pretty much equally available to either CSR or POR, IMO, with buses and resorts with multiple bus stops. The boat access to DS from POR is a nice ride, albeit it slow. So, I would choose POR for this trip over CSR.

CSR has the better main pool, better dining, and more amenities. If any of these things are deal breakers for you, then you might want to go back to CSR BC.

POR RR vs POR Preferred AB:

We like the POR AB area because the grounds are lovely there and the convenience to the main pool, food court and bus stop is excellent. The rooms are cozy and rustic in two story buildings (no elevators). I would choose this option because you said that your kid are not big on princesses and would prefer their own beds. Light up headboards and a cute theme is always trumped by a room that has better sleeping arrangements, IMO. So, I would choose POR AB preferred with the extra bed.

POFQ is small, but I wouldn't choose this resort because it has few amenities compared to the other moderates. I know that a lot of folks prefer POFQ, but we just don't see the appeal. the creepy giant heads hanging in the food court are very off putting.Maybe a way to reduce your appetite and lose weight? Beignets can only make up for so much. LOL On the plus side: There is the new splash area for the little ones, but you can easily walk here from POR to try that out.

Bottom Line: I would be inclined to try out POR preferred (my vote above), but could easily be swayed to stay CSR BC.

Good luck choosing

 

[cheshirealliekat]

So I have now stayed at POFQ and CSR. My vote is POFQ of those two. While I loved the pool at CSR, I love the compact size of POFQ. It doesn't have a table service restaurant, but the food court is delicious and CLOSE. You can also enjoy a scenic stroll to POR should you require a table service meal.

 

[ArmyVet80]

I've stayed at all three and would rank them this way:

1. POFQ (Small, one bus stop, boat to DS, short trips to MK, Epcot and HS.)
2. CSR (pool, slightly nicer rooms, good food court area)
3. POR (I'm not sure what to write here. We liked POR but nothing really jumped out and made it special.)

We really really like POFQ though. CSR wasn't bad but we like the size of POFQ better.

 

[isabellea]

I love both CSR and POR. I would show the gang video of both resorts, and let them vote.

That is what I did and they chose POR because of the boat.

I like CSR BC the absolute best in all the mods! However, you have stayed there already and it is always nice to try another resort. A short three day trip is perfect to get to know a resort without committing a long stay. You mentioned the MK and DS as you destinations. The MK is pretty much equally available to either CSR or POR, IMO, with buses and resorts with multiple bus stops. The boat access to DS from POR is a nice ride, albeit it slow. So, I would choose POR for this trip over CSR.

CSR has the better main pool, better dining, and more amenities. If any of these things are deal breakers for you, then you might want to go back to CSR BC.

POR RR vs POR Preferred AB:

We like the POR AB area because the grounds are lovely there and the convenience to the main pool, food court and bus stop is excellent. The rooms are cozy and rustic in two story buildings (no elevators). I would choose this option because you said that your kid are not big on princesses and would prefer their own beds. Light up headboards and a cute theme is always trumped by a room that has better sleeping arrangements, IMO. So, I would choose POR AB preferred with the extra bed.

POFQ is small, but I wouldn't choose this resort because it has few amenities compared to the other moderates. I know that a lot of folks prefer POFQ, but we just don't see the appeal. the creepy giant heads hanging in the food court are very off putting.Maybe a way to reduce your appetite and lose weight? Beignets can only make up for so much. LOL On the plus side: There is the new splash area for the little ones, but you can easily walk here from POR to try that out.

Bottom Line: I would be inclined to try out POR preferred (my vote above), but could easily be swayed to stay CSR BC.

Good luck choosing

My daughters don't want to stay at POFQ because of those giant heads. They find them creepy. They love boats so they chose POR for this trip. Now to decide between AB (Preferred) or a Royal Room... I wonder if either will be included in a Spring promotion in September?!?

Thank you all for your comments. They really helped.

 

[roydavid7771]

I've stayed at all of your options, and as much as I am not a Princess fan, the Royal Princess rooms are beautiful and almost luxurious!