CSR or POR??

indymom1

Mouseketeer
Joined
May 25, 2000
Messages
376
Hi all. I have a 6 year old boy and another son who will turn 1 in late April. We with the help of these board are now thinking about taking them to DW in early June as soon as our older son is out of school. We have always stayed at the All Star Resorts and due to the codes that are out for that time of year we were thinking we would move up to the moderates. We had thought that CSR would be a good option but I just got back from our local Disney Store and every single CM said that we would not like CSR and that we should stay at Port Orleans Riverside?? Now I am so confused. Which one is better for our group?? Anyone that has stayed at both that would love to share your thoughts and opinions both good and bad I would love to hear what you think. Also if you have a strong opinion on one over the other go ahead and say that too. We definitely don't like French Quarter so that part is not an option so thoughts on Riverside vs CSR would be greatly appreciated:)

Kathy
 
Hi Kathy

We have staed at both...and as you will see below. POR is our favorite.

Now, we have no children, BUT we have taken neice & nephew to WDW.

To us, even though CSR is nice, it is more EXPENSIVE than the other moderates. It is a "convention" resort....meaning higher prices.

I am 38 and DW is 33....if WE love the POR food court, I am sure you, your husband, and 6 year will also. Some may say that the food does leave a bit to be desired, but is is MUCH CHEAPER that the Pepper Market at CSR.

You can't go wrong with POR - or POFQ. Both are very nice. We haven't stayed at CBR since our honeymoon, but others have said great things about that resort too.

You will have a blast !!!!
 
CSR and POR are both beautiful, but at the same time both are really S P R E A D O U T! Location will be important, but you could take care of that with a request. The thing with CSR is that one of its primary uses is as a Convention resort, so you'll almost always feel crowded when visiting the main building/Food Court. Also, the Food Court there (Pepper Market) is a bit more expensive than the rest of the Food Courts at Disney resorts (plus they include a service charge in your check, at least the time we were there). IMHO, although in scenery and themeing they're both about equal, you'll get a lot more value and enjoyment at POR.

Also, in terms of transportation (although the buses are quite efficient throughout), you'll be more 'centrally located' in POR. This could help when you want to take a break with the kids (which is crucial in the summer!).

Hope you have a great time!+
 
One other thing I forgot that really is nice.....
take the Boat to Downtown if you stay at POR....you will love it.
it is about a 25 minute ride down the river. Very queit and peaceful and your 6 year old will think it is "cool."
 

We have stayed at both. My vote is for POR. CSR is lovely but was not our cup of tea. You will find differing opinions on CSR. People usually either love it or hate it.
 
Riverside is nice, but my kids really loved the pool with the dragon slide at Port Orleans French Quarter. (If you stay at Riverside and don't mind a short hike, try the French Quarter pool, anyway.)
 
It's a toss up between POR and CBR. I have never stayed at CSR. I love Alligater Bayou in POR, and the boat to DTD. I also love the Caribbean themeing at CBR. I think the pool there is so cool with the guns shooting off water, and it has beaches at each village with lounge chairs and hammocks. Also, the rooms have coffepots.
 
POR is a very nice resort. We were there in June of 2000, and are going back in Aug. for 8 days, then to the AKL for 5 days. There is alot to do and see. Don't worry about the walk to the food court or the main pool dosen't take that long. MyDS9 and DD7, love the pool, especially the slide, they even wanted to leave the parks one day to go swimming. You'll love it there.
 
I have only stayed at ASSp, ASMo, CBR, AKL, and most recently (last week) at CSR. We loved CSR and would not want to stay anywhere else, unless it is a deluxe.

First of all- the resort "feels" very deluxe. It is what a moderate should be. We were there over the weekend and I have to say that El Centro was never crowed . The Pepper Market was wonderful in that you are seated , brought your drinks, and your "real" eating untensils and cloth napkins are at the table. You don't clear your own table. All of this eliminates a lot of the running around I have seen in other food courts. I didn't notice whether the prices are higher, but the quality of the food was fantastic and the portions huge. My DH and I could have shared and had PLENTY! On real plates, too (no paper) .There is also a convenience area -you don't have to go into the Pepper Market to purchase food items here .

The pool area. WOW!!!! What a great kiddie area-too bad my 5yo DS wan't along this trip. There is great play area witha playground and sand area. Also a very nice kiddie pool with fountains. You can use your refillable mug at the pool bar an they have a few lunch/dinner items- hamburgers, chicken wraps, chicken fingers (which were yummy!).


If you want to be close to the food/ pool, I would recommend Cabanas 9B or 8A. However, I thought the Casitas and Ranchos were much better themed (maybe because I am in south FL and SICK of Palm trees!). I really want to stay in Ranchos next time!
 
We've stayed at both also. We LOVE POR!!! CSR is nice and a very nice pool area. We just enjoy the themeing at POR. It is so relaxing and beautiful.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I have been gone for the weekend and just got back to check my email. It really seems as if you won't be dissappointed with any of the moderates but we are still trying to decide.

Kathy
 
Hi Kathy,
Just wanted to also cast a vote for CSR! Although myself and family have never stayed here prior, I will add why I chose this resort over all our other choices.

First and foremost has to be the themeing of this particular resort...it looks like it would be alot of fun, and not a place that is overly subdued...this is a main consideration for my family..we have four children travelling with us, so I needed a place that when the theme parks close, they can still have fun.

I know that the pool at POR is a big draw for alot of kids, but, when seeing the pool and surrounding areas for playing at CSR, there really was no comparison...the dig site looks to be able to keep the kids occupied for a long time.I am sure that POR has its own benifits, but for my family, it didnt do much for us.

It really does come down to a matter of personal tastes however, and if your not into old mexico and southwest design, then maybe the bayou will be for you.

I hope that with whatever choice you make, you have a great time....just remember, that when all is said and done, it wont matter which you chose, just that you had a wonderful vacation.





COME ON MAY!!!!!!!!!55 days and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 














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