December Pop or CSR?

[bamamom]

We are trying to finalize our Dec 17 - Dec 22 trip We are trying to decide between CSR and Pop. If we stay at Pop we will be upgrading from free quick service to dining plan. So the difference in the two resorts will be approx. $200 more for the moderate. I want to stay at CSR because 1) queen beds 2) renovated rooms 3) pool 4) Ive never stayed at a moderate. DH thinks we should stay at Pop because 1) its more "kid themed" 2) its going to be cold to swim anyway. I have some questions about the two....

1) How is the weather generally this time of year?

2) Is one resort going to be more crowded? (enough to make a big difference)

3) Is it worth the extra money to upgrade.

We have never been this time of year and I'm wanting to go to see all the Christmas decorations. When we went in Oct we pretty much only slept and showered in the room and the crowd level was low. DS13 and DD11 don't know we are going for Christmas it will be a surprise

Thanks!!!

 

[aubriee]

We'll be at CSR Dec 12th-20th, so obviously prefer CSR. For $200.00 I'd definitely go for the moderate.

As far as weather, that's hard to say. I usually try to go that same week in Dec every year and the weather has been all over the board. About three years ago we almost froze all week, but the next year we wore shorts all week and my GD swam every day. About a week before your trip go to accuweather.com and check the 14 day forecast for Orlando, but pack for every eventuality (shirts, capris, sweats, hats, gloves, jackets).

I've stayed at both, and POP always feels more crowded.

Sorry, but for $200.00 it seems like a no brainer to me. You would get a bigger, remodeled room with queen beds, flat screen TV, ceiling fan, refridgerator, much better bus system, covered bus stops with benches, nicer pool with a pool slide, and more restaurant choices. Plus you get the beautiful fountains in the Casitas and the white sand beaches and hammocks in the Cabana section. You also get a health club/spa. Leaving the parks at night CSR is usually one of the first bus stops for some reason, whereas POP is always one of the last bus stops (so less walking for tired legs at night). I like POP but it has a busy, almost frantic feel to it. CSR is much more relaxed and laid back. POP is a cute resort, but CSR has beautiful landscaping. Again for only a $200.00 difference, I wouldn't hesitate.

Just FYI: It may not sound like it, but my favorite resort is actually POFQ. However, I'm staying at CSR both for my Sept/Oct trip and also for our Dec trip this year. Of all the WDW resorts I've ever stayed at, I have to admit CSR has the best bus system, plus I really wanted to try out the new refurbished rooms and those queen size beds.

edit: Hey, I just noticed if you do go with CSR, we'll be there the same time. If your kids do the arcade they'd be welcome to our free Arcade card that comes with the pkg. We won't be using it.

 

[bamamom]

We'll be at CSR Dec 12th-20th, so obviously prefer CSR. For $200.00 I'd definitely go for the moderate.

That's was my thinking but DH was thinking Pop was more disney themed....but I say they get that at the parks!