Decisions, decisions....

[debster812]

Well, it's a go!!!! January 25th-February 4th or 5th!!!!

We are staying offsite the first week (01.25.03-02.01.03) for free with my parents. No complaints there!

Then, we are going to 'move in' to WDW for the remaining days. It will have to be a moderate or a value (pref a mod). I think I have it narrowed down to Carribean Beach or PO-R.

So...what I would like to know, is what are your favorite parts of these two resorts, and what would be a 'good' location at each for us. It will be me, DH, and DS (5YO).

I already know a BIG Pro for CBR that everything will be very fresh and clean and new, coming off their big refurb.

So, sell me on your favorite!!!!!

 

[cassie]

To me. that's a hard sell. I love them both. I love the rustic setting of Alligator Bayou, and the boat to DTD. The grounds are beautiful.

Then again I love the Carribean theme of CBR. I enjoyed the tables outdoors by the pool bar to eat breakfast. Beats all the noise in the food court. Relaxing with a drink at the end of the day at the pool bar & watching the fireworks from Epcot is great.

CBR....is my first favorite. I just wish there was a boat to DTD. I love that ride.

 

[CamColt]

Woohoo!!! You must be thrilled!
We have stayed at POR, but not CRB. Our favorite part of POR was Bob the piano player in the lounge. He was loads of fun for kids and adults. We really enjoyed our stays there(obviously if we went back a second time), however, we much prefer All Star Movies over POR. Dont be afraid to try a value if you want to save a few bucks. Especially with a 5 yo, I dont think you can go wrong at ASMO.
But like I said POR was nice too, we had no complaints, it just didnt WOW us and our kids like ASMO did(for less $$$).
Good luck deciding. It is tough.

 

[mrsmick]

I've stayed in each, and loved them both.

At the Caribbean, we had a corner bottom floor room with a perfect view of the lake/river. We would eat our bowls of cereal while watching sailboats go by. There was an easy walk to the beach area,(no swimming there though), and onto the main pool, which my daughter was crazy about.
The shops in Ole Port Royal were themed with merchandise from the tropics. But we weren't too thrilled with the food court then. Bear in mind that was in 1994, perhaps it is better now.
We were in the North Trinidad building. I believe it and Martinique are the closest to Old Port Royal.

At PO-R , then Dixie Landings, we were in building 14 , no more than 3-5 minutes tops to bus stop, food court, resort shop, main pool, quiet pool with laundry room beside it.
Our room was wonderful, it had a trundle which we didn't need , and the only thing I didn't like about the room was that there are two sinks that are just pedestal sinks, no vanity. So for a place to put your toiletries... there is a narrow , long shelf (board).
We had a standard view which was lots of greenery, trees, a winding sidewalk. While walking in any direction, we would pass little critters. The good kind- bunnies, ducks.
We loved this food court, ate many a meal there. The shop was okay, plus it stocked milk .

So, at Caribbean we liked the pool better than PO-R.
At PO-R we liked the food court better than Caribbeans.

We always vacation in the summer, so swimming is a bit of a factor. I don't know if swimming is a big consideration in January.

I hope you have a wonderful time. I think you'll be fine at either resort.

 

[kdibattista]

We have not stayed at Riverside but we have visited and thought it was lovely. We did stay at CBR last year and were not impressed. I think it is a matter of personal preference and after staying at the PO French Quarter no other moderate really compared. We like the smaller resorts. There was nothing in particular (other than it being so large) that I can point out but it just wasn't our cup of tea. Hope this helps!!