I'm on the fence between the POR and the CR garden view room. I can't afford the tower room and I'm worried about looking out at a parking lot. I know your not in your room alot, but, that doesn't seem to much of a vacation feel to look out at cars. I'm worried about the size of the room at POR. My dh and I are not huge but were not little either. I have 3 sons, my 10 year old is about a foot shorter than me. I also have a 7 year old and a 4 year old. I know both resort have their plus and minuses. I think POR has a more "resort feel" and the CR is more of a "sleek modern hotel". I have an AP and I hope there will be some good rates for Easter 2008 week.
Any help from the experts would be great!
Hello, LeahA!
We just got back from 8 nights at the CR. It was our first experience there. We've never stayed at POR (which I understand from friends is quite nice). I must tell you that the CR is a FABULOUS resort for families with children your age. We stayed in the tower, but I did venture over to the Garden wing to do laundry. It was really nice (for some reason I expected it to feel less resort-y than the rest of CR). Everything looked clean and new. The space between doors was very large, so the rooms must be ample! It is a very quick minute's walk to the main tower from the building. I also used the middle door facing the pool a few times, as my family was enjoying the pool and pool snack bar while I was doing our laundry.
The pool is really great and it's fun to look out onto Bay Lake. You can watch the electrical water pageant at night, too.
Right now, the fast counter service food option in the main tower is my main complaint with the resort. It's a temporary set-up while the construction is completed. Being in a garden wing room makes you closer to the pool's snack bar grill which has better hot food options than the "Tempo Grab N Go", IMO. (The GnG just had reheated greasy pizza and soup/chili).
The CR is very appealing to kids. My kids absolutely LOVED the game room. We spent many afternoon hours there, during our midday breaks from the parks. It's really fun. The pin station (if your boys trade/collect pins) is one of the best. Chef Mickey's is a very kid-oriented restaurant. We celebrated a birthday at the California Grill (simply amazing food) and watched fireworks from the CR roof that night.
The number one reason I'd recommend the CR is its location on the monorail line and near the MK. We absolutely loved the convenience. We walked to the MK in the mornings (under 10 minutes with our 4-year-old dragging and dawdling LOL) and we'd ride the monorail home. It's the first stop, which is wonderful when you're tired and worn out! The bus stop to MGM, DTD, and AK is just outside the front door of the main building. It would be very close for you if you stay in the Garden Wing. We experienced excellent bus service this trip-- we never waited longer than 8-10 min. for a bus to arrive to the CR. If you're heading to Epcot, the monorail is awesome, too!
Have a great trip and good luck with your decision!
