Family (with 6 and 2 year olds) seek Value/Moderate Hotel Recomendations within WDW

[pt8698]

Hi

I am in the early stages of planning my 40th birthday celebration this November to Walt Disney World. Last time we visited we were lucky enough to have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge Villas. This time our pocketbook is a bit smaller.

I would love feedback for hotels within WDW that are Value/Moderate priced. Things that are important to me would be overall condition of hotel, amenities for families, good bus service and great pools.

I have looked into the Coronado a little and found out that they have activities such as pottery painting for children so little extras like this would be helpful to hear about.

Thank you.

 

[safetymom]

We always stay at CBR and found that a great place with kids. I don't think you can go wrong with either the value or moderates. We have stay at All Star Music, Port Orleans, CSR and CBR. Our favorite is still CBR.

Think about what theming you like best and work from there. You will have a great time no matter where you stay.

 

[Terk-1]

My favorite value resort is the Movies. We stayed here back in 2001 and my nephews liked it.

My (and my family's) favorite moderate is Port Orleans French Quarter. This is the best moderate on property. It is also the smallest, so no matter which building you are in, it is a quick walk to everything. My nephews still remember the serpent water slide! POFQ has a pool, a hot tub, a kiddie pool, & a jungle gym. This is a beautiful resort!!! The buildings are painted in soft colors with detailed iron railings. The grounds are wonderful and there is soft dixie music playing in the background. Another plus for this resort is that there is only one bus stop at this one (unlike the multiple stops at the other moderates). Although it shares some of it's buses with POR, it ALWAYS picks up and drops off at POFQ first. I've stayed at both POR & CBR and hated both. Felt they were WAY too spread out for my taste. Also, was not comfortable at CBR having to walk across a dimly lit parking lot from the bus depot to get back to my room. Felt like it was a hike to get from one part of the property to the other.

Watch for discount codes and check to see what AAA is offering for a discount. I booked a woods view room at the Wilderness Lodge with a AAA rate, while waiting for the AP rates to come out.

Also, don't forget to check for a discounted rate at the Wilderness Lodge. I was able to get a "woods" view room with an AP rate that would have cost me the same as if I stayed at a moderate for regular price. The AP rate for standard view rooms were sold out.

 

[Buzz2001]

Our favorite moderate is CSR. Check out my website below for pics and info. Good luck deciding!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

pt8698,

First Welcome to the DIS Boards

My favorite moderate is Port Orleans French Quarter, but last Noverember I recieved a great code and stayed at WL for $109.00+tax which was less expencive then a Moderate with no discount.

 

[Samsma]

Depending on when you're going I guess, they have a new code out for the Wilderness Cabins at FW. $169 I believe. For me, the extra room - plus being able to get groceries for the kids, etc. would be worth that little bit more. Also, the baby would be able to nap, and you could still watch TV, sit out on porch, etc.

 

[dzneelvr]

Our favorite Value is the Movies. You simply can't beat the price for full Disney service and the food court is a marvel for young kids. They can pick what they want to eat instead of having to order off menus and picking around at the food.
It is a very family-friendly resort with activities as well. Even though our DS and DD are now teenagers, we wouldn't think of staying anywhere else! We do the parks until midnight and then sleep in and hit the pool every am. The $$ we save on the room means we never have to count pennies on any other aspect of the trip.

WDW in June--Here we come!

 

[kapica3]

When my DD was little I am so glad we stayed at the All Stars. The "Movies" was my favorite because I think she enjoyed the look of the place so much when she was young. The rooms may be small but so are your kids. I consider the values the best place for children because of the great Disney Theming they really enjoy it. Once they get older they will never "get such a kick out of it" as they will when they are little. We were in Fantasia which I believe was closest to the food court and transportation. We had our own car so I don't know how quick transportation is from that location. If not the Fantasia building the Dalmations and Toy Story were both so cute and not far from the food court also.

 

[goofy4tink]

I asked my dd, now 10, her opinion. We stayed in POR when she was 6 and at AllStarMu last month. She loved POR. The pool was terrific. We didn't mind it being a little spread out and the bus system was always fine. The food court got busy, but they all do. On the other hand, she also loved ASMu. Said it was much better than the Polynesian!! The pools are fun, but no slides. The food courts are huge but have some great offerings. If I were in your situation, with the ages your kids are, I think I would go with an AllStar. Maybe if you got a good enough rate, you could do two rooms. Hmmm..some nice adult privacy at night.

 

[susy]

We love CSR!!!!!! At the pool area you have an amazing slide, kiddie pool, HUGE hot tub, arcade, playground, sand play area, and a pool bar with food choices!

There is limited room service, hairdyrer, coffeemaker and real mugs, and iron in the room.

4 bus stops (I believe that is the least amount of stops to make for a mod)

The food court is our favorite. You are seated and have drinks brought to you. There is real silverware and cloth napkins at the table. Then you get up and get your selections. You leave all a the table and pay as you exit. I loved this set-up-no balancing trays to pay or running back and forth for plastic forks.

This resort has a real deluxe feel to it. You must rent a surrey bike and go all around. There are so many little details!
I believe I just made up my mind for my next trip!