First Family Trip - Which Moderate??

[dltaylor]

This will be our first family trip to Disney World. We have a 3 year old girl and want to stay at a Moderate Resort. My first choice was Caribbean, but I see that the really cool pool is under construction and that the grounds are gigantic. My next choice and I was about to book was Port Orleans - French Quarter, but then I read several dirty room reviews. At this point, I will do what the experts on this board say. Of the 4 moderate resorts, for our first trip, with a 3 year old, which should we choose?

Really excited and ready to book!!
DT

 

[disneynutz]

I would like the expertise of fellow board members too please.

 

[safetymom]

You will find good and bad reports on each of the moderates. Many people do not find CBR gigantic at all.

 

[RoosMomKanga]

We've (yes, with kids) stayed at CBR and at PO both POR and POFQ (just returned and no problem with room). I'd chose PO anytime over CBR.

 

[Buzz2001]

My family and I love CSR! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info. They have the best mod pool/slide, awesome transportation that is not shared with any other resort and great food choices.

 

[Brer Shay]

We've stayed at POFQ and CSR and visited both POR and CBR. I've fully enjoyed POFQ and had no problem with mousekeeping or the like. I enjoyed the layout and it wasn't a far walk anywhere for me or the kids. They loved the pool waterslide - my DD said it was King Triton on top. They do a small ceremony in the morning at pool opening where the kids help wake up the alligators - my kids loved it. We are going back there this fall.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I would pick POFQ. The rooms I had in my 2 stays there were fine.

 

[theroseofbelle]

I highly recommend Port Orleans Riverside. My main reasons are the food selection at the food court, the main pool is great for kids and has plenty of shade, rooms are all located close to bus stops, and you can't beat the atmosphere. I find Riverside to be laid back and quiet. I have been staying there since 1996 and we pick Riverside every time unless we can afford BC. PO in general is close to everything except MK and AK. The bus ride to MK is not to bad for the 3 yr old.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I also recommend the Port Orleans Riverside. The food court has excellent food choices for anyone and everyone. The pool is really good for kids. (I have a 6 year old and 2 year old and they both loved it)

We stayed in Alligator Bayou and never had a problem with the bus stops. Our normal wait time was about 5 minutes.

We have never had a problem at Port Orleans Riverside and would stay there again without question.

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[Ronald Duck]

Here is another vote for Port Orleans Riverside as a wonderful choice for a family. I just think that overall it's the most child-friendly of the Moderates, with the best food options and an extremely comfortable, inviting feel about it.

However, ANY of them would probably be just great for you (my wife and I have stayed at, and loved, all of them). I really wouldn't worry much about negative room reviews.

I look forward to hearing your choice!

 

[dgaston]

I think either POR or POFQ would be good for you. The pool slide at POFQ is easier than that at POR, but they are sister resorts and you can use the pool at either one. I also like the boat ride to DTD. Probably not on your agenda but Bob Jackson at POR maybe Wed to Sat is wonderful (at the River's Roost).

HTH

 

[Shmily1]

Another vote for POR. Out of the moderates, we've stayed at CSR, POFQ, and POR. POR mansions are by far the best of the three. CSR is our next favorite of the three mostly because it is so big. When we arrived and checked in and asked where our room was, we didn't realize how big the place was until I was told to go out of the parking lot, turn right, go two miles and park in that lot. Our room would be right there.... yeah... Anyway, the place was nice once we finally got to the room. POR on the other hand was nothing like that. Our room was in Parterre Place, overlooking the river, and just across the bridge from the main building, marina, and bus stops. POR is also the most relaxing stay we've had. DH loved it more than BC!!

Have a great trip!!

 

[avamadison]

At first glance, we decided to stay at CBR for our first moderate stay. The following year we stayed at POFQ and loved it. We would not stay at CBR again. We were not happy with their pool area or food. We though that POFQ has a pretty setting and better food.

 

[amo]

Really enjoyed the Coronado...but request room closest to bus stops...the pool is very cool and the slide is enormous!

 

[joepic]

I would give Coronado a try. There's tons of amenities, and it's a really warm first-resort.

 

[amo]

Not only what Joepic said, but also the staff has always been VERY good to us.

 

[MouseFan71]

I think you'll love either of the Port Orleans resorts. I am going to recommend POFQ for 2 reasons:
1) Small resort, not a lot of walking for your little one and a very fun theme/great pool.
2) This is a biggy for me, POFQ is the first bus stop for the Port Orleans resorts. This means you will probably always be guaranteed a seat on the bus going to the parks AND you're the first stop for drop off - meaning even if you need to stand leaving the parks, it won't be for long (very important when your child is sleeping).

We've stayed a both but we love POFQ for the ages of our kids (3,4,6).

 

[DaveCN]

Having stayed at both PO resorts and CSR, I would recommend the CSR.

POFQ is nice and not too big. We just got back from Riverside yesterday and it is okay, but not great. I was amazed at how small the main pool was. Housekeeping was, shall we say, a bit on the shabby side.

CSR is huge, but if you request a room fairly close to the main pool and a bus stop, you are good to go.

 

[Lilolvr]

CSR!! No shared transportation, a great pool/slide and awesome food choices.

 

[cruislovin]

Who prefers Coronado Springs to Caribbean Beach and why? What amenities, other than meeting space and suites, does Coronado offer that Caribbean does not? Does Caribbean offer amenites that Coronado does not? I am not intereseted in using the pools and don't mind how far I have to walk to the buses.