Good Moderate Resort?

[Todd C]

My boyfriend and I are going to be visiting for our 3rd time in January right before a 'milestone' birthday of mine. *sigh*. I know it's a little weird to begin planning 9 months in advance but I'm addicted to everything WDW. It really is half the fun!

We're not wealthy though definitely not poor. We've either stayed offsite or at Pop Century before and found it perfectly fine for the small amount of time we actually spent in the room. But since it's a special occasion, I'd like to do a moderate this time. Any suggestions for which one(s) and why? Any you'd recommend against?

 

[SingingMUA]

My DP and I LOVE Port Orleans Riverside. It's always had a very romantic feel for us. That could also be because we stayed there for the very first trip we took together (back when we were "just friends"), and DP says that trip is when she fell in love with me.

ETA: We'll be staying there again in July (during the 4th). It will be our 4th time staying there together since 2005. We've also stayed at Coronado which is nice, but doesn't have the same appeal to us as POR. I've stayed at Caribbean Beach by myself, and it was "OK". No complaints, but I didn't fall in love with it, either.

 

[TagsMissy]

Hubby and I love POR Especially AB side, the mansions to us are lovely outside but we don't really like the inside. But that's just preference.

You can pay extra for a king room, otherwise you will get 2 doubles. I don't suggest paying more for a view for a mod.

If you want a bit bigger bed (queens) and still be mod you can go to CSR but it's a bit more than the other mods -- you need to keep into consideration it's also a convention hotel.

Honestly though it's about being there and being together. Happy Early Birthday and I hope your trip is awesome

 

[MonorailMan]

Trust me.....there's nothing weird about planning 9 months in advance. In the 80's you absolutely had to book your room at the monorail resorts more than a year in advance or else you simply wouldn't get in. Luckily that's changed since there are a lot more resort options now.

Everyone I've talked to who has stayed at either of the Port Orleans resorts always give them really good, if not excellent reviews. The two sides are very different, so I recommend doing a little research online to see which side tickles your fancy visually.

To be honest, all the other moderate resorts have had "hit-or-miss" reviews, whereas Port Orleans has remained consistent over the years.

Occasionally you can find amazing rates at The Dolphin resort that rival the rates of the "regular" moderate resorts. For some reason this resort is overlooked by a lot of people since it's technically not owned by Disney, despite having great deals and being right around the corner from Epcot and DHS. I know some people don't like the interior/design of the Dolphin, but I personally find it appealing.

I'll shut up now. Hope this helps a little.

 

[C&G'sMama]

I know it's a little weird to begin planning 9 months in advance...

Okay, I'm thinking that many here would think you're late in planning for 9 months out and should be on your 5th draft of your plan (we have everything in EXCEL and we laminate 3x5 cards, but I digress...)

As for where to stay We've generally stay at Values, once at a mod (CBR) so I'll defer to those that are more familiar with the mods.

Good luck.. and get going.

 

[Sphyrna]

I can't speak first hand but I hear POFQ is very nice! Seems to get mostly glowing reviews with just a few negatives. As MM said, check rates on the Swan or Dolphin too. You can get a deluxe resort at moderate price. And the location can't be beat!

My friend thought I was weird when I emailed him about my Gay Days trip in June when it was Feb. "It's February and you're thinking about summer vacation?!?!" My reply was "Yea, I know I'm running late "

 

[Saxton]

Another vote for POR here! It's so spread out that it never really feels crowded. I prefer the mansion area ... rooms always seemed fine to me but I haven't stayed there in a few years. The mansion buildings are along the river. The nice thing is that you can easily walk to the French Quarter so you get to enjoy both. Make sure you take a ride to DTD on the Sassaoula (sp?) ... very nice at night especially if the boat isn't crowded.

 

[SandrA9810]

Never stayed at POR, but I love the grounds, the food court, and just everything about it. It's much easier getting in and out of if you're driving. And a lovely sassagula boat cruise to DTD. And the bus to MK takes like 5mins to get there. It really does have prime location spot for being a moderate.

And they even do carriage rides at night time just outside the food court. So pretty seeing a great big horse and a white carriage just waiting for you.

And the pool is a lot of fun. We kinda went pool hopping when we stayed at wilderness lodge. And it has a cool pool.

Plus the piano guy that plays at the bar. And there's a cute little gay boy that works as a server for the bar. He gave me a free drink the other night when I was there during last call (at midnight).

I just noticed you're from saskatoon (i'm hoping that's what sask means). I have a friend that lives there, going to college. He's from Flin Flon, and I flew all the way up there to meet him years ago. My only advice... as a native floridian, never visit canada in the dead of winter.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I've not ever stayed at a moderate, but my brother and his family stayed at Port Orleans when they came down. For the life of me I can't remember which side, but it was lovely.

They had a terrific time and couldn't say enough nice about the resort.

I would just add that you may want to check the deluxe resorts too. Sometimes (not always, of course) there will be a great deal at the Beach Club (which is my favorite resort; OKW is my favorite DVC) and that would be great!!!

Have fun planning, that is part of the whole adventure.

And as others have said, get busy! You've only got nine months in which to get everything planned!

 

[Todd C]

I just noticed you're from saskatoon (i'm hoping that's what sask means). I have a friend that lives there, going to college. He's from Flin Flon, and I flew all the way up there to meet him years ago. My only advice... as a native floridian, never visit canada in the dead of winter.

Haha.. yes, I'm from Saskatoon and actually can see the university from my window. And you are correct, if you're from Florida, only visit in the summer. In the winter it's not unheard of the temperatures hitting -40, and that's where the celsius and farenheit scales meet.

 

[Todd C]

Thanks so much for all the ideas. I'll be checking prices over the next several months and will keep checking in.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

ONLY 9 months ahead? Slacker.

We book our villa at 11 mos. out, the very first day we are eligible to book. My only advice is NOT to book airfare if you think your dates may change, because it costs a bloody FORTUNE to change air tickets.

We haven't stayed at a mod, but we like the looks of CSR. I have lots of friends who have stayed at POFQ and really enjoy it. I am sure whichever resort you choose will be fine!

 

[PghLybrt]

I agree! I think that POFQ is my favorite mod. I do like the idea of looking into the Swan. It really does have a great location and many more entertainment/food options.

 

[SandrA9810]

Haha.. yes, I'm from Saskatoon and actually can see the university from my window. And you are correct, if you're from Florida, only visit in the summer. In the winter it's not unheard of the temperatures hitting -40, and that's where the celsius and farenheit scales meet.

Yeah... I kinda learned that when I was there. But it was really cool to see ice sculptures in people's yard for the holidays.

That was taken around Jan 20th...
It always amused me to see the snow piled taller than me at the end of the driveway (since the streets are lower than the houses). It was quite the experience. But I've heard it can get fairly warm up there in the summer time too.

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

I've stayed at CBR and POFQ

Caribbean Beach was fun
Pros: The middle of everything - very close to Epcot and DHS
Large Food Court

Con: Large resort if you are using nothing but Disney Transportation


French Quarter:
Loved this one, quiet, and had a New Orleans feel. But it was very small and the food quart was tiny.

 

[SandrA9810]

Riverside seems to have a comparable food court to that of Caribbean Beach. I've eaten at both food courts several times. But I love sitting back by the window next to the water wheel.

 

[enigmaMN]

I've stayed onsite at all of the Mod resorts now. Coronado Springs is by far my favorite. The rooms have all been recently renovated and are beautiful. The resort is the perfect size so that it's not too big but still doesn't feel crowded. Had we not waited so long to stay at CSR, I'm not sure we would ever have bought DVC we like it that much there!

Now I will say I HATE POR! Just not my place.. very dated, beds were horrible, but the grounds were beautiful.

 

[mousefanMI]

I've been to all three Mods, and-- like a lot of folks here -- really like POR. Nicely romantic as well...