Help me choose - CSR or POR

[grossmansr]

I'm currently planning a 4 night trip with 2 park days for myself, DD8, and DS44. Right now we're booked at POR in a Royal Room. DD8 and DS4 would love the theming! However... it will cost me $2260 vs $1998. Is it really worth it? Aside from the theming, I mean, are there any benefits to a Royal room?

Also, I'm starting to consider CSR if we don't go with the Royal Room. I could get the Tower with a water view for $1978 which seems like it might be even better than the standard room at POR. Or I could save even more $$ by going with a standard room at CSR for $1680.

Ahhhhh! I don't know what to do! I've never stayed at either resort and while I'm slightly partial to the theme at POR, I'm sure they'll both be nice. Every little bit of savings helps, of course, but I definitely want to pick the best room for our family. We'll be spending a bit of time at the resort each day so I definitely want to enjoy it.

 

[SarahC97]

We've stayed at both and my girls, who were 6 and 9 on our first stay, prefer CSR. They love the rooms and the pool there is one of the best on property. Personally, I'd choose CSR over any other moderate every time and so would my girls.

 

[Tonberry]

The good thing about a RR at POR is that your kids are the perfect age for that kind of theming. Believe me, in a few years they won't enjoy it as much. RR's are also close to French Quarter and just a 5-10 minute walk away where you can enjoy their pool as well as a kids splash area. So if you get tired of Riverside, just head on over to French Quarter. You can also take a nice boat ride to Disney Springs for eating and shopping.
CSR is going to have better bus transportation than POR and a better pool. Keep in mind theming in the tower rooms won't be as much "Disney" as a RR at POR.
I wouldn't bother with a POR standard room. As beautiful as the area is, you could be in a room far from everything...main pool, main building, bus stops, etc.
I'd go with whatever fits your budget and you feel comfortable spending. Everyone is going to have a good time no matter where you stay!

 

[stinkpickle]

Both resorts are great. The novelty of the royal rooms wears off on us after a day or two, though. In your situation, I would go with the cheapest option.

 

[Babsy]

The RRs at POR are a good fit for your family, IMO, but only you know if it is worth the extra money for the theming. There is no other advantage to the Royal rooms, AFAIK. Unless you consider staying in the mansions instead of AB a benefit.
FYI: We like the pool view RR in Oak manor for the best location, IMO. Request near the footbridge.
The boat to DS and the walk to a second themed pool at POFQ are also nice options at POR. It is a gorgeous resort. You can also take a horse and carriage ride and rent Surrey bikes, enjoy Yee Haa Bob some evenings, walk to POFQ for fresh beignets, go fishing (catch and release) or just wander the beautiful grounds. We love this resort.

The water view rooms at Gran Destino look awesome and save some $$. The tower is very new, so the rooms should be in good condition too. The pool at CSR is one of the best on property so if the pool is important, that would sway my decision toward CSR. I am looking forward to staying in Gran Destino for the first time in Jan 2020.

Standard rooms at CSR are great as well, but you do run the risk of needing to walk a bit to go to dining, pool, shopping etc. So, If you do book CSR standard, then I would request Casitas 4 (to be near the Bus stop #2) Or Cabanas 8B or 9A.

I would take a look at pictures of both resorts online to get an idea of which resort appeals the most to your family.

FWIW, if it were me going with children the ages of yours, I would probably stay in the RR at POR. I would save CSR for when they were a little older.

Have fun choosing!