Help me decide!

[letsgo!]

First off, I'm very new to this! This is our first Disney vacation (we're going in August) and I have so many questions!

We're trying to decide between a value and a moderate resort. The price difference isn't that big (maybe $500) but the value resorts look like they're more fun for kids (with the sports, movie themes, etc)

We're thinking of either the All Star Movie resort or the Carribean Beach resort. We're planning on being at the park most of the time, and not using the facilities at the resort all that much, if that helps.

Just looking for opinions or suggestions! Thanks!

 

[Aliceacc]

HI and welcome!!

WE'll be there in August as well

I started this thread for other first timers and first in a long timers: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

Also, before you book: are you an AAA member? You can get a great discount with your AAA membership.

 

[KatMark]

You don't mention how old your children are, but we prefer moderate, as did our kids when they traveled with us when they were younger (at 22 and 20...they don't go with us anymore because we always go once they start college classes again!). We like the fact that the moderates are more "quiet" than the values after a long day at the park. Also, the themeing of our resort never phased us whether it was "Disney" or "non-Disney" because, as you said, we are at the parks most of the time. If you think your kids would prefer the more "Disney" themed values then you should go for them.

 

[letsgo!]

Oh, sorry - see how new I am!

My son will be 4 1/2 when we go. I will check out that link!

And we're CAA members, more or less the same thing, I think!

 

[Deb & Bill]

A few differences between values and moderates:
Moderates have pool slides, values don't.
Moderates usually have a table service restaurant and a food court. Values may only have a food court.

Both only have double beds. Both have external entrances/corridors to the rooms. Neither have balconies.

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

A few differences between values and moderates:
Moderates have pool slides, values don't.
Moderates usually have a table service restaurant and a food court. Values may only have a food court.

Both only have double beds. Both have external entrances/corridors to the rooms. Neither have balconies.

There are some king size bed rooms available at the values and moderates. You have to put a request for one on your reservation. You cannot pay extra and get one, so it is not gauranteed, but you can request one.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are some king size bed rooms available at the values and moderates. You have to put a request for one on your reservation. You cannot pay extra and get one, so it is not gauranteed, but you can request one.

Unfortunately, the king sized rooms only sleep two plus one under the age of three. With the OP having a child 4-1/2, they would not be able to use the room with the king sized bed.

 

[KigerKat]

Also, before you book: are you an AAA member? You can get a great discount with your AAA membership.

Is this discount just the park tickets, or does it also include resort stays?

 

[Aliceacc]

Here's the info from www.mousesavers.com:

AAA and CAA Resort Hotel Discounts
American Automobile Association (AAA) and Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) members qualify for "room only" discounts almost year-round, though there are a limited number of rooms available for each date. You can generally save about 10-20% at the Disney resort hotels, depending on the season.

In general, the discounts run as follows:

During Value Season you can get up to 15% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 20% off at the Value and Moderate resorts and the Ft. Wilderness campsites.

During Regular Season you can usually get up to 10% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 15% off at the Value and Moderate resorts and the Ft. Wilderness campsites.

During Peak Season and Summer Season you can usually get up to 10% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 15% off at the Value and Moderate resorts.

The only time AAA/CAA discounts don't usually apply is Holiday Season (around Christmas) at the Value and Moderate resorts.

You don't have to book AAA/CAA rates through the Auto Club. Room-only reservations with an AAA discount can be booked directly through the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. Just ask if there is an AAA or CAA discount for your dates and resort.

AAA/CAA rates for all of the following year are usually released in the summer. 2008 AAA/CAA "room only" discounts were released on August 5, 2007.

 

[Jrabbit910]

Value resorts are fun for kids because of the huge decor- My favorite of all the values are Sports & Pop... but any which one you go to is alot of fun.

The mod CBR is also great but the main pool is being refurb'd till Sept some time. As much as you think you wont be spending time in the resort, breaks in the afternooon w/ kids are great & that might draw you away this resort. imo: POFQ is a great 2nd option because the resort is small and kids of all ages love the dragon slide.

Whatever resort you choose is just plain fun because your at Disney! Wishing you a wonderful fun filled first trip!

 

[alldiz]

First off, I'm very new to this! This is our first Disney vacation (we're going in August) and I have so many questions!

We're trying to decide between a value and a moderate resort. The price difference isn't that big (maybe $500) but the value resorts look like they're more fun for kids (with the sports, movie themes, etc)

We're thinking of either the All Star Movie resort or the Carribean Beach resort. We're planning on being at the park most of the time, and not using the facilities at the resort all that much, if that helps.

Just looking for opinions or suggestions! Thanks!

I would pick a moderate. The values are tough in the summer. No shade
at the hotel waiting for the bus....and no ceiling fan.
If that dosen't bother you go for it.

CBR the main pool is being rehabbed....don't think it be done in august.
I noticed you will be in the parks most of the time. It is very hot and humid
in August....unless you live in the South and are used to the heat...
it is VERY DRAINING....
Take a pool break everyday....and schedule some sitdown meals.
Happy planning.
Kerri

 

[patti_jim_peanut]

We did a huge family trip last April and stayed at Pop Century. It was my hubby, me, our 4 yr old daughter, a 15 yr old we had guardianship of, my parents and my 4 siblings and everyone had a blast.

They have twister boards built into the outdoor lobbies, huge mr. and mrs. potato heads, 3 story tall yoyo's and rubix cubes that light up. Just so much stuff for the kids to see that they never grew tired of anything...there was always something that they hadn't noticed the last time they looked...lol

We are staying there again this april... can't wait!!!


Me DH DD The rest of the family, see you there!

 

[luna99]

I would pick a moderate. The values are tough in the summer. No shade
at the hotel waiting for the bus....and no ceiling fan.
If that dosen't bother you go for it.

oh my gosh, I forgot about how at the values there is no cover when waiting for the buses. That really does make a difference if you go in the warm seasons!

I personally prefer the moderates. They feel more like a vacation within a vacation (CBR would be to a tropical get away) and there are more options. You can eat at a food court or a sit down restaurant. The pools are better with slides and there is usually a lot of trails/paths that you can walk on/bike and I believe you can rent boats to ride on the lakes/water at all of the moderates except POFQ (but you can just walk over the POR for that). Like others have said, you may end up spending more time at your resort than you think depending on the time of year you go (going back for resting during the hottest part of the day) and how many days you are going for (if you are going for a week that gives you plenty of time to come back and relax at the resort here and there and still see most of what you want to see!).

The children would probably like the theme at the value resorts better though.... and the value rooms are a bit smaller as well... but if you are HONESTLY just using the room for sleep and showers then the value would probably be the best thing to go for. I know it's really overwhelming when you've never been before and you think of how big Disney is and how you want to do and see it all! I personally think that if you do it all commado style you won't enjoy it as much as if you take time to really slow down and enjoy all the little details of everything...

besides, I have a feeling this won't be your first and only trip to disney.

have a great time no matter what you do.. and if you do choose CBR you might want to try to request a room close to a bus stop and the main area with the food court ... CBR is a pretty big resort and if you get put in a back area you could have a long walk to the food court/restaurant.. and after a long day at the parks that's not always the best thing!

good luck!

 

[letsgo!]

Thank you for all your replies! You are right, it is very overwhelming and just when I think I have things figured out, a new idea pops into my head and throws everything off!

Oh well...I've got some time!

 

[karibritt01]

Go to www.allearsnet.com and look at the slideshows of the different resorts. One resort or another is bound to appeal more than the others. For me, looking at the values made me feel tense and overwhelmed. CSR called to me with its mexican theme. With the age of your child, POFQ would probably be really nice. Small resort. Nice pool with slide, but slide is not overwhelming (CSR is a BIG slide!) Boat ride to DTD. Hope that helps!

 

[Tiggr924]

Personally, love both resorts. We have stayed at ASMo a few times as well as CBR. If you don't plan on being at the room a lot I would recommend staying at the value. If you stay at the value I do recommend requesting a preferred room. This will put you closer to the main building/food court and pool. Less walking with your 4 1/2 yr old. I love CBR we also request a preferred room here when we go, but we also like to take a few days where we lay by the pool and take it easy really enjoying the resort. But when we don't plan on spending too much time in the room, a value is better worth the money.

 

[parrothead928]

I would definitely stay in the moderate!!! If you can swing it, split your trip and stay half in a moderate and half in a Deluxe. I know that most people do not plan on spending anytime in their resorts, but, with a 4 1/2 year old, you need to plan some down time for your child and your self. The value resorts are loud, crowded not very relaxing!!!! The pools are extremely crowded. When leaving the parks, the bus stops for the Value resorts are always the farthest away!!! This is a huge deal when leaving the park with thousands of other guests!!!!

Have a great trip!!!! I am sure that you and your family will have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[klparrish]

Hi! We really enjoyed the Port Orleans resort, the rooms were remodeled around 2 years ago! Good Luck!