HELP--POFQ, POR, or CBR?????

[Southernswthrt]

I am planning a trip for my BF and I for 12/20-12/25. We have decided not to stay at a DD hotel, opting to spend the extra money on a moderate resort. I called CRO and got the discounted rates with the codes, but now I'm wondering if I should change. I booked the POFQ.

Has anyone stayed there lately since the refurbishment? Do you think POR or CBR is better? Is it possible to get a room with a king without the extra charge? I could use some suggestions on making requests. I've read that sometimes they'll give you complimentary upgrades.

I do know that I do NOT want to be in the bayou section of POR. Looking for some feedback on these resorts. I have never stayed at a Disney resort. The closest I've ever been was the Doubletree Suites in DD. HELP!!!

 

[Kim&Chris]

I don't know if one is actually "better" than the other....they're just themed differently.

I can tell you this.......I have stayed at CBR many, many times and will be there again 12/7-12/15. We absolutely love this resort, mostly because the rooms are larger than the other moderates, and because of the tropical theme. All of the rooms are done in bright pastels. Each village has their own quiet pool, which is also brightly colored. The resort is built around a huge man-made lake, making it very spread out. Most people like this because the resort does not have that "motel" feel to it. However, there are people who think it's TOO spread out. Personally, I love it.....you feel like you're in a small village in the islands. Each village area has it's own white sand beach, complete with beach chairs and hammocks. The hammocks are great at night, when you can relax and view the fireworks from Illuminations.

My sister stayed at POR and was a little disappointed because she felt as though the rooms were a little too dark.

Again, it's all about your preference. If I were you, I'd take a look at Deb's website (www.wdwig.com) - she has lots of photos of all the moderates. It'll make it alot easier to choose once you've seen each one.

 

[juliesue]

I agree that CBR is great. We also liked the feeling of space and the room was a really nice size. We went with two kids and had to have a frig in the room. There was enough space for everyone and even with the frig there was still adequate floor space.

The spread out feeling of the resort is both a blessing and a disadvantage. We rented a car, so getting around was easy, but without one, it would be harder. The bus comes regularly, but I am not the world's most patient person when I am hungry and trying to get to the food court.

I have not stayed in any Disney hotel that I did not like. My least favorite is the Coronado because of the convention crowds (too many people working around me when I am on vacation). Even then, the rooms were very nice and clean and there were pools very close by. I think you will be pleased with whatever you choose.

 

[Nolcrest]

If you've never stayed on property before I'm sure you'll be happy with any of the moderates. I'll just add to the other responses to consider whether you'd be interested in a quiet pool. POFQ doesn't have quiet pools because the resort is small enough however POFQ and POR have boat access to DD. This may appeal to you if you plan on spending time at DD. What theme would appeal to you? New Orlean Mardi Gras, Dixie Huck Finn or the Caribbean. We were very happy when we stayed at POFQ a few years ago. Don't have updated info tho. Good luck with your planning

 

[dcedwards]

You might want to do a search on the boards for POFQ. There has been some info from people who have returned recently since it reopened.

I haven't visited since it reopened but will be there Nov. 30-Dec 10. We are looking forward to it. We have been many times and last year stayed at POR because FQ was closed. We did like Riverside but are returning to FQ instead.

I heard the inside of the rooms were not all done. Seems some were and some weren't. They didn't change the inside decor, at all. The same as the past. The food court was redone to resemble the one at Riverside. That was our one complaint about FQ and now since they've changed that we are looking forward to it. Keep in mind that FQ does not have a sit down restaurant. You need to go to Riverside to Boatwrights. So, if that is important you might want to consider it. We like this resort because it is smaller and doesn't seem quite as "busy" when we return from the parks as Riverside. Of course, there are only 1/2 the rooms. We also like FQ because it is the first stop on the bus and the first stop off.

As far as king beds go...it just depends on the availability. There are only so many and I haven't read a lot of posts that talk about getting upgraded to a king. Some do get a waterview, though. You could ask when you checked in if any were available but they still might charge you.

I'm sure you will really enjoy your stay at a Disney resort. There is just something magical about being in Disney 24/7. We would never think of staying off property... we are hooked.

 

[faith]

Since it's just the two of you I think you will like the CBR best. It's a big resort but very nice. You can always request near the food court and main bus stop if that's high on your list of priorities. Most couples like the privacy of some of the buildings farther away.You'll find lots of families with small children at the others two resorts you mentioned.