help!!! Where would you switch to?

[Tumbles10]

looking for some advice. We are a family of 5 (me, dh, ds9, dd5, dd2). We currently have reservations to stay at the beach club. Unfortunately, the summer discounts that hubby planned on getting never came through and he wasn’t thinking of a plan b. Now it’s left up to me to find another resort that we can comfortably afford. I was looking at either CSR, POFQ, POR, or the cabins at FW. What do you think would be the best fit? I even was thinking of swan/dolphin, but hubby is hesitant because of airport transportation and the dining plan ( he’s convinced we need it).

 

[saraheliz]

Personally, I love POR. We stayed their twice, once with a (one week shy of) 3 year old, and once with a (2 weeks shy of) 5 and 3 year olds. They loved the pool and the grounds are just so beautiful, and for my husband and I it felt like more of a "vacation" than some of the more loudly-themed values (which my kids also love but definitely have a different feel).
I've heard great things about the swan and dolphin, too, though. We never do the dining plan because it is more expensive than just paying OOP for us, and airport transportation isn't that big of a deal (imho)- it's a nice perk but certainly manageable to book a shuttle through someone else.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Or you could look into renting DVC points at Beach Club Villas.

 

[kiford]

We don't typically do moderate resorts but we did think that the look and quietness of POR or POFQ was really nice. POFQ we thought looked more interesting but POR is quiet and had a relaxed feel. The transportation options seem reasonable and it's close to Disney Springs by boat if you're looking for dining options (assuming that ones you want are on the dining plan).

 

[Sue M]

I just looked at the latest discount for late summer and Beach Club is available. Not sure of your dates.

 

[TOBS2010]

We stayed at POR a few years ago and will be doing it again this summer. We had hoped for some larger discounts for the monorail resorts---but I think that was wishful thinking. The grounds are great, the food court was super convenient to have for breakfast and other times when you just needed a QS meal. We also liked the boat transportation to Disney Spring. There is a main pool with bar and also some quiet pools. You are always fairly close to a bus stop because there is more than one. We are excited to go back again! I definitely wouldn't rule it out and you can sleep a family of five with two queens and the pulldown bed.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

The pools at POR will make it awesome for the kids.

 

[cadawson]

I even was thinking of swan/dolphin, but hubby is hesitant because of airport transportation and the dining plan ( he’s convinced we need it).

you might like Swan/Dolphin especially since you had it in mind you’d go BC. We got a great deal through Costco Travel. For food, there are many options at Swan Dolphin that have AAA food discount if you have AAA, so great option for bfast. We did dining plan once when we got it free - haven’t felt the need for it. It might be most worthwhile if you are planning a lot of character dining. Otherwise, I don’t think it is all that cost effective any longer - they’ve reduced what is included in the plans since we had it. Have fun planning!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

looking for some advice. We are a family of 5 (me, dh, ds9, dd5, dd2). We currently have reservations to stay at the beach club. Unfortunately, the summer discounts that hubby planned on getting never came through and he wasn’t thinking of a plan b. Now it’s left up to me to find another resort that we can comfortably afford. I was looking at either CSR, POFQ, POR, or the cabins at FW. What do you think would be the best fit? I even was thinking of swan/dolphin, but hubby is hesitant because of airport transportation and the dining plan ( he’s convinced we need it).

I would do POR or POFQ. I would also check to see if discounts are available at WL or AKL as they are still deluxe resorts but typically price out less than the EP and monorail resorts.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Or you could look into renting DVC points at Beach Club Villas.

I vote for this or the cabins. Why do people believe in the dining plan? It's like people want to give Disney more money than they need to.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would avoid CSR and CBR because of the construction, although a lot of people are not inconvenienced. I would choose POR I think. I find the Cabins too remote, although you will have a lot more space for the family.

My family uses the DDP and find it a benefit for us, but only you can determine the value for your family. ,

 

[maxiesmom]

I would go with the cabins if you can get one, for the extra space. And I too would stay away from CSR and CBR and their construction.

 

[Hopefully]

Or you could look into renting DVC points at Beach Club Villas.

I vote for this or the cabins. Why do people believe in the dining plan? It's like people want to give Disney more money than they need to.

A BCV rental for this summer is highly unlikely. They book 7 - 11 months in advance

I would choose the FW Cabins if there is one available. The full kitchen, even if just for breakfast and cold drinks, is wonderful. They Fort is great for families and I love having the bedroom to put the kids to sleep while DH and I enjoy some alone time in the Living Room

 

[Mazz519]

POR is a great place.... would be hard to get BCV reservations at this time for the summer

 

[Wood Nymph]

I would first look to see if a discount was available for any of the other deluxe resorts before moving to a moderate. If that doesn't work than I would suggest POR, our favorite moderate. They have rooms that fit 5.

 

[sbd78]

I don't think POFQ or CSR are options for a family of 5 unless you book 2 rooms? (Which doesn't make sense if you are trying to keep the price down.) The only moderates that sleep 5 are POR and CBR. We are also a family of 5 and are trying POR next month. I'm really excited, it looks beautiful in pics and Youtube videos. The other moderate that sleeps 5 is CBR, but that is a big construction zone right now.

 

[plutolovr]

I don't think POFQ or CSR are options for a family of 5 unless you book 2 rooms? (Which doesn't make sense if you are trying to keep the price down.) The only moderates that sleep 5 are POR and CBR. We are also a family of 5 and are trying POR next month. I'm really excited, it looks beautiful in pics and Youtube videos. The other moderate that sleeps 5 is CBR, but that is a big construction zone right now.

If you reread her post, one of her children is under 3 so they can stay in a room that accommodate 4 plus 1 child under 3.

 

[sbd78]

If you reread her post, one of her children is under 3 so they can stay in a room that accommodate 4 plus 1 child under 3.

Gotcha, I missed that.

 

[SharonZ]

I would run the numbers before you purchase the dining plan, it's usually not a bargain. I've stayed everywhere on your list, but the Cabins. I really like POFQ because of the size, but definitely prefer the pools and dining options at CSR. You really can't go wrong with any of your choices - IMO.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

Or you could look into renting DVC points at Beach Club Villas.

Sadly that's only an option for next year - the BCV have been booked solid since the 11 month mark opened up. We forgot to book ours and have been trying for months to find an opening. :/ Honestly all of the options OP is considering are great - I especially like POFQ & the cabins at FW!