Hotel Opinions!

[MaddieB223]

Hi, all!

My boyfriend and I are in the very beginning stages of planning a WDW trip for Memorial Day Weekend 2022 ( ~May 26-30ish). Our hotel budget (for now) is $300/night or less. We definitely want to stay on property to get all of the on-property perks (extra magic hours, transportation, Disney's Magical Express, etc.) however we do like the Moderate Resorts better than the Value Resorts as far as amenities, personally. Currently, we are thinking about either Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter or Port Orleans Riverside.

What are your thoughts about these four? Pros/cons of them? Anyone who has stayed at any of these or knows someone who has stayed at any of these, please tell me!

Thanks!

 

[Ksquared]

The thing with starting planning so early (if you are anything like me) is that you will change your mind (maybe multiple times) even after you think you narrowed down where you want to stay!

I've stayed at all but French Quarter (I would think it's similar to staying at Riverside except French Quarter is a smaller resort). I liked the resort (beautiful grounds) and it had a great foodcourt. However, to me, it just feels too far away from everything. Only way to get to the parks is buses - we like having another option or the ability to walk to one or two parks.

I will say I have not stayed at Caribbean since it was renovated and since they added the Skyliner. We are staying Riviera with the skyliner in December so if it's as awesome as people are saying, that might change my mind to lean toward Caribbean just for extra mode of transportation to Epcot and HS. This resort seems so spread out - may not be more spread out than others but it felt that way when I stayed there (this was years ago).

We stayed most recently at Coronado. I really liked it here, even though it is also spread out. And even though it only has bus transportation to the parks, still really liked it here. The Destino Tower had not opened when we went (it was right before the official opening) but I would love to go back and stay in the Tower.

If I had to chose between these 4 resorts, then it would be Coronado hands down with Caribbean coming in 2nd.

We prefer the deluxe resorts now but we also stay DVC on points which makes the deluxe resorts more affordable.

Since there is allot of time and we have no idea how things will change once life settles down, perhaps they will offer discounts during that time of year which might give you more options or make your final decision easier.

Good luck with the planning!

 

[andy_dangg]

POR: large resort, absolutely lovely theme, close to Disney Springs, alright bus service. pick this if you want a really quiet and relaxing resort. Pool isn't amazingly themed, but fun and there are a lot of quiet pools around the resorts.

POFQ: smallest moderate, nice theme, also close to Disney Springs, better bus service. POFQ is pretty popular, and the smaller size is nice but it doesn't feel as intimate as POR, IMO. average pool, I don't think the pool is great for couples without kids

Coronado: large resort, well themed, above average rooms for a moderate. Gran Destino Tower is simialr to a deluxe in vibe but a lot cheaper. Great pool. overall a more "mature"/serious resort (in part bc of the convention center), which can be a pro or con depending on what you want from your vacation. don't know too much about bus service, but it's a little distant from the parks.

Caribbean Beach: another large resort, theming is either lovely or meh depending on who you ask. I don't think the theme is as well executed as the other moderates, but still very pleasant. Rooms are on par with POR or POFQ. Large but sometimes crowded pool area, with lots of quiet pools as well. EXCELLENT location, Skyliner to DHS and Epcot. However I've heard bus service is notoriously awful to the other two parks

If I was you, I'd probably pick POR or Coronado. Yes the location and Skyliner is great, but I think POR is such a romantic resort, and Coronado has a lot of restaurants and bars for a couples trip. The rooms are more stylish at Coronado, but the mansion rooms at POR are quite lovely

 

[andy_dangg]

oh! i would also consider renting DVC points. you can stay at boardwalk/beach club or some of the AKL or WL studios for relatively few points. sometimes for even cheaper than the moderates! renting studios is really in demand, but if you're thinking this far out, you seem like a great planner

 

[SteveH]

We stayed at POFQ this past February and twice before at Coronado. But service at POFQ was great to the parks loved the boat rides down to Disney Springs. Resort was small and a quick walk to/from our room to the food court and bus. Coronado was fun our kids loved the pool, but our trips now are without them. Downside to Coronado is it's not near much except Animal Kingdom, so longer bus rides and with the 4 stops, but it's much bigger then POFQ.

Though you might miss out on some of the perks like transportation another resort to consider is the Swan & Dolphin. Pricewise you can often come close to a Moderate price but you end up with a more deluxe resort. Prior to our POFQ stay we've stayed at either the S/D 3 times and loved it, or last trip the price was better at POFQ though.

 

[Boopuff]

I've stayed at all of the above: Personally, I like the POR - we frequent DS so the boat is perfect. Haven't stayed at CB but with the skyliner that might be a great option.

 

[trishadono]

I have stayed at all 4 and you can’t go wrong. You will find people that LOVE one over the other.

Look at pix and videos of the rooms and resort grounds. Does one appeal to either of you? I say that because I would do all 4 but my family all have a different opinion.

I will say the tower at CSR or CBR would be my recommendation.

The tower was lovely, easy to get to food options and they have plenty! They have a bar in the tower, a roof top bar and TS. The other one is in the middle of the lake! Then in el centro there are more eateries n bars.

CBR having the Skyliner and being adjacent to RR gives you an added benefit of more food and drink options.

POR/Fq the boat is nice if you think you’ll go to DS often.

Don’t forget with mobile ordering you can grab a meal easy from anywhere, at the resorts it’s so convenient to place your order as you are getting back from the park and place it in time for pick up when you are back or just before heading out,

 

[bookwormde]

as a price point modifier, you should expect about a 20% discount based on history

DVC rental is the best value but you do give up a lot of flexibility.

 

[JM23457]

Be careful about renting DVC points. The money is non-refundable, and your reservation will be unchangeable, even if the parks close. If the DVC broker you use goes out of business in this unstable travel climate, you might be out the money.

I rented DVC points in the past year & had to deal with the nightmare of the complete WDW closure interacting with our nonrefundable & nonchangeable stay. They were not easy to deal with. After getting a lawyer involved I was able to set things right, but I can't in good conscience recommend the experience to anyone else, unless it's a last-minute booking (just a few weeks out) that has the lowest of low chances of having any interference. You just never know what the future will bring.

If you do rent DVC points, make sure you buy Cancel for any Reason travel insurance from a reputable vendor.

But really, I recommend just staying at the moderate hotel you can afford.

 

[SarahC97]

FWIW, I really enjoy Coronado Springs. It's the most "deluxe" feeling of the moderate resorts. It has beautiful rooms, beautiful grounds, great restaurants and other amenities, and a fabulous feature pool. My second choice would be POFQ just because the size makes it very romantic and cozy.

 

[CynBeth]

We love either POFQ or POR.

 

[JM23457]

Caribbean Beach is right next to Riviera & the Skyliner. If you would like to use the Skyliner for transportation to Epcot & HS, and/or dine at Topolino's Terrace, that is a consideration.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Be careful about renting DVC points. The money is non-refundable, and your reservation will be unchangeable, even if the parks close. If the DVC broker you use goes out of business in this unstable travel climate, you might be out the money.

I rented DVC points in the past year & had to deal with the nightmare of the complete WDW closure interacting with our nonrefundable & nonchangeable stay. They were not easy to deal with. After getting a lawyer involved I was able to set things right, but I can't in good conscience recommend the experience to anyone else, unless it's a last-minute booking (just a few weeks out) that has the lowest of low chances of having any interference. You just never know what the future will bring.

If you do rent DVC points, make sure you buy Cancel for any Reason travel insurance from a reputable vendor.

But really, I recommend just staying at the moderate hotel you can afford.

If you purchase Cancel for any Reason insurance, it may wind up costing more than booking the same unit directly with Disney. I have a feeling the current brokers are going to be stuck with a lot of reservations that they can't resell and owners may be stiffed for the 30% they should be getting and original renters not getting any kind of refund other than a nearly worthless voucher. Plus there are a lot of owners who are totally burned on using a broker to rent out their points. If they haven't been burned so badly that they will never rent out points again, they probably will not use a broker and will rent their points out themselves.

 

[JM23457]

If you purchase Cancel for any Reason insurance, it may wind up costing more than booking the same unit directly with Disney. I have a feeling the current brokers are going to be stuck with a lot of reservations that they can't resell and owners may be stiffed for the 30% they should be getting and original renters not getting any kind of refund other than a nearly worthless voucher. Plus there are a lot of owners who are totally burned on using a broker to rent out their points. If they haven't been burned so badly that they will never rent out points again, they probably will not use a broker and will rent their points out themselves.

Cancel for any Reason travel insurance booked through a reputable vendor need not be expensive.

I wasn't referring to buying DVC brokers' version of insurance, aka "point protection". Their policies have very limited benefits & are expensive. And if that broker goes out of business, you've still lost your money.

That's why I recommend 3rd party CFAR insurance if you just can't resist doing a DVC rental.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Stayed all 4.
Coronado would not return. Too big. Too many convention groups and except for a business type room the first time... forgot name. It included cocktails n snacks In a little bldg... which we loved, still wouldn’t go back. Too many people smoking as well. Just too much everything. Felt hectic and not Disney for us

CB. would not return. Too big. Too far from main area unless you get Exactly where u want. Didn’t care for the theming or Bus!!

Pofq.. lovely, one bus stop, babyish pool area. Better for families. Not enuf choice at food court, smaller gift store. Busses were ok and love having boat to DS. Lovely romantic at night and easily walk between here and POR. Have stayed here many many times as couple and under 10 with family.. only because a great price or what was available at the time.
POR. Have stayed here a gazillion times, lol. Family, couple, friends, reunions etc When it comes to a mod it’s our choice. Love AB section, 14 or 18 preferred only. Resort is too big to be way in back. We enjoy bar inside and out, romantic at night, also has carriage ride. Buses have been Very good for us and just Love boat to DS as well. I walk so I always walk between resorts along the Sassaghoula River Quiet pools plus main one ( which does have a fun slide even adults use lol). Bob piano guy is silly Free fun to watch. Enjoy the Large gift shop, the overall ambiance, it’s honestly Home for us and people know me when I return.( scary) Some from the Dixie landings days..ok I’ll confess, bartender has seen my family grow up. lol. It was the first Resort we went too, the first resort I Returned to after beating cancer, the one where my kiddo grew up .. and has a BIG place in my heart.
Restaurant, very good food court...just lovely overall. Would easily recommend it.

That being said... depending if ur anticipating a park renegade, ( then I’d do a mod) a restful relaxing pool experience, a mix of both... seriously consider a dvc reservation where you may be able to grab a deluxe..

My hubby n I ( and he’s Not a Disney person but both humors and clearly loves me lol) return to Poly club level and AKL Savannah ( not club) as our favorites now and I’d choose AKL/Jambo..
I just feel at ease there, calmer, quieter, lovely bar, great restaurants, good pool and sitting on that balcony morning with tea or night with a cocktail seeing animals cannot be beat . The Nite Safari ( nite vision goggles) is Amazing!!! Some say u can see animals at ak or just visit here, not the same.
I’ve Always been into Total Disney Immersion and mod POR or Deluxe AKL/jambo would be my choices.
Enjoy wherever you decide. Pixie dust ur way!

 

[Realfoodfans]

How lovely to be beginning your planning! We have a number of situations that are making me hold fire for now but can’t wait to return. We love POFQ with the grandchildren but for a couple probably too quiet. Next time we go we might consider splitting our stay between two resorts to have a grown up couple of days with nice restaurants on site.

 

[kwdw]

I love both POFQ and Coronado. They are my go-to mods.

I haven't stayed at POR, but I like the look and feel of POFQ. It's a small, intimate resort with great theming. I agree it doesn't have the best pool, but I think that keeps SOME kids away - you see alot of couples and older adults here. I think it has a romantic feel. I've never had a noisy stay here.

Coronado is large - but I love the theming. If you can afford a tower room - those rooms are REALLY nice for a mod and they are central to the gift shop, food court, bars and table service dining. However - if you are looking to be away from the hussle and bussle, don't go for the towers. I've stay in all three sections - and like all three. You can judge for yourself if you want to be close to a pool or not. It does (in normal times) have convention goers - but as I travel without kids - makes no difference to me.

Caribbean Beach - I don't like this one. I think this one is WAY too big and the feature pool and main amenities are too small for the size of the resort - and frankly - too far away from most of the rooms. Now - I'm not commenting on Rivera - haven't been there. I also think the theming is "boring" - there's nothing novel there, IMO.

The transportation options do differ at the resorts - and that's something to judge if it matters to you. I found bus service to be the "same" at all three, but I haven't stayed at CB since the Skyliner opened.

 

[MaddieB223]

The thing with starting planning so early (if you are anything like me) is that you will change your mind (maybe multiple times) even after you think you narrowed down where you want to stay!

I've stayed at all but French Quarter (I would think it's similar to staying at Riverside except French Quarter is a smaller resort). I liked the resort (beautiful grounds) and it had a great foodcourt. However, to me, it just feels too far away from everything. Only way to get to the parks is buses - we like having another option or the ability to walk to one or two parks.

I will say I have not stayed at Caribbean since it was renovated and since they added the Skyliner. We are staying Riviera with the skyliner in December so if it's as awesome as people are saying, that might change my mind to lean toward Caribbean just for extra mode of transportation to Epcot and HS. This resort seems so spread out - may not be more spread out than others but it felt that way when I stayed there (this was years ago).

We stayed most recently at Coronado. I really liked it here, even though it is also spread out. And even though it only has bus transportation to the parks, still really liked it here. The Destino Tower had not opened when we went (it was right before the official opening) but I would love to go back and stay in the Tower.

If I had to chose between these 4 resorts, then it would be Coronado hands down with Caribbean coming in 2nd.

We prefer the deluxe resorts now but we also stay DVC on points which makes the deluxe resorts more affordable.

Since there is allot of time and we have no idea how things will change once life settles down, perhaps they will offer discounts during that time of year which might give you more options or make your final decision easier.

Good luck with the planning!

Awesome answer! I too was leaning towards Coronado Springs, but always good to have options! My boyfriend has pointed out that we could change our minds, which probably will happen hahah! Thank you so much!

 

[MaddieB223]

I love both POFQ and Coronado. They are my go-to mods.

I haven't stayed at POR, but I like the look and feel of POFQ. It's a small, intimate resort with great theming. I agree it doesn't have the best pool, but I think that keeps SOME kids away - you see alot of couples and older adults here. I think it has a romantic feel. I've never had a noisy stay here.

Coronado is large - but I love the theming. If you can afford a tower room - those rooms are REALLY nice for a mod and they are central to the gift shop, food court, bars and table service dining. However - if you are looking to be away from the hussle and bussle, don't go for the towers. I've stay in all three sections - and like all three. You can judge for yourself if you want to be close to a pool or not. It does (in normal times) have convention goers - but as I travel without kids - makes no difference to me.

Caribbean Beach - I don't like this one. I think this one is WAY too big and the feature pool and main amenities are too small for the size of the resort - and frankly - too far away from most of the rooms. Now - I'm not commenting on Rivera - haven't been there. I also think the theming is "boring" - there's nothing novel there, IMO.

The transportation options do differ at the resorts - and that's something to judge if it matters to you. I found bus service to be the "same" at all three, but I haven't stayed at CB since the Skyliner opened.

Love the idea of a romantic theme! Though I have been leaning towards Coronado Springs, hopefully I could get a discount on a Tower room! Thank you

 

[MaddieB223]

How lovely to be beginning your planning! We have a number of situations that are making me hold fire for now but can’t wait to return. We love POFQ with the grandchildren but for a couple probably too quiet. Next time we go we might consider splitting our stay between two resorts to have a grown up couple of days with nice restaurants on site.

I'm such a planner, it drives my boyfriend a little crazy! He doesn't get that it's half the fun I like your idea of splitting between 2 resorts!