We've stayed at both. I had to drag my dh and dd, then 10, kicking and screaming to CR. But, they both fell in love with it. We stayed in the North Wing, ground floor room. We have stayed at POR three times. Yes, POR does have a better play area and the main pool is terrific. Add the other 6 quiet pools and you'll have better swim options. But, at CR you can walk to MK, take the monorail one stop away and hop on the Epcot monorail. You can take the resort monorail to the Polynesian and GF and use their restuarants. You can take a boat over to WL and FW. Chef Mickeys is right there at your resort. We loved CR...loved the hustle and bustle of it. The theming isn't as great as at POR but that didn't bother us too much. If I had a choice between the two, especially with 5, and money wasn't a huge issue, I would go with the CR. After all.....you will most likely not spend a great deal of time in the playground area. And the pool choice isn't a deal breaker for me..others may have to have that better pool, but I'll take being on the monorail any day!!!