Kids-Free Trip: Selecting a Value or Moderate Resort

[Jayhawk75]

My husband and I have taken our three boys to WDW the last three years in a row. Our first two trips were in a suite at AOA. Earlier this spring we did a 10 day stay and splurge at Yacht Club. Obviously that spoiled us. We didn’t think we’d go back again for a couple of years.

However, we’ve been able to secure child care and would like to get the last few days of my annual pass used. So we will return kids free next March.

We are looking into staying at any one of the following: POP, POFQ, CSR.

We know POP will have same feel as AOA did when it comes to bus stop and food court. The new refurbished rooms seem nice and meet our needs.

Since we have never stayed moderate we are trying to determine what the pros / cons might be staying at POFQ or CSR. I am slightly concerned with multiple bus stops during peak season. But I also like the look and feel of these resorts as a step up from POP.

The difference in cost in not an issue. The option to book a king bed would be a plus (I don’t think this is an option at POP)?

We haven’t traveled alone in 11 years. We’d like to have a romantic trip alone. Any suggestions on resort choice and any other activities we should consider without kids is greatly appreciated!

 

[Babsy]

First of all, for an adults only, I would go moderate rather than Pop. pop is great but if budget isn't an issue, then the moderates give a more upscale, romantic vibe for adults, IMO.

POFQ would be my choice of your options. It has only one bus stop, if that is a concern whereas CSR has 4 bus stops. CSR is much larger than POFQ with three differently themed areas - casitas, Ranchos and cabanas. First of all, I would look at pictures of these two resorts online to get an idea of which theme appeals to you the most. next to consider is that CSR is a convention resort as well as a vacation resort, so you may see groups of conventioneers walking around. That doesn't bother me, but some people are bothered by this. Also, and I am not sure if it is still an issue for your travel dates, CSR is undergoing construction at the moment. We prefer to avoid resorts where construction or renovations are ongoing.

You can book a King room at POFQ, IIRC, so I would book a King room at POFQ as my first choice. A couple of other nice benefits to a stay at POFQ: You can walk to POR to enjoy the sister resort's amenities (carriage rides, another pool, Table service restaurant, etc.) which are very nice. Finally, you can ride a boat to DS to enjoy the dining and activities located there.

Good luck choosing!

 

[firefly_ris]

I did a kid-free trip last year at POFQ. I'd recommend that because:

- Small size - very brief walk to anywhere on the property

- Only 1 bus stop

- Boat ride to Disney Springs

- Rooms have recently had some refurbishing done (we were there before this was done and the room was just OK but clearly needed updating, so should be good now)

- Nice selection at the food court

- Since it's small, I found it fairly quiet and calm

- There's no table service but if it's important to you, you can easily walk to POR for their restaurant or to see the entertainment there


However there's no quiet pools at this resort, just the main feature pool, if that is something that is important to you. Our trip was a short 3 day stint so we did not use the pool at all. But overall just based on its size, amenities and the single bus stop I'd recommend it over the other two.

 

[fab1976]

We did a kid free trip to POFQ with a king size bed last year right around this time. Very nice romantic feeling resort! We had a ground floor room right along the water that was so charming to step out and see the river right there. It’s a small resort, cozy. Nice and close to Disney springs, great boat ride to get there. There is only one bus stop which is awesome. Definitely one of our favourite resorts, with or without kids!

 

[fab1976]

I should add we did a family trip to CSR this year and while I did love it it’s not as cozy and romantic as POFQ. I would recommend either resort for a family, but stick with POFQ for a no kids trip!

 

[supitscarrie]

I've done both mods and Pop for adult-only trips (as my husband and I are childfree so all of our trips are adult-only, haha).

We're doing Pop this November in order to save money and do a longer trip and be able to spend more on some extras. I've done Pop with my bestie previously, and while I don't expect it to make for the most romantic trip, being able to keep the second bed up will make the room feel a lot bigger than it is and I'm expecting it to be a blast regardless. Pop is probably my favorite resort so far due to the price and overall convenience. I also personally enjoy the theming but I understand why a lot of adults aren't into it on adult-only trips.

CSR is my favorite of the mods, though it's going under so much construction right now that the noise and overall tumult of the place might interfere with being able to have a cozy/romantic time. I think it would ultimately depend on where your room is. I actually really liked having the multiple bus stops - they go very quickly, and our room most recently was near bus stop #2 (which is the first to be picked up, typically) so we always got seats.

 

[bek]

POFQ or watch for deals on WL and/or AKL. At POFQ the boat to Disney Springs makes up for a lack of TS. Because of POFQ's compact size, the resort feels cozy. I stayed at POFQ for a solo trip and loved it.

AKL or WL or any deluxe will give you both a lounge, table service restaurants and a balcony. I did a girls trip with my sister and we stayed at AKL. It was great to share a bottle of wine on the balcony watching the animals. In the evening having lovely restaurants on-site was definitely relaxing.

CSR is under construction, so I don't think construction noise and sights are romantic. CBR is also under construction.

Pop is definitely a family experience -- lots of kid noise and activity. March weather in Florida can run the gamut from cold to hot. There is only a food court (loud & noisy) or outdoor pool bar to have a glass of wine or beer or else back in one's room. I'd cross the values off the list for a romantic trip.