Moderate Resorts

[MARAJIM]

Hello all. I just found out that I have the free dining pin attached to my name and am debating on upgrading from the values to a moderate.

My question is whether any of the moderates are in walking distance to Epcot and/or Hollywood. I think there may be a boat to go to those parks as well. Does it run from any of the moderates?

Since we have really only stayed at the values, any and all suggestions/recommendations with regards to the moderates would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

[minnie mum]

None of the moderate resorts have walking routes or boats that go to Epcot or DHS. Only the Epcot area resorts have that, and they are all deluxe (plus the Swan and Dolphin hotels). You would need to take a bus to these parks from any of the mods.

PORFQ and POR have a boat that goes to DTD, but not the parks.

We love all of the mod resorts. Usually we pick a different resort each time, based on the theme of each resort, the time of year we are going and which one appeals most to us at that time. Don't think you can really go wrong with any of them. My suggestion is to go to each of the resort threads and spend a little time looking at all the photos before you make a final decision.

 

[AJA]

As the pp said none of the mods are within walking distance of any of the parks. Having stayed at POFQ though I can def say the boat to DTD is a great perk in the evenings. Either POR or POFQ would be my choice.

If you are traveling with little ones that LOVE the pool, the pool being a huge part of their trip, CBR has an awesome pool.

JMO (of course) but as an adult I very much prefer the POR resorts as far as the mods go and def think they are worth upgrading to.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I would totally upgrade! I've stayed at tall the moderates and they are worth the $ over the values, and the extra dining option is great too over just the CS plan!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

If you choose the CB, I would request a pirate themed room. These rooms have been redone, so they are in very nice condition. We had a less than great standard room in Feb 2011, and this year stayed in a pirate room. It was definitely worth the extra dollars. Good luck with your planning.

 

[mobtown7]

Which of the moderate resorts have queen size beds?

 

[cannmom]

The Port Orleans resorts have Queen beds. I think that Coronado Springs does also. We have stayed at both Of the Port Orleans resorts and liked both of them very much.

 

[MARAJIM]

Thanks all for your responses, any and all info is greatly appreciated!

I think we may be leaning towards POR or POFQ. I like the look of POFQ but am worried that we would want to spend a lot of our time at POR (my sons already said they were goin' fishing!) Any comments with regards to the two PO resorts?

Just an FYI my boys will be 12 and 13...would that sway you to any particular moderate?

 

[deej696]

Another vote for Port Orleans or Coronado

 

[mouselovenfamily]

It really comes down to the theme your family like the best. I loved CSR, my kids really like CBR...go figure. We liked POR, nice refurbished rooms and comfy beds. You can see photos on my TR link of the new refurbished rooms. Can't wait to hear what you decide!!

 

[Sue M]

Which of the moderate resorts have queen size beds?

All, except CBR.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I would suggest POR or POFQ. I haven't stayed at either, however, we too had stayed exclusively in values and then decided to try a moderate last year. We stayed at CBR. It was just ok...we didn't appreciate a true difference to justify the cost over a value. At least POR and POFQ have queen beds and the boat to DTD that makes it more "worth" it.

CSR just holds no appeal to us, so not sure we'll ever stay there.

 

[Mamato3Princes]

I would definitely recommend either of the Port Orleans ones. We're heading to POR in 5 days. Last time I stayed there was way back when I was a teenager. But I remember the resort being beautiful and there's that boat to DTD too as PPs have mentioned. Can't wait to get there on Monday!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I would totally upgrade. Linens are better at the moderates. LOL

Port Orleans Riverside is my favorite. The pool area is larger, the food court is larger, my kids like the size of the arcade.

I also just like that resort better although I have stayed at French Quarter and enjoyed that too.

Both have queen beds. Both have pool slides. Both have hot tubs.

There are 4 internal bus stops at Riverside. That has never bothered me. In the middle of the day, the buses do share with French Quarter but in the morning and at closing, they have their own buses.
French Quarter only has one bus stop but I think it's very crowded because of that.

Riverside also has a table service restaurant that is open for dinner. French Quarter does not have it's own table service restaurant.

That's all the differences I can think of right now.

I've stayed at Carribbean Beach once and Coronada Springs once and they were nice but Port Orleans grabbed me and I keep going back there.

I forgot to put the link to a good website about the Port Orleans resort. www.portorleans.org I discovered it a year ago and I think you'll enjoy looking through it.

 

[MARAJIM]

Well, I did it. I wanted to book now so I had a better chance at my resort pick.

And the winner is....POR!

I really, really liked the POFQ in pictures, but I just think we would have more to do at POR. With it being over the Thanksgiving holiday I think we may be at the hotel more often and need the extra activities.

CBR looked too big for me and CSR didn't appeal to my younger son. So there you have it.

Thanks for all your advice and let's hope I don't start second guessing myself!

Next up...where to request...but I'll spare you that discussion for a later time.

Again, thanks for all your feedback. The people here are the best!

 

[shell8558]

Great decision! You will not regret it one bit. POR is my favorite resort. It is absolutely beautiful and my kids love the pool and food court. The make your own pasta was awesome! We have stayed in the mansions twice and love it! It is the perfect distance to the bus and to the large pool and food court.