Moderates: I just can't decide

[Sue M]

Both CBR and CSR are under construction right now. Our fav moderate is POR in the mansions. Request a location close to foot bridge. It's a beautiful resort, love walking along the river path. Very pretty landscaping. Boat to DS, evening entertainment! And like the option of quiet pools. We prefer to use the bus stop behind our building over the main busy bus stop. Best food court and like Boatwrights TS too.

 

[loves to dive]

We've stayed at CSR a number of times and love it there. The pool is terrific, slide is fun (even for us adults!), and we've always had good food at the Pepper Market, although we haven't tried any of the TS places. I've heard Maya Grill is good, though.

However, we were up for a change of scenery so we're trying POFQ on our upcoming trip in just a few days. My husband and I stayed there for an anniversary trip without our kids and we liked it, but it was 9 years ago. I'm interested to see what the kids think about it - I am pretty sure they'll be disappointed by the pool but it'll do for quick afternoon swims to cool off. I plan for us to spend at least part of our rest day over at POR to check out their pool and food court, so if I think of it I'll update in a couple of weeks with my kids' impressions of POFQ and POR.

One thing I've always liked about CSR is the totally immersive theming, and how I really feel like we're in the desert southwest. Being Floridians, we have a lot of the Caribbean-type architecture in our area, as well as the old Florida/Southern style. Lots of oak and magnolia trees, and POR just seems like it would feel like being at home. While the Casitas at CSR are considered "preferred" due to their proximity to the convention area on that side of the main building and adjacent to Casitas 1, we've always preferred the Cabanas area. It's not too far from the main building, and the bridge goes right across to the pool area. The Ranchos building that is next to the quiet pool is a good location, too. It's only about a 12-minute walk to the main building (walking with children), and 3 minutes to the main pool. If you can spring for the Business Class rooms in Cabanas 9B, they're very close to the main building, and are a club-level-light with drinks and snacks available.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Just so you know, they no longer have the business class while they are under construction, they tore that building down. There is no information as to whether it will be available once construction is done.

 

[Frankie Nova]

We have stayed at all four mods & our favorite by far is POR - we always book preferred so we are always in AB although we tried the mansions side one time & really didn't like the rooms. There's a quiet pool in the pod of rooms in the preferred section which we love, but the rooms are super close to the main pool. If you want tons of information on POR & POFQ check out www.portorleans.org. We have never had any issues whatsoever with the buses & we stay there at least 4x a year. We also love the boat ride to Disney Springs. Lots to do there. We've also done the carriage ride for our anniversary at POR. We love the food court, but have never tried the sit down restaurant as I'm super picky & can't find anything on the menu I'll eat.

Thank you for the link stayed at CBR twice and looking forward to POR in may 2018

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Just so you know, they no longer have the business class while they are under construction, they tore that building down. There is no information as to whether it will be available once construction is done.

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the info! Since we're at FQ on this upcoming trip, I haven't kept up with all the changes going on at CSR beyond knowing there is construction there.

 

[Frankie Nova]

Thank you for the link stayed at CBR twice and looking forward to POR in may 2018View attachment 255583

https://www.disboards.com/attachments/upload_2017-7-24_10-41-50-png.255583/

 

[MrsDuck]

CBR is the worst.

CSR has some construction but it's a great resort and construction won't really impact you. POR/FQ is so gorgeous - I feel like your kiddos would enjoy the pool, boat rides, etc.

 

[PollyannaMom]

POR - Stayed there in 2006 and 2011. Loved it both times! We enjoyed the theming, and felt it was very "old south" - a nice change from the busy northeast where we live. The grounds were beautiful, and we loved the convenience of the boat to (at that time) DTD. We were very happy with the food court and Boatwrights as well. DS enjoyed the main pool, and we did go over to the one at POFQ one day, so he could do the dragon slide. He also loved the surrey bikes!

POFQ - Haven't stayed there, but definitely want to someday! As mentioned above - neat pool. I've heard great things about the food court, and the theme looks fun.

CBR - Stayed there in 2015, and loved it as well. We had 3 feet of snow up here, and the tropical theme was exactly what we needed! The staff was very helpful. (It was our first trip with FP+.) We loved the food court, but did not try the TS restaurant because it really wasn't DS's type of food. We did enjoy the pool. -- All that said, I wouldn't choose it for your upcoming trip because of the construction. Too much is closed for you to really enjoy the resort time you've planned in the way that you'd be able to after it's done.

CSR - This has been on our "short list" a couple of times, but we haven't ever gotten there. This thread makes me want to try it, though!

 

[UVACHRIS11]

As a father of 5 with many trips under my belt, POR allows the kids to have their own sleeping space. One less kid thing to have to deal with. We have to get two rooms and having the murphy so every child has their own bed is a life saver.

 

[POOHBEAR0623]

CSR is my favorite moderate. We always stay there when visiting. The theming is great and it's spread out so you don't feel like it's overly crowded. Plus the pools are great! There is some construction right now but that wouldn't deter me from staying there again.