Moderates--Let's talk.

[kandb]

We love POR, think it is a beautiful and relaxing resort with a good food court. We found POFQ, small and boring. Have fun.

 

[softballmom3]

POR is beautiful. We stayed there last November and wouldn't hesitate to stay again. We loved The boat to downtown Disney and they have a great food court.

 

[smidgy]

I will echo the sentiment that CSR feels the most deluxe. It has convention center amenities, and consequently has a spa, work out facilities, and dining facilities the other mods don't offer. It was the first to offer queen beds, and you can specify a preferred location, again which I would recommend. If it were me, I'd go for CSR or POR. POR since the rooms have recently been updated.

not sure I understand. you can pay for a preferred location (casitas 1, 2 or 3.) you can "request" a specific area (casitas 4 or 5, cabanas, or ranchos), but it is NOT guarnateed.

most want cabanas cause it is the most convenient. most do NOT want the ranchos cause it is a long walk to El Centro(but not too bad to the main pool). we think the casitas are beautiful es[p at night, to walk THROUGH, the rotunda, reflicting pools, fountains, etc.

ps the restrooms by the casitas quiet pool close at 7!!! not room key activatted, slosed. (they are inside near the fitness room).

 

[cjsm&d]

Our family's favorite mod is CSR. We like pretty much everything about it. Love the queen beds and central air conditioning. No blower fans turning on and off all night. I have to disagree with an earlier poster. I certainly don't think CSR is any more spread out than POR.

POR is our next favorite, because we like the grounds, qs, and baot to DTD.

We also like POFQ.

We really don't care for CBR, and that one is really spread out.

 

[cjsm&d]

We have stayed several times at CSR and once at FQ and we preferred CSR but we have found that often the rates at the Dolphin and Swan are close (even with the resort fee and Parking) to the same as a Disney moderate and they are nicer IMO and have a GREAT location.

IMO they are a good option to consider if you will have your own car and don't do the DDP. They also offer really good discount rates for AAA, etc.

I agree with this. We are planning our April 2013 trip now, and with 3 rooms and 5 kids we're probably going with POR over CSR only because SIL's kids are extremely picky eaters and Riverside Mill is a better option for them.

But we are also looking into Dolphin, and if the cost is even close or we can't get FD, we'll stay their.

They offer deals for Teachers, Nurses, Military, AAA, and SPG members.

 

[Singinglizzie]

not sure I understand. you can pay for a preferred location (casitas 1, 2 or 3.) you can "request" a specific area (casitas 4 or 5, cabanas, or ranchos), but it is NOT guarnateed.

most want cabanas cause it is the most convenient. most do NOT want the ranchos cause it is a long walk to El Centro(but not too bad to the main pool). we think the casitas are beautiful es[p at night, to walk THROUGH, the rotunda, reflicting pools, fountains, etc.

ps the restrooms by the casitas quiet pool close at 7!!! not room key activatted, slosed. (they are inside near the fitness room).

Thank you for clarifying - yes I meant you can pay extra for a preferred room. To the OP, if you can't decide go with the theme that appeals to you most. I think you could be happy with either choice!

 

[nkereina]

CSR does have the Rix lounge, which is very comfortable and cozy. We were able to bring our kids in there as well during the day.

I'm aware of Rix lounge but it is much more stuffy and "upscale" than the POR lounge. They also technically have a dress code as it is run by a third party company. I don't know if the dress code is enforced, but it's a turn off no less.

OP, POR and CSR are both large resorts as you know but I think POR is easier to navigate than CSR. At CSR, if you are stuck on the opposite side of the lake, you have no choice but to walk in either direction all the way around the lake to get to the main building. At POR, the pathways cut through areas in the AB section and the bridges in the mansion section cut across the river so IMO, it's less walking.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I'm aware of Rix lounge but it is much more stuffy and "upscale" than the POR lounge. They also technically have a dress code as it is run by a third party company. I don't know if the dress code is enforced, but it's a turn off no less.

OP, POR and CSR are both large resorts as you know but I think POR is easier to navigate than CSR. At CSR, if you are stuck on the opposite side of the lake, you have no choice but to walk in either direction all the way around the lake to get to the main building. At POR, the pathways cut through areas in the AB section and the bridges in the mansion section cut across the river so IMO, it's less walking.

For our stay at POR in March we were in the back, used the bus at the north depot. It was a terrible location. Going to the front was not a quick trip. By the time you walked there, got what you needed and walked back it was 20+ minutes. I feel like it is about the same as CSR in Ranchos.

Both resorts are very spread out, as is CBR. That's why I say it is worth paying for a preferred location if your budget can allow. We were in building 3 at CSR and could not have been happier.

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I love POR and CSR, but we had the best bus service at CSR. We never had a long wait.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

So now I am stuck between Coranado Springs and POR........decisions, decisions......

Any final thoughts to sway me?

If the pool and a fun slide are important, choose CSR.

I believe its pool is one of the best in all of Disney World. The slide is awesome. And the quick service location at the pool makes it easy for us to spend the whole day there. We can get snacks (burgers and nachos), refill our mugs, play games in the arcade, explore the playground, play beach volleyball or shuffleboard, and all of it, everything, is all right there in one central location. That's why we book a standard room and request to be close to the main pool.

Also, there is a beautiful outdoor bar in front of the lake, just steps from the marina. Last time, we brought our food from the Pepper Market and ordered drinks at the bar. The breeze from the lake felt wonderful, and the view was glorious.

If easy access to Downtown Disney is most important, choose POR for the boat. POR also has Ye Haa Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, horse-drawn carriage rides, cane pole fishing, and a campfire complete with s'mores.

Here are some websites to check out pictures:

CSR: this particular site seems to be blocked on the DISboards, but you can do an Internet search for unofficial info and find good websites on any Disney World resort
POR: http://www.portorleans.org/

 

[yaddo121]

It is not really a money thing, but for us the Deluxe's offer us little value. Husband had a convention at the Boardwalk and at the Grand Floridian this year. I took our daughter to the parks daily, but husband had no vacation park time. Hence the November trip. (I can honestly tell you I think the Grand Floridian was my least favorite hotel of all time).

Here are my initial impressions of the Moderates. I like PO Riverside more than French Quarter, and I have eaten at the Pepper Market in Coronado Springs. I don't think I have even visited Carribean Beach. Coronado Springs also has queen beds.

Those with moderate experience, tell me which to pick and why. Oh and I will be there 8 nights (husband has a conference in Palm Beach for 2 days in the middle of our stay) and we always get a rental car, because in my world there is nothing 'magical' about a bus.

All of the moderates are available for our dates, so I couldn't even let fate choose.

Your help is appreciated.

Having never stayed at CSR (but heard wonderful things about it) I would vote for POR Each trip I'm torn between POFQ and POR - ended up staying at both numerous times. POR has become a family favorite for the pasta bar (DH), the cane pole fishing (DS), and the scenery/landscaping/atmosphere (me). Last trip we were even lucky enough to snag one of the corner rooms (I know..it's silly but I always wanted to stay in one of those lol!)

As others have pointed out, the boat to Downtown Disney is a nice option and we've always had wonderful bus service.

Like I said, I've also heard wonderful things about CSR as well...I guess I'm no help at all

 

[DizDaD7]

I'm kinda partial or bias to CSR..Which I consider the best Moderate..

Honestly either of the 4 are fine, but I'd rate them like this:
1st CSR
2nd POR
3rd POFQ

a distant-->
4th CBR...

Heres why?


1st off: Pool . Each resort's main pool is nice, but the POFQ is a lil bit on the kiddish side. CSR nice theming & never ever crowded at all. POR Very nice as well w/ a nice side crowd during all hours. Same w/ CBR. POR's is nice and close to the main bldg, which is very convenient too. CSR a lil far but worth the beautiful walk.

2nd: Rooms. This fairly even for all. It all depends on your taste. I believe all have updated rooms now. I was fortunate to saty in them for POR & CSR. I loved both. POFQ I didn't stay in for more than a day. CBR never stayed inside.

3rd: Food area. I think by far. CSR Pepper Market. Never a wait to be seated. no more than 15 seconds .honestly. Also they bring u the drinks for a really small tip. (not a big deal) All the others were so darn packed & it really discouraged me. I felt like I was back at the values.

4th: Transportation. CSR definetley gets the nod again. Never once did we wait to or from any park or DTD. The fact that its a convention hotel helps. But Both the POR & POFQ have a nice boat ride to DTD. Bad side is the buses there. LOng long wait, especially from HS Fantasmic show. Both buses returning to the resorts from there were a minimum 7 or 8 buses. CBR felt just about average.

5th: Grounds. All are beautiful. POR & CSR stand out IMHO. CBR is spread out and the theming to me doesnt feel like Disney. Plus main Bldg is no where near anything. Check in area. POFQ is very small. Kinda claustraphobic if you ask me.

Lets put it this way: This is Disney, No matter which you choose, they will make it a magical time regardless. Have fun choosing & enjoy!

 

[ols386]

I like all 4 of the moderates.

Love the food court at POR, and would love to stay in one of the princess rooms there.

Really enjoy POFQ for the quaint feeling it has, newly refurbished rooms, and the beignets. It is also the smallest resort.

POR & POFQ both have the boat ride to DTD, which is very relaxing.

Like the theming at CSR, and the newly refurbished rooms with queen beds (don't care for their quick food service though).

Don't have young kids, but from everything I've heard, most kids really seem to enjoy the themed pools at all 4 mods.

Also like the theming at CBR. CBR is probably my least favorite of the 4 moderates, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Their food court is ok, but seems extremely hectic at times.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the moderates.

My fav moderate is POFQ...just love that quaint feeling when I'm there.

 

[DizDaD7]

I like all 4 of the moderates.

Love the food court at POR, and would love to stay in one of the princess rooms there.

Really enjoy POFQ for the quaint feeling it has, newly refurbished rooms, and the beignets. It is also the smallest resort.

POR & POFQ both have the boat ride to DTD, which is very relaxing.

Like the theming at CSR, and the newly refurbished rooms with queen beds (don't care for their quick food service though).

Don't have young kids, but from everything I've heard, most kids really seem to enjoy the themed pools at all 4 mods.

Also like the theming at CBR. CBR is probably my least favorite of the 4 moderates, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Their food court is ok, but seems extremely hectic at times.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the moderates.

My fav moderate is POFQ...just love that quaint feeling when I'm there.

Forgot 1 thing about POFQ......Yummy Beignets...