Mod's vs. value options -- need help deciding

[monarch]

(Sorry in advance for redundancy -- I first asked this in an existing thread and then realized it wasn't exactly on point and I might not get many responses -- thanks in advance for the help).

I'm trying to decide between AS Sports (which our 4 yo loves), Pop (which we would probably like a bit better), and Coronado (which costs a small bit more, but which grandmother would probably like better). We've only stayed at the AS options in the past (on tight budget). But because we got a postcard in the mail with special offer, we can stay at the moderates for only $30 more per night. Is it worth it?

What are the big differences between the "mod's" and the "value" choices? We don't spend a ton of time at the rooms when we have gone in the past, spending most of the time in the parks. The swimming pools seem nicer at the mod's, but if that is the only thing we might take advantage of, is it really worth it? If we stay at the mod's which one should we pick (I put Coronado above, but am not wedded to it)?

 

[nasmith]

Here's my take on it....

Mods have a bit more room - 314 sf vs. 260 sf....--- they have an in-room coffee maker --- there are towels at the pool (at value, you need to bring a towel from the room (but you can req. extra from housing)---There is a slide at the pool-----

That being said - Coronado is HUGE and you may get a room that's quite a ways from the pool or food court if you plan to use those.......Grandma might not like the long walks everywhere (Note - Port Orleans FQ is smaller if that's a concern)

I haven't stayed at AS Sports - but Pop has spouting fountains to run thru like Coronado (which my 4 yo loves) as well as his favorite refillable mug drink ( a slurpee machine - hey it's his vacation too!)....

My 4 yo likes all the resorts the same - doesn't even seem to notice (or complain) when we go from deluxe Conc. to value...whether there is a slide and sand or just the pool (as long as he can go swimming!).... So I would pick what would make you happiest..... Would an extra $30 per night make you happier, or a bit more room????

 

[webray]

Either the pop or all stars would be great. Parking is better at the all stars if you are going to have a car..if not..then it doesn't matter which you stay at. Both are very conveniently laid out..and not matter what building you are in, you are just a few minutes away from everything. Pop has a wider variety breakfast menu. We like the dinner options at all stars better (there are a lot of options at Pop also..but food was better at all stars). Grounds are nicely done at Pop. Pop has inside and outside bar areas which is very nice.

The moderates..we have tried them all, some twice and they are just not worth the money..discount or not. The food in the food courts is not as good as the all stars, the layout is very inconvenient. We decided after our last stay at coronado (this past spring) we won't ever do a moderate again.

Keeping that in mind..we love pop and all stars.

 

[Herbie]

We will always spend the few extra $$ to stay at the mods....

We love the bigger rooms,,,,,,like the atmosphere much better,,,and like the fact that there are quiet pools to enjoy after a long hot day....

Coronado would be my third choice after PO riverside and CB.

 

[arizonacolbys]

Well, we've never actually stayed at a Moderate, but were originally planning to in Sept. Even with a great discount - I just couldn't justify spending an additional $30+/night for a Mod. We're like your family & don't really spend much time at the resorts.

We've always loved the All Star Movies & now, we're going to try the POP in Sept. For the extra $ we would've spent on a Mod - we're now staying extra nights at the POP! I've heard many great things about POP & I think they have improved on some of the issues at the All Stars. If your son loves the All Stars - my vote is to stay at one of the All Stars, or even try out the POP.

Our favorites on the values are the fun pools, the great transportation to the parks & of course, the refillable mugs. The foodcourt is very convenient, too!

HTH!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

Our first 2 trips to the world were to CBR, and we liked it pretty well (except the 2nd time we were in Trinidad South which was tooooo far from OPR for me).

Then in 2001 we went to ASMu, and my wife said "I like this much better than CBR!" We had a 10yo and 11yo with us then. We returned in 2002 to ASMo, just 3 of us, and had a wonderful time, again she said "this is so much better than CBR!"

Then in 2003 we went to WL - and we all loved it - our 12 year old wants to go back to WL next trip.

We've had numerous talks about this, and we have become a family that will do the Deluxes when we can afford to, but when we can't, we will go to a Value resort.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How old is your mom? Is she able to do quite a bit of walking. My assumption is that moms are all old like mine. I have a 4yo, along with 3 older kids, and my mom is 81yo, but my oldest sister is 61, probably closer to your moms age. If your mom is on the younger side then any of the resorts should be fine. If you don't want a lot of walking I would go to POFQ since it is supposed to be a lot more compact. Also, I would go for POFQ if you will not have a car and if your 4yo won't be using a stroller.

I stayed at Pop in February with my sister and my 4yo. We enjoyed it a lot, but we also had a car to drive when we didn't want to ride the bus. There was quite a bit of walking around the resort, but nothing that any of us couldn't handle. My 4yo is very happy to sit in a stroller, though, so I didn't have to listen to his complaining.

My DH and I have also stayed at CS before with our youngest (when he was a toddler) and decided then that we wouldn't stay there again without a car. It was so spread out, depending on which building you're in.

Good luck with your decision. Personally, I would go with a moderate in your situation (since you have the discount code).

T&B

 

[Del]

Just a bit of info---the POFQ is just a beautiful, small compact resort. If you are still considering the mods, take a second look at it.

Del

 

[n2mm]

If grandma is the biggest concern, I would stay at PO French Quarters. Mostly because of it's compact size and quietness. It still has a great pool for the little one. If not, then my second choice would be Pop Century.