Most "fun" moderate

[canadianmom2three]

I want deluxe, DH wants a value, and the grandparents want a moderate so I think that's where we'll end up compromising. The problem is, none of them look terribly exciting - they don't have the kid friendly themeing of the values, nor the really cool features of the deluxe, they seem like really nice resorts, just not terribly disneyish, or exciting for kids. We stayed at CSR last summer, for our first disney trip, and it was beautiful, and even though it wasn't really kiddy oriented, we really liked it, and the kids loved the pyramid at the pool, so that was great. That said, we would like to try a different one this time around. CBR looked like a neat choice, but I read that the pool will be under reno at the time we will be there. THat doesn't leave a lot of choice....so what would you all say is the most FUN MODERATE for KIDS? TIA

 

[CinderellyCinderelly]

I have also stayed at CSR and loved it, but we did not have kids with us. My sister and her husband took their 2 year old to CBR and she said she did not like it and would not return...The POR/POFQ themes don't appeal to me, so I would definitely go back to CSR!

 

[jenny-pooh]

We are staying at CBR in May. It will be our first trip! I, too, was concerned about the pool. However my TA said they have added slides in some of the smaller pools and have also introduced some children's activities (I am not sure what kind of activities). I do know that there is fishing, bike & boat rentals, a playground, arcade and beach. I guess a lot depends on the ages of your children.
I think I am trying to convince myself. I had my heart set on POR but there were no rooms left at the CAA discounted rate when I booked. Good luck!

 

[fall08CP]

Yeah... I would not stay at PO with kids. I thought it seemed more appealing to adults. I love CSR but if you want something new then CBR looks really neat too!

 

[skipperkim]

I love PO. The grounds are beautiful. While I am staying at CSR this next trip, I'd rather be at POFQ. But then I don't have young ones anymore.

 

[vbarry]

If I were you I would go one step up to the WL or AK. These are both great for kids! It is more than the moderate but not as much as the other Deluxe resorts. I would check the prices and see what you can work out for your family.

WL is a boat ride away from MK. Maybe that would help them change their minds!

Have a great trip!!

 

[nikki'smom]

CSR has great pool and slide! Also a very nice playground area too.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

Playground pics
http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23442636&postcount=31

Kids participate in the pool opening, water ceremony each morning at the pool. They chant to bring the water gods to life. Its a cute little activity they do with the kids along with other water games that they play during the day. kids can go as high as the first set of large vines crossing the pyramid.

opening ceremony

CM's playing a diving game with kids

 

[mickey&minniealways]

You didn't say how many are in your group. Sounds like you need at least 2 rooms. If this is the case have you considered renting points from a dvc member. That way you can stay at a deluxe and have kitchen facilities and more. The other option is Fort Wilderness Cabins. They sleep 6 and you still get the kitchen. It is kid friendly and close to MK. It is also overlooked by most people.

 

[MickeyNicki]

CBR, it makes me feel like I am in the Bahamas. Great pool by the main dining area with killer daquiries

 

[SGMCO]

I think with your age variety your Whole Family will enjoy either POR or POFQ,
We found both of them very Family oriented compared to CSR.
My DH thought we had moved up to a Deluxe resort.
Your GP will love the lush and beautiful landscaping of POR (there are
cute Bunnies and duck families everywhere).
There are Turtles in the Water to watch and you can go fishing in the Fishing Hole.
The CS and the TS restaurant were both very good with a nice variety.
If your kids are older they will like the Main Pool at POR, it has a nice slide and
other "Old Swimming Hole" Themed features--think Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer.

If you are looking for a smaller resort and a good choice is POFQ.
Staying at either PO resorts your kids can use Both resorts Main Pools
since they are Sister Resorts--We did this on our last visit staying at POR
(we walked over to POFQ and had Beignets (yum!) and swam at the pool 1/2 day.
It was like having 2 vacations.
Like everyone else mentioned--you will really enjoy the Boat Ride to DTD.
I hope you have a Wonderful Trip!!

 

[canadianmom2three]

Thanks for all the ideas, we did love CSR last year, just didn't think it had the kid appeal of some of the values, or the really cool features of the deluxes either. The kids thought that the dig site pool was one of the disney waterparks, and we did think it was a lovely resort, we just thought we would try something different this year, but none of the moderates really look that appealing to me. I have been working on convincing the others to go to AKL, but no luck so far, I will have to price out WL. There will be 7 in our
Me and DH - 32 and 33
DS 11, DD 8, DS 5
My parents - 58 and 59

Last year was our first trip to disney with the kids, and we thought it would be a once in a lifetime trip, but we are hooked. My parents have only been once as well, when I was a kid and I can't imagine them going back, so I want it to be great.

 

[vbarry]

Also- I do not know when you are going but look at AP rates or AAA. We stayed at WL our first trip with an AP rate and it was very reasonable. It is hard to think of spending that money but once you have stayed at these resorts...there is no going back.

I would really try for WL. Beautiful resort that your parents will probably appreciate. You can get a bunk bed room if you like or look at renting points from a DVC member for a 2 bedroom!! The pool is beaufitul, the transportation is very good, much smaller resort with less walking.

 

[gooftroop22]

We stayed at CBR last year and we loved it! The resort was beautiful and the pools were awesome. They are renovating the pool and I hear it's supposed to be AMAZING! We stayed in the Martinique section and it was a prime location....Not far from the main pool and Old Port Royale. The food court was awesome too, lots of choices for kids and adults.

If you choose CBR you won't regret it!

 

[kxmeeh]

my girls are 6 and 11 and loved the pool at por. the guards played games with the kids all day long. there is a catch and release fishing hole that opens at 6 am, and teh food court was soooo good!! we ate there 3 times and didn't eat the same thing twice. the rooms were a good size for the 4 of us, and my dd11 (who is all about having her privacy right now) slept on the trundle bed to not have to share a bed with little sis and used the privacy curtain to get changed near the sinks instead of near the beds. we are booked to stay there again for our trip in july. just an fyi, we are relaxing vacation people, not leaving for the park any time before 10 am and spending 2 of our days doing nothing but swimming except going for our adr

 

[SuzieN]

My kids are almost the same ages as your and I can tell you that they all LOVE both of the Port orleans resorts with POFQ in the lead. It is totally kid-friendly with the cute Alligator band out by the pool and the sea serpent slide in the pool. They have a playground as well and a good-sized arcade. You also get the boat ride to DTD at either of the Port Orleans resorts which is great. I can't wait to stay at POFQ again!

 

[KatMark]

We vote for CSR. Our kids loved the CSR. One year we took them to walk around all the other moderates and they did not like them at all...they only liked the CSR.

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

CSR is my fave for kids...but if you can, upgrade to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[pixie08]

POR...I love PoFQ but with kids POR.

They have a great pool, you cab rent bikes and surrey bikes and all sorts of water mice and what no!

 

[kate&sarahsdad]

Coronado is our favorite! Our kids love the playground and pool.