Need advice please

[weesignlanguage]

So, we've been to WDW 8 times in my 7.5 year old's life...lol! Our fave place for sure! We have always stayed at the values. We have stayed a few days before at Car. Beach and Coronado but mostly values. But this trip, I'm questioning whether to upgrade or not. Our hopes is that we will be able to get Free Dining again this January like in the past two years. If not, then moderates will be a no-go. But for now, I'd like to know your opinion on my situation.

We are trying to choose between AS Movies and POFrench Quarter. The cost would be a difference of about $400.00 to upgrade.

I would like the larger beds and extra sink and fridge that come with the POFQ especially since last year at AS Movies the bed was almost too small for me and my soon to be 8 year old.

I worry about the size of the resort and if we stay in a standard room at POFQ (vs a preferred at ASMo) that we won't be close to food court/bus area. When we stayed at Car Beach, that was the one thing my husband complained about...that the place was too big and had to drive to get coffee in the morning...lol. I also worry about the "magic" of the decor. My son adores the Toy Story and other decor at ASMo.

Finally, I wonder if the crowds of Brazilian tour groups will be much less noticable at POFQ. Last year, at ASMo, the tour groups were ridiculous. They crowded the food court, left food laying around all over, made the bus lines crazy long (especially for January), and made it nearly impossible to get through the lobby to the bus area b/c there were several groups meeting there each morning. It would be great to avoid that. My thinking is that BTG probably book values more than mods b/c of the less expensive but that could be wrong.

So, what do you think?? Which would you do? What would be the pros/cons of each? I need advice from those who have stayed at both if possible. Thanks!

 

[wdwrich]

POFQ is the smallest of the moderates and many folks stay there because virtually no room is far away from the lobby or food court. I don't think this will be an issue for you at all.

 

[TwistGrl101]

For only $400 and an upgrade to regular dining, I would definitely go moderate. Your son will enjoy the pool slide and the boatride to DTD. You and DH will enjoy the more peaceful atmosphere.
You can also now enjoy sit down and character meals, assuming you do get the free dining.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We loved POFQ. If I couldn't do a deluxe that is where I would stay. I don't think any rooms are very far from the food court, its nothing at all like CBR.

 

[DJFan88]

Hands down, POFQ for all of the reason's you and other's have mentioned.

 

[shannonstar]

POFQ is awesome. If you are wondering about distances, there is a great map available on www.portorleans.org If you have any questions about the resort, this is a great resource.

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks for the info! It looks like hands down, that POFQ is the best between that and AS Movies. However, now my hubby has thrown a THIRD option into the mix! Can you tell me between POFQ and below, which would you choose??

We can do POFQ as listed in first message

OR

Standard Little Mermaid room at Art of Animation!!!!

I am torn!! While we would love the bigger rooms and beds, slides on pool (even in January maybe), and smaller crowds (especially Brazilian tour groups hopefullly) at POFQ, the Little Mermaid rooms would be brand new. And their food court looks soooo neat. It would 400.00 less too. I'm totally torn!

Which would you do??? I promise this is the last time I'll ask!!

 

[usd2bmd]

Most tour groups tend to stay at the Value Resorts. We have stayed at both POR and CBR and CBR is my favorite Moderate. I have never considered it to be too far to walk anywhere at CBR. I don't think it's more than 10 minutes to get to Old Port Royale from any part of it but that's my opinion. Plus CBR has more quiet pools in addition to the main pool at OPR.

I do think the $400 is well worth the money to upgrade. Have fun whatever you choose to do.

 

[mickey24]

I also can say nothing but great things about POFQ. We are staying there again because of the size (all rooms are close to everything - pool, food court, bus stops and it is so close to POR that you have the option of a larger resort nearby for additional amenities). I will also say that while I also have been tempted to switch to AoA (Car Family Suite), my son who will be almsot 7 when we go, loved POFQ last time (especially the pool and slide). Good luck and have fun!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks guys! Well...the decision got made easily when I found out that Art of Animation's little mermaid rooms are currently exempt from the Free Dining promo going on. If they are exempt now then they will most likely be that way for January free dining if and when it's offered. So, we went with POFQ!!! So excited and hope it works out for us!! It is going to be weird not being around all the ASMovies atmosphere but the queen size bed alone is enough for me to be happy about!! Thanks for all the great advice!!