Need help deciding...

[bentopher]

Don't we all need help deciding

Some back history...
Me: Mom, 2 boys 6 and 4.5 years old.

I just took the boys on their first Disney trip in May (2012). We had the best time ever!! I hadn't been to Disney in about 15 years, so it was just as exciting for me as them. When we went we stayed at the All Star Sports. Honestly no complaints. For me and 2 little boys it was great. Other than being stuck in the HomeRun section.

So I'm hoping to take them again this coming May (2013)...
And I've really been contemplating at staying at a moderate resort like The Caribbean. However, considering the boys are so young, does it REALLY make sense to spend the extra money on the hotel? Or am I just better off staying at a value resort again and saving some money or using it towards more fun stuff.

Would the food offered at the Caribbean really be that different and better compared to the ASSports?

Any info or opinions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JavArmy]

I've never stayed at a Mod but I have stayed at the Poly and at POP. I think it all depends on the type of trip you wanna have. We stayed for almost 2 weeks when we went to the Poly and it was nice and relaxing. We enjoyed spending time at the hotel and at the end of the night it was nice to just walk though the resort and hear the music and such. However, my trip to the POP was with my teenage sister and we were on the go most of the time. We weren't going to do any lounging around or enjoying the atmosphere. We were on a mission So I guess it just depends on what type of trip you want. It is eventually my goal to stay in ALL the hotels! I say, at least try another value just to spice it up a little, even if you don't stay at a Mod. Best of luck in your decision. No matter what you do, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time!

 

[connie1042]

I say go with CBR. We love this resort. The boys are the perfect age for the pool slides. The little beaches are great for the kids to play on. Pool is zero entry. Food court has lots of options. Ask to stay in Jamaica or Aruba sections. Short walk to OPR. Check map for building numbers closest. I think it is 45 and 52. If you can, I would stay preferred. Well worth the money for this resort. We have been here the last 4 trips. Love it.

 

[bentopher]

Does Disney ever offer free dining in May?
I would love to be able to get free dining and that would help compensate for the extra cost associated with the CBR.

I want to go longer this time, last time we flew in late on Sunday. Had 4 days and flew home early the 5th morning. I'd like to do a Sat to Sat this time.

BTW, What do you mean zero entry pool?

Thanks

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree with the pp that it depends on what kind of vacation you're wanting. If you will be on the go and not spend alot of time at the resort and your boys loved All Star Sports, I'm sure they would love another value. If you will spend some time enjoying the resort and your boys would enjoy a pool with a slide, try CBR (or a different mod). We've never stayed at a value, but we loved our stay at CBR. Some benefits of a moderate over a value are the rooms are bigger, there are double vanity sinks, and the pools have a slide. The food court at CBR has a lot of variety and the main pool was recently redone in a pirate theme, which your boys would probably love. Good luck with your decision, although I'm sure you and your boys will have a great trip no matter which resort you choose.

 

[bentopher]

I know that the 4 days was too rushed for our first trip. BUT we did only do what we wanted to. I didn't have HUGE lists, we accomplished our lists and then some. But the boys really wanted more time to swim and play. And being there such a short period of time we couldn't get in as much time to do that. I think we swam twice for 45 min each time. So I think by going longer we will have more down time to relax and just play/vacation.

I think the slides and theme pool will be awesome. They had fun at the basic pool although it was almost a tad too deep for my 4 year old. he spent most of the time on the stairs. But had fun anyway.

How does busing transportation work for CBR? I know some hotels share buses to the parks. Does the same apply here?

 

[mickeynut1]

I know that the 4 days was too rushed for our first trip. BUT we did only do what we wanted to. I didn't have HUGE lists, we accomplished our lists and then some. But the boys really wanted more time to swim and play. And being there such a short period of time we couldn't get in as much time to do that. I think we swam twice for 45 min each time. So I think by going longer we will have more down time to relax and just play/vacation.

I think the slides and theme pool will be awesome. They had fun at the basic pool although it was almost a tad too deep for my 4 year old. he spent most of the time on the stairs. But had fun anyway.

How does busing transportation work for CBR? I know some hotels share buses to the parks. Does the same apply here?

I think you would love CBR, especially if are planning some down time and more swimming time . I've only seen pictures of the new pool as it was renovated after our stay, but it looks awesome (especially for boys since it's pirate themed ). CBR also has pirate themed rooms that look great as well. As far as transportation, we think CBR has the best transportation out of all of the resorts we've stayed at. There are 4 or 5 internal bus stops, but aside from that, there is no sharing with any other resort. Also, CBR is centrally located so it didn't take more than about 10 minutes to get to any theme park, water park, or DTD .

 

[bentopher]

Does anyone know if the hotel pricing for CBR is cheaper in April or May?
Or if it's about the same. You guys are the veterans after all!

 

[bentopher]

anyone else?