Need help picking out a resort.

[housemouse]

I'm planning another trip this fall and am having a hard time picking out a resort. I've only stayed onsite once at the AKL. It was absolutely fantastic, but I want to keep the costs down a little more on this trip so that we can stay longer. 9 nights vs. 6 nights.

So, since I have zero experiennce with either the mods or the values I thought I'd ask you seasoned ones for advice.

We usually get up, hit the parks early and come back to the room by 6PM or 7PM. We won't go to a park every day we're there, so I'd like something that has a little bit of a relaxed atmosphere to it if we want to hang out by the pool all day. A couple of days we won't be on the property at all, other than to sleep cause we'll venture out to Seaworld and IOA(my DS loves these parks and I really enjoy them also)

Something with excellent bus transportation would be fabulous cause I got spoiled with AKL's bus and no other resort pickups. However, it's not completely necessary since we'll be driving down and I'll have my car there anyway. But I sure would like a Grey Goose slush in Epcot, if I drive no slush.

A great food court would be nice too.

So, what's my resort?

 

[KatMark]

I would suggest Coronado Springs Resort. Great bus service, great food court, terrific pool with a great slide for the kids, spa/fitness center for mom/dad, lush landscaping, quiet pools by each of the sections. It is spread out, but you can try and request a certain building closest to the main building or pool if you like. We are staying for the 7th time this coming September and even though our boys don't come with us anymore (both in college--ages 22 and 20), the CSR was their favorite resort by far.

 

[allaboard]

I would say your resort is POR. It is one of the most relaxing resorts due to the landscaping and meandering walkways. I love that about it. You do not feel like the whole place is crowded due to the layout of the resort. I really like their Riverside Mill food court. You can get burgers, have them make your salad just the way you like it ... or have them make your pasta dish in front of you with just the veggies and meat you like! It's really great! The pool is large and there are places to lie in the sun and not feel crowded ... and then there is the pool bar. Also, the indoors bar with make drinks in "to go" cups if the pool bar is closed. (Can you tell we've done that?) Try the Pina Colava ... yes, I spelled it right!
Anyway, I think you will save some money at POR, and yet it feels like a deluxe in many ways. The rooms are very nice ... just a bit smaller than deluxe, but I've done both and when you are so busy in that town ... when we come back to the room we usually all crash! You can also take the boat to DD from POR, and walk over to the PO French Quarter and sample their pool/bar/food court. Good luck! I am sure others will sway you on their favorites!!

 

[Capt. Tigger]

I will just say that I second everything that allaboard said! We love POR and think it is extremely relaxing. The grounds are gorgeous. Good luck with the decision!

 

[conmama]

The first time we went we stayed at AKL also. Beautiful and loved it, especially the pool, but decided to hold down costs with subsequent visits. In 2 days we will be going back to POFQ. I have to say, the moderates are very nice. And we love POFQ because it's so quaint and closeness to everything. HOWEVER, after reading your requirements and to what I've read about the different moderates, I would pick Coronado for you.

Actually, I tried to switch there for something different but there was room. 1) they do not share a bus 2) The pool is one of the best, so since you're planning on staying there for a day or two... 3) I heard they had a very nice food court.

Since Coronado is also a convention center, I think they probably have more in the way of other things to do.

 

[hondel]

I say POFQ!! If you want to stay at a Deluxe instead I would say WL!!!!

 

[Buzz2001]

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[Kimi313]

I really enjoy the All-Star Movies. We also don't stay in the room much and we like the huge icons from the movies, it feels more disney to us. The food court is excellent, better than some of the deluxes snack bars. Also when we stayed there last spring we did not share a bus with sports or music. I don't know if this is all the time but at the bus stops at MK it just said Movies. It has been years since we stayed at a moderate and didn't enjoy the stay and I am sure the problems we had are gone now and they are very nice, but we just feel like if we have the money we stay at deluxe otherwise we stay at value.

 

[Southerndisney]

The CSR has the best food court and great bus service. We have stayed at CSR and POFQ. We liked CSR much better because of theme, food court, busses, and pool.

 

[cjstarr]

I'm planning another trip this fall and am having a hard time picking out a resort. I've only stayed onsite once at the AKL. It was absolutely fantastic, but I want to keep the costs down a little more on this trip so that we can stay longer. 9 nights vs. 6 nights.

So, since I have zero experiennce with either the mods or the values I thought I'd ask you seasoned ones for advice.

We usually get up, hit the parks early and come back to the room by 6PM or 7PM. We won't go to a park every day we're there, so I'd like something that has a little bit of a relaxed atmosphere to it if we want to hang out by the pool all day. A couple of days we won't be on the property at all, other than to sleep cause we'll venture out to Seaworld and IOA(my DS loves these parks and I really enjoy them also)

Something with excellent bus transportation would be fabulous cause I got spoiled with AKL's bus and no other resort pickups. However, it's not completely necessary since we'll be driving down and I'll have my car there anyway. But I sure would like a Grey Goose slush in Epcot, if I drive no slush.

A great food court would be nice too.

So, what's my resort?

It all depends on how many is in your party?
If 4 and under then you have your pick. I'm sure CSR is nice and POFQ also and you will not be disappointed no matter which one you chose.
As conmama stated CSR has their own buses and do not share with other resorts and POR & POFQ share the buses. Some say they have not seen any difference when waiting.
If there are 5 or more going then your choices are reduced to were you can stay (I'm sure you know this) and POR would be my (is my) choice.
I'm sure you'll figure this out long before you take your trip so relax and enjoy the pleasure of planning your trip.