Need help! Value or Moderate?

[jagar100]

Hi! We are taking our first trip to WDW, not sure of the dates, but most likely around 09/25-10/01. We have an 8 and 2 year old. (Gotta go this year before we have to pay a bundle more next year!!!) I can't decide if we should stay at a moderate resort for the amenities, or a value resort for the savings. I feel like I may be staying at the hotel just as much as the parks because of our 2 year old, so would like a nicer resort, heated pool, playground, that type thing. Can you give me some pointers? My friends say "you're not gonna ever be at the hotel!" but I tend to disagree...but have no idea, really! I'm totally a "you get what you pay for" type person and would like to pay for the better amenities if I thought we would use them! Please help!

 

[auntie]

I'm one to enjoy the amenities a hotel offers. So my advise would be to go with the moderate. There are those that simply want a place to rest their heads, and a value fits the bill. I enjoy that bit of extra room and themed pool and the larger beds that the moderates will give you. I believe the bus transporation to the parks is likely to be better also. Given you are traveling with a two year old..I'd want that. The moderate room is going to give you that extra space for a crib should you need one. Much as we love Disney..part of the vacation is the resort for us. To me if we are staying on property then I want to enjoy it. We chose Caribbean Beach as our moderate because we enjoyed the tropical theme, and when the kids were young they were able to bike ride around the resort. I would choose a courtyard/garden view room so as to be able to have some breakfast in the mornings at the small tables that they had. Just a relaxing way to start the day. These were just little things but they add to the vacation. When it's all day in the parks..you sometimes need a vacation from the vacation. It can be exhausting. Remember to plan time to relax, wherever it is you stay. Trying to see and do everything can be exhausting and nerve racking. Some of the best times my kids have had were just playing in the pool or enjoying the arcade. I think sometimes we as the parents try to see and do everything and wind up overplanning because we don't want the kids to miss out..yet they're perfectly happy splashing around in the pool. If you are going to be in the parks morning to night..then go value..if you want to take a day or so and enjoy the resort..I say go moderate.

 

[gatorfreud]

We stayed at Pop for our first extended (4 day) trip, and we really enjoyed it. When we went 9 days we split at CSR and POR, and I loved those both too. I think in the future if I can afford it, I will stay at moderate or above... reasons being.... I like being able to rent bikes and watercraft (although honestly, we have yet to save time for it, but I swear we will hit it next time!), I like the water slides, I like having a TS choice at the hotel (esp. if you're on DDP).

I didn't find the room itself all that different, except at POR and CSR there is a curtain at the sinks and we put our little one behind it to sleep, like a little room. I think the beds are bigger at mods, but I have never noticed.

We rented points from a DVC member this time to try the villa... hope I won't become too spoiled!

I think with a little one, you will spend a fair amount of time at the hotel. I don't think you can run a little one 7 days in the parks full time. We have a great time hanging out at the hotel!

Bottom line, I think the mods have slightly better pools, and a few more activities, so I would choose that... a little nicer for hanging around the hotel (CSR is my favorite!). But if you can only afford to stay in a value, I think that is also an excellent choice and doesn't diminish your magic any!

Have fun!!

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I love the moderates - CBR is my favorite. I like the more laid back atmosphere and they are much quieter. The extra room is always helpful. Take the time to enjoy the resort - there is so much to see and do there!!! By the time you are there the new pirate pool should be open at the CBR - I am sure you 8 year old would enjoy.

 

[KatMark]

First, I would go with a moderate and get the extras since you plan on spending time at the pool. Second, I would look at all the pictures of the moderate hotels to see which theme you might like. You will get a lot of differing views on which moderate if that is the way you want to go. Our favorite is the Coronado (CSR). It is a very large and spread out resort, butit is also very beautiful. It has a terrific pool--the Dig Site...with a great slide. There is also a playground and a sandbox right near the pool. There is also an arcade near the pool, and a hot tub for the adults. There is a spa and a fitness center. If you decide you like the CSR, you can request (although there is no guarantee) a building closest to whatever is convenient for you--pool, main building, quiet pool, etc. We like the CSR for all of the above and for the fact that is a quiet hotel and my DH and I enjoy going back to the resort midday for a swim in the quiet pool or the Dig Site pool or a nap. I am sure whatever you decide you will be delighted...you'll e at Disney.

 

[RalphMouth]

MODS
especially POFQ

'smaller' resort- not so spread out - easier IMHO
on families for less walking-

great pool- very pretty resort- nice food court
relaxing boat ride to Downtown Disney-
The bus pick you up first here so chances of getting a
seat are high. Same bus drops you off first after long day
in the parks.

Don't forget that MODS have a small fridge included.

 

[jagar100]

Thanks! I like the CBR. Here's another question...if we check in around 8pm...can we stay at a value one night (to save a few bucks) and then check in at CBR the rest of the stay? Does anyone do that? Just seems a waste to check in so late and pay full price.

 

[Buzz2001]

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

 

[ave&audsmom]

Thanks! I like the CBR. Here's another question...if we check in around 8pm...can we stay at a value one night (to save a few bucks) and then check in at CBR the rest of the stay? Does anyone do that? Just seems a waste to check in so late and pay full price.

Let me warn you that your kids may want to stay at the value after you've been there for one night Two years ago, we stayed at Pop for our first family trip. Then six months later, we went for a short trip since my sister was there & stayed at POR (she has a family of five). The whole time, my kids kept asking when we were going back to the other hotel. When we decided to go again this year, my DD specifically asked to stay at Pop.

POR was more relaxing; however, we really enjoyed staying at Pop, especially the kids.

 

[Lilolvr]

CSR has a playground by the main pool with a large sandbox area. The main pool is great, the transportation is terrific with quick rides to all the parks. CSR also has a spa so mom can get pampered as well.

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

Definately go for the Moderate! The reasons are many;

1 - pool areas, slides at all mods, none at value. Very important to 9 year olds, trust me.

2 - beautifully landscaped and themed grounds.

3 - Restaurant choices, lounges, bar area at pool. After a long day in the parks with 2 and 9 year olds, very helpful

4 - bigger rooms and changing areas.

We've stayed at POR, POFQ and CBR and it would be a close call, but witht he 2 year old, I think I would lean towards POFQ. It is a little smaller, easier to navigate, and like someone else answered, you are the first stop for the buses, so you should always get a seat, and at the end of the day be dropped off first. Have fun!! Jane

 

[LuvnWDW]

It is either monrail or value for me. The moderate resorts are LARGE and the walks to the bus stop was a HUGE turn off for me. If I have to take a bus, I would rather stay at a value. A room is a room. I love POP, btw,more than the Grand Floridian.

 

[cottontail]

Hi: I vote for the moderate as well. A little more space. Part of our disney vacation is having time to enjoy the beautiful resort as well.

We enjoy the port orleans french quarter and riverside both areas. One other tip is that the time you are going will still be warm, we always enjoy that this resort has shade to keep things a little cooler while strolling back and forth to the pools, restaurants or just enjoying the grounds. The landscaping is very nice there as well.

We also enjoyed the riverside cafeteria eating area, had a beautiful turkey dinner in february. It was never too busy at dinner time but we went at 5.p.m. most days.

The area with a curtain at the end of the room by the sinks is valuable for private dressing area, Also you can get up a little earlier than the kids close the curtain so they don't see the lights and get ready for the day. The moderate has a small refrigerator and coffee maker.

My all time fav resort is the polynesian, we usually do a split stay moderate at the beginning while park touring and a few days at the end just to hang out at the poly, but it may be a little harder to move with little ones. No matter which resort you choose I am sure you will have a great vacation.

Deb.
P.S. You are missing the free dining plan, that ends sept 20th by just a few days.

 

[Lovetherodent]

Another nod to the mods.

Dh and I stayed CBR our first ever trip. Loved it. Went value 8 years later, with 2 kids, 6 and 3, in tow. Now, my kids loved the "Mickey Pool" at ASMo, and the food court was great for them. They loved the theming and really felt like they were in Disney. But, dh and I felt like we were all on top of each other all the time. The resort was much noiser than the mod, and getting a wound up 3 yo down for a little nap after a stimulating morning in the parks was no small feat.

We decided that if we ever went back, we'd definitely go moderate.

Now, just a word of warning. We booked POFQ for that trip back, and after we booked, Disney shut it down for rennovation! We were offered the opportunity to try a deluxe for just $25 a night more. Well, we were on that like white on rice. Stayed Poly, and got so spoiled we've been going deluxe ever since. So, once you go mod or deluxe, you could be hooked!

 

[1DISNEYLVR]

I agree with the poster who said deluxe or value. I do not like the moderate resorts at all. I stayed at POFQ last summer & did not find the pool to be any better, other than the slide. The food court was small, crowded & did not have a good selection. The buses were a nightmare. Yes, we were the first ones to be picked up but then we had to make four stops at POR before we could even start heading to our destination. It took an hour to get anywhere. I would much rather stay at POP & so would my kids.

 

[Mickey23]

I agree with the poster who said deluxe or value. I do not like the moderate resorts at all. I stayed at POFQ last summer & did not find the pool to be any better, other than the slide. The food court was small, crowded & did not have a good selection. The buses were a nightmare. Yes, we were the first ones to be picked up but then we had to make four stops at POR before we could even start heading to our destination. It took an hour to get anywhere. I would much rather stay at POP & so would my kids.

Don't lump your decision on staying at a mod based on one experience, especially POFQ which is very close to a value itself. People get so hooked on the size of POFQ but that not much to hang our hat on.

Other mods offer much more. For example, CSR has a spa, salon, fitness center, better pool/slide, live entertainment and much more. CSR has a playground, arcade and volleyball court at the main pool area too.

I'd choice CSR over a value any day.

 

[unicorn1]

It is either monrail or value for me. The moderate resorts are LARGE and the walks to the bus stop was a HUGE turn off for me. If I have to take a bus, I would rather stay at a value. A room is a room. I love POP, btw,more than the Grand Floridian.

You summed up my thoughts perfectly. Most of the moderates are just too spread out for me. I don't want to take a golf cart to the food court, pool, bus stop, etc. While there's no sit down/order off the menu restaurant, Pop's food court is second to none. If I can't have a monorail resort, give me Pop, especially with young kids.

 

[auntie]

Thanks! I like the CBR. Here's another question...if we check in around 8pm...can we stay at a value one night (to save a few bucks) and then check in at CBR the rest of the stay? Does anyone do that? Just seems a waste to check in so late and pay full price.

I agree ....with either a Deluxe or a moderate..to get there in time to lay your head on the pillow, it just doesn't pay to spend the money. I'd stay the value and then check into the moderate the following day.

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

I have stayed at both, and I loved Pop, and I loved POFQ! My hubby however was not as impressed with the value resort. He just didn't "feel" he had enough breathing room, or something, blah blah blah!

Anyhow, if I had my pick I have to admit I'd go Mod!

 

[auntie]

Don't lump your decision on staying at a mod based on one experience, especially POFQ which is very close to a value itself. People get so hooked on the size of POFQ but that not much to hang our hat on.

Other mods offer much more. For example, CSR has a spa, salon, fitness center, better pool/slide, live entertainment and much more. CSR has a playground, arcade and volleyball court at the main pool area too.

I'd choice CSR over a value any day.

I agree..I've visited the Coronado but haven't stayed there. We've stayed Caribbean several times. Caribbean Beach was the first moderate resort built. It is larger than the subsequent moderates that were built. Still our favorite. We would request an "island village" closer in proximity to the food court and Old Port Royal where the themed pool was. Although each island accomodation has it's own quiet pool. Which are usually not crowded and very enjoyable. We stayed in Trinidad North,(there may be an additional fee for this now..there wasn't when we stayed there) which seemed an ideal location. Also it was one of the first bus stops, so securing a seat on the way to the park wasn't a problem, and it was one of the first drop off's on the way back from the park. I have a neighbor who stayed in one of the islands just the other side of the bridge(that spans the lake) and she liked it very much and it wasn't a far walk at all to the themed pool area or food court.