Perfect resort to pair with the Grand Floridian

maleficent55

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Sep 28, 2014
Messages
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If you were adding on days to a stay at the GF, which moderate resort would give a nice balance?

This is for a first trip! :)
 
Depends on what you want, but I'd go with Coronado Springs. It's definitely the "deluxe" of the moderates, with several table service restaurants, several lounges, etc. However, sometimes we stay at French Quarter. It's small, quieter, laid-back, but although it has a lounge, it doesn't have a table service restaurant. PORiverside has a restaurant, but DD and SIL really didn't like the vibe of the whole resort. Haven't stayed at Caribbean Beach, but it is HUGE; lots of walking to get to the food, pool, pool bar. Some of the rooms at CBR are closer to the amenities at Rivera than at CBR!!
 
Will you be going to any parks from the moderate resort?
Yes

We would add the moderate on to the beginning (you never want to downgrade during your stay!) so it would be AK and MK in the beginning followed by a rest day, EPCOT, HS, rest day, MK
 

Yes

We would add the moderate on to the beginning (you never want to downgrade during your stay!) so it would be AK and MK in the beginning followed by a rest day, EPCOT, HS, rest day, MK

I second Coronado. It’s fairly centrally located, much more than “AK resort area” suggests. The bus ride to MK is like 9 minutes (I timed it one morning when I stayed in the tower). It also has better on site food and amenities than the other mods, by far, and feels more like a deluxe. If you can snag a good deal on a tower room absolutely go for it.
 
I would probably do CSR, but I actually prefer the preferred rooms over the tower rooms (I found the tower to be a bit loud). If you are looking for "mod" pricing, but don't need to stay at a Disney resort, you might also consider the Swan or Dolphin in the EP resort area.
 
My husband and I and teen daughter
Yes, 2 pool days :)
If you had a younger child I would argue for Caribbean Beach or French Quarter or a Tiana room at Port Orleans Riverside. Nah, I’ll go ahead and make the argument anyway. 😀 The theming at those resorts is just so great and makes it more than a hotel! Caribbean is very spread out, but I have never minded that, and the tropical beach vibes there put me in vacay mode instantly. The pools at these resorts have excellent theming, too, but with one teen in tow she might prefer something more subdued like Coronado. You know your child.

Since you won’t be visiting Epcot or HS from the moderate (that was my understanding from your response?) the Skyliner is no benefit. When it comes to bus transportation, Port Orleans French Quarter is the way to go as it has the least bus stops of any of the Mods. It also has a nice boat ride to Disney Springs.

I think my ultimate vote would indeed be for French Quarter. It’s charming and compact, it is often seen as a more “adult” resort which might appeal to your daughter, transportation is good, and it has Mickey beignets! 😋 Plus you can use both the French Quarter and the Riverside pool when you stay there, giving you some variety. I love both of those pools!
 
Does a split stay affect LLMP? I don’t think so as long as both are linked to MDE, but just triple checking!
No, it doesn't. When the window opens for the first stay, you'll be able to book for the entire stay.

ADRs are different - in that case, when the window opens for the first stay, you'll be able to book for checkin through checkout date for that specific reservation, but then you'll have to wait for the second window to open in order to book through checkout date for that stay.
 
The 2 PO resorts are our favorites. The theming cannot be beat and you can walk or boat to the other resort to use their amenities. Plus, they have the boat to DS and they also have carriage rides, which is a great treat for a family. I would look at youtube videos of the resorts and decide from there.
 
No, it doesn't. When the window opens for the first stay, you'll be able to book for the entire stay.

ADRs are different - in that case, when the window opens for the first stay, you'll be able to book for checkin through checkout date for that specific reservation, but then you'll have to wait for the second window to open in order to book through checkout date for that stay.
Yes familiar with ADRs
I’m so used to Disneyland where we do one day at a time!
But I have had 3 cancelled Disney world trips booked of my own that sadly had to be cancelled, this is our “4th times a charm” trip
 
If you were adding on days to a stay at the GF, which moderate resort would give a nice balance?

This is for a first trip! :)
The boss and I have a favorite resort and its not a deluxe. Its Port Orleans Riverside, specifically the mansion rooms. Take a look at that as an option. We love the quiet beautiful grounds.
 






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