Please Help! POR or CBR...

[Speedemon21]

Hello all!

We are in the process of planning a trip for the last week of August 2008. We were all set to stay at POR once again. My hubby and I stayed there in 2004 and we loved it. This time we will be traveling with our two kids, who will be 10 and 7. I have been reading threads about how nice CBR is and thinking of changing resorts. How do the food courts, pools, etc. compare? Will we be disappointed?

Thanks for all your opinions and advice.

 

[Speedemon21]

Anyone.....

 

[BarleyJack]

Well we've not stayed at either, but I'm voting for POR cuz that's where we will be on our trip this January! Seriously tho, POR just seems to have a great atmosphere about it, its close to DTD and Epcot, and I've heard it has some of the best dining options for a mod there is. I imagine it'd be good with kids with the themed pool, boat rentals, arcade and bonfire too! Just my 2 cents

 

[snyderla]

We've stayed at both, but POR was just 1 night and CBR was 9 nights. I really liked the beach theme at CBR. We were in Jamaica. We still go over there sometimes to eat at their food court.
I don't think you can go wrong with either of them. Maybe you could look at photos of both and decide which your family likes the looks of most. I think I read somewhere that the rooms at CBR are slightly bigger than any other moderate. But POR is beautiful, especially the Mansions. I don't think you will regret either.
Lori

 

[Amy&Dan]

I love them both, but have to say CBR is my favorite. However, its main pool is going down for refurb in 2008. I would check out the CBR FAQ thread to see the details on that.

If in the event you decide to branch out from POR and the CBR pool thing is a problem, I might suggest CSR. Its a wonderful resort and your kids would love that pool. Check out www.allearsnet.com for slide shows on all the moderate resorts.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yep, I just checked, CBR's main pool will be down until 9/15/08. They will have some smaller slides put in a couple of the quiet pools but the entire main pool area will be under refurb for your August stay.

I really recommend you check into CSR or just stick with POR.

Check out Buzz's website, he is the CSR expert and has taken some incredilbe photos:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=14470530&postcount=1

 

[savannahjean85]

i just had CBR and switched to POR because it seemed more romantic to me

 

[cheerforchelsea]

My daughters 21 & 28 both have always preferred the CBR - my youngest says it is more like a tropical vacation - like the Bahamas!! And as many times as we have satyed at CBR I think we have only used the main pool 1 time - we like the quiet pools best and are usually the only ones at the pool.

 

[yecats]

I have stayed at both and I voted for PORS. It really comes down to theming and how much time do you want to spend at DTD? I like CBR but of the two PORS is more of a favorite. POR is spread out but only half the size of CBR. Most rooms are easy to get to after a long day at the parks when at PORS. Boatwrights dining hall is a nice place to have both breakfast and dinner (french toast was delicious) and the lounge has a great entertainer, Bob, who does free kid friendly shows on the weekend nights (he is so much fun to watch and participate in the shows). Then there is the shuttle boat to DTD which is a nice relaxing ride. I think both resorts are nice but it will just come down to what you really want to experience (beach setting or southern feel).

As stated by others, I would also have to agree you may want to check into CSR which is my fav of all moderates. People call the resort deluxe lite as you have a nicer pool/slide/hot tub, volleyball court, arcades, playground, workout center, hair and message salons and a very nice food court (more food options), sit down rest. and room service. There are 3 different areas including one (cabana section) that also has a beach area with hammocks. Just another option to throw in there. No matter what you pick you will have a wonderful time.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I am 50-50. I have to vote for POR, but, as stated, it's purely themeing. CBR feels a little too much like a typical Florida resort to me, so I lose a bit of the Disney feeling. But, I would go with you and your kids' tastes. CBR is definitely more bright and festive against POR's tranquility and charm. So, I would say use that as a guide and go for it. The pool would be a concern possibly, so factor that in, too. I also think CSR is a nice option. You can always look at CBR for the next trip! And, if you really are having trouble, you can always do 1/2 your time in one and then switch to the other.

 

[jwwi]

Love them both, but POR got my vote. Smaller area, but still alot of room to spread out. Boat to DTD, Boatrights (yummy sweet potato pancakes and french toast) and last but not least the main building has everything you need in one place. We needed to go to the front desk a few times on our last couple of trips. Non functioning room keys, priority seating and ticket upgrades. This would have been inconvenient at CBR, their main desk is in a separate bldg from the food court/gift shop area. And not real close together. They do have an internal bus, but still would have taken awhile to take care of business. Also agree about main pool rehab, maybe wait to stay there once that is complete.

 

[JennyDrake]

I have stayed in both this year, and I like them BOTH. POR has fewer food court selections and fewer quiet pools. But it si smaller and there is less walking. Also, check in, the food court, the store and bell services are all out of the same building. Their food court accepts the DDE card and CBR's does not.

CBR has larger rooms and more quiet pools. It also has more bus stops. At POR you have the option of a trundle bed. Both resorts have very quiet rooms, which is super for midday napping!

If you have specific questions, feel free to ask, but I think you would be happy with either.

 

[Catrin]

Tracie..
Hey!!

Well, you know that Kyle and I stayed at POR in 2005 and loved it....
THe best part of it was walking around at night, it was so pretty and quiet and just a beautiful place.

Even though the food court was quite a walk, we didn't mind it because it was so nice.

I was booking it again for Matt and Me, but I got such a good deal for the Wilderness Lodge I couldn't resist!
Cathy

 

[Jrabbit910]

Hi Traci,
If the main pool being under construction doesnt bother you at CBR then I would pick there.... Its a great "summer" themed hotel PLUS its a resort that you havent visited (thats always my excuse... I love trying new things)... Anywho... If the pool is a concern then your other choice of POR is a great one. My DH & I LOVED this resort as well. There were many things that we loved about this resort and after I get to experience a few more resorts i will be going back to POR for sure!

Either way... Both resorts are lovely!

 

[Speedemon21]

Tracie..
Hey!!

Well, you know that Kyle and I stayed at POR in 2005 and loved it....
THe best part of it was walking around at night, it was so pretty and quiet and just a beautiful place.

Even though the food court was quite a walk, we didn't mind it because it was so nice.

I was booking it again for Matt and Me, but I got such a good deal for the Wilderness Lodge I couldn't resist!
Cathy

Hey to you!!

I am jealous! If we could get a good deal at the lodge we would be right there too. Hope you guys have a great time!

 

[Speedemon21]

Thank you for all your opinions and advice. I did not realize about the main pool be refurbished next year. That will definitely play a part in the decision. For me and hubby the quiet pools were great, but the kids would have liked the spanish fort theming of the main pool. Bummer. Maybe I will check out CSR. LOL what to do, what to do.

 

[andreadoiron]

we have stayed w/kids at both por and cbr and like por better for the following:
smaller resort, easier to navigate
I thought the food was much better (loved their croissant and beignants at POR) and liked the quick service dining area better
we felt that the busses were quicker
loved the pool at the por
really liked the boat to dtd as well, much quicker and more fun than the bus

we went during april break about 4 years ago and didn't find it to be noisy or crowded and I am quite picky whereas we stayed at cbr after xmas and it was noisy and crowded (quick service dining area very crowded)
I was not impressed w/the cbr's rooms either, they seemed shabby

 

[SuzieN]

Love love, love POR!!! We've stayed there twice and it's been perfect both times! Having said that however, we've chosen POFQ for our trip next Feb. Can't really rate them if you've never been! CBR doesn't really interest me for a couple of reasons: I've read on this board that it is the largest, most spread out resort, also don't like that you have to take a bus from the check-in area to the actual resort , seems kinda weird to me. We wanted to try CSR but apparently it fills up pretty quickly as we were unable to get in 6 months in advance! I'm actually thrilled to be staying at the FQ because I ADORE the boat ride to DTD! Good luck with your decision!

 

[all4disney98]

We have stayed at both and prefer POR much...much more!!!