POFQ vs Corondo vs Caribbean

[ls15]

Hi everyone!

I've been doing the Disney Princess for two years and this is my third. I'm super excited but can't pick a resort and want to book it this week.

If you don't know, folks doing the races are limited to race resorts, so these are what I am choosing from.

The first year we stayed at Riverside and though it was beautiful, opted not to stay there again. Last year we chose French Quarter and loved it - it's really nostalgic for us because we stayed there 20 years ago when I was a kid, and we really like it. We also like the boat to DTD because my mom is in a wheelchair and it is easy for us to access the other resorts for dinners by getting on that instead of the bus. We also like how new it is.

While in Disney last year, we went and explored Caribbean. Though we really liked it, we sort of decided it was probably too big for us (and the wheelchair). It sure is beautiful, though.

So we were pretty set on POFQ again and Disney threw us for a loop by tossing in Corondo into the race resorts this year! I went to our Travel Agent (Disney Specialist) and talked out the details of the resort. Honestly, I can't choose. There are a few things pulling me in each direction.

POFQ Pros
- nostalgic, full of memories for my mom and I, this will probably be our last year going
- easy with the wheelchair because it is small
- the convenience of the boat because the majority of the restaurants we eat at are at other resorts, so we always have to transfer first
- we just like it

POFQ Cons
- food is basic and relatively boring (we have dietary restrictions and though they are accomodating, it was pretty much the same stuff and pretty bland. However, truth be told, we seldom eat here so it isn't a huge deal. We mostly eat table service at resorts and parks, and a few counter services at the parks
- it is the same, nothing new
- none of the highlights of the others

Corondo Pros
- love that they have a gym!
- visiting something new
- hopefully some better food
- beach looks beautiful

Corondo Cons
- not sure, as we have never been, but probably just no boat!
- big, though I read it is about the same as Riverside (note that though Mom is wheelchair bound, I love pushing her so it isn't really a big deal at all.)

Caribbean
- well... as beautiful as it is, I think we might have nixed it already because of the size.


Even my comments aside, what do you all think? Just in general?

 

[karamart39]

Hi, I appreciate your dilemma. I spent hours last year agonizing POFQ vs. CSR. I haven't stayed at CBR, so I can't comment there. We first stayed at POFQ and loved it! We then thought it would be fun to try something new so CSR. CSR is large, but beautiful. We really enjoyed our stay at CSR. I know many people aren't willing to give CSR a try, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. The food court was very good - ate a couple of lunches and dinners there. During a 9 night stay, we probably ate there five times and never repeated our food choices. I sometimes hesitate to advocate for CSR, because it feels like an undiscovered Disney gem. If you aren't daunted by the size (due to the wheelchair) then I say give it a try! If you have any specific questions about CSR, I'll try to answer them. Although, I will admit, I did not use the gym, so I can't comment about that (I noticed that was one of your pros for CSR).

 

[elaw]

I've stayed at all 4 Mods and rank them accordingly:

1)POR
2)POFQ
3)CSR
4)CBR

None of them are bad resorts ... just my theming preference

 

[ls15]

Thanks for your responses!

karamart39 - I am leaning toward CSR but I spoke with my mom yesterday and she really likes the intimacy of POFQ. I'm still not sure but I also want her to be comfortable so I think I'll go with her choice. But, that being said, she did say, "I hope we aren't missing out on anything, though."

elaw - any reason why that order?

 

[ChoppityChops]

My wife and I have stayed at Coronado Springs and POFQ but not the other two. We enjoyed both:

Coronado had a great pool, was not crowded when we were there, quick bus service without much crowding on the busses and certainly interesting theming. The rooms themselves at CS are some of my favorite - I love the dark furniture - definitely a unique feel compared to some of the more generic room interiors found on property.

Really nice opportunity for evening walks but during the day it noticeably lacks shade. They have hammocks! However, it is definitely more spread out by a long shot than POFQ. It was a decent hike to refill our resort mugs as the rooms are located a good bit away from the main building. This was particularly frustrating when at the pool - at the time the pool bar was closed (early Sept) and the pool was an easy 5-6 min walk each way for a beverage refill. From what I read, I believe CS is not as big as Carrib, but we both fell in love with the intimacy of POFQ in comparison the following trip.

While CS has more themed food, it was only so-so and we opted to eat most meals besides breakfast at the parks or other resorts. The dinner at the TS restaurant at CS (forget the name) was more than adequate, but not as exciting as we'd hoped. Additionally, since CS is used also as a convention facility, there were non-guests meandering around throughout the day which was a little odd when we were trying to relax poolside.

Since you've been to POFQ no need to wax too much on it - both my wife (who is contributing over my shoulder - hence the disjointed nature of the post) wouldn't hesitate to stay at either again, but if it were put to us today, we'd unanimously choose POFQ.

I'm sure you'll enjoy either so have a wonderful trip either way!

 

[BeerMe]

We like POFQ best because it's more cozy, but we've never stayed at CS, as a matter of fact never even visited that resort. We've stayed at every other resort on property at least once and several multiple times. CS just don't get no love. CB is OK but it's really spread out.

 

[sabrecmc]

My aunt uses a wheelchair or scooter when we are at Disney, and for that reason alone, I'd choose POFQ. Just so much eaasier to get around for her due to the size.

We've stayed at all 3 choices, and while I like them all for different reasons, the size factor really works for POFQ, particularly when dealing with someone with mobility issues. If you are on the last stop for bus pick-up at the other resorts, getting on the bus could be an issue at peak times (though, we only had 1 bus be too full while at CSR over Memorial Day weekend, so I don't think this is a huge issue). Another downside to me for CSR is that you have the quick serve/counter service place and then the buffet...I miss having a food court for breakfast. Seating, particularly easy to get to in a wheelchair/scooter seating, for breakfast near the counter/quick serve was not abundant. Other than those to minor issues, we loved CSR.

CBR...ok, it has been awhile, but don't they lack elevators? Which is fine if you are ok with a ground floor room or prefer it like we do, but you need to make sure you tell the people when booking that you need a ground floor or HA room.

 

[mrsltg]

I've stayed at all three and while my absolute favorite is CBR (have gone there for three vacations), the size is an issue if you're not close to Old Port Royale. Now, this is not an issue if you have no problem walking, but I can understand the issues it would present to a mobility-impaired person. That said, Coronado is far from small! We've stayed there twice and it is a hike from the far side of the resort to the Pepper Market. Again, we don't mind the walk, but I can see where others might find this less than ideal. So, that leaves you with POFQ. The size is great, but it is my least favorite of all of the nine Disney resorts we have stayed in. It just didn't "do it" for me. But, as the saying goes, to each their own!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ls15]

Wow! Thanks for all of your feedback.

Some of the things you noted as non-issues (IE a bit of a hike). I don't mind walking and my mom is a pretty light lady and our wheelchair is like, too.

However, one thing my TA mentioned that ChoppityChops mentioned is the convention centre aspect of it. I don't want to feel like I am in a hotel -- more like a resort! I wonder if all the suits walking around would take that away.

That all being said, I asked my mom yesterday which she "truly prefers" and she wants to head to POFQ. I want her to be happy, and because I do really like it there (just wanted to try something new), I think that is going to be it. I told her though that one day we're packing up a bag bright and early and heading to Coronado for the day to see what it is like.

And I do love the convenience of the boat (wheelchair or not).

So thanks everyone! I really appreciate the input.

 

[Herbie]

I would reccomend a preferred room at CSR, try for cabanas. We have stayed at all the moderates and love coronado.