pop century or Port Orleans Riverside?

[2minny]

Has anyone stayed at both of these? Would you say the benefits of Port Orleans Riverside (or Caribbean Beach Resort or Coronado Springs) outweigh the cost difference? In other words is it worth the price difference to stay at a moderate rather than a value? I stayed at All Star Sports last visit and didn't care for it. Before that we always stayed off-site, don't like that either. But I"m not ready to pay the big-bucks for a room, we're never in our room...we stay hoppin'! I did stay at Contemporary once, years ago and don't think the rooms are that much nicer than the cheaper hotels. Suggestions? Also, someone mentioned Wilderness Lodge, but that looks to be much more expensive than Port Orleans Riverside, agree?

 

[Manda1219]

I've never stayed at pop century, but something to consider is that PC does not have water activities. At POR, depending on your package this may be included, you can rent different size boats (water mice, etc...) and they can be a LOT of fun-even in colder weather just wear a heavy jacket! If that sounds like fun to you, consider upgrading to POR. I am a huge fan of that resort and have stayed there 3 times in the past 2 years! If you have any questions regarding it, I'll be happy to answer!

 

[2minny]

Thanks for the response. I booked POR and am just hoping I made the right decision. I can't find many pics of the hotel, the CSR pics look so nice for the same price and many are saying that Pop Century is as nice as POR....I'm just wanting reassurance that I made the right decision. So, since you've stayed there a few times, I would love more information. The water-mice sound really fun for my family. Why do you like POR rather than CS or CB? Same price?

 

[chicky monkey]

2minny:

I think you made the right choice. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside four times and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. I've also stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort as well and I just didn't like it as much. I think you'll find a lot of good pictures at the following website: allearsnet.com. You'll find many pictures of each of the resorts there.

The Caribbean Beach Resort just seemed so spread out and there were seven bus stops...so bus riding seemed to last for so long. I never had that feeling while at PO Riverside. I love the way POR gives you the feeling as though you've truly escaped to a different time and place. The food court there is the best in my opinion.

I never stayed at Coronado Springs, but its theme and the fact that it's a convention-style resort just never appealed to me.

Also, the rooms at POR, along with the other moderates, are bigger than the rooms offered at the Value Resorts.

Which side of POR are you staying? Are you in the stately mansions at Magnolia Bend or are you in the rustic Alligator Bayou side of the resort?

Relax, as I'm sure you'll feel great about your choice once you've arrived there!

 

[Manda1219]

I just prefer the appearance of POR more than anything, and it seems a little quieter than the others. I've never stayed at CSR, but I've walked through, it does seem nice though! I've also found that CBR is a little bit bigger and it seems like a lot of walking!
The water mice are soooo much fun! The lakes are never really crowded and you can even go to the lake in the middle of DTD! It's a lot of fun, they actually go pretty fast (the lighter you are, the faster it will go! I know because I have beat my boyfriend in many races!) Just make sure you observe the no wake signs and you'll be fine! There are always CMs patrolling the area-this came in handy when the BF got stuck because he was too close to the sides of the river!!!
The food court is really nice, and on some nights, you can catch a live Piano act! The first night of our first stay there, we walked into the lounge and everyone was singing along to "Piano Man", it was really nice-good for adults!
I recommend the Magnolia Bend section-while I have never stayed in alligator bayou-I think the mansions at Magnolia are a bit nicer. It all depends on your taste though!
Alligator Bayou has beds that look like logs and stuff, while the mansions are more floral and pretty. I'm going to try to find some pictures for you!

 

[2minny]

chicky monkey....thanks, just needed some reassurance. We are staying at the oak manor building which has something to do with magnolia mansion? It just seems overwhelming do decide. This trip I'm going to take some time to visit other hotels, so I can make an "educated guess" on where to stay next time! So far I've stayed at contemporary and all-star sports (big difference in 'extra's' but not a big difference in room quality).

 

[Manda1219]

Oak Manor is very nice-It is in the mansion section, VERY pretty

 

[2minny]

manda,
great, thanks for your information, would love to see some pics if you find them.

 

[sue1013]

2minny go to www.wdwig.com, click on accomadations and you will find photo gallery for each resort.

 

[2minny]

can't get www.wdwig.com to come up on my computer, I'll try again....

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

2minny, I can identify with your anxiety at choosing. We have always stayed at the All Star resorts before. For our March trip I upgraded us to POR as a treat for my wife. It cost an extra $255 for a 5 night stay, but I am convinced that it will be worth it. I am very relaxed about it now, although making that decision "sight unseen" was a bit difficult.

 

[DNBois]

www.wdwig.com has now changed to www.allearsnet.com

Just checked it out - lots of great information!

 

[2minny]

wow, those have great photos and info. Thanks!

 

[hannahryan]

We stayed at the Pop Century for 8 nights in December. Even though our stay was great (how could a visit to Disney not be great?), I felt it was missing something. I really wish that we had stayed at a moderate resort like POR. Our last stay was at the POFQ...it was great! We would have had availability to the boats/water, jacuzzi and a sit down restaurant. Pop Century doesn't have these extras. For me, these things make a resort stay so much more relaxing. One disboard poster mentioned that they felt in commando mode while staying at this value resort. I think Pop Century is a great resort for the money, but if you want to relax stay at a moderate resort. It's worth the money.

 

[2minny]

perfect, that's what I wanted to hear. If I'm going to pay more then I want to get more. I'm glad to hear Port Orleans Riverside will be more relaxing, All-Star sports kinda stressed me out. I like the "in commando mode", that nails my thoughts. I just wanted to be sure I would see a change by moving from value to moderate. Thanks for your help!

 

[magicmouse2]

POR has much nicer landscaping and is very scenic and relaxing. Rooms could do with a makeover though.