Pop or Coronado

[Pea-n-Me]

We love both. And our family of four adults could do either - we are all really neat (well, three of us are but we keep the other in line, lol) so it never feels crazy cramped. The thing that would bother me at Pop is having to put the bed up - we often like to relax during the day (or evening), maybe read or look at iPads and/or doze, so that bed would have to stay down for us. (Last time we stayed there they had regular beds, but I still wouldn’t be opposed to staying there now.) Food options are pretty limited there (and not as good as they used to be, I miss the parmesan chicken), and there aren’t as many amenities. The Skyliner is a nice option but personally, I don’t love it.

But what comes out at me is that you’re mostly going to be in the parks. So if you mainly need a place to sleep and shower, then Pop may make the most sense. However, if you are going to spend some time around the resort. CSR is a really beautiful and relaxing place to stay with lots of food options and amenities. We happen to love Maya Grill, and reports from my DD who was there this past summer was that Three Bridges was really nice, too. Not having a car makes it a little more difficult, though. We haven’t stayed there since they added the bridge, so I think that must be a big improvement for getting around the resort. The rooms are slightly bigger than Pop’s, and there are two regular beds.

Personally I would probably go with CSR if the cost was similar. But you know your family and your schedule best. We don’t do park commando anymore! We much prefer to relax around the resort at least a full couple of days. We also always have a car and enjoy visiting other resorts and restaurants and such. Not to throw a wrench into this, but have you priced up the Dolphin using one of the discounts and SPG? Oftentimes that comes pretty close to Pop and moderates (with the difference being well worth it), and you’re right there on the Boardwalk area with tons of amenities. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[CrystalClear82]

-If you're not going to be in the room a lot, I would stay at the Pop.
Pros... It has easy access to the skyliner and the buses are fairly efficient.
Cons.. It's just that, a room.
-If you're going to spend a little more time at the resort, then I'd choose the GDT.
Pros.. Feels a little more deluxe. More food options. Nicer pool.
Cons.. The buses. The resort is large and more business-oriented bc of the convention center.

 

[wilckepedia]

So I did a split stay in July between Pop and Coronado because I was combining value and joining a friend at a convention. I'll echo some other people's statements, Coronado is spread out, especially if you're not staying in the tower. If your priority is parks, Pop all the way. It's a great place to crash at the end of the day, and if you aren't spreaders, it's going to feel like a typical hotel room. When I joined my friend at Coronado Springs, I honestly felt more crowded because her stuff was EVERYWHERE, but also because there's a built in credenza/desk/fridge setup plus a table. Really, Coronado gives you about a foot of extra space between the foot of the beds and the storage element, but it's not considerably larger. The restaurants are great at Coronado, but getting to the parks is a pain.

I'm a go cheap with Value or splurge for the deluxe, moderates just make me feel like I'm paying to be slightly disappointed. I'm going in January, and staying at Pop for now. Checking to see if any last minute deals pop up at Dolphin or a DVC rental. Depending on your dates, a deluxe (or Swolphin) will get you the Extending Evening Hours on a Monday or Wednesday.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed at both, and it is a tough decision. Pop is great for the skyliner, and having pretty darned good bus service. During my stay in October for Early Morning hours, no more than 5 MK buses showed up while I was waiting to get on one. 5!

I also love CSR. But I would give it the edge over Pop only if you plan on spending a bit of down time at the resort. Pools are great. Food is good. It is a more relaxing resort. But you have to hang out at the resort for it to be worth it.

 

[loves to dive]

It depends on how much that difference in price means to you. Personally I'd go with CSR. Not a fan of the skyliner, given you have to change at the hub if you are going to Epcot it can take as much time as a bus. CSR is close to epcot and hs. I wouldn't spend money on the tower, most times you can stay at the dolphin for about the same. I also wouldn't pay for preferred, but that is just me and the walk at either resort isn't that bad. For reference I'm a 65 year old woman with bad hips and knees and it is fine. Also keep in mind the skyliner can and will go down for wind's or lightening. Not sure if you said what time of year you are going but there are maybe 4 months you aren't guaranteed rain and/or storms.

 

[bffdisney]

According to Google, POP rooms are 260 square feet and CSR are 314 square feet if that helps!