POR, CBR or CSR which is best?

[MommyPoppins]

I posted this already but only 1 person replied. I want to know everyones opinions so I can make a good decision. We will be going in May. It will be DH and our children ages 5 and under. We have stayed at POR in the AB section and loved it. We would also like to try out the Mansion section. We visited the FQ when we were there and although it was pretty I didn't personally like the lobby/food court decorations. It would be my last choice to stay there. We would like to try out the other moderate resorts, but I just don't know.

I need to know the pros and cons of CBR and CSR and am I really going to feel like I am there, or will I still know I am in FL? I live here so I don't want to vacation here. That's what we liked about POR. Thanks

 

[Scoootch]

Well, I cannot speak personnally of CSR but many people like it a bit...I hear they have a great pool there too As for CBR, we stayed there for a week back in 2001 and have no desire to go back..we felt it was too spread out and that the main pool was just too small and didn't like the food court set up. But that was before they referbished the resort the year after our stay so perhaps it is better now.

My first pick of the moderates would actually be FQ but I do agree that the main bldg. theming isn't as nice as POR's but POR is my 2nd choice. I actually prefer the mansion section of POR in the magnolia terrace bldg. and you can use the pools at both POR and FQ since they are sister resorts.

So I may not be the most help for you with my experiences on CSR and CBR but I'd personnally pick POR of your choices followed by CSR.

Best of luck deciding. Hopefully, you'll get more opinions. Have a great trip whatever you decide..May is a great time to be at WDW

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

I can't compare the others but we stayed at CBR in 2002 and LOVED it!! I wouldn't hesitate to go back!

 

[solotraveler]

I love CBR personally. For me, that would be my choice.

However, with children under 5, I think you might be on the right track with the Mansion section of POR; especially if you'll be using the main pool and food court areas a lot. CBR is very spread out-- especially if you end up in one of the outerlying areas. The same can be said of CSR.

POFQ is very nice and centrally laid out. Not much of a walk to anywhere. If the decor really isn't your thing, then I'd say skip it-- you just won't be happy there; expecially for an extended stay.

Have a great trip!
Solotraveler

 

[HopperFan]

We will go back to CSR & POR in a heartbeat, anytime Will not return to CBR.

You already know about POR....
CSR is a beautiful resort that we look at as SW Tropical, each section having it's own distinct personality. The pool amenity is the best...big, lots of seating, covered seating, spread out, awesome slide, big pool, big hot tub, playground, snack bar and a beautiful setting and theme. You have the lake with the amenities and a lovely walk around, good transportation, and a high end food court. Some don't like that it is a convention hotel but we found that only gave us more space while they were working. The convention areas are at the front and really not even visible to the rest of the resort. Some don't like the food court but we found the food and selection were very good. Portions huge. It is alittle more upscale, but then I consider this more of a deluxe/moderate.

I would go with CSR, or POR-Mansion side. Those rooms are pretty and yet different from your previous experience. You would be in a hotel you know you will be happy with, especially with young children. You could always drive over to CSR to eat at the Pepper Market and then take a walk around the lake and see if the theme is far enough away from the FL feel for you.

 

[Buzz2001]

I guess it depends on what you want in a resort but my for is for CSR hands down! Best pool of all the moderates, terrific transportation, beautiful landscaping and an awesome food court. Check out my CSR website below for pics, links and info.

 

[RebeccaLovesDisney]

We have stayed at both CBR and CSR. We enjoyed our stay at CBR, but absolutely loved CSR! Both are fairly spread out and both have beautiful landscaping. CSR has an awesome pool and playground - much better than CBR (IMO). Also, the CSR food court is very good. It far exceeded our expectations for a food court!

 

[yecats]

This is sort of a tough question in the sense of you have young/small children so I can't compare my adults only stay with what you may encounter with smaller children. However, this is my pro/con list below:

CSR and CBR pro's:
Both are situated around nice size lake with various places to sit and relax on a beach or in a hammock with rental boats for additional entertainment.

Both have a main pool and several quiet pools so there is something for everyone (note, there is a large hot tub at CSR and small one at CBR).
Various bus stops around resort so one is usually within 400 feet from your room.

Each resort is beautifully themed so it's your choice to decide if you would like to stay in Mexico (CSR) or the carribbean (CBR) but both are beautiful.

As these are both moderates, you'll have a refrig. in your room and a slightly larger room than value resorts and I find that you don't feel like your on top of your neighbors as the buildings are more spread out with not every room having children in them (IMO mods are a bit more laid back and quiet).

Different rest./dining choices. CBR's food court/choices are similar to PORS. CSR is set up a bit differently but IMO has more choices/variety than anyone else (check out food menu for CSR at wdwig.com). As it is more of a convention hotel, prices were a bit higher on many things but again you do have more choices.

Cons of both resorts:

Both are slightly more spread out in size than PORS. As such many people get lost. However, I find that if people carry around there resort map and pay a little attention to where they are and where there going then they generally get there without much fuss. However, there are those that are clueless (my mother is one of these) and then complains when they are lost and wants to put down the resort.

Takes longer to get to parks as these resorts are slightly further away. Please note that CSR is IMO great for going in between MGM/Epcot and AK as it is perfectly situated in between those parks. However, it is one of the resorts furthest away from MK.

CSR only has one sink area outside its bathroom (large mirror but only one sink). CBR has two sink areas outside its bathroom which is probably better for multiple people to use in a.m.

CSR is a convention resort and some people notice same and complain about it and state it feels less Disnesque. I didn't feel this whatsoever.

In the end,its really what you feel is best for you. Personally, I love CSR and it does make me feel like I've left and gone someplace else. I would tell you that if you decide to stay at CSR or CBR, ask at checkin for a room close to the main building. Either way all the mods are wonderful.

 

[Melissa M]

yecats,

Thank you for the awesome PRO/CON list! My daughter and I are trying to decide between CSR and CBR. We keep flip-flopping!

 

[madonna31]

Whatever you do - don't stay at Coronado Springs - it's haunted.

 

[racheltyler]

Just returned from CBR - would not highly recommend - pool area is not great, IMO, hot tub accomodates 5 people for a resort that has thousands of rooms, long walks to main area. I would chose CSR, love the pool area there much better. It's easier to get a room close to the CSR pool area and you can get food and drink refills at the pool bar. This also has a nice kids play area and sand area at the pool. We've stayed at both and they seem to have the same overall relaxing feel. Good luck and have fun!!

 

[daannzzz]

Both CBR / CSR are great.
CBR has two sinks in the vanity vs. CSR having one.
The rooms ar CBR are a little bigger and have a bit more window (next to the door) so a hair more natural light.
The main themed pool at CBR is smaller than the main themed pool at CSR.
The slide in the main pool is much longer at CSR.
Take a look at all of the sections of CSR. The three themed areas are very different from each other. If there is one area that you really dislike you should be prepared to possibly have a room in that section.

 

[shirleyb]

We've only stayed at CBR, which we liked, but we'll be staying at POR-AB in May.

We requested a close building at CBR (Martinique if I remember correctly), so the size of it didn't really matter to us.

As far as CSR, people either seem to love it or hate it but I have no personal experience with it.

 

[pdarrah]

I have stayed at all of the moderates, but my stay at CBR was way back when it was the only moderate! We disliked it so much, we have never stayed there again. We were in one of those "outlying" areas and the distances were crazy to get to the food court and pool.

My personal favorite is POR (AB side), but my 5 year old (who has been to WDW 11 times!) has just told me that POFQ is his "very favorite" and that is where he wants to stay for our trip this April. He may not remember our stay at CSR since he was only 2 or 3 then, but he clearly remembers POR and that is his second choice. I showed him photos of CSR and he claims he remembers it, but likes the other better (as I said - I have doubts that he really remembers...)

You may not like the decor at POFQ, but I guess it can really appeal to a 5 year old! The reasons given for his choice were "the cool food area", "the dragon slide" and "the little streets".

Pdarrah

 

[jellymanoffspring]

I LOve, love,love CBR...but one main reason is that I really feel like I am in Florida when I am there!!

Have heard great things about the mansion section of POR and CSr looks neat

 

[Buzz2001]

Whatever you do - don't stay at Coronado Springs - it's haunted.

too funny!

 

[Rootskate]

I can tell you that CSR is absolutely beautiful. We had a great time there. I cant comment on the other resorts as we have not tried them yet. No matter what you choose, I am sure you will have a great trip!

 

[cobbler]

Personally I love the Coronado. I haven't been to FQ yet but I rate the moderates as Coronado first, then Riverside then Caribbean. I can't rate FQ yet.

The slide is wonderful, the food court is great and I just love the coronado.

I wish I didn't have this quirk sometimes where I want to stay at all hotels on property because I sure do love me some coronado.