POR or CSR

[Suzibrat]

I am in the pre-planning stages of our September/October anniversary vaca and really need advice. We have been looking at POR but I keep seeing posts regarding the worn out look of everything and the lack of enthusiastic CMs. We also have been looking at CSR. I'd appreciate any input on this because we are batting our heads against the wall (oy! my headache!) trying to decide.

 

[KatMark]

You will get a lot of different opinions and should in the end make your choice based on what is best for you. We love the CSR. We are going in September for our 25th wedding anniversary (we thought of the Polynesisan, but just love the CSR). Although the CSR is a very large resort, we don't mind the walking (and it really is no more than 5 to 10 minutes to get to the main building or the main pool from most buildings), it is a beautfiul resort with wonderful landscaping, hammocks, quiet pools and a spa/fitness center. Because it is a Convention resort, there seem to be less kids from what is at the other resorts. And before anyone starts ranting on me, we love kids (we have two boys--ages 22 and 19 and we were at a party last night and I spent most of his holding a baby), but after being at the parks all day we like the quietness of the Coronado and my DH and I love walking around the water with all the lights on. We also enjoy Pepper Market, the food court at the CSR, very much and the CM's and Mousekeeping have always been very good with us. We visited the POR this year but found it just a little too noisy for our taste.

 

[Suzibrat]

Thank you so much for your input! We don't have any children (except for furry 4 legged ones) and wondered is there were less at CSR. (No we aren't child haters )
The wide expance of CSR had us a bit worried because of a health issue I have but we were looking for a quiet place..as much as possible. Maybe a trade off for the walking is the quieter atmosphere?

 

[SassyLassy]

i POR. I have been numerous times and have only received great service. I always get the the room I request (not specific room but non-smoking, upper level, near pool, etc), I have only seen very, very minimal wear and tear but most all of the resorts have them in some spots and I think the grounds are so relaxing at POR. I have never stayed at CSR, I was intrigued but friends of mine (2 different sets) have gone down and been some what annoyed at people at conventions there for being super load and drunk around the hotel. I heard that CSR takes on a lot of conventions and that is one thing that has swayed me. I have never been inconvenienced by noise at POR. Either way, I hope you have a great time.

 

[KatMark]

Every morning of our stay, I walk from our room (usually in Casitas 4 or 5) to the Pepper Market for coffee for me and dry cereal for my husband. It takes me five minutes--I walk fast. However, there are always "golf carts" on the grounds and if they are not delivering luggage or are not filled with other people, they always ask me if I would like a ride to where I am going. I usually say no, but like I said, I enjoy walking. It is very quiet...my DH and I take a stroll almost every evening and all we hear are the crickets and the water lapping in Lago Dorado. The new lounge has opened since we were there in September and we can't wait to try it. We have never had any issues with the convention people. I see them every morning as I walk for my coffee and they say hello, have a nice day or whatever. They must have had some type of party for them when were there in September and you could hear them around 10:00...but the time we went to sleep for the night at 11:00 you couldn't hear anything anymore.

 

[Suzibrat]

Thank you both for all the info. I think I need to make out a "pros" and "cons" list! LOL

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info. Live entertainment, a spa (couples massage), full menu room service and a fitness center. CSR is gorgeous at night, great for a romantic stroll around the lake and to sit on the white sand beach in the hammocks. It's like you took a trip to Mexico.

 

[Minniemouse07]

We just stayed at POR last month and it was an AWESOME experience!

Our room was clean, mousekeeping was great (we had tons of stuffed characters for them to play with!), the food court was yummy, check in was quick (we were the only ones), concierge desk was super helpful, and we only had to wait for a bus twice and that was coming back from parks during late EMH nights. Oh and I should mention that we were there during Pop Warner (three million cheerleaders!) and it still was awesome!

We stayed in Alligator Bayou, building 18 and we were close to everything (bus stop, main building & main pool, quiet pool and laundry) and had a great view of the river. We also really liked the boat ride to DTD. It was nice and relaxing as well as being a nice switch from riding the bus all the time!

I actually picked POR over CSR because of the conventions, the size and the Pepper Market (didn't appeal to us all that much and didn't like their set up w/ tipping, etc.)... oh and the boat to DTD was a big plus for POR!

Good Luck picking one!

 

[kate&sarahsdad]

I've stayed at both and would pick CSR hands down over POR. No shared bussing, better pool and slide and i prefer the Mexican theme much better. Feels more like a vacation to me but that's a personal preference.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

We stayed at POR in Oct and Dec of last year and both times were amazing. The food court was absolutely delicious, the pool was outstanding and the surroundings were beautiful.

Here's some pics:

We stayed in Alligator Bayou and didn't have a problem with the buses at all. Have a great trip whatever you decide!

 

[Suzibrat]

Buzz your pics are AMAZING!!! I tried to see your website but for some reason it won't go thru. (Even yelling "magic" words didn't work! )
The suspense is killing me after seeing these beautiful pictures. I can't wait till Hubby gets home so I can show them to him and try to steer him towards CSR. He's the one that wants to stay at POR. Thank you so much.

Thank you to everyone that has given their opinion and posted beautiful pictures. I wish we could stay at both places! HEY!! Can that be done? I think I just had a lightbulb go off over my head. Is it a possibility??

 

[KatMark]

Yes, you can do a split stay assuming availability at both resorts.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I haven't posted images to the dis before so hopefully this works out right! These are shots from our trip last month!

Our Building (18)

Mousekeeping at Work!

You can't see it in this shot, but Minnie's dress is pulled up in back too! They are all coloring w/ dd's markers!

 

[Lilolvr]

Definitely CSR! I've stayed at both and CSR wins hands down. No shared buses, a great themed pool and awesome food choices.