POR/POFQ vs. CSR

[san2ting2mom]

I've noticed that there are many people who are loyal to the Port Orleans resorts, and likewise, there are those (albeit fewer, it seems) who are loyal to the Coronado Springs Resort. And funny thing is -- those who like POR/POFQ don't care too much for CSR, and vice versa. Can I just ask why that is? Besides the two extremely different themes, are there other reasons why you like one resort better than the other? Or is it simply a preference in the theme? Because honestly, I could go for either theme, but it is just intriguing how there seems to be two distinct "camps" among the loyalists of these two resorts. Are there other reasons besides the theme why you preferred one resort over the other?

TIA!

Linda

 

[Buzz2001]

Hi Linda! I have never said that I don't care for the other resorts, I just love CSR. Visit my CSR website below for the reason why. Plenty of pics, links and info.

REASON WHY
Best pool of all the moderates
large slide
arcade at the main pool area
sand volleyball court at the main pool area
Largest hot tub of all on WDW property
has a spa, no other mod does
has a gym, no other mod does
No bus sharing with other resorts
better food court
beautiful landscaping
plenty of rec activities; biking, fishing, boating
very close to BB, AK, MGM and Epcot

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the dis, san2ting2mom!

The POFQ is my favorite resort anywhere. I really like the size of the resort--it's much more compact compared to the other resorts. I love the atmosphere--it's bright and cheery, but not obnoxious. It just pretty and peaceful. I've stayed there four times, and I've only rarely heard a peep from our neighbors (once I heard some cheerleaders running down the hall, and once I heard a baby cry through the connecting door to the next room). I really like the food court there, and I have found the staff to be the most courteous and helpful of any Disney resort I've stayed in. I also think it has a very neat pool.

As for the CSR, well, it certainly is a beautiful resort. I like the theming there. But, it is much too spread out for my tastes--it was a hike from our room to the food court, and it wasn't even the farthest from the food court. I also didn't like the way they ran the food court--the food was fine, but I didn't like that they tacked on 10% to your bill if you ate there. 10% for a family would add up pretty quickly, and to me, it's not worth it to be able to eat off real plates and have someone else clean off my table--I'm happy with paper plates, and I can clear my own table. I also found that the walls were paper thin (which I find to be true of all Disney resorts I've stayed in that were built after the early 90's). We heard our neighbors TV and talking at moderate levels. We also heard every footstep the folks above us too.

Would I stay at the CSR again? Yes, I would, but only if none of the other moderates were available.

Karen

 

[Deborah_Mary]

Thanks Linda for posting this question as I've been really curious between the differences/likes/dislikes of POFQ and CSR and their loyal customers. Dh and I have been going 'round and 'round trying to figure out what is best for us and our family (dh, me, dd-6 and dd-1 - getting to and from the resort/parks and within the resort itself) and are having a difficult time.

I actually had a dream a few nights ago about staying at CSR and mentioned it to dh and since then he's been looking at websites/pics/info about it moreso, lol!

Can't wait to read the responses!!

Deb*

 

[HopperFan]

I think the biggest difference is the theme - POR is more lush with landscape, very green and homey. CSR is more what we call SW Tropical, more SW type landscape and decor. Also convention vs not.........that makes a big difference to some people. But if you ask me, the conventioners are working and that leaves more pool/bus space etc for me !

POR - we have stayed AB and Mansions. Mansions has very pretty rooms and buildings and pretty gardens. We did not care for the "boring" quiet pools, felt like we were in an upscale apt complex. AB rooms are very casual and rustic (plus is trundles for some), landscaping is lush and makes for lots of privacy. Loved the free form private quiet pools. Old Man Island which houses the main pool in an island in the middle of the resort so to walk there from anywhere was not bad. Good food court, has atmosphere, options and lots of seating. Pool is nice, L shape, each end geared more for adult or kids. Slide is fun for younger kids. Playground is average. Water amenities and boat to DTD is a real plus. Some don't like transportation, but that will be relative to time of day you are riding. Great atmosphere of southern charm.

CSR - The newest, and I think they always try to improve each time. Would call it more of a deluxe-moderate due to extra amenities. Downside to some is the convention center, but if you don't hang out by the front too much, we weren't really aware of it. "Food Court" is high end where you get some service and they add a tip. We have asked the tip be removed when we were not served by anyone. Pool amenity is the best. Huge pool, lots of seating, some covered, great playground, great slide for all ages, huge hot tub, food/bar right there is a plus and the setup is great that you don't need to walk to main building while at the pool. But the down to some is they think the walk around the lake is too long. We didn't. Actually a plus for DS who is a runner. Stunning resort at night. Water amenities and good transportation. Quiet pools were very peaceful. We would not return to Casita section (too close to convention/main area) but loved Rancho and Cabana.

POFQ - haven't stayed, only ate and walked. It has it's own very strong following of guests. Never really appealed to us personally, too quiet and empty looking. Always thought it would be great for adults only or those with small children and needing quiet time.

I think it depends on the style you want and how much you will be using the pool and other amenities for each particular trip.

Either way we would stay in POR or CSR in a heartbeat !

 

[Stitch Inside]

Loved both and here is why. We were at WDW.
But really, asking why some liked one and hated the other is like asking why some people are Republicans and others Democrats.
We're Independents so we'll stay anywhere at Disney. We'd like to try them all.

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

I also think it's a theme preference.

 

[yecats]

I also think it is more of a theme preference. I live in New Orleans and work in the French Quarter and pass houses coming in to work that resemble the mansions or bayou homes to a degree. I have stayed at both PO and CSR and I have to say that CSR has won me over and I really didn't think it would as I am not big on the Southwest dessert theme.

PO is a wonderful resort (stayed here Nov. 2003). Quiet, peaceful, beautiful flowers and nice pools. I love the fact that you get on a boat and head on over to DTD (different option from the bus). I love walking around the resort and noticing how each home and mansion's change slightly from one another through out the resort. However, in a wierd way, I felt like I was still at home - just in a cleaner version.

After staying at CSR (Nov. 2004), I realized that I want to feel as if I have left home and went on vacation and the mexican/southwest theming did it. Nothing at all reminded me of Louisiana and I seemed to relax quicker. This resort is more spread out with 3 distinct sections. Walking around the resort you'll also notice how the buildings have those slight changes from one to the next. The reflection of the main building at night on the water is beautiful (that beautiful perfect image you try to capture on film in its mirrored way but can't). I also like the variety of food offerings in the Peppermarket. I also slept better on the beds at CSR (the mattress is so thick I had to climb up it). The pool was great.

In the end, to each is own. I do intend to return to CSR in the near future but will eventually stay again at PO.

 

[gemmamouse]

hi i have to agree por is the best everything about it is great. The resort is located really close to down town disney the rooms are lovely food is great and the entertainment is fun in the evening. There are lots of pools located around the resort and there is a great gift shop,the wdw transport only takes 5mins to get to all but one (animal kingdom) of the parks. hope this helps.

 

[Nolcrest]

This thread interests me as well and I really enjoy reading the passions of all who posted.

I LOVE POR. I did have reservations to CSR and just switched them last week to POR.

I still don't know if this was the right decision. Since I'll be visiting during the summer this year I was afraid that I would just feel "too hot" at CSR. (I know it'll be brutally hot anyway). I know that there is plenty of shade at POR and I must say that the boat to DTD clinched the decision for me. I am so excited now to be going back to POR & I just wasn't getting excited about CSR.

I do plan on visiting CSR and eating at the Pepper Market so I can get a feel for CSR. Maybe I'll stay there during a winter visit when the desert theme will be inviting.

 

[polkadotminnie]

When my DH suggested we atleast try CSR last year, I reluctantly agreed. We decided to split out stay CSR then POFQ. I loved CSR! It surprised me that it was so beautiful. It's pool area was the best! (We've stayed at the POLY, AKL, Dolphin ...) It was relaxing and seemed more like a deluxe resort. Lots of people say it is spread out, but what isn't at Disney! I had a longer walk from my car to building 5 in POFQ than in CSR.
The CM's at POFQ were nice. The boat was convenient. The only thing I didn't like was the buildings at POFQ reminded me too much of the ASMO (not a bad thing- but I was paying more) just a different look to them. POFQ was OK but didn't really seem like it should cost more than the Values (except for the boat perk and a very small pool slide). It wasn't a bad stay, but it was just OK.
We haven't tried POR. I am sure that is next when our 3rd DD turns 3 in April.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We have not stayed at PO by choice, the theme just doesnt suit us. However, we love CSR for many reasons! The grounds are gorgeous! Such different themes within the 3 sections. It definitely has the best pool of all the moderates with a large slide, lots of space to lay out and the pool bar,
arcade, volleyball court and even the smaller pools in each section we found to be rather large and comfortable. Ooh, and dont forget the big hot tub!
Being with stayed their on our honeymoon last trip we also used the spa (which no other moderate has) and DH used the gym (also no other moderate has). We love the food court and anytime we wanted to take our food to go, we got a to go ticket and they dont charge the 10%. Honestly, having stayed at CBR and all stars where the food courts were very similiar to eachother, CSR's pepper market is definitely a step above the other moderate food courts so I dont mind the extra 10% b/c I am getting better quality, fresher food (not premade meals that have been sitting under lamps). WE liked that we can go to the food court at CSR and have a real meal.
Compared to our past visits with other resorts, CSR seemed to have the most efficient bus system. You dont have to share with any other resorts, there is a bus stop in each section plus the main area. Even in May and JUne visits we never waited more than a few minutes for a bus, never had to stand on the way to or from a park and we heard from other guests and cms that this is one of the advantages of a convention resort. I never saw any of the conventioners as they were always in the convention center but they sure made for less people at the pools and on the buses.
For us, the main thing is we dont care for theming of PO. The dixie landings/bayou theme isn't our idea of a resort.We would go back to CBR before staying at PO.
We have had wonderful experiences at CSR and hope to get back there soon!
Best of luck deciding!!!