Question on hotel choice with 2 & 5 year old

[knovak]

We booked the CBR for our trip in May and I am having 2nd thoughts after reading posts here and guide books. I've seen many times that the walking to the food court and bus stops along with waiting for buses takes a long time. I don't know if they will have the extra patience for all of that. My travel agent said there was no difference from CBR to POR or any resort for that matter as to waiting for buses. I have also come to the conclusion she is pretty clueless of how things work at Disney World. I did upgrade to a preferred room and thought the beaches, playgrounds and pail/shovel kids meals would be good for them. My last trip I stayed at WL and loved it - I just don't know I if I want to spend the extra $5 -600 to stay there. Suggestions? Opinions?

 

[spacemtn1971]

if most of your time is going to be spent in the parks it doesn't really matter. when our girls were two the contemporary was ideal because we spent about 70% of our time at MK or in the pool. but most of the time they really don't care as much about where they are as mom and dad.

i do think that most families should at least think about the pop century. the bus service really is good and about as good as a moderate for experience.

but as long as your family is in the world you'll have fun.

 

[crazelion]

I think All-Star Movies would be ideal for those ages. With all the characters that able to recongize the icons better.

 

[rarrington]

We are going in May with DD2 & DD5 and have chosen to stay at the Contemporary. It is our first trip so I can't compare it to anything, but the convenience factor is what we were looking for. As well as the WOW factor of the monorail coming through the resort. I expect to spend most of our time (at least most evenings) in MK. I plan to hit different parks in the mornings and then spend the afternoon at the resort. Both girls still nap and I'm sure they'll need that down time with being so active while on vacation. And maybe spend some time at the pool. Then I'm making my PS dinners convenient to the Contemporary (at Monorail resorts or in MK) and plan to visit MK again in the evenings.
Also - I need it to be as relaxing as possible for DH. Waiting for buses and riding the buses will drive him nuts! I hope we are making the right choice - but with all my research and knowing my family I think it is right. They'll enjoy riding the monorail much more than buses! Although we'll still have buses to AK and MGM...
Good luck!

 

[franw]

If you are going to be spending lots of time at the MK then I would suggest either the Contemporary or the Poly. Getting on and off of buses with strollers and sleeping kids can be a hassle.

But, I would also say the the CBR can be a wonderful experience. Just ask for building 24, 25 or 26 in Martinique and you'll be close to the main pool and the food court. Bus stops are located conveniently to each cluster of buildings and the grounds at the CBR are great for kids to run and play. In fact, when we do stay at the Beach Club, Poly or Boardwalk, we always go visit the CBR because we miss the grounds.

Even when you stay at the Contemporary or Poly, if you want to go to the AK or MGM you'll have to get on a bus unless you use your car. Might as well save the money and stay at the CBR. I have never been displeased with their bus service and we have stayed there at least 15 times.

 

[knovak]

We too will probably spend most of our time at the MK and that's why I was thinking of switching to a site closer to that. But if the buses are fairly quick I hate to spend all of that extra money.

Also - how are the rooms at the Contemporary or Poly.? I've never stayed at either, I just remember those being there since I went when I was a pre-teen - just thought they may be more run down? Are there beach areas and/or playgrounds at either?

 

[tinknsnow]

I'd try a MK resort. We have only stayed at the WL so far (three times) and are planning to try the Poly next year.

We think the boat to the MK from the WL is great. It's usually very fast and I like that I can wheel my stroller (with DS inside) right onboard.

We usually hit the parks in the AM, come back after lunch for a break (naps or swimming) then go back after we feel refreshed. I don't think we'd attempt that if we had to take a bus back to the hotel. It allows us to stay for Wishes and hit some rides after dark (which makes some rides feel like a completely different experience!).

We took a few buses on our recent trip and I really didn't enjoy it at all. We waited 45 minutes *twice* for the MGM-WL bus! Needless to say, I was a frazzled mess by the time we got back to the WL! Three kids six and under was so not enjoyable on a bus!

That said... if your budget dictates a stay at a moderate, I have heard that POFQ is great for kids. My friends have stayed there numerous times and always enjoy it (their kids are 8 and 6).

 

[Selket]

If you want to stay in a Moderate how about the POFQ? The pool there is (IMHO) one of the best at WDW for the ages of your children. The resort is very small and no long walks to the bus stop or to eat. You can also pool hop to POR and eat at their food court and restaurant. There is a boat to DTD too. POFQ isn't too far location-wise from CBR. We never had problems with the busses at POFQ.

I do agree that if money is not an issue the CR or Poly would be best for someone with little kids though.

 

[mom2of2]

CBR is beautiful, actually my fav mod resort. Since you upgraded already you should choose Trinidad North. It's a small 3 bldg cluster and has tons of parking as well as the private pool and laundry all right there especially conveinient for 33. I have been to both 31 and 33 and I liked 33 better since it was right on the water with a hammock. It was a very short walk to OPR, maybe 3 min? and the bus stop is right there as well at bldg 33.

 

[Chize]

Hi,
We have stayed at both resorts. When we stayed at the Poly it was wonderful. Getting on the monorail was so easy. It is so convienent. It comes every few minutes and is right there at the end of the day. At the CRB the busses come only every 20 min. or so. There is a lot more walking involved. The busses can also be very crowded. There are many more rooms at the CRB V.S. the Poly. If you get a room close to the "Port Royal", it will be a bit easier to get to the food court and bus stop. The pool is castle themed. It's nice for older kids. The baby pool is pretty boring. The rooms at the Poly are much bigger. Most have a daybed too. The pool at the poly was just redone 2 years ago. It has a walk in, not steps. It's great for young children! It has a waterfall and an "exploding" volcano. If you can swing it, I would go for the Poly! Good luck!
There is a nice beach area with playground at the Poly. Sometimes they have a water parade on the Lagoon at night. You can see the fireworks at MK from the beach too!

 

[mom2of2]

Not sure what time of year you are going but went in both March and July and honestly, never waited longer then 5 min for any bus. Bus trans runs constantly and if the driver sees that there is a long line at either the parks or the resort stops, more busses are added. If you are in doubt don't hesitate to ask Tyler (ChipnDaleExpress) about it over on the trans board he's our CM-in-the-know

 

[Linda T.]

My family loves CBR! When my daughters were younger, we stayed at Martinique - Building 25, but now that they are older, we like Jamaica - Building 45. We have always had great bus service. My daughters like the main pool and the quiet pools. We, also, like the food court. They have alot of variety. We love the themeing of the Caribbean, and the resort has nice beach areas to sit and look out at the water. Wherever you choose to stay, have a great time.
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July, 1979 - Offsite
June, 1995 - Caribbean
June, 1997 - Caribbean
June, 1999 - Dixie Landings
July, 2003 - Caribbean
June, 2005 - Caribbean

 

[sters]

My kids at those ages LOVED the All Star Movies, a great choice because they loved playing on the props and were too little to take advantage of the pool slides. Although I like the moderates, the kids liked this resort atmospher the best.

 

[Skroops]

You can't use a monorail or boat ride to every park from the MK resorts. If you plan on only (or mostly) going to the MK, then I'd consider the MK resorts, and pay more for your stay. If you plan on going to all of the parks, then you'll be happy at the CBR! It is beautiful.
I'd expect a bus wait at whichever resort you choose. I put a few little toys and snacks in the stroller to use for distraction. Also, as you know, you have to fold your stroller up to get up on the buses, so I'd use a little tote bag that you can easily remove to fold up the stroller.
IMO, the bus sytems are run very well. That shouldn't be much of an issue. Relax, you are on vacation! For tiny tots, consider the POP hotel and save lots of money. It's got the fun kiddie fountain pool and lots of themeing. The kids won't know the difference at this point! Whatever your choice, you will have a blast and you'll have memories for a lifetime! Enjoy!