Question on Resorts and Dining Options

[fd1972uk]

Hi,

I know there are some threads referring to particular resorts, however was looking for a balanced response (not saying I may not, but particular resort threads might possibly give a bias view).

I'm currently looking at various resorts within the WDW complex.

On the cheaper scale the Pop Century is more cost based, I'm unsure of the cost of food, we're quite easy to feed and are happy with fast food option i.e. Chips, Hot Dogs, stuff like that, so not exactly big diners. The Pop century also appeals as we like the idea of the 50's, 60's music and so on and how things look laid out.

Looking up the way, my personal fav would probably be Caribbean Resort, I'm a huge POTC fan and I presume that the resort is themed quite a lot with POTC memoribilia (or is it?). Looking at some pictures there are bits and bobs I've seen, but wondering if they have heavily added a lot of stuff from the movies to the resort? there is also the added bonus (although nearly £200 more) to rent a Pirate Room which would be very appealing, but not sure if the normal rooms are still well furnished with some disney magic? Into the bargain the counter service dining plan is included, however it will come in around £500 more expensive than Pop and if adding the Pirate Room, almost £700.

One thing I did notice was the Saragota and Old Key West resorts that are cheaper than the Caribbean Resort yet offer the Table Dining Plan for the same price as CBR with Counter Service. However not sure if the only bonus is the more eateries throughout the WDW in/out of parks.

I'm obviously unsure of the kinda layout for food anyway and am wondering if these deals are all that great anyway?

Due to it being our first trip with our little one (been as a couple twice late 90s) want to make it a Disney stay for defo (unless something crops up to scupper it).

Cheers in advance.



FD

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Well the resort that you chose has no effect on your food choices unless you are getting free dining, in which at a value you get free CS unless you upgrade to TS

 

[RoseRoni2]

I'll be watching this thead, because I am wondering the same thing for our upcoming trip. I have stayed at the POP 3x, it's awesome for a value resort and the food court is great, not just your regular hotdogs and hamburgers, it has a pasta dish everynight and pizza even different options ever day. They do have their daily staples Pizza and hamburgers. I am looking to upgrade this time around, but not sure where so many choices, but I am wanting the dinning plan.

 

[Missytara]

I am not sure quite what your question is, but I will try to help.

If you are looking for the menus and the cost of items for each, you can check on this site or allearsnet. They have all of the menus and the prices.

You can get any level of dining plan you wish. Even if you book a value resort with free dining with the counter service plan, you can pay to upgrade to the regular dining plan (just pay the difference).

All other resorts with free dining will get you the regular dining plan and you can again upgrade to the deluxe by paying the difference.

If you are looking for some costs comparisions between the actual cost of dining vs. the dining plan, you have to look at the options of food and decide if it is worth it to you. You can also check over on the dining plan board for more info.

When I travel alone, I don't get the dining plan because I like eating a couple of appetizers or a soup and a salad for dinner and splurge for dessert.

When I go with friends who often are on a budget, we get the plan because it is paid off early. I make ADR's at some of the higher end places, so we get the best bang for our buck.

This year we got the free dining plan, which was beneficial to my traveling companions, because it allowed them to invite their roommates and two children along as well with the savings.

 

[minushka72]

Hi,

I know there are some threads referring to particular resorts, however was looking for a balanced response (not saying I may not, but particular resort threads might possibly give a bias view).

I'm currently looking at various resorts within the WDW complex.

On the cheaper scale the Pop Century is more cost based, I'm unsure of the cost of food, we're quite easy to feed and are happy with fast food option i.e. Chips, Hot Dogs, stuff like that, so not exactly big diners. The Pop century also appeals as we like the idea of the 50's, 60's music and so on and how things look laid out.

Looking up the way, my personal fav would probably be Caribbean Resort, I'm a huge POTC fan and I presume that the resort is themed quite a lot with POTC memoribilia (or is it?). Looking at some pictures there are bits and bobs I've seen, but wondering if they have heavily added a lot of stuff from the movies to the resort? there is also the added bonus (although nearly £200 more) to rent a Pirate Room which would be very appealing, but not sure if the normal rooms are still well furnished with some disney magic? Into the bargain the counter service dining plan is included, however it will come in around £500 more expensive than Pop and if adding the Pirate Room, almost £700.

One thing I did notice was the Saragota and Old Key West resorts that are cheaper than the Caribbean Resort yet offer the Table Dining Plan for the same price as CBR with Counter Service. However not sure if the only bonus is the more eateries throughout the WDW in/out of parks.

I'm obviously unsure of the kinda layout for food anyway and am wondering if these deals are all that great anyway?

Due to it being our first trip with our little one (been as a couple twice late 90s) want to make it a Disney stay for defo (unless something crops up to scupper it).

Cheers in advance.



FD

I have not stayed at CBR but as far as I know, the resort itself is not very Pirate-themed. I think just the pool and of course the pirate rooms which are more expensive that the regular rooms. So if that was the main draw, I would say save your money. If you would prefer to go with a room in the moderate resort level, then i suggest POR or POFQ (POFQ is my favorite!) the beds are all US Queen size so they are a little larger than those at the values category resorts and I belive the pirate rooms at CBR are also US Full size so smaller that the other moderates.

As for Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, those are DVC resorts which usually are a more Deluxe level of resort. If you can get those for the same amount as the CBR room then I would say go with that. Especially if you are booking a few character meals which would be TS as far as the Dining plan goes.

 

[sndral]

Since you are using lb. signs for money, I assume you are from Britain. The offers to the UK are often somewhat different from the offers to us stateside. So I think your options are Pop w/ counter service dinning, CBR w/ counter service dinning or SSR or OKW w/ table service dinning.
CBR is a very large resort w/ large rooms (compared to other moderates or value rooms,) it is tropically themed - but not really POTC themed (the resort predates the movies by several years.) Take a look at the photos, it's not 'in your face disney' but IMO, a lovely resort. There's a main pool and then each 'island' (cluster of room buildings) has a large quiet pool.
I have not stayed at SSR or OKW - are you looking at studios or 1 br.s? Perhaps others who have stayed at these facilities can offer opinions.
I personally like the table service version of the dinning plan as I enjoy eating at a sit down restuarant at least once a day.

 

[fd1972uk]

Hi,

Yes I am from Britain, Scotland to be exact.

I'll have a look at that menu with the prices on the places mentioned.

Just one thing, there is no FREE dining with Value resorts, you must pay for that, only the moderate to deluxe resorts offer free dining, either counter or table.

Thanks for that information as yet, hope to see more tips.

FD

 

[Missytara]

Hi,

Yes I am from Britain, Scotland to be exact.

Thanks for that information as yet, hope to see more tips.

FD

Then you should probably hop over to the dining plan board if you are looking for additional information or tips regarding the various dining plans.

 

[snykymom]

One thing to consider: the beds.

POP and CBR both have queen (STRIKE THAT - THEY ARE DOUBLE, not queen) beds (if more than 2; if only 2, you can request (at POP) or book (at CBR) a king bed). SSR and OKW are both Disney Vacation Club resorts. OKW studios have two queen beds; 1 BRs have a king in the bedroom, a double sofa bed and a chair bed. SSR studios have one queen bed and a double sofa bed; the one bedrooms have the king and double sofa but no chair bed.

SSR and OKW also have deluxe amenities - SSR has a fabulous spa.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Personally with kids I'd want the table service plan so that you can do character meals for free. Normally those run between $25-$40 per person.... so it adds up.

Pop is a motel feel. It's big and bold and a cheaper hotel. It's clean and all so I'm not looking down on it at all. We have enjoyed our stayes at the values.

However,

SSR and OKW are resorts! They have a more relaxed feel, nice table service restaurants on property, nicer amenities in general.

It really depends on what you are looking for and how you are used to traveling.

 

[fd1972uk]

Thanks for the feedback.

Wasn't aware the dining plan had character meals included as well, that's really good. Did look at the dining plan section with teh prices etc, but couldn't see that part myself.

Table service is appealing a little as the likes of the Sci-Fi Diner which we loved there (many moons ago) and eateries of that ilk will no doubt be really good. We're quite basic eaters and don't really venture out of our little comfort zone so having seen some menu's like the Chinese restaurant in Epcot and Coral Sea restaurant they don't really favour too well with me (I'd prefer Chinese = Curry Sauce, beef and rice. Fish = Haddock and chips, LOL).

In terms of the resorts, we're not in the slightest bit interested in the likes of Pampering or Spa's or the likes, that for me is a holiday from hell (no offence intended). Obviously the class of hotel and amenities are always great, but looking at for example a Sarasota and an old Key West, to me they are boring looking. Looking at the All Stars and the Pop Century for instance, they look awesome, 50ft juke-boxes, mini-mouses and dalmations wins all day long for me. However I can appreciate once you open your room door the difference might be apparant then and obviously looking at the prices you could have table service with a Sarasota or Old Key West for cheaper than a Value Resort with a similar charge.

Another thing to consider for us is the likes of Child Amenities, our little one loves the water and also playgrounds, so that's another main point.

One other thing I noticed about Dining Plan is them mentioning about a ridiculous 180 day advance booking recommended, imagine asking a 7 year old girl (at that time), what do you want to eat love in 6 months.


FD

 

[Missytara]

One other thing I noticed about Dining Plan is them mentioning about a ridiculous 180 day advance booking recommended, imagine asking a 7 year old girl (at that time), what do you want to eat love in 6 months.


FD

It is suggested that you make ADR's early when there is a free dining discount offered for that week. People are eating out more, because they can now get the TS they normally couldn't afford when paying OOP.

It is also suggested you make ADR's early for character meals or the high end restaurants that book early.

Again, you can check on the dining board for more info.

 

[DebbieB]

One thing to consider: the beds.

POP and CBR both have queen beds (if more than 2; if only 2, you can request (at POP) or book (at CBR) a king bed). SSR and OKW are both Disney Vacation Club resorts. OKW studios have two queen beds; 1 BRs have a king in the bedroom, a double sofa bed and a chair bed. SSR studios have one queen bed and a double sofa bed; the one bedrooms have the king and double sofa but no chair bed.

SSR and OKW also have deluxe amenities - SSR has a fabulous spa.

I believe POP and CBR have double beds, not queens. The moderates are in the process of being upgraded to queens but I don't think CBR has been done. I doubt the values will get queens, the rooms are too small.

 

[nkereina]

Just so you aren't disappointed if you pick Caribbean Beach Resort - it is not POTC themed. It is themed like the Caribbean - beach, bright colors, palm trees, etc. The only pirate related thing at CBR, to my knowledge, are the pirate themed rooms which I believe are just generic pirate theme - not necessarily POTC themed.

 

[snykymom]

Thanks for the feedback.

Wasn't aware the dining plan had character meals included as well, that's really good. Did look at the dining plan section with teh prices etc, but couldn't see that part myself.

Table service is appealing a little as the likes of the Sci-Fi Diner which we loved there (many moons ago) and eateries of that ilk will no doubt be really good. We're quite basic eaters and don't really venture out of our little comfort zone so having seen some menu's like the Chinese restaurant in Epcot and Coral Sea restaurant they don't really favour too well with me (I'd prefer Chinese = Curry Sauce, beef and rice. Fish = Haddock and chips, LOL).

In terms of the resorts, we're not in the slightest bit interested in the likes of Pampering or Spa's or the likes, that for me is a holiday from hell (no offence intended). Obviously the class of hotel and amenities are always great, but looking at for example a Sarasota and an old Key West, to me they are boring looking. Looking at the All Stars and the Pop Century for instance, they look awesome, 50ft juke-boxes, mini-mouses and dalmations wins all day long for me. However I can appreciate once you open your room door the difference might be apparant then and obviously looking at the prices you could have table service with a Sarasota or Old Key West for cheaper than a Value Resort with a similar charge.

Another thing to consider for us is the likes of Child Amenities, our little one loves the water and also playgrounds, so that's another main point.

One other thing I noticed about Dining Plan is them mentioning about a ridiculous 180 day advance booking recommended, imagine asking a 7 year old girl (at that time), what do you want to eat love in 6 months.


FD

If you like the looks of the value resorts, great - we've stayed there a number of times, and they're just fine.

For water play, I don't know if it matters to your little one, but there are no water slides at the value resorts; only the moderates and deluxes have water slides. They all have kid areas and playgrounds. CBR, OKS and SSR have zero-entry pools (you enter like you would enter a lake or the ocean); POP and the All-Stars do not.

ADRs are recommended 180 days in advance regardless of meal plan; people who don't get the dining plans also make ADRs that far in advance. It may be more important for those on the meal plan so you don't waste "credits", but if you want to eat table service, ADRs are important.

I believe POP and CBR have double beds, not queens. The moderates are in the process of being upgraded to queens but I don't think CBR has been done. I doubt the values will get queens, the rooms are too small.

You are correct, that's what I meant. I apologize for the typo and any confusion. I've now amended the post.

 

[fd1972uk]

Thanks for that.

Waterslides would be quite good, althoguh she ain't too bothered with them really, she's not very daring with slides and stuff. Although still good to know about them.

Will think more over it, as it will work out more expensive to stay in Value Resort and have a meal plan as opposed to the moderate resorts. Decisions, decisions. Size of beds aren't really all that important to us at all.

The table dining plan sounds good with the many restuarants that can be used i.e. themed restaurants, shows, character dining although we're just as happy with a hot dog, chicken nuggets or a burger.


FD

 

[chimo2u]

Thanks for that.

Waterslides would be quite good, althoguh she ain't too bothered with them really, she's not very daring with slides and stuff. Although still good to know about them.

Will think more over it, as it will work out more expensive to stay in Value Resort and have a meal plan as opposed to the moderate resorts. Decisions, decisions. Size of beds aren't really all that important to us at all.

The table dining plan sounds good with the many restuarants that can be used i.e. themed restaurants, shows, character dining although we're just as happy with a hot dog, chicken nuggets or a burger.


FD

Hello I think you might enjoy Port Orleans French Quarter (a moderate resort) that was just completely overhauled/refurbished and has 2 Queen Beds, a cute playground for the kiddo, and a nice dragon slide for kids about that age....of all the mod resorts, I have found this resort to get the most LOVE on the boards, it seems Many people are happy there, the resort is small and compact so you are not hiking over miles to get back to your room after a long day in the parks, or to get a drink in your refillable mug!
I would go with the mod and free dining plan, that is probably your best bang for your buck! If you don't mind a spread out resort with more walking, then Port ORleans Riverside has a few more ammenities than the French Quarter (like marina rentals, more pools, nicer food court)....and it is getting the royal makeover with Princess rooms, and will be all spiffy and new with Queen Beds too....Both the French Quarter and Riverside are sister resorts so you can hop over to use the ammenities at either.....if you don't mind a bit of a more sprawling resort, than Riverside might suit you.....I am a deluxe gal at heart, but PO French Quarter looks very appealing to me, and I may be willing to try it one day
Have fun deciding!

 

[fd1972uk]

Many Thanks for that.

Soemthing else to consider as you said, I checked the price and with the QCS it is cheaper than the Value Resort with the QCS, actually I think even if I upgraded to TS it would still be roughly the same as a VR with the QCS.


FD