Should we try a moderate this time?

[fivikse]

We are a family of 4 (2 dc, both age 10) going for four nights in late August. We have gone twice before and stayed in the Cabins at FW both times. We love the Fort and the Cabins. We like the space (inside and outside the Cabin) and the laid back feeling. We never rent a golf cart (but do have a car and drive to parks other than MK). We are familiar with the transportation issues, but my dc love chasing frogs and lizards while waiting for the internal buses, so it isn't a big problem. We use the kitchen for breakfast and some lunches or dinners. We go to the pool and play the games, do the campfire, and watch fireworks from the beach.

But two things are making me hesitate on the Cabins this year. We are splitting our time with Universal this trip, so the cost of the Cabin is a bigger factor than usual due to also paying for those park tickets (we have not seen a discount this year, but our previous trips were with good discounts).

Also, while I am happy about the refurb, I am disappointed with the removal of the Murphy bed. The reports on the new sofa beds have not been great. We can all fit in the bedroom, but usually we put the girls in the bedroom and dh and I stay up later and sleep on the Murphy bed.

I was looking at the moderates. Right now, CSR is not showing availability for the time we are going. The other three mods are open and over 100 less per night than the Cabins.

Should we switch to a mod this trip? Which one would you recommend? Argh - this is a tough decision!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The other mods are also rather nice.

The Port Orleans resorts have a lot of rabid fans. The nice thing about them, with your two kids, is that you would have access to the feature pools at both PO resorts, meaning both the sea serpent water slide, and Ol' Man Island. So you'd get two feature pools with slides by staying at either. The theming of Riverside is more "old South," and French Quarter is more New Orleans, and more compact. They're also connected via boat to Disney Springs.

Caribbean Beach has one of the best pools on property. Not sure I have ever met a 10-year-old who wouldn't dig the pirate theme of that pool. The big thing with CBR is to NOT BOOK A PIRATE ROOM. They are the worst rooms at CBR.

I don't think you can go truly wrong among the three, although if the pricing and budget would allow, your girls might really enjoy the Riverside Royal Rooms.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Since CSR isn't available, I'd recommend POR. You may enjoy the boat to Disney Springs and the Yehaw Bob show in the evenings.

 

[fivikse]

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of access to two pools. We haven't been to Disney Springs (or Downtown Disney) and are unlikely to this time as our trip is short, so that isn't a big factor in our decision. I'll have to look into Yeehaw Bob.

I guess I am just concerned about losing the space and privacy of the Cabin...

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[pktbMouse]

Theres only one problem with trying a Moderate...you wont want to go back to a Value..lol

 

[Ensusieasm]

We are a family of 4 (2 dc, both age 10) going for four nights in late August. We have gone twice before and stayed in the Cabins at FW both times. We love the Fort and the Cabins. We like the space (inside and outside the Cabin) and the laid back feeling. We never rent a golf cart (but do have a car and drive to parks other than MK). We are familiar with the transportation issues, but my dc love chasing frogs and lizards while waiting for the internal buses, so it isn't a big problem. We use the kitchen for breakfast and some lunches or dinners. We go to the pool and play the games, do the campfire, and watch fireworks from the beach.

But two things are making me hesitate on the Cabins this year. We are splitting our time with Universal this trip, so the cost of the Cabin is a bigger factor than usual due to also paying for those park tickets (we have not seen a discount this year, but our previous trips were with good discounts).

Also, while I am happy about the refurb, I am disappointed with the removal of the Murphy bed. The reports on the new sofa beds have not been great. We can all fit in the bedroom, but usually we put the girls in the bedroom and dh and I stay up later and sleep on the Murphy bed.

I was looking at the moderates. Right now, CSR is not showing availability for the time we are going. The other three mods are open and over 100 less per night than the Cabins.

Should we switch to a mod this trip? Which one would you recommend? Argh - this is a tough decision!

POR preferred room will give you two queens and a Murphy so the kids will each have their own bed.

 

[fivikse]

Thanks. The girls are petite and probably prefer to share a bed But it is good to know they have the extra just in case!

 

[wdw4rfam]

Theres only one problem with trying a Moderate...you wont want to go back to a Value..lol

Agree. I never did. And now we are going to the poly for the first time this year....oh boy

 

[gzmtlock]

Like your family sounds, privacy is big for us on vacations. We have a mix of early birds and night owls - all in one space can be a challenge. We will all stay in one room for one night, but not two or more. If we do, "vacation" turns into "negotiation," not fun.

Have you priced a standard room at AKL? They are sometimes competitive with the cabins. And then you have the space to spread out into the lobby/resort areas.

If that's out of your price range, even with what I said above, I'd probably try the moderate just to see if it works for your family. But I'd also wait for a room at CSR to come available (it's bound to, this far out). IMO, their pool is the best for your kids' age.

 

[shakes]

Stick with the cabins. You mentioned using the kitchen for meals. We do the same. I really think you will miss it and end up spending more money on food. I stayed at POR (princess room) and CBR as well. Sorry to say but I though CBR was bleh. Reminded me of a slightly better value resort. I just don't like the look of the buildings and the maze of getting back to your room. To each their own of course. POR we loved everything about it but...didn't have the kitchen. Are you doing a typical package deal? If not, maybe do a split stay?

 

[fivikse]

We aren't doing a package, but since we're headed to universal the second half of the week, we don't want to do two wdw resorts. Universal will be in a regular hotel, which makes me lean toward the cabin so we'll have space part of the vacation! And good point that cabin meals might make up some of the difference. Yes, we usually like room to spread out.

Thanks for the suggestions!