Split Stay: Moving from Deluxe to Moderate

[MyDaughtersEyes]

Hi Everyone. I am new here and this is my first post

I cannot tell you how helpful this site was in planning my most recent Disney trip. How did I survive the first 2 trips without you all?

So we are headed to the World in August. Planning on staying at BC for the first 4 nights (which we have stayed at before and love) and staying at POR (which we have never tried but are excited about) the last 4 nights. For various reasons (travel dates, overall cost and a good discount) that is the better way for us to book it.

My question is, I see lots of recommendations to do the Deluxe part of the stay last and move "up" rather than "down" resorts. We are not concerned about the split stay or transportation (as we plan to focus on Epcot and HS the days we are at BC and would have to bus to MK anyway). Probably our biggest concern is the pool, but the POR pool looks fun (I know it is not SAB though which my kids love).

So my question is, will we regret moving from a Deluxe that we know we love to a Mod that we have never tried? We would not hesitate if we could reverse the order of the resorts, but unfortunately we cannot

Traveling with my husband and daughters. My girls are 11, 9, and 4. Thanks in advance for your insight! So happy to be here...

 

[jperrot1]

POR is a very nice resort. The main pool is very nice. The rooms and the grounds are very nice. But you will be stepping down from the BC which has, arguably, the best main pool in the World, and stepping down from a Deluxe resort that you can walk to Epcot and your Disney immersion is more evident. I think if you are questioning how you'll feel about down grading from a deluxe to a moderate, I wouldn't recommend doing this.

Well, my wife is sitting right here and she is telling me, "It's still Disney and they can only extend the trip on the front of their trip so..... It's fine." But she concurs with me that if you split a trip between a moderate and a deluxe you definitely would want to end on the deluxe. But to get the great deals you're getting, and with your need to end the trip, it would be OK to move from deluxe to moderate.

Now, I don't mean to confuse, and I wouldn't have posted the above 2nd paragraph, except my wife feels pretty good about your WDW trip plans based on your situation.

 

[NYC Newlywed]

If you can book the royal rooms, DO IT! They're amazing, you'll feel a different aspect of the Disney-ness, and it honestly feels like a deluxe in so many ways. I love POR and can't say enough good things about it. I think both stays will be lovely, just different. Have fun!

 

[PlainJane]

1st, plan your Epcot and DHS days, and any BW area dining, for when you are staying at BC. That way you won't have to miss the ease of getting there for when you move. On the bright side transportation to and from MK, AK, and most definitely DTD is probably going to be much better at POR. Bus transportation at the BW area resorts leaves a lot to be desired, so even with having to make multiple in resort stops at POR it should still be faster (I've only stayed at POFQ, not POR, so this knowledge is based on reading threads on the subject and having stayed at the BCV and the BW).

2nd, have things to look forward to at POR. Plan an outing to DTD and take the boat. I've taken it from SSR and OKW and it's a very pleasant ride. Definitely go to Old Man Isle. While it's not SAB, it is still a very nice pool, with a new slide to experience. You can also play up with you're children that there's a second feature pool at POFQ that you can also use because their sister resorts, also with a slide.

Have fun and remember that you get to stay at Disney for four extra days!

 

[winterman]

So my question is, will we regret moving from a Deluxe that we know we love to a Mod that we have never tried? We would not hesitate if we could reverse the order of the resorts, but unfortunately we cannot

If you can't change the order then stop worrying about it. POR is a great resort.

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi Everyone. I am new here and this is my first post

I cannot tell you how helpful this site was in planning my most recent Disney trip. How did I survive the first 2 trips without you all?

So we are headed to the World in August. Planning on staying at BC for the first 4 nights (which we have stayed at before and love) and staying at POR (which we have never tried but are excited about) the last 4 nights. For various reasons (travel dates, overall cost and a good discount) that is the better way for us to book it.

My question is, I see lots of recommendations to do the Deluxe part of the stay last and move "up" rather than "down" resorts. We are not concerned about the split stay or transportation (as we plan to focus on Epcot and HS the days we are at BC and would have to bus to MK anyway). Probably our biggest concern is the pool, but the POR pool looks fun (I know it is not SAB though which my kids love).

So my question is, will we regret moving from a Deluxe that we know we love to a Mod that we have never tried? We would not hesitate if we could reverse the order of the resorts, but unfortunately we cannot

Traveling with my husband and daughters. My girls are 11, 9, and 4. Thanks in advance for your insight! So happy to be here...

1st off WELCOME to the disboards.

I also agree staying at a deluxe 2nd would be the way to go, but if doesn't work out then it doesn't work out.

POR is very nice, with a nice pool and grounds & food court, but this only our 2nd favorite mod...We absolutely love CSR . I've stated on other threads that we consider this a Deluxe lite..It has The BEST Bus system of any resort. Including Deluxes!! Both pools are very nice but the CSR pool slide is the longest, & the opening ceremonies to open the pool are really cool.. My kids enjoyed. Theming or decor is basically personal preference for you guys, so if that plays a big part then you'll know what to choose.

It also depends on how much time you're going to be spending at your resort too....

Also you say you are staying at BC, & the kids will be disappointed in other pools. Well As nice as it is (SAB) that is, It's aldo nerve racking for a parent too...I have twin 10 year olds that are very good swimmers & The whole time I couldn't just sit or lay back in our chairs..It's waay too spread out IMHO.. Plus the lazy river part is 8 ft deep, instead of the normal 3-4 ft... & the kicker is the sldie...YOU actually have to leave the gated/grounds to cross the path to enter...I'm not a big fan of that..Either route you go, don't fret..Once again this is Disney everything always magically works itself out.

 

[Vixster]

POR is a great resort I have stayed there twice now not done a delux cause of having family if 5 and will be there again one day your be fine

 

[DizDaD7]

POR is a great resort I have stayed there twice now not done a delux cause of having family if 5 and will be there again one day your be fine

Don't mean to derail this thread but, if you haven't stayed at AKL yet, get ready for a real treat...Best place ever!!!!!

 

[Belle83]

We just did a split stay, moving from Caribbean Beach Resort to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am SO SO glad we did AKL last. It would have been very difficult to go from AKL to CBR.

 

[dsnymomof4]

I think you will be fine. Just prepare the kids ahead of time about the different features of each resort - that way they won't be disappointed. POR is a nice resort - but has a very different feel than BC. Agree with others to plan all of your EP/HS days at BC and more pool time as well. We've done many split stays and usually try to "move up", but have gone from Deluxe Villa to Value - and since we knew what to expect, we still had a great time.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I think you'll be just fine.

I've never stayed at BC yet but have stayed at POR lots of times. It's my favorite moderate resort. The grounds are pretty, I like the food court and gift shop. I've enjoyed the pool and the boat to DTD.
Don't forget to book a carriage ride for your family if you can. The girls will love it.

Like others have said, I'd make sure to do your Epcot days and DHS park days on the days you will be at BC. That way you wouldn't have to hop on a bus those days.

Have a great time!

 

[MyDaughtersEyes]

Thank you for all of your feedback! We are so excited about all of the great comments about POR, and we are getting excited to stay there. I am definitely planning a carriage ride as a surprise for the girls. Might not even tell my husband. He has always wanted to do it. And I appreciate the suggestions to build up the great aspects of POR. The boat, both pools, and honestly my girls loved the value food courts when we stayed there (and missed at BC) so that will be something for them to look forward to. I am just excited to walk around the grounds. They look gorgeous and relaxing.

We have booked just a standard room. Anything specific to request?

 

[DizDaD7]

Thank you for all of your feedback! We are so excited about all of the great comments about POR, and we are getting excited to stay there. I am definitely planning a carriage ride as a surprise for the girls. Might not even tell my husband. He has always wanted to do it. And I appreciate the suggestions to build up the great aspects of POR. The boat, both pools, and honestly my girls loved the value food courts when we stayed there (and missed at BC) so that will be something for them to look forward to. I am just excited to walk around the grounds. They look gorgeous and relaxing.

We have booked just a standard room. Anything specific to request?

I stayed in the mansions section. Magnolia Bend if I remember correctly. It was peeerrrfffect. Besides being very picturesque , this bldg was so close to its bus stop, literally a 4 min. walk to the main pool ,probably a 6 or7 min walk to main bldg. Also the movies at night where at the mansions adjacent to ours. 3 minute walk. Boat ride to DTD is very pretty too.

Oh yeah don't forget to visit Yeehaw Bob's show in the lounge....Perfect for All ages...... HtH Have fun....DizDad

 

[TeamMMom]

Welcome to DISboards!

We're also considering a BC and POR split because it looks like Josh's easywdw.com recommended park days for EP and HS will be at the BEGINNING of our vacation. So it just makes sense to stay at BC first, POR next and try to beat the crowds! If we can maximize our time and location will I'm thinking that the overall lower crowds and unique offerings at POR will make up for any disappointments of moving from deluxe to moderate.

Good luck!

 

[Perditamarie]

Don't worry about it if you can't change it! Also, your 4 yo may love the pool at POFQ - it is perfect for littler kids, and the pp was correct that the pools will be more relaxing for mom and dad watching the kids! It is also fun to grab a boat to DTD....but plan on off times so you are not in crowds heading there to eat! We liked the Alligator Bayou section too. Have fun and happy planning!

 

[emilyann415]

Think I'll just become the official POR cheerleader We typically stay in deluxe level rooms but have stayed at POR and LOVE it. I would NEVER be disappointed to stay here. Have a GREAT trip!!!!!!!!!

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

If it can't be changed then don't worry about it. Nothing more to do.

That said, if I had any control over it I would try to do the moderate first, then move up to deluxe. But if I couldn't then I would just do whatever needs to be done to make the trip happen.

We once stayed at CBR, which we LOVE by the way, for 3 nights. Then moved up to YC, which we LOVED even more, for the next 3 nights. It worked out for us because we always do MK first, and I wanted to save Epcot and DHS for the days we were at YC for transportation reasons. So we did MK and AK while at CBR, and then the other two parks while at YC. It just worked out for us that way. I will say this.....while we were at the YC I did mention to my mom that my only regret was that we hadn't booked all 6 nights at YC. We really, really loved it. We did the split stay to save $$, so I was glad for that, but YC was just so great.

In our situation I knew we loved CBR because we had stayed there before. So there were no surprises. Just make sure you don't spend your time at POR comparing it to BC. It'll be much easier if you don't compare what you just left. Good luck! POR is our least favorite of the moderates, but it seems every one else just loves it, so you should be fine.

 

[pixarmom]

If it can't be changed then don't worry about it. Nothing more to do.

That said, if I had any control over it I would try to do the moderate first, then move up to deluxe. But if I couldn't then I would just do whatever needs to be done to make the trip happen.

We once stayed at CBR, which we LOVE by the way, for 3 nights. Then moved up to YC, which we LOVED even more, for the next 3 nights. It worked out for us because we always do MK first, and I wanted to save Epcot and DHS for the days we were at YC for transportation reasons. So we did MK and AK while at CBR, and then the other two parks while at YC. It just worked out for us that way. I will say this.....while we were at the YC I did mention to my mom that my only regret was that we hadn't booked all 6 nights at YC. We really, really loved it. We did the split stay to save $$, so I was glad for that, but YC was just so great.

In our situation I knew we loved CBR because we had stayed there before. So there were no surprises. Just make sure you don't spend your time at POR comparing it to BC. It'll be much easier if you don't compare what you just left. Good luck! POR is our least favorite of the moderates, but it seems every one else just loves it, so you should be fine.

Just wanted to say "ditto" to all of this! We've stayed at all the mods and all the deluxes except GF. POR is also our least favorite of the mods, but so many people really love it. It's just not my theme and I really dislike food courts. We stayed at POR last week before our transfer to BWI CL for the rest of the trip.

I'm also usually alone in this opinion, but I'd shorten my stay and make it all deluxe before staying longer and adding a mod. The resort is that important to us. But that's not true for everyone, and if you have realistic expectations going in to your transfer from deluxe to mod, I bet you'll have a great time!!!

 

[elaw]

... I see lots of recommendations to do the Deluxe part of the stay last and move "up" rather than "down" resorts.

So my question is, will we regret moving from a Deluxe that we know we love to a Mod that we have never tried? ...

I've done the Deluxe to Moderate split move before ... I didn't care for it even though the mod was one of my favorites. I found the "upgrade" experience much more enjoyable.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I would just go knowing what to expect - be prepared for it and it will still be nice! The benefits of POR would be a good food court, boat to DTD, large and spread out - spacious - lots of pools to choose from (POFQ).

Have a great trip!