Theme, convenience, size...too many options!

[ShannyMcB]

After finishing the laundry, DH working through hurricane Henri and recovering from the heat in FL, DH and I are debating returning to wdw next year. I actually thought 2021 was a good time to take a first trip since the lines weren't awful (second half of August) and when we go back the 50th will be in full swing and hopefully some more experiences will be back so the kids will still be surprised by things.
We stayed at CBR this year. It was nice and met our needs but we didn't love it. Our favorite parts were the smell of the lobby, viewing the fireworks from the pool deck and the vibe of the hotel. We did not like the size of the resort (got lost a few times) and the appearance of some of the common areas (lots of chipping paint). The pull down bed (the shelf as we called it) was comfy but would not accommodate DH (too tall) or DD (annoying to get the bed rail off and on) we ended up alternating who slept there between myself and DS9. Beds were comfy and the room was decent size but we did not do any resort time aside from our arrival day...we want a resort day next go around. We did take afternoon breaks almost everyday and want to be able to do that again. Breakfast was in room every morning care of instacart delivery and with the exception of 3 sit down meals away from CBR all dining was QS either at CBR or in the parks. Next summer will likely be a similar approach.
I contacted our lovely dreams unlimited TA and she gave us some quotes. I know we can get better deals off property but I like the cancelation security of the wdw packages.
We are a family of 5 looking to travel in mid-August again. Ages of kids at time of travel 10, 7 and turning 4 mid trip.
I started making a pro and con list for each resort that we felt was within our budget. What am I missing? What would you do?

• Port Orleans Riverside or CBR: is the devil we know better than the devil we don't? Pros and cons above.

• All Star Music – Family Suite pros: room size and decor looks pretty after refurb. Cons: size of resort and size of resort crowds, limited transportation options

• Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Cabin pros: lots of space. Cons: size of resort, decor similar to areas closer to home instead of disney, adults would be on the sofa bed. unknowns: distance of cabins to amenities. Can you see the MK fireworks from anywhere?

• Contemporary – Garden Wing Standard View: pros: classic wdw source of a lot of good memories for DH, location and lots of transportation options, extra evening hours. Cons: smaller than the suite, limited pool options. Unknown: 5th bed looks larger than CBR is this correct?

• Beach or Yacht Club – Standard View: pros: location to DHS and Epcot, extra evening hours cons: smaller than suites, bang for the buck is it worth it? Unknowns: is it family friendly and how are any available QS dining? Same question on 5th bed size

• Art of Animation – Cars or Lion King Family Suit pros: newer building, good sized rooms. Cons: size of hotel. Neutral: skyliner love it when it works but when it goes down ugh also how far is it from the referenced buildings?

In the immortal words of Patrick Swayze in TO WONG FOO "Well pumpkins, it comes down to that age-old decision: Style... or... Substance? Hmmm..."

 

[Tigger's ally]

I think renting points might be another option to look into. We do it most trips now and then get a a 1 bedroom for reduced price that puts it on par money wise with a good moderate or even a deluxe if you get a great deal. To us, renting points for OKW or SSR (the cheapest two points wise) allows us a better experience.

Of your choices, Port Orleans is our favorite mod but we prefer French Quarter as it is very small. To us the grounds around both PO resorts are just so well maintained. Beautiful resort. As for Family suites, we would prefer AoA Cars or Lion King. I think the skyliner is a huge asset and everybody talks about when it is down, but when it is down you default to the same mode that All Stars have all the time- Busses. While we don't mind the busses at all, we love the skyliner and got used to using both while we were at Riviera last December.

 

[NicoleLarson]

After finishing the laundry, DH working through hurricane Henri and recovering from the heat in FL, DH and I are debating returning to wdw next year. I actually thought 2021 was a good time to take a first trip since the lines weren't awful (second half of August) and when we go back the 50th will be in full swing and hopefully some more experiences will be back so the kids will still be surprised by things.
We stayed at CBR this year. It was nice and met our needs but we didn't love it. Our favorite parts were the smell of the lobby, viewing the fireworks from the pool deck and the vibe of the hotel. We did not like the size of the resort (got lost a few times) and the appearance of some of the common areas (lots of chipping paint). The pull down bed (the shelf as we called it) was comfy but would not accommodate DH (too tall) or DD (annoying to get the bed rail off and on) we ended up alternating who slept there between myself and DS9. Beds were comfy and the room was decent size but we did not do any resort time aside from our arrival day...we want a resort day next go around. We did take afternoon breaks almost everyday and want to be able to do that again. Breakfast was in room every morning care of instacart delivery and with the exception of 3 sit down meals away from CBR all dining was QS either at CBR or in the parks. Next summer will likely be a similar approach.
I contacted our lovely dreams unlimited TA and she gave us some quotes. I know we can get better deals off property but I like the cancelation security of the wdw packages.
We are a family of 5 looking to travel in mid-August again. Ages of kids at time of travel 10, 7 and turning 4 mid trip.
I started making a pro and con list for each resort that we felt was within our budget. What am I missing? What would you do?

• Port Orleans Riverside or CBR: is the devil we know better than the devil we don't? Pros and cons above.

• All Star Music – Family Suite pros: room size and decor looks pretty after refurb. Cons: size of resort and size of resort crowds, limited transportation options

• Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Cabin pros: lots of space. Cons: size of resort, decor similar to areas closer to home instead of disney, adults would be on the sofa bed. unknowns: distance of cabins to amenities. Can you see the MK fireworks from anywhere?

• Contemporary – Garden Wing Standard View: pros: classic wdw source of a lot of good memories for DH, location and lots of transportation options, extra evening hours. Cons: smaller than the suite, limited pool options. Unknown: 5th bed looks larger than CBR is this correct?

• Beach or Yacht Club – Standard View: pros: location to DHS and Epcot, extra evening hours cons: smaller than suites, bang for the buck is it worth it? Unknowns: is it family friendly and how are any available QS dining? Same question on 5th bed size

• Art of Animation – Cars or Lion King Family Suit pros: newer building, good sized rooms. Cons: size of hotel. Neutral: skyliner love it when it works but when it goes down ugh also how far is it from the referenced buildings?

In the immortal words of Patrick Swayze in TO WONG FOO "Well pumpkins, it comes down to that age-old decision: Style... or... Substance? Hmmm..."

Number 1, whats the price difference between these?

POR- your cons from CBR are going to be the same as POR but you lose the skyliner and gain a boat to DS. Southern/bayou theme vs Caribbean.

ASMu. I think the biggest con here is limited food options. The refurb looks really nice though and you gain a bathroom. The actual ASMu resort isn't that large, the 3 all stars together is but just ASMu is very manageable.

So it looks like CR is going to have MAJOR pool construction going on next year so I would stay away for now.

BC/YC.... the pool is a big pro here but also the biggest con. Its huge and very spread out. With 3 kids, it will be impossible to keep an eye on them at all times so it becomes very stressful trying to keep everyone together. One wants to go here, the other there, you just want to sit and relax....we much prefer BWI because of this. Still a very fun pool with a great slide but much more compact pool. Plus our kids love the BW area at night, hopefully the entertainers will be back by then.
The beds are bigger than the pull down at CBR, they are like a daybed if that helps.


FW cabins are nice but DEFINITELY rent a golf cart. The resort is gigantic and your cabins could be in several different places. You can see some MK fireworks from the beach.

AoA...HIGHLY themed, maybe too much for some. Aside from LM rooms the resort isn't that spread out, between cars and lion king, go with the one that most appeals to you.

 

[Marthasor]

After finishing the laundry, DH working through hurricane Henri and recovering from the heat in FL, DH and I are debating returning to wdw next year. I actually thought 2021 was a good time to take a first trip since the lines weren't awful (second half of August) and when we go back the 50th will be in full swing and hopefully some more experiences will be back so the kids will still be surprised by things.
We stayed at CBR this year. It was nice and met our needs but we didn't love it. Our favorite parts were the smell of the lobby, viewing the fireworks from the pool deck and the vibe of the hotel. We did not like the size of the resort (got lost a few times) and the appearance of some of the common areas (lots of chipping paint). The pull down bed (the shelf as we called it) was comfy but would not accommodate DH (too tall) or DD (annoying to get the bed rail off and on) we ended up alternating who slept there between myself and DS9. Beds were comfy and the room was decent size but we did not do any resort time aside from our arrival day...we want a resort day next go around. We did take afternoon breaks almost everyday and want to be able to do that again. Breakfast was in room every morning care of instacart delivery and with the exception of 3 sit down meals away from CBR all dining was QS either at CBR or in the parks. Next summer will likely be a similar approach.
I contacted our lovely dreams unlimited TA and she gave us some quotes. I know we can get better deals off property but I like the cancelation security of the wdw packages.
We are a family of 5 looking to travel in mid-August again. Ages of kids at time of travel 10, 7 and turning 4 mid trip.
I started making a pro and con list for each resort that we felt was within our budget. What am I missing? What would you do?

• Port Orleans Riverside or CBR: is the devil we know better than the devil we don't? Pros and cons above.

• All Star Music – Family Suite pros: room size and decor looks pretty after refurb. Cons: size of resort and size of resort crowds, limited transportation options

• Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Cabin pros: lots of space. Cons: size of resort, decor similar to areas closer to home instead of disney, adults would be on the sofa bed. unknowns: distance of cabins to amenities. Can you see the MK fireworks from anywhere?

• Contemporary – Garden Wing Standard View: pros: classic wdw source of a lot of good memories for DH, location and lots of transportation options, extra evening hours. Cons: smaller than the suite, limited pool options. Unknown: 5th bed looks larger than CBR is this correct?

• Beach or Yacht Club – Standard View: pros: location to DHS and Epcot, extra evening hours cons: smaller than suites, bang for the buck is it worth it? Unknowns: is it family friendly and how are any available QS dining? Same question on 5th bed size

• Art of Animation – Cars or Lion King Family Suit pros: newer building, good sized rooms. Cons: size of hotel. Neutral: skyliner love it when it works but when it goes down ugh also how far is it from the referenced buildings?

In the immortal words of Patrick Swayze in TO WONG FOO "Well pumpkins, it comes down to that age-old decision: Style... or... Substance? Hmmm..."

If, in terms of budget, you can swing a deluxe - go deluxe.

If you will be spending most of your time in MK, go with CR. If most of your time will be spent at EP/DHS, do BC or YC. Yes, the daybed in CR and BC/YC is bigger than the one in CBR and POR. I'm 5'2" and find the daybed to be very comfortable. The CR and YC/BC rooms are pretty spacious. Not as spacious, of course as the ASMu or AoA suite, but what you gain in amenities and proximity to the parks with a deluxe over ASMu or AoA outweighs the size of the room, IMHO. We stayed at AoA and found it to be incredibly loud and uncomfortable. Especially in the heat of summer, I would much rather be able to walk back to our resort and have QS/TS available under one air-conditioned/rain protected roof. In terms of QS at YC/BC, you have a ton of options. We stayed at YC in mid-June and utilized mobile order at both QS locations at BC/YC and even the mobile order option at Ale & Compass. You also have all of the QS and TS options within walking distance at BWI, Swan/Dolphin. We loved having so many dining options within walking distance. In terms of family friendly - BC is a little more lively and offers you a slight walking advantage to EP and the Skyliner. YC is a little quieter, but is closer to the boat dock. YC will offer full balconies, while BC has both full and "Juliet" balconies. IMHO, you can't go wrong with either - all WDW resorts are family-friendly, IMHO.

If you want even more space in the EP resort area, consider calling Swan/Dolphin directly and inquiring about a 2-bedroom suite. We typically can book 2-bedrooms there for the cost of one standard deluxe WDW room. You would need to purchase your tickets separately, but you would still get the evening hours deluxe resort perk.

If a mod is more in your budget, POR is lovely, but you will have bus transportation the entire time and the bed situation is the same as CBR. Ft. W is really fun, but transportation to the parks is not easy unless you have your own car. Ft. W has its own internal bus system and, if you don't have a car, you may want to consider renting a golf cart. Personally, I would only stay at Ft. W if you really want to enjoy what that resort has to offer (canoe/kayak rentals, horse stables, archery experience, etc.) and you aren't doing a heavy park-touring trip.

If you really want more space, I would go AoA over ASMu to at least have Skyliner access, but, again, if you can afford it, I would even consider a 1- or 2-bedroom villa over a value suite. We stayed in a 1-bedroom at RIV when it first opened and it was fantastic.

 

[Turksmom]

Have you considered Poly? If you like the laid back theming of CBR, Poly has a similar vibe. Easy monorail access to EPCOT, Boat, monorail or walk to MK. Good QS/ casual dining options.

 

[HopperFan]

We stayed at CBR this year. It was nice and met our needs but we didn't love it. Our favorite parts were the smell of the lobby, viewing the fireworks from the pool deck and the vibe of the hotel.

We did not like the size of the resort (got lost a few times) and the appearance of some of the common areas (lots of chipping paint). The pull down bed (the shelf as we called it) was comfy but would not accommodate DH (too tall) or DD (annoying to get the bed rail off and on) we ended up alternating who slept there between myself and DS9. Beds were comfy and the room was decent size but we did not do any resort time aside from our arrival day...we want a resort day next go around. We did take afternoon breaks almost everyday and want to be able to do that again. Breakfast was in room every morning care of instacart delivery and with the exception of 3 sit down meals away from CBR all dining was QS either at CBR or in the parks. Next summer will likely be a similar approach.
I contacted our lovely dreams unlimited TA and she gave us some quotes. I know we can get better deals off property but I like the cancelation security of the wdw packages.
We are a family of 5 looking to travel in mid-August again. Ages of kids at time of travel 10, 7 and turning 4 mid trip.
I started making a pro and con list for each resort that we felt was within our budget. What am I missing? What would you do?

• Port Orleans Riverside or CBR: is the devil we know better than the devil we don't? Pros and cons above.

• All Star Music – Family Suite pros: room size and decor looks pretty after refurb. Cons: size of resort and size of resort crowds, limited transportation options

• Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Cabin pros: lots of space. Cons: size of resort, decor similar to areas closer to home instead of disney, adults would be on the sofa bed. unknowns: distance of cabins to amenities. Can you see the MK fireworks from anywhere?

• Contemporary – Garden Wing Standard View: pros: classic wdw source of a lot of good memories for DH, location and lots of transportation options, extra evening hours. Cons: smaller than the suite, limited pool options. Unknown: 5th bed looks larger than CBR is this correct?

• Beach or Yacht Club – Standard View: pros: location to DHS and Epcot, extra evening hours cons: smaller than suites, bang for the buck is it worth it? Unknowns: is it family friendly and how are any available QS dining? Same question on 5th bed size

• Art of Animation – Cars or Lion King Family Suit pros: newer building, good sized rooms. Cons: size of hotel. Neutral: skyliner love it when it works but when it goes down ugh also how far is it from the referenced buildings?

In the immortal words of Patrick Swayze in TO WONG FOO "Well pumpkins, it comes down to that age-old decision: Style... or... Substance? Hmmm..."

Well, from your list of negatives, I feel like you might be setting yourself up to not enjoy any of them but I'll address some points.

POR - is just as big as CBR with 25% more rooms aka lots more people, same offering food wise and less quiet pools. You will have the same shelf bedding. All bus rides to parks. My guess you will not be happy.

All Star Music - my least favorite resort but the suites are going to be brand new with a great design finally, two bathrooms, decent kitchenette area and those rooms are the closest to the main building. I would not stay there if in regular rooms. One food court, no table service and while you can walk to the other hotels for food it's all basically the same. I think you will be very disappointed with the pool here after CBR. All buses.

Fort Wilderness - Kitchen is nice especially since getting to any food options is a pain. Everywhere you go you'll have to walk to a bus then switch to a boat or another bus. Pools are basic, are some other activities which I think next year will be in full gear. Note that getting to parks is a chore, we chose to drive other than MK.

Contemporary - great MK location you can walk! With a resort day I would be sure to check out info above about any construction. Varied food options and easy monorail to the other resorts to eat.

Beach and Yacht - BIG resort, minimal quick serve options and because of the investment in StormALong bay it will be most guests main draw. Pool will be great for resort day. You know the pluses of staying ... just know you might be doing lots of walking since it's laid out in a long line.

AoA - great theming. Cars area is like being in the movie! I like those suites the best design wise. Lion King is just too bright for us. Two bathrooms, kitchenette. Good food court. Pools while no slides etc are so themed they look better than most the moderates. As long as you aren't expecting moderate level services this is likely the closest you'll get in a value.

I agree with PP - ask about Polynesian. It truly could check all your boxes!

 

[brockash]

After finishing the laundry, DH working through hurricane Henri and recovering from the heat in FL, DH and I are debating returning to wdw next year. I actually thought 2021 was a good time to take a first trip since the lines weren't awful (second half of August) and when we go back the 50th will be in full swing and hopefully some more experiences will be back so the kids will still be surprised by things.
We stayed at CBR this year. It was nice and met our needs but we didn't love it. Our favorite parts were the smell of the lobby, viewing the fireworks from the pool deck and the vibe of the hotel. We did not like the size of the resort (got lost a few times) and the appearance of some of the common areas (lots of chipping paint). The pull down bed (the shelf as we called it) was comfy but would not accommodate DH (too tall) or DD (annoying to get the bed rail off and on) we ended up alternating who slept there between myself and DS9. Beds were comfy and the room was decent size but we did not do any resort time aside from our arrival day...we want a resort day next go around. We did take afternoon breaks almost everyday and want to be able to do that again. Breakfast was in room every morning care of instacart delivery and with the exception of 3 sit down meals away from CBR all dining was QS either at CBR or in the parks. Next summer will likely be a similar approach.
I contacted our lovely dreams unlimited TA and she gave us some quotes. I know we can get better deals off property but I like the cancelation security of the wdw packages.
We are a family of 5 looking to travel in mid-August again. Ages of kids at time of travel 10, 7 and turning 4 mid trip.
I started making a pro and con list for each resort that we felt was within our budget. What am I missing? What would you do?

• Port Orleans Riverside or CBR: is the devil we know better than the devil we don't? Pros and cons above.

• All Star Music – Family Suite pros: room size and decor looks pretty after refurb. Cons: size of resort and size of resort crowds, limited transportation options

• Fort Wilderness – Wilderness Cabin pros: lots of space. Cons: size of resort, decor similar to areas closer to home instead of disney, adults would be on the sofa bed. unknowns: distance of cabins to amenities. Can you see the MK fireworks from anywhere?

• Contemporary – Garden Wing Standard View: pros: classic wdw source of a lot of good memories for DH, location and lots of transportation options, extra evening hours. Cons: smaller than the suite, limited pool options. Unknown: 5th bed looks larger than CBR is this correct?

• Beach or Yacht Club – Standard View: pros: location to DHS and Epcot, extra evening hours cons: smaller than suites, bang for the buck is it worth it? Unknowns: is it family friendly and how are any available QS dining? Same question on 5th bed size

• Art of Animation – Cars or Lion King Family Suit pros: newer building, good sized rooms. Cons: size of hotel. Neutral: skyliner love it when it works but when it goes down ugh also how far is it from the referenced buildings?

In the immortal words of Patrick Swayze in TO WONG FOO "Well pumpkins, it comes down to that age-old decision: Style... or... Substance? Hmmm..."

We'd do Yacht/Beach with the understanding that we'd have to figure out meals, cause their counter service stinks... You can find some decent hot meals at Hurricane Hannahs, but otherwise the cs issue was our biggest and really only con of YC.