Thinking about 2020 and moderate

[revdon64]

We're thinking about a late summer 2020 trip and definitely want to stay at a moderate resort. We love POFQ but want to try something different. Group will be myself, DW, DD35, DD14, DS10, and DS8. We know we'll need two rooms, but we're wondering what moderate resorts folks find are fun and easy to navigate. BTW, DW says she's not particularly interested in POR but if anyone feels like it's a vast improvement over FQ I could convince her. She generally trusts my planning skills. Any thoughts?

 

[Tonberry]

By 2020, Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs should both be done with refurbs, so I would keep an eye on one of those. As 2020 comes closer, check out everyone's feedback on those two and go from there.
I wouldn't call POR a vast improvement over FQ. Really the only thing we liked about POR over POFQ is the theme and the landscaping. If you're use to the transportation from POFQ, then POR's transportation will let you down.

 

[JessicaW1234]

I really enjoy POFQ; last summer I tried POR and did not like it as much.
I found it too big. I actually found it difficult to navigate. I dropped my laundry off early evening and went back to get it and actually got lost, ended up in different laundry room because the area all looked the same to me (in the dark)

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I also liked POFQ and CSR, but am planning on trying Caribbean Beach after the refurb is all done.

 

[HopperFan]

With your kids ages CSR for sure. They’ll love the pool area. When my kids got in the double digits that became their favorite resort.

 

[revdon64]

@HopperFan CSR was kind of the way we were leaning. I like the idea of possibly staying at CBR since the skyliner should be done by then, but I'm concerned that the addition of that particular new amenity will make CBR into a moderate+ priced resort.

 

[HopperFan]

@HopperFan CSR was kind of the way we were leaning. I like the idea of possibly staying at CBR since the skyliner should be done by then, but I'm concerned that the addition of that particular new amenity will make CBR into a moderate+ priced resort.

The pool area is great, especially for their age, a playground and arcade right there, we loved there was quick service & mug refill at the pool, so on a few hour pool break we would eat lunch right there. The resort itself has a variety of dining options, the bus service is pretty good with only 4 stops and we love the three distinct themes. It really makes it feel like a vacation there. We prefer Ranchos as it's close to the main pool, has a nice quiet pool, has a bus stop, very quiet for down time and not a bad walk to main building. And the imagineers did a great job.

It will be done the room renovation by the end of the year and by your trip all the resort wide renovations done. Probably the most central resort on property, so no long rides to anywhere.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I've done CBR and loved it and we are doing POFQ next trip for two nights but that's just DD and myself. I've always loved the look of CSR, especially the pool, so I would definitely go with that. I know my kids would love that pool complex. I was actually thinking of doing a mother son trip when my son was about 15 and CSR was at the top of the list.

 

[AngiTN]

Since you've done and like FQ I would more or less put POR off the table. I don't think of POR as an improvement over FQ in any way, even or lesser quite honestly.
From there, follow the advice of waiting to learn more about the futures of CSR or CBR. Lots of changes on the horizon at both. They won't resemble the same places come 2020, with the additions going in at both. I don't think it would be fare to make a decision now on either one

 

[revdon64]

Since you've done and like FQ I would more or less put POR off the table. I don't think of POR as an improvement over FQ in any way, even or lesser quite honestly.
From there, follow the advice of waiting to learn more about the futures of CSR or CBR. Lots of changes on the horizon at both. They won't resemble the same places come 2020, with the additions going in at both. I don't think it would be fare to make a decision now on either one

Oh, we're absolutely not at the point of making any decision just yet. Just wondering what other people have experienced as we've only ever seen these resorts from the window of a bus. When we start talking about our next trip I become an obsessive planner. I'm jst at the point of gathering information right now.

 

[JerseyJanice]

The title of your thread is pretty what I have
thought of every day for the past year and I continue to wish for. LOL!

Things at Disney resorts can certainly change between now and then, but my family prefers a 2 bedroom suite at the Swan or Dolphin. If it has to be a Disney resort, I prefer CSR over POR. I like the layout at CSR better, and the pools at CSR can’t be beat.

 

[VicarJT]

We honeymooned at POR, and will not stay there again. Found POFQ and decided to stay there forevermore. 2 trips ago, they had closed the Food Court at POFQ, and we went to CB instead. Will not stay there again. I am not sure we'll ever risk CSR, but will stick with what we know we love.

 

[brave321]

I’m in the same boat as you, planning on a trip in 2020 and staying in a moderate. I have no clue where we should stay. We stayed at POR in December. We really enjoyed the theming over POFQ, but not so much the buses. However, we faced the most trouble whenever we went to DS and POFQ and POR share a bus there. I’d like to see how CBR and CSR are after refurb but I’m sure they’ll have a price increase. Guess we’ll have to wait and see

 

[revdon64]

I’m in the same boat as you, planning on a trip in 2020 and staying in a moderate. I have no clue where we should stay. We stayed at POR in December. We really enjoyed the theming over POFQ, but not so much the buses. However, we faced the most trouble whenever we went to DS and POFQ and POR share a bus there. I’d like to see how CBR and CSR are after refurb but I’m sure they’ll have a price increase. Guess we’ll have to wait and see

Why would you take a bus to Disney Springs from Riverside or French Quarter. One of the best things about those resorts is the boat that goes to DS. That said, bus service is a big plus at FQ because you might occasionally share a bus with POR, but it's not often.

 

[pooh2001]

We are planning for 2020 also - our 35 wedding anniversary
Originally thinking of renting a DVC - but we would have to secure at 11 months before we go and no refunds
So now I am thinking if a moderate for the first time.
Maybe CSR - but no Rancho's.
We like the Casita's since it is the first bus stop and you can always get a seat on the bus.
The quiet pools are great for a quick dip - or an older couple like us.
Lots of places to grab a bite and the 1 sink in the room does not bother us

 

[loves to dive]

I have stayed at CBR, CSR and POR and to be honest, they all have something to offer. I usually just pick whichever is less at the time I'm booking, which I know is not a very popular way of picking a resort. My thinking:

The buses are the buses are the buses. You are going to hear lots of opinions as to this resort has the bus best service and this one has the best. I've stayed at value, moderate and deluxe and have had good and bad bus service at all of them. I've waited 5 minutes and have waited a hour at all levels. There are too many factors involved so I take the buses out of the picture.

Theming - they all have their ups and downs. I love the mansion side of POR, it's quiet and peaceful and there are loads of spots to sit where it seems like there is no one else around. CBR, while undergoing major renovations right now, has it's own charms. Lots of beaches with hammocks to chill out but I'm not overly fond of the main building being so far from everywhere else but I've stayed in there twice and enjoyed it both trips. CSR has three distinct areas as far as the theming of the buildings. I've stayed in Casitas and Cabanas and enjoyed both. I love the fact that there are a number of places to eat other than a food court there. I'll be honest, I don't like the "feel" of POFQ, it just reminds me too much of a motel.

I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

 

[brave321]

Why would you take a bus to Disney Springs from Riverside or French Quarter. One of the best things about those resorts is the boat that goes to DS. That said, bus service is a big plus at FQ because you might occasionally share a bus with POR, but it's not often.

We went late December/early January. It was in the 40s and rainy so we opted to take the bus instead (we were very disappointed we weren't able to take the boat)

 

[revdon64]

We went late December/early January. It was in the 40s and rainy so we opted to take the bus instead (we were very disappointed we weren't able to take the boat)

Oh... that's a bummer. We loved taking the boat to the Springs when we stayed at FQ, especially when we got a good boat captain telling us about the local flora and fauna.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Group will be myself, DW, DD35, DD14, DS10, and DS8.

Wow. That's a big jump between your two oldest daughters!

Why would you take a bus to Disney Springs from Riverside or French Quarter.

Weather...lines...timing...

 

[revdon64]

Wow. That's a big jump between your two oldest daughters!

All four of my kids are adopted, but the oldest is my wife's from her first marriage. I adopted her three years after we were married, she was 9. The three youngest over there <= are adopted foster kids. The 12y/o came to us when she was two; the 8y/o at 4days; the 5y/o when he was almost 2. We basically have kids when we should have grandkids LOL!