Torn between POP, CSR, or POFQ - HELP!!!!

[Suzanne74]

Okay I NEED to book this soon as I know these resorts will sell out (I have already checked my dates and all are still available for late Sept) Anyway, it will be myself, DH and our 3 yr old dd. We are taking my parents as well and my sister, her DH, and their almost 4 and 2 yr olds. We have stayed at CR and Poly onsite only but since sister and I are splitting parents room w/ tickets I want to keep the costs down.

I initially though POP since it is so cheap, new and probably fun for the little ones with the water jets, theming etc... Now sister is thinking maybe 2 rooms for her and kids to not be so cramped, esp if she uses a pack n play. Well then we thought maybe a moderate. I don't seem to like CBR and since we live near the beach - the theming probably wouldn't appeal to us.

CSR looks great in the pics and seems to have tons to offer but POFQ seems more doable with small kids and DH and did meet in New Orleans . I keep hearing bad comments on getting around the resort at CSR and their food court? It would be nice to go to the piano bar at PO and the boat to downtown disney since parents will watch kids after they sleep some nights. UGH!!!

So is the moderate worth the upgrade with just really small kids? I know the theming is nicer but at the end of the day, will it make a difference, esp since we would be doing free dining? I can't imagine us at the hotel a lot except for one day before MNSSHP. I love a nice hotel but it is almost double the cost in value season.

Any pros and cons of these resorts related to our family would be great.

 

[septbride2002]

the fact of the matter is if you are worried about being cramped - go with a moderate. The rooms are bigger then with a value resort which means more room for everyone. I really liked FQ - everything is super close including the bus depot. However I also like the look of CSR but never stayed there. Either one would be a good choice.

~Amanda

 

[Buzz2001]

We just returned from our 8th trip to CSR and we still love it just as much as our first time back in 1998.

THE PROS
No sharing bus service with other resorts
Centrally located with short rides to ALL the parks
Largest hot tub on WDW property
Best main pool area (of the mods) with 3 quiet pools
New shuttle service eliminates walking to your village
High speed internet service
WiFi Service
Free use of the gym
Spa
Fridge in the room
Coffeemaker in the room
Iron and ironing board
full room service menu
2 arcades

THE CONS
Full size beds (king size beds are available)
one sink

IN THE MIDDLE
The Pepper Market is either a love it or hate it place. We love it but some folks just don't care for it.

Convention resort - some guests don't like seeing other guests at work. Doesn't bother us and helps keep the buses empty. GF, Cont, BW, Y & B Club are also convention resorts.

Check out my website below

 

[lajones81]

I love POP!

 

[Disney5Mom]

We loved the moderates. Much more peaceful and relaxing after a day at the parks. DH likes POR and my favourite is CSR. Pick the theme you like the best. Pools are less crowded at moderates,quiet pools are sometimes empty. Overall just a more luxurious feel to your vacation. Have a great trip.

 

[susy]

I've stayed at all three and usually I would say CSR, BUT with the size of your party and the kids' ages, I would say POFQ would be a lot easier. It also has refurbished rooms, which are nicer than some of the deluxes we've stayed in (WL and Poly). bus to MK in the morning doesn't share and you're the first stop on the way home. I think we were in building 4. Just loved the quaintness of this resort.

 

[ArielsMommy]

We have stayed at all 3. We did not like POP at all (we prefer the AllStars) and we won't stay there again. I like POFQ, but DH did not. I realy loved the theming since we took part of our honeymoon in New Orleans, but I really wasn't impressed with the food court. We stayed at CSR in April and LOVED it!! We loved Pepper Market. There are tons of choices, the portions are huge and with the free dining you don't have to worry about the 10% gratuity (although I don't mind paying it). So, I guess my recommendation would be CSR. Whichever you choose, I'm sure you will all have a magical time!

 

[SuzEm]

I love CSR, tried CBR and won't go back, would love to try POFQ - but observing the bus lines for PO at the Theme Parks is enough to keep me from ever going there! POR and POFQ share and I saw some terrible long lines for those resort guests waiting at themeparks to return to their resort.

 

[ducklovr]

We loved POFQ!!! It is so small and quaint. We had a standard view room right next to the bus depot and parking lot. I know this isn't a great view but who stays in there room all day anyway. The resort was refurbished a few years ago so everything seems a lot newer than the other resorts. Oh and for kids the pool is so neat. I never got in but every child I saw had the biggest grin on their face sliding down that cool slide. I'd stay here again and again. LOVED IT!!!!

 

[cdntourguide]

These three resorts, CSR/POFQ/POP, are my three favourite places to stay at Disney.
Each has its own distinct personality, and can be enjoyed to its fullest at anytime.
Saying this, IMO if you are not going to be spending much time at the resort, but intend to be at the parks all day, POP would be the place to be. the savings per night would enable you to enjoy your stay that much more with money to spend on souvenirs and tickets to other events (it that is what you would want to do).
I am going in July and stay at POP, as I intend to spend much of my time a the parks.
When I have more time to relax, I really enjoy the theming of POFQ: especially walking around at night watching the horse carriage and taking the boat to DTD.
CSR has the best food court of any resort IMO, Pepper Market is a perfect spot especially if you have dining included.

So if money is your concern: go to POP, you will enjoy it. Especially the pools and water showers for the kids.
If money is not an issue: CSR for it theming and eatery would be IMO the best choice.

Whatever you decide, have a Magical time.


Next trip just 35days away

 

[Suzanne74]

We just booked CSR for 8 nights!!!! We were initially thinking POP for 5 nights but the hopper passes are so cheap for days 4-7 so really we were only paying for the room for the extra nights. Then we decided to do a moderate since we are staying longer and may relax more.

DH wanted high speed internet access for laptop to work some while dd takes afternoon naps (he owns his own so business so this is a must - I promise he isn't a workaholic)

After looking thru MANY pics and reviews, I think this would be our favorite. I love the look of POFQ, esp the rooms (even more then Coronado) but Coronado just seemed a little more spread out and relaxing and quieter. I loved OKW because of that too. Also I think the Pepper Market is the best food court for the dining option.

So thanks everyone for their opinions. I love the DIS!!!!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We love CSR and highly recommend. We have never had issues with getting around the resort. It is spacious but it is comfortable, peaceful and relaxing. That being said, maybe a smaller resort like POFQ might be more suitable for your party but I would suggest going moderate over value if space is an issue.

 

[ciera321]

CSR !!! Yes, it is worth the extra money and it is beautiful. I know everyone has their owns tastes, but we love the Pepper Market, lots of variety and yummy food!!! Nothing negative to say about CSR, it's our favorite moderate!!!