Trying to summarise the moderates

[alan]

I'm trying to get my head around which moderate to go to for Jun/Jul 2009, so I'd appreciate it if you would tell me whether I've got this about right so far.

As background, we're looking at a family of two adults, a ten year old and an eight year old come the end of June 2009. We have ruled out Coronado Springs because my wife doesn't like the "conference centre" idea (we were at Buena Vista Palace two years ago and she didn't like the conferences there).

Okay, here goes:

Caribbean Beach
Laid-back, Caribbean-themed hotel. Newly refurbished pool complex. Large rooms. Near Epcot. Good for watching fireworks. US$560 more than other moderate resorts!

PO French Quarter
Relaxed. Small pool complex - need to walk to Riverside (10 mins or so) for best pools. River taxi to DD sounds cool. No table-service restaurant.

PO Riverside
Large hotel. May require up to 10 minute walk to restaurants or main building. However, possibly quieter. Good pools(?)

For some reason I prefer Caribbean Beach - but that may just be because the word "beach" is in the title!

My suspicion is that I'm going to enjoy wherever I go, and in reality the choice doesn't matter. But is that a reasonable summary?

regards,
/alan

PS With the CBR pool refurbishment reaching completion, do we have any knowledge of whether another complex is about to be refurbed? I'd hate to spent US$12,000 on a holiday only to find that the pool at the hotel was closed!

 

[SuzieN]

I've never been to CBR but the pictures I've seen are lovely. I have stayed at both POR and POFQ and they are both great. POFQ is absolutely my favorite! It is charming, quiet, and everything is so close that there are no long walks! Unfortunately the pool was closed when we were there but my kids thought it looked great so I don't think you would really have to go to POR to swim. The boat to DTD is so nice and relaxing. I can't wait to stay at POFQ again!

 

[EnnEss]

CBR costs the same as the other moderates. All three are the exact same prices. You must have looked at different room categories, or some other similar thing.

The pool at PoFQ is very nice, there is no need to walk anywhere. I don't even know that you can use PoRs pool if you're at PoFQ.

PoFQ is the most compact mod, less walking for food court etc.
This does not apply to PoR.

I'm willing to guess the CBR will have the nicest pool given it will be brand new, after it opens of course. There are pools at every "island" though ensurign you are never more than literally a stones throw from one.

CBR is very picturesque with the lake and the mini island in the middle which is lush with greenery and complete with benches. There are hamocks on the "beach" and playgrounds for children on them too.

CBR does have the biggest rooms of any mod, 40 sq/ft more I think.

PoFQ and PoR both do have a boat to DTD, that is nice to use and fun to be on.

Lets see here, ok I'll answer some questions that weren't alluded to. Bus service, its relatively the same at all three, all require you go around a loop, be it CBR or PoRs, the PoFQ bus goes through the PoR loop. So thats about equal but lots of times people ask. We're talking seconds if there is a difference, nothing worth worrying about.

CBR can require some walks to the food area and main pool, same as PoR, only PoFQ really avoids that of any moderate. You can ask for a room in Jamaica in Aruba, I stayed in Jamaica, its just over the bridge from the food court, closest you can get without paying preferred. It was nice walking over that mini island every time. I was on the very far side of Jamaica, I didn't care.

I find the immersion more complete at CBR because of how they do the bus loop and parking lot. Its subjective though, but at PoFQ I felt like im standing in the parking lot, at cbr even though i walked through a mini one to get to the bus stop it blended in more. I think I felt this way because there are many small parking lots, not a big one like at PoFQ.

As for on site restaurants, they're not so hot at any of these mods. Go to deluxes for that, just go visit one, or eat in a park. These mods food courts are all similar.

Another intangible I loved. I thought I would love PoFQ and PoR because I adore that area in Disneyland. The theming isn't as complete though, its good, but its not the same at all. My gf wanted to try CBR so we did, mainly because as you said, it has BEACH in the title and she always wants to vacation at beaches, florida beaches during disney is all I'll agree to because I'd rather do vacations to places with a different cultural value. Anyways, so we did CBR as a small I'm sorry to her from me for not liking beaches. I know, its a small thing, and not the same. But, once there, it was so very nice looking and the Jamaican music playing in various walkways by the food court is so cool. It was very relaxing. Also, the fact you don't see the lobby after checking in because its a separate building makes you feel more at home because you're not going through a lobby ever. This is true at PoR too.

You'll be happy anywhere as you said I'm sure. I really like PoFQ too because of how compact it is and the boat to DTD. Boats are just fun. I love WL for the exact same reason.

 

[I Love Pluto]

POR & CBR are large resorts. The walk to get a drink from the food court can seem very far.

POFQ is smaller, obviously not requiring the long-distance walks.

CSR is somewhat in the middle when we're speaking of long walks to get a drink or food. (The conventioners really don't seem to get in your way at all.)



Due to some recent surgeries and problems walking distances, we're splitting our stay between POFQ & CSR. Have you considered a split stay? (It's fun - kind of like getting two vacations in one.)

 

[Lilolvr]

Many Disney resorts are convention centers, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club. Don't let that bother you. CSR has the best pool, terrific non shared transportation and great food choices.

 

[minnie61650]

Disney's resorts have themes.

I would choose the theme that most appealed to my family and try it out.

CBR has the wonderful beach area.

POFQ has the New Orleans look.

POR has the Ab section and the Mansions with the deep south look.

And CSR has the southwest look.
--------------------------------------------------------
Here is my list of the differences-----

Mod vs Mod

'CBR is 340 square feet and the other mods are 314.

They are basically laid out the same but CSR only has 1 sink (the other have 2 sinks.)
CSR does not have a luggage seat.


Here is the layout of POR:

POR room lay out

Room size Comparison:

Pop Century/All Stars-260 Square Feet
CS, POR/POFQ-314 SF
Caribbean Beach-340 SF
Wilderness Lodge-344 SF
AKL-344 SF
Yacht/Beach-381 SF
Boardwalk-385 SF
Polynesian-409 SF
Contemporary-436 SF
Grand Floridian-about 400-440SF
Ft Wilderness Cabins-504 SF
Family suites at All Star Music -520 SF
__________________


POFQ is not as spread out as the other mods or the values.


POR CBR and CSR are very spread out.


The mods have pool slides, a hot tub and a sit down restaurant (POFQ doses not have a sit down restaurant but shares with POR.)

POFQ and POR are concidered sister resorts so they share pools.

When staying at one of these resorts you can use the other resort's pool.
You can also refill your refillable mug at either of the food courts.


Some of the rooms at POR in the AB section have a trundle bed and can sleep 5.

---------------------------------------------------------
Transportation.


CBR has 7 bus stops.
CSR has 4 bus stops.
PO has 5 stops. 1st stop POFQ then 4 stops at POR.
POFQ & POR do have a boat to DTD.

----------------------------------------------------------
Elevators

CBR does not have elevators

CSR has elevators

POFQ has elevators

POR the AB section does not have elevators
POR the Mansions does have elevators

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Have fun at Disney!

 

[Shmily1]

I haven't stayed at CBR but have seen it and it looks great. I have stayed at CSR, POFQ and POR. Of these three, POR wins hands down!! The pool is great, the activities at the lake are great, and the design is neat. CSR is so big that you really don't realize it has the convention center. It's big.... really big!!!!

POFQ is ok, but just not quite as up to the grade as the others. It seems a little more run down looking to me and not as eye appealing. The dragon slide is great if you have really small children. One stay there we had a room in the back corner and it took atleast 10 minutes to get to the restaurant up front. Not our best stay ever....

POR is DH's favorite. We stayed in the mansions and loved it!! It is really relaxing and our walk to the main building was very short. The main pool is great and there are a lot of activities available in the area. My favorite activity was the boat ride to DTD. I loved it!!!

 

[EnnEss]

Many Disney resorts are convention centers, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club. Don't let that bother you. CSR has the best pool, terrific non shared transportation and great food choices.

Many guide books note CSR as the only one that has that convention feel though, and these are professional reviewers, UG and passporter both do. The food court is debatable for many reasons, including added cost for food at a mod, which makes no sense. This is the one mod I dislike. It still requires walking, and the bus goes in a loop. CBR also has non shared transport. You may be a fan of CSR, but to compare it to the GF, CR etc., is not accurately characterizing it. The southwest theme also does absolutely nothing for me, I fell like im on the west coast there, where I'm from. Granted many may love it, but I feel it has the largest cheering section on these boards and I have no clue why. Its not heads and tales above the other mods, its the same with benefits and detractors and it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Lilolvr]

Many guide books note CSR as the only one that has that convention feel though, and these are professional reviewers, UG and passporter both do. The food court is debatable for many reasons, including added cost for food at a mod, which makes no sense. This is the one mod I dislike. It still requires walking, and the bus goes in a loop. CBR also has non shared transport. You may be a fan of CSR, but to compare it to the GF, CR etc., is not accurately characterizing it. The southwest theme also does absolutely nothing for me, I fell like im on the west coast there, where I'm from. Granted many may love it, but I feel it has the largest cheering section on these boards and I have no clue why. Its not heads and tales above the other mods, its the same with benefits and detractors and it comes down to personal preference.

That's your opinion and your entitled to it.

I never compared any of those resorts to CSR, I just said that CSR was not the only convention resort at Disney. You added the rest.

CBR has 7 bus stops and a few hundred more rooms than CSR. CSR only has four bus stops. Quicker in and out of the resort. CBR surrounds a 45 acre lake, CSR only surrounds a 15 acre lake. CBR has no elevators, CSR does. CSR has a spa, salon and fitness center, CBR does not. So the 10% gratuity I pay on the few meals at the food court is well worth all the extra amenities I get at CSR.

Each resort has things people like and dislike. CSR has many fans just like any Disney resort.

 

[snowmouse]

I think they all have legitimate pros as well as cons. Much just has to come down to personal preference. That said, I do have one comment. You mentioned pluses for CBR being its proximity to EPCOT and the ability to watch fireworks. I am not sure you would find it much closer to EPCOT than any other mod....still have to use transportation to get there. I suppose the bus ride could be a couple of minutes shorter, but still minimal, I wouldn't find it a deciding factor. Also, the fireworks???? I haven't stayed here, so please get opinions from the CBR experts, but I really doubt it. Now our room at the Beach Club last time.....that was a fireworks view.

 

[KimK2006]

Having stayed in the past at all, POFQ is my favorite, mainly due to the size. We tried to stay at CBR on our upcoming trip, but the pool will not be completed, so we booked at POFQ. It has been a while since we stayed at POR. I liked it. We stayed last year at CSR and didn't care for it that much. We didn't dislike it, but preferred other moderates above it. (Others love it, so it shows everyone has their own likes and dislikes.) You will enjoy any one that you choose!

 

[minnie61650]

According to my passporter book direct bus rides from resorts to parks are:

CBR:
MK----20 min
Epcot--15min
Studios--12 min
AK ----20 min
DTD----25 min

CSR:
MK----15 min
Epcot--15 min
Studios--15 min
AK 10 min
DTD---25 min

POR:
MK-----10 min
Epcot---10 min
Studios-- 15 min
AK-- 15 min
DTD---15 min
DTD by boat -20 min

Have fun at WDW!

 

[KatMark]

That's your opinion and your entitled to it.

I never compared any of those resorts to CSR, I just said that CSR was not the only convention resort at Disney. You added the rest.

CBR has 7 bus stops and a few hundred more rooms than CSR. CSR only has four bus stops. Quicker in and out of the resort. CBR surrounds a 45 acre lake, CSR only surrounds a 15 acre lake. CBR has no elevators, CSR does. CSR has a spa, salon and fitness center, CBR does not. So the 10% gratuity I pay on the few meals at the food court is well worth all the extra amenities I get at CSR.

Each resort has things people like and dislike. CSR has many fans just like any Disney resort.

I agree. I get tired of hearing that CSR is a convention resort as if none of the others are. I get tired of reading how the "convention" people are drunk at the CSR, as if there is no other resort that has drunks (gee, the lady I saw at the POR last year was either just REALLY HAPPY or drunk in the lounge listening to Piano Bob or whatever his name is). Of course there are a lot of people who express their opinion of the CSR...probably because they get tired of having to defend their choice which I have seen numerous people have to do. Is the CSR a deluxe? No, it is not. But the deluxe people have their fans, just as the moderates have their fans. I have stayed at the deluxes, but don't think they are worth the money--not in this economy and not with two boys in college. I loved the Polynesian and would love to try the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but you couldn't pay me to stay at the Grand Floridian. But I don't bash it as others have done on the moderates. There are many different resorts becasue there are so many different tastes. When a person asks why you like a resort they are going to respond. Just like if you are asked if you didn't, why you didn't.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR! The pool is the best of the mods, the buses do not share with another resort and the food court does charge 10% gratuity but if your on the DDP, its included so you can get a rib eye steak for CS credit. Try to get that at any of the other food courts.

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[Disney Doll]

My favorites (in order from most to least) and why:

Coronado Springs
Love this resort at night. It is gorgeously, beautifully lit.
Like the food court, although I don't like the fact that they upcharge me because someone brings me a soda. I could get my own soda. Love the Mayan Grill buffet breakfast.
Like the bar area at night. I like the milling around because of the conference center, but I am a people watcher.

POR
Love the rusticness of it. The landscaping is quite lush. Love the boat to DTD.

CBRLike the tropical feel. It is big though, and can be a long walk from place to place.

POFQ
Like the compact size of it. Love the boat to DTD.

 

[alan]

Wow - so many options! Thank you for all the feedback, especially to Linda for so much detailed information!

I'm still not sure. Why is it that it's the decisions that in the end don't really matter that you agonise over?

I obect to Virgin charging extra for CBR when Disney isn't charging them...

regards,
/alan

 

[Buzz2001]

Left out some things

Disney's resorts have themes.

I would choose the theme that most appealed to my family and try it out.

CBR has the wonderful beach area.

POFQ has the New Orleans look.

POR has the Ab section and the Mansions with the deep south look.

And CSR has the southwest look. CSR has a beach area too
--------------------------------------------------------
Here is my list of the differences-----

Mod vs Mod

'CBR is 340 square feet and the other mods are 314.

They are basically laid out the same but CSR only has 1 sink (the other have 2 sinks.) CSR does not have a luggage seat. But CSR has more counter space than the two pedestal sinks have and the small shelf.

Here is the layout of POR:

POR room lay out

Room size Comparison:

Pop Century/All Stars-260 Square Feet
CSR, POR/POFQ-314 SF
Caribbean Beach-340 SF
Wilderness Lodge-344 SF
AKL-344 SF
Yacht/Beach-381 SF
Boardwalk-385 SF
Polynesian-409 SF
Contemporary-436 SF
Grand Floridian-about 400-440SF
Ft Wilderness Cabins-504 SF
Family suites at All Star Music -520 SF
__________________


POFQ is not as spread out as the other mods or the values.

POR CBR and CSR are very spread out. CBR surrounds a 45 acre lake while CSR surrounds a 15 acre lake

The mods have pool slides, a hot tub and a sit down restaurant (POFQ doses not have a sit down restaurant but shares with POR.) CSR has the largest hot tub on WDW property and the longest slide of the mods at 123 ft.

POFQ and POR are concidered sister resorts so they share pools.

When staying at one of these resorts you can use the other resort's pool.
You can also refill your refillable mug at either of the food courts.

Some of the rooms at POR in the AB section have a trundle bed and can sleep 5.

---------------------------------------------------------
Transportation.


CBR has 7 bus stops.
CSR has 4 bus stops.
PO has 5 stops. 1st stop POFQ then 4 stops at POR.
POFQ & POR do have a boat to DTD.

----------------------------------------------------------
Elevators

CBR does not have elevators

CSR has elevators

POFQ has elevators

POR the AB section does not have elevators
POR the Mansions does have elevators

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Have fun at Disney!

 

[Buzz2001]

No way does it take the same amount of time to travel to MK from CSR as it does to go to MGM and Epcot.

According to my passporter book direct bus rides from resorts to parks are:

CBR:
MK----20 min
Epcot--15min
Studios--12 min
AK ----20 min
DTD----25 min

CSR:
MK----15 min
Epcot--15 min more like 10 mins and that includes travel to all the resort bus stops
Studios--15 min more like 10 mins and that includes travel to all the resort bus stops
AK 10 min
DTD---25 min

POR:
MK-----10 min
Epcot---10 min
Studios-- 15 min
AK-- 15 min
DTD---15 min
DTD by boat -20 min

Have fun at WDW!

 

[LoraJ]

The OP said they don't want to stay at CSR, so why keep trying to talk them into it? Maybe some of you don't notice the conventioneers and business people, but if that is something that bothers the OP's DW, then that WILL bug her. Especially if she wants to utilize the pool or jacuzzi and it is packed with them, like what we saw.

Out of the three you listed, I have only stayed at CBR. We enjoyed it and found it to be much more relaxing than CSR. The resort is big, and spread out, but we enjoyed our 6 minute walk to the food court and bar from our room in the Jamaica section. I loved laying on the beach in a hammock.

I've visited POR and the grounds seemed very nice as well.

I find it odd that you're getting a higher price for CBR. Is it the same room type that they are pricing? Not sure how it works from the UK, but can you book directly through Disney and book air separate?

 

[Buzz2001]

The OP said they don't want to stay at CSR, so why keep trying to talk them into it? Maybe some of you don't notice the conventioneers and business people, but if that is something that bothers the OP's DW, then that WILL bug her. Especially if she wants to utilize the pool or jacuzzi and it is packed with them, like what we saw.

The title summarize the mods includes CSR so many gave their opinion which is what these boards are all about. In my 10 trips to CSR, I've never had any issues with convention goers or other guests so I'm sharing my opinion. Lots of mis-information gets spread on these boards.