Trying to summarise the moderates

[alan]

Not sure why they charge higher prices for CBR than Port Orleans. Probably there are lots of people who, like me, go for the word "beach"!

I have tried adding up the pieces separately, but in truth it came very close to the cost of going with a package from Virgin. I think maybe the saving was around £24 - call it US$50. At least if I book it all together I can complain to just one person when things go wrong

I'm still trying to keep CSR out of the calculations, if only because it's easier to choose one from three than one from four

regards,
/alan

 

[labattblue]

I see many posts about the pool size at POFQ, so I tool a walk over to POR during our recent stay and it looks to me as though the main pool at POR is about the same size as the one at POFQ. The slide is somewhat longer, but the pool is not much different. With the number of rooms at POR, I can see that pool getting very crowded in the nice weather.

 

[LoraJ]

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.

Despite the title, to give advice on where a person should stay, you should read their post to get an idea of what their wants and needs are. I have seen it happen several times where someone says they don't want to stay at CSR, or have already stayed there and want to try something else and you still post all your pictures and links.

Even though you haven't had issues wirth convention goers, that doesn't mean that otehrs don't. I liked CSR just fine, but my DH said he never wants to stay there again. He didn't like that the bar was packed with business people, had problems finding chairs at the pool because of them, they hogged the jacuzzi as well. Plus he hated the golf carts constantly running him off the paths. Based on what we experienced, I don't think the OP's DW would enjoy CSR if they happen to be there with the type of business group that was there when we were.


To the OP, it seems like you really want to stay at CBR since you really seem to like the theme. I would call Virgin and ask them why there is a difference in price. Because maybe at the other resorts they gave you a standard room price, but put you in a prefered room at CBR. I understand how it's important to you to have everything done by one person for customer service reasons. Especially when traveling to another country. So check again with the rate, and if it is still the same, then decide if the extra is worth it to you.

 

[Buzz2001]

Despite the title, to give advice on where a person should stay, you should read their post to get an idea of what their wants and needs are. I have seen it happen several times where someone says they don't want to stay at CSR, or have already stayed there and want to try something else and you still post all your pictures and links.

That's fine, your entitled to your opinion just as I am. Secondly, I never gave advice, just information to correct things that were posted incorrectly or left out. I just like to provide all the info so they can get the real picture. Just as you say you had a bad experience, I've had 10 good ones. Just stating my experiences.

Based on what we experienced, I don't think the OP's DW would enjoy CSR if they happen to be there with the type of business group that was there when we were.

As for you thinking for the OP, let the OP make up there own mind or speak for themselves. Everyone is different in their likes and dislikes.

 

[alan]

Ding! Ding! End of round one!

Thank you for all your elp - all of the feedback was very much appreciated. We have ended up going for the Caribbean Beach Resort, and it is now booked. I still resent the extra cost for the CBR over the other moderates, but out of US$12,000 I don't suppose that US$500 extra is going to kill me. Not by itself, anyway

Ulp. That's a lot of money! But I know it's going to be so worth it. My DD will be almost 10, and I think that it will be around the last time she will really be entranced by the magical innocence of Disney... after that holidays will still be great, but... different.

Once again, thank you all for the input

regards,
/alan

PS I absolutely do not want to get into politics here but LoraJ, your signature gave me a giggle... I had assumed it was a holiday countdown!

 

[WantToGoNow]

I've stayed at both the CSR and CBR (2x's). I like them both for different reasons but if choosing which to go back to, I'd probably pick the CBR because I like the beach feel more than the southwest feel. We will be staying at POR next trip so I'm hoping I'll like it as much as the two mods I've already tried. I've also stayed at POP and ASMo and loved both of them as well.

CBR - I loved the beaches, the hammocks, the walk over the bridge to the main building, the colors are wonderful, just an overall relaxed feeling. The food court always felt a little crowded to me and I could see if you were placed in some buildings, it could be quite a hike.

CSR - Loved the pool, had a pretty good playground for the kids. Would have liked the Cabana section because it had more of a beach feel. We were in the Ranchos and it was a good walk to the main building. Did not like paying the surcharge at the Pepper Market when all they really did was fill the soda cups.

 

[FallDisney]

You won't be sorry about choosing CBR. We stayed there on our first trip and the worst thing I have to say about it is the walk. Closer buildings have a surcharge for requesting them. My sister-in-law and her family will be staying there this fall and are quite excited about their choice.

We prefer POFQ because there isn't so much walking. We love the theming and the small resort feel. The rooms are bigger at CBR, but we didn't notice a huge difference when we stayed at POFQ.

This is really why there are different resorts. We all like different things.

Oh, and as to the fireworks, don't count on watching a show from CBR. It's closest to Epcot and those fireworks are low and not high as they are in Wishes. You might see a firework or two if you're out at the right time, but please, find alternate ways to see the fireworks shows or you'll be disappointed.

 

[buzznina]

I agree. I get tired of hearing that CSR is a convention resort as if none of the others are. I

Let's get the facts straight! CSR is the main resort that holds conventions and is the ONLY one for bigger conventions and that is why IT IS a convention resort. I worked with the HUG group that has 2 conventions a year on disney property(June is a week long and November is 3 days) and CSR is the only resort that can be used, no other options. I can tell you one more fact, each day after the classes let out the food court and bar gets a lot more crowded. Yes you will get drunks and crowds at all resorts but to try and tell people that conventions will not play a factor in their trip is incorrect!

 

[LoraJ]

Congratulations on booking!

Let the countdown begin! Speaking of which, glad mine made you chuckle.

 

[KatMark]

Let's get the facts straight! CSR is the main resort that holds conventions and is the ONLY one for bigger conventions and that is why IT IS a convention resort. I worked with the HUG group that has 2 conventions a year on disney property(June is a week long and November is 3 days) and CSR is the only resort that can be used, no other options. I can tell you one more fact, each day after the classes let out the food court and bar gets a lot more crowded. Yes you will get drunks and crowds at all resorts but to try and tell people that conventions will not play a factor in their trip is incorrect!

Didn't say it didn't hold conventions. But I stayed at the Contemporary TWICE while there was a convention going on. So CSR is not the only convention resort. I have no doubt the food court gets more crowded or the bar. I don't go to the bar and as far as the food court goes, I have never had a problem with it being crowded during the times I was there. And I do not feel I am incorrect in saying that the convention will interfere with people's stay. In all the times we have stayed there, it has never interfered with our stay. Maybe we've been lucky and I'm sorry if a convention interfered with yours. But I am expressing MY opinion. Amazing how only the CSR people are ripped on for supporting their resort. Never hear anyone complaining about those people who support the POR or the CR or any other resort. To each their own. That is why Disney offers so many DIFFERENT choices. I really don't care if anyone stays at the CSR. I like it there and it is my choice to stay there. Everyone else can stay where they want.

 

[EnnEss]

Not sure why they charge higher prices for CBR than Port Orleans. Probably there are lots of people who, like me, go for the word "beach"!

I have tried adding up the pieces separately, but in truth it came very close to the cost of going with a package from Virgin. I think maybe the saving was around £24 - call it US$50. At least if I book it all together I can complain to just one person when things go wrong

I'm still trying to keep CSR out of the calculations, if only because it's easier to choose one from three than one from four

regards,
/alan

Glad you made your decision, I'm really curious about the CBR being more though. Maybe ask if you can get a preferred room for that price? Or you could book right with Disney, I usually do that. Then you still only have one person to call. You'd probalby want a calling card to handle the long distance, but it doesn't really take all that long.

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[buzznina]

Didn't say it didn't hold conventions. But I stayed at the Contemporary TWICE while there was a convention going on. So CSR is not the only convention resort. I have no doubt the food court gets more crowded or the bar. I don't go to the bar and as far as the food court goes, I have never had a problem with it being crowded during the times I was there. And I do not feel I am incorrect in saying that the convention will interfere with people's stay. In all the times we have stayed there, it has never interfered with our stay. Maybe we've been lucky and I'm sorry if a convention interfered with yours. But I am expressing MY opinion. Amazing how only the CSR people are ripped on for supporting their resort. Never hear anyone complaining about those people who support the POR or the CR or any other resort. To each their own. That is why Disney offers so many DIFFERENT choices. I really don't care if anyone stays at the CSR. I like it there and it is my choice to stay there. Everyone else can stay where they want.

Try reading my 1st reply again! I did not rip into CSR, I said that the other resorts can hold conventions BUT only small ones and if it is a convention of decent size you have to use CSR! Another misread on your part, I did not have a convention interfere with my stay I was part of the group that setup the convention there, now I attend them and I am one of the conventioners heading to the bar and food court.
Maybe people go against CSR because the CSR backers get so defensive when you disagree with them.

 

[KatMark]

Try reading my 1st reply again! I did not rip into CSR, I said that the other resorts can hold conventions BUT only small ones and if it is a convention of decent size you have to use CSR! Another misread on your part, I did not have a convention interfere with my stay I was part of the group that setup the convention there, now I attend them and I am one of the conventioners heading to the bar and food court.
Maybe people go against CSR because the CSR backers get so defensive when you disagree with them.

Read my reply again. I did not specifically say you ripped CSR. And I will say again, I have never had a convention interfere with my stay at the CSR--there have been small and large conventions while I was there. I am done with this topic. I have more important things to deal with that bickering over a resort at Disney.

 

[safetymom]

The OP has made his decision and this thread is going downhill. Say goodbye to this round of the which moderate resort is best.