Value vs. Moderate?

[PrincessJasmine5]

My family and I are going to the Magic Kingdom this Christmas, and aren't sure where to stay. We haven't had any luck with hotels near Disney, so we thought we might try to stay on-site, but there are only Deluxe resorts near the Magic Kingdom. We're looking at the Pop Century Resort because it's the newest value resort. The rooms don't sound very big though. I would like to stay at a Moderate resort, but that's a big difference in price. I want to know if a Moderate resort is worth the jump in price. Which type of hotel should we choose? Any specific hotels? Thanks in advance.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

How many in your family? How old are the kids?

 

[PrincessJasmine5]

3; My parents & I'm 16.

 

[eeyore0062]

The biggest rooms for the moderates are at Caribbean Beach Resort at 340 sq feet. We have stayed there, and it was really nice.. although a bit spread out, so you may want to request a room near to the food court, as some walks from the farther rooms can take 15-20 minutes (A bit much to go get a soda for me!).

Yes, I definitely think that the moderates are very much worth the difference in price. The moderates have larger rooms, 2 sinks, a refrigerator in the room, a coffee maker, a themed pool and several quiet pools, a sit down restaurant, as well as a food court. They also have recreation such as boats or bikes that can be rented. There really is SO much more to a Moderate Resort! My personal favorite is PO-FQ. A bit more compact with fewer rooms but very recently completely refurbished. The rooms are slightly smaller than those at CBR, but it wasn't anything noticable.

I would definitely spring for a moderate. I think you would be happier!

 

[CamColt]

We much prefer the theming in the values, plus the bus service has always been much better for us in values as opposed to moderates. We didnt notice much more/less space between the rooms in the 2. Yes the moderates are technically bigger, but not by much.
Personally we prefer the values...the money saved is just a bonus.

 

[rkmassa]

The difference in price is worth staying at a moderate resort. I would choose either Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. Staying at either will give you the option to use both pools. The POR is a little more spread out, but nothing like the CBR. CBR is huge. It has a bus system that runs around the resort to help get you around. Now that is big and spread out. POFQ is the smallest of the moderates. Very cute theme. Great pool, food court, and the boat ride to DTD is nice. POR is our favorite. We love the mansion section. It also has a boat to DTD. Good food court, restaurant, pool, etc. Short walk to main building. I also like having a refrigerator in the room that I don't have to pay extra for. We stayed in Magnolia Terrace at POR and had just a short walk over the bridge to reach the main pool and food court. We also had a quiet pool right next to the building. Never over 10 people in it. We are going back in August.

 

[eeyore0062]

We have stayed at PO-R 3 times... it is so beautiful and laid back! We have a favorite building in the Alligator Bayou and a favorite Mansion at the Magnolia Bend section. Alligator Bayou bldg 14 is great! Sits back a little from the main walkway, so you don't have lots of people walking by your doors. Very secluded feeling, even though it is 2 minute walk from the food court and the 1st bus stop (always nice, you know you will get a seat!)

Our favorite Mansion is Partiere Place. It is the mansion on the end before you get to PO-FQ. There is not alot of foot traffic over there, so it is very peaceful. It has gorgeous fountains in the courtyard. It is right over the bridge to the main building, from there you would also use the 1st bus stop and if you drive, park in the main lot. You are also right next to the quiet pool. We never saw many people there at one time, so it truly was quiet. Also, with staying at either PO-R or PO-FQ, you get the use of 2 themed pools... How great is that!?!

 

[Philadisney]

just to add my 2 cents....i have never been to the pop century resort, but after staying in ASMo with my mom a few years back, i am now spending the extra dollars to stay in a moderate (CS!) this march, despite being a recent grad with not all that much $$. to me, the value resorts are just NOT worth saving a bit of cash.

 

[athenna]

My .02 cents- for atmosphere, the moderates are wonderful! Don't get me wrong, for people that have to stay at the values, they are great to have, but I think, in terms of feeling like a true Disney experience, the moderates really make you feel like you are staying in the magic!

 

[ufmurphy]

I would vote for the moderates also. After staying at Pop Century one night we decided we would not go back.. We always try to visit Disney in the most cost saving way but would spend the extra money to stay at a moderate. We have stayed at POFQ and CSR. We loved both. Have a great trip.

 

[newholidayx2]

we stayed at All Star Music in 1996 when DS was 4 - the room was tight for us then
In 01 I managed to get a code for the Wilderness Lodge that made the rate less than what I had originally booked at the Caribbean Beach.
I feel the diff in price is definately worth it - book a moderate and upgrade if there is a discount

 

[PrincessJasmine5]

Thanks everyone! I do have another question; Has anyone ever stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort? Is there some reason why no one mentioned it? Just curious. Thanks again.

 

[susy]

Coronado springs is my favorite MOD! I think the pool here would be best for you because the slide is so awesome. CBR and POFQ have VERY small slides).It is a very upscale moderate. The theming is INCREDIBLE. You will swear that you are at a deluxe resort.

 

[Steffi]

We stayed at CSR last July and loved it! We were in Casitas 1 and were very close to Pepper Market, Jumping Bean Arcade, ext. We were a long walk from the pool, though. It's a very spread out resort. I loved the theming, and Pepper Market had a lot of good choices.

 

[Pig Pen]

I think CSR is fabulous and is perfect for anyone not bringing kids along. You should also visit mousesavers.com for discount codes. I have stayed at mods for $79 per night, and deluxes for $109, however I doubt you will get any discounts at Christmas.

 

[luvtinkerbell]

My family and I are going to the Magic Kingdom this Christmas, and aren't sure where to stay. We haven't had any luck with hotels near Disney, so we thought we might try to stay on-site, but there are only Deluxe resorts near the Magic Kingdom. We're looking at the Pop Century Resort because it's the newest value resort. The rooms don't sound very big though. I would like to stay at a Moderate resort, but that's a big difference in price. I want to know if a Moderate resort is worth the jump in price. Which type of hotel should we choose? Any specific hotels? Thanks in advance.

we have stayed in both the value and moderate resorts the value all stars and the moderate port orleans which was lovlely but the rooms are the sames size as the budget so for the extra money i would go back to budget which we are doing the pop century in march let you know what we think jill xx

 

[mouse1203]

Try to remember that you are not going to spend a lot of time in your room. If you plan on staying in your room all day then choose a Mod. If you plan on staying in the parks all day then choose a value. I feel that the Mods are worth the money but if money is an issue then go with the value. The money you can save might buy a whole lot of goodies. Either way have FUN!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I would base it on the pools. If you think you'll hang out by the pools a lot and would like the water slide I would consider the moderates. If you'll be in the parks all day, every day, then save the $ and stay in a value.

What I'd really suggest is to split the stay, assuming that you are staying for at least 4 nights. I'm splitting between Pop and French Quarter when my 11yo and I go next week (or I guess I should say this week). He wanted Pop so we're staying there 2 nights and then POFQ (my choice) for 3 nights. It's harder for people with young children to do this, but my son is old enough to pack his things up and help move suitcases.

My DH and I (with our youngest, who was then a toddler) stayed on night at CS a few years ago and liked it a lot. It was our first moderate, after only staying at deluxes. My thought at the time is that it was very spread out and a car would have helped. Most of the moderates, with the exception of POFQ are spread out, though.

T&B

 

[Crazy Kanga]

As you see there are many differing opinions here, but the amount of time that you spend at the resort and in the room should be the deciding factor for you. We spend most of our time in the parks, so value is the best way to go for us. I have been to all levels of resorts, and next trip we are most likely staying at Pop Century. If you plan to hang out a lot at the pool and in your room, then go for a mod. We stayed at CSR once and really liked it, but we can't justify the extra money for a room when we could save that money and spend it on food or souvenirs. Whatever you do watch Mousesavers.com for discount codes to help save money.

 

[PrincessJasmine5]

Thanks again!