Where To Stay, Where To Stay

[dtripli]

Hi Everyone,

I wanting everyone's opinion on this one. It's been 2 years since we've been to Disney, I am hoping to begin planning a week in March. Over the past 15 years we have been to Disney many times; so except for AK and BW we have tried all the deluxes. We have also had one stay at FQ and two at CB. One of the reasons I like deluxes is because of the proximity to parks and being less spread out than the mods (among other perks as well)...but we can't always afford to stay deluxe (especially in March when prices are close to their peak!)

Anyway, I am trying to decide between CB, CS or OKW this trip. I know CB and like it, but think that we would like to try something different. I would get a preferred at CB or CS....I'm leary about OKW because although it looks beautiful, I am worried they would stick us in the boonies somewhere since we are not members...lol

Please chime in with your thoughts, especially those who know CS and OKW.

 

[Hopefully]

How Many are you? Would you book a studio or larger unit at OKW? Villa placement will be no better or worse not being a member at OKW.

 

[dtripli]

How Many are you? Would you book a studio or larger unit at OKW? Villa placement will be no better or worse not being a member at OKW.

There will be four of us...me, my husband, 17 year old daughter and 8 year old son...a studio is fine for us. I've seen it written that ofcourse you can request to be near HH, but that is reserved for members first? We like to be close to main pool, food and the bus.

 

[Hopefully]

There will be four of us...me, my husband, 17 year old daughter and 8 year old son...a studio is fine for us. I've seen it written that ofcourse you can request to be near HH, but that is reserved for members first? We like to be close to main pool, food and the bus.

Near Hospitality House is a booking category, not a request. If it is available when you book you are guaranteed that area.
To meet your needs, I think I would book Preferred at CSR
Good Luck

 

[dtripli]

Near Hospitality House is a booking category, not a request. If it is available when you book you are guaranteed that area.
To meet your needs, I think I would book Preferred at CSR
Good Luck

Thanks so much...Have you stayed at both CBR and CSR? If so, is there one you prefer over the other?

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks so much...Have you stayed at both CBR and CSR? If so, is there one you prefer over the other?

I haven't stayed at CSR but I have ridden through the property and seen lots of pictures of the rooms and lots of happy reviews.
I stayed at CBR and it is the only resort I will not return to. Lots of folks love it, but I am not one. I didn't like anything about it at all.
Good Luck

 

[LSLS]

Thanks so much...Have you stayed at both CBR and CSR? If so, is there one you prefer over the other?

I've stayed at both and we preferred CSR. CSR bus rides didn't seem to be quite as long (resort is much more centrally located to all parks than I expected), it's not as spread out (less walking to various things), and with the convention crowds the pool area didn't seem as crowded. I was really surprised by how much we enjoyed CSR.

 

[dtripli]

I've stayed at both and we preferred CSR. CSR bus rides didn't seem to be quite as long (resort is much more centrally located to all parks than I expected), it's not as spread out (less walking to various things), and with the convention crowds the pool area didn't seem as crowded. I was really surprised by how much we enjoyed CSR.

Thank You

 

[spiceycat]

that say both CSR and CBR are very spread out - so is OKW (which is why I now stay at BLT). if you want something that is less spread out would go with POFQ. now it shares with POR - so if you don't like its food court try POR - the only restaurant is at POR - you can walk or take the boat. It does have a boat to DS (so does OKW and SSR)

 

[dtripli]

that say both CSR and CBR are very spread out - so is OKW (which is why I now stay at BLT). if you want something that is less spread out would go with POFQ. now it shares with POR - so if you don't like its food court try POR - the only restaurant is at POR - you can walk or take the boat. It does have a boat to DS (so does OKW and SSR)

We have stayed at POFQ once before and it was fine for the trip we had planned. Our almost 9 year old was a toddler at the time so the pool slide was perfect for him, but I believe he has outgrown it. I will do a bit more research on CSR and OKW and make a decision. My problem is being blue over not being able to stay where I really want to...lol....I need to get over it though and start having some fun with the planning! Thanks Again

 

[HopperFan]

Since you know CBR already ... and I've stayed at both ...
- CBR is the largest moderate, then POR, then CSR, then POFQ
- CSR is one of the most centrally located resorts
- CSR is across highway from DHS & Epcot, around corner from AKL and at exit to road to MK
- CSR has a great bus system with just 4 stops
- CSR has more dining options than any other moderate and most resorts
- CSR has a great self contained pool area with quick service food, mug refill, arcade ....
- CSR has one of the longest pool slides on property and largest hot tub
- CSR became my kids favorites once they hit their teens and now in 20's still a favorite
- CSR is often called the Deluxe of the Moderates with it's extra amenities and feel

If you can swing CSR Business Class then you have a good locations
AND access to the Lounge with offerings like ...
[Source Mom's Panel but guessing it's close]

As a Business Class Guest, you will have access to Coconino Lounge, which is open in Cabanas building 9B from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for breakfast and 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for evening service. Along with the continental breakfast items, you will find carafes of regular and decaf coffee, as well as an espresso machine. Hot water is also provided with a selection of teas, milk and juice. Evening Service rotates provided food items throughout the evening. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., appetizers are set out, such as cheeses, veggies, dips, antipasto meats, and breads. These are removed at 7:00 p.m. and replaced with pretzels, chips and fresh baked cookies. Throughout the evening service, Guests are welcome to complimentary soft drinks, Perrier, beer, wine and sangria.

 

[dtripli]

Since you know CBR already ... and I've stayed at both ...
- CBR is the largest moderate, then POR, then CSR, then POFQ
- CSR is one of the most centrally located resorts
- CSR is across highway from DHS & Epcot, around corner from AKL and at exit to road to MK
- CSR has a great bus system with just 4 stops
- CSR has more dining options than any other moderate and most resorts
- CSR has a great self contained pool area with quick service food, mug refill, arcade ....
- CSR has one of the longest pool slides on property and largest hot tub
- CSR became my kids favorites once they hit their teens and now in 20's still a favorite
- CSR is often called the Deluxe of the Moderates with it's extra amenities and feel

If you can swing CSR Business Class then you have a good locations
AND access to the Lounge with offerings like ...
[Source Mom's Panel but guessing it's close]

As a Business Class Guest, you will have access to Coconino Lounge, which is open in Cabanas building 9B from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for breakfast and 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for evening service. Along with the continental breakfast items, you will find carafes of regular and decaf coffee, as well as an espresso machine. Hot water is also provided with a selection of teas, milk and juice. Evening Service rotates provided food items throughout the evening. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., appetizers are set out, such as cheeses, veggies, dips, antipasto meats, and breads. These are removed at 7:00 p.m. and replaced with pretzels, chips and fresh baked cookies. Throughout the evening service, Guests are welcome to complimentary soft drinks, Perrier, beer, wine and sangria.

Thank you so much! I did not know that CBR is larger than CSR...along with some of the other info you included...VERY HELPFUL...I have started doing a little research on CSR and it seems that although the preferred rooms are next to the food...they are farthest from the main pool? That being said if I cant swing Business Class what is the best building in "Preferred" to be right next to the food court and a bus? Or is there another area that you would recommend instead?

 

[hedberg1661]

I have stayed at CSR multiple times and I have enjoyed it. The bus service is pretty good however, I would recommend getting a preferred room as the resort is quite expansive...that is of course unless you have a car.

 

[HopperFan]

Thank you so much! I did not know that CBR is larger than CSR...along with some of the other info you included...VERY HELPFUL...I have started doing a little research on CSR and it seems that although the preferred rooms are next to the food...they are farthest from the main pool? That being said if I cant swing Business Class what is the best building in "Preferred" to be right next to the food court and a bus? Or is there another area that you would recommend instead?

CSR has three very distinct areas (not like CBR where all the villages look the same):
- The Casitas, which are like city buildings, taller and located next to the main building and convention space. This is where the spa, salon, fitness center are located.
- The Cabanas, which are beach bungalows, sandy beaches, hammocks, low key. This is located on the other side of the main hub away from the convention space and this is where Business Class is located.
- The Ranchos, which are desert themed (some of Disney's best imagineering), rocks, cactus, dry beds (unless it rains) and located just behind the main pool and it's amenities.

I have stayed in all three and MY OPINION:
- We LOVE Ranchos. The theme is so different if feels like vacation.
- We like being by the main pool and since it has quick serve, bar, mug refill, etc we are good.
- Each area has it's own bus stop and we always get seats on bus.
- The walk to the main hub is 5-7 minutes TOPS depending on if we stop to look at critters in water or take photos.

Why we didn't like Casitas was it looks like Florida condo buildings and seemed popular with convention goers.
Why we didn't like Cabanas was just it was low key, and we got bad location right on a main walk/cart path.
Note that both Cabanas and Casitas have rooms far from Main hub, especially Casitas since they have no bridge over lake, so no guarantees there. And yes, the preferred rooms would be farthest from the Main Pool the way the lake is designed.

 

[dtripli]

CSR has three very distinct areas (not like CBR where all the villages look the same):
- The Casitas, which are like city buildings, taller and located next to the main building and convention space. This is where the spa, salon, fitness center are located.
- The Cabanas, which are beach bungalows, sandy beaches, hammocks, low key. This is located on the other side of the main hub away from the convention space and this is where Business Class is located.
- The Ranchos, which are desert themed (some of Disney's best imagineering), rocks, cactus, dry beds (unless it rains) and located just behind the main pool and it's amenities.

I have stayed in all three and MY OPINION:
- We LOVE Ranchos. The theme is so different if feels like vacation.
- We like being by the main pool and since it has quick serve, bar, mug refill, etc we are good.
- Each area has it's own bus stop and we always get seats on bus.
- The walk to the main hub is 5-7 minutes TOPS depending on if we stop to look at critters in water or take photos.

Why we didn't like Casitas was it looks like Florida condo buildings and seemed popular with convention goers.
Why we didn't like Cabanas was just it was low key, and we got bad location right on a main walk/cart path.
Note that both Cabanas and Casitas have rooms far from Main hub, especially Casitas since they have no bridge over lake, so no guarantees there. And yes, the preferred rooms would be farthest from the Main Pool the way the lake is designed.

Just seeing this now....thanks so much!

 

[spiceycat]

We have stayed at POFQ once before and it was fine for the trip we had planned. Our almost 9 year old was a toddler at the time so the pool slide was perfect for him, but I believe he has outgrown it. I will do a bit more research on CSR and OKW and make a decision. My problem is being blue over not being able to stay where I really want to...lol....I need to get over it though and start having some fun with the planning! Thanks Again

where do you really want to stay?

I stayed at OKW for years and definitely enjoyed it. that say 62, 63, and 64 are the only building with elevators most of the other building have 2 floors (a few have 3 floors) - so unless you can do steps easily go with CSR. that say the views are much better at OKW on the second or third floor.