Which mod would you recommend for...

[jcemom]

the boys and I? They will be 11 and 12 when we go. I just can't decide which would be the best. They all seem to have strengths and weaknesses. Our list of "important stuff" includes:

*We will be spending a LOT of time at Disney Quest, so convenience to DTD is important -- POR/POFQ perfect?
*A good pool(s) is a MUST, as the boys will definitely use it
*DS 11 wants a beach, which would leave out POR/POFQ which would be MY first choice
*We will be using the buses (no rental car), so transportation efficiency is important
*We will be using the food court/restaurants often

*Anything else I should be considering? (I sure do wish I could afford YC/BC for this trip, but it just isn't going to happen, LOL)

Something's gotta give! We can't have it all I know.

What advice can you give me? I've read and read and looked at so many pictures I'm dreaming about them!

I originally thought we would stay at All Star Sports, but reconsidered because I thought having bike/boat rental would be good for their ages. We could also use the little bit of extra room I'm sure.

 

[TWOOD]

My vote is for POR. My DD (12) & I love it! The food court is great. The pool is much better suited for older kids than POFQ & there are 4 other quiet pools. The location to DTD is really great for trips to Disney Quest. Fishing is available if your boys enjoy that & boat rentals. The bus transportation is good to the parks & the atmosphere is "masculine" IMHO. CSR does have a beach & a good pool, but my DD prefers POR hands down.

 

[TLinden16]

I'll put in my vote for the POFQ. I think the POFQ has the coolest slide of any pool on Disney property. If you go with either the POFQ or POR, you have the option of using either of the pools. It's probably about a 10-15 minute walk between the two pools.

I wouldn't let your sons desire to have a beach weigh to heavily into your decision on where to stay. You can't swim at the beaches. I'm guessing that at 11, he's probably too old to want to play in the sand. It isn't really like going to a real beach.

The boat ride to Downtown Disney from the POR/POFQ is great. It's relaxing and pleasant. It might take a bit longer than the bus, but it's nice to have an option of getting on a boat to go somewhere instead of the bus all the time.

I think the bus transportation at the POFQ is a little bit better than the POR because the buses pick up at the FQ first, so you're a lot more likely to get a seat on the way to the parks than you are at the POR. I've always found the bus service to be great at the POFQ.

I haven't seen the menu at the POFQ food court since they renovated, but I always thought it had a great selection, and we never ran into lines there.

The POFQ does not have a sit down restaurant. The POR does. I have never eaten there.

Hope that helps

Karen

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! CSR has the best pool of all the moderates. The main pool site has an arcade, volleyball court and great slide and CSR also has 3 quiet pools. CSR has terrific transportation that is not shared with any other resort. If you going to eat at the Pepper Market (CSR's version of a food court), I would recommend getting the meal vouchers which cost $17.50 each (cheaper on eBay) and allows you to get an entree, side dish, dessert and drink of your choice.

EXAMPLE
Each voucher is good for Lunch or Dinner for the following:

One entree, one side dish, one non-alcoholic beverage, and one dessert

-OR-

One combo meal (entree, side dish and non-alcoholic beverage) and dessert.

Pepper Market: Coronado Springs:
Entree: Ribeye Steak, w/ potatos and Veggies: $17.95
Side: Caesar Salad: $5.99
Dessert: Ranges from $3.95 and up.
Drink: Fruit Smoothie: $3.79
Tax: $1.90. Gartuity (15%): $5.04
Total: $38.62!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All for $17.50 or less and the Pepper Market is one of the locations the vouchers can be used at.

Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[ciera123]

Another vote for Coronado Springs!! With 11 and 12 year old boys, a great pool and slide, 2 arcades, great food court, beach, bike and boat rentals, you can't go wrong. They will love CSR. Both my boys request it for all those reasons. It's just a beautiful place to stay!! Have a great time wherever youstay!!

 

[jcemom]

Thank you for the replies! I'm leaning towards CSR right now, with POR definitely still in the running. I am a bit concerned about what seems to be a lack of discounts (AP and other) available for CSR. I certainly wouldn't count on getting a discount anywhere, but if one were available at POR and not CSR that would have an impact on my decision! After all, extra money in my pocket is always nice, lol.

Oddly enough, DS (now 10) really does love to play in sand. He spent a couple of hours in the sand at AKL's playground this past trip. I think the beaches look relaxing, especially the hammocks.

I found upon further investigation that the boat from POR to DTD may be convenient, but isn't fast. I didn't know that before. I think as far as that goes, we would do just as well to take the bus from any of the resorts.

Also, I would never want to stay at CSR with just DD and I, so if the budget doesn't allow for WL next fall I'm sure I would choose POFQ then. The theming of POR/POFQ appeals to me so much more than that of CSR, I'm not and never have been a southwest kind of gal. However, I think CSR may be the better choice for the boys and I. Still undecided, though.

It's so tough to choose!