Which moderate for first timer?

[LisaZoe]

I'm planning a trip to WDW which will be a first for my 2.5 yo DD as well as a first for me. I'm 99% sure we'll stay on-site. I considered being budget conscious and picking a value resort as well as "splurging" and going for a deluxe. However, I think the former might leave me less satisfied and the latter would leave me feeling guilty for the money I spent. As such, I think a moderate would be the best compromise. Now my dilemma... which one?

The reviews of the Port Orleans - Riverside and Coronado Springs on mousesavers.com seem favorable. I've also read a couple of "unofficial" guidebooks on WDW to get other reviewer's opinions of these resorts. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure.

Here are some basics that might be useful in guiding me to one over the others. I'm a single mom traveling with just my daughter so transportation to and from the parks/hotel is a very important consideration. At this point, I'm thinking we'll stay 7-8 nights. While I want to get to all the major parks and possibly a water park, I imagine we'll spend more time at MK than the others so ease of transportation to that park is more important than to the others. We're also fairly quiet people and would not want to be in a room that is the center of a party area. Finnally, amenities such as a pool and restaurant suitable for toddlers would be a nice extra.

Thanks for any input you might give.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Port Orleans French Quarter.
Small resort, quiet, short walk to food court/resort store/buses.
Buses pick up at this resort first than go over to Riverside if not full, also never a long wait. Also there is a nice relaxing boat ride to Downtown Disney.
You may use any pool over at Riverside when staying at French Quarter if you don't like the pool at French Quarter.

 

[webray]

Honestly I can say...stay at a value resort and spend your money on more fun things like meals and souveniers.

We have stayed at all the moderates and were never impressed, they are big, the pools and main areas are far away from some of the buildings..laid out very poorly. You walk and walk and walk..annoying is how I find it. Or, you have to drive to things.

The value resorts..either the all stars or the pop (we like the all stars best..better food and better parking). The value resorts are laid out so well, if you are traveling with a toddler, no matter what building you are in...they are all just a few minutes walk from everything. We like the sports..because it is the first in on the complex on the right. The bus service has always been excellent to and from the parks. The food at the food courts..oh, just like home made. Also..breakfasts are better at the value resorts than at the moderates.

Just some thoughts..hope this helps.

 

[fam4jc]

The one thing you should keep in mind that with little ones, you will spend more time at your hotel than you think. The room and the pool are very important. Also, I found that not having a balcony was a problem at bed time. I usually put the girls to bed and then DH and I sit out on the balcony while they fall asleep. Nothing beats being in a MK resort if MK is your park of choice! The Wilderness lodge is a delux but one of the cheaper ones. Depending upon what time of year you plan to go, you could stay there fairly reasonably. Of course I highly recommend the Poly also.
Have fun. You will all LOVE WDW.

 

[Buzz2001]

Check out my CSR website for pics, links and info. We just returned from CSR on Friday.

 

[NotTooGoofy]

our family has stayed at all the moderates except POFQ and we really enjoy CSR. But for smaller children, I think the AS resorts arte better themed. My DDs were in awe of ASMovies' 2-story Buzz and Woody dolls when went several years ago. The moderates are great but they are not as visually interesting to smaller children as the value resorts, IMHO.

However, there are plenty of pools and playgrounds at the moderate resorts to keep your young DD happily engaged so any resort you choose will be fine.

 

[LisaZoe]

I'd love to stay at either the WL or Poly but, unless there are discounts during my travel month such as one can now get for August, I don't think I can get my "thrifty" side to overlook the price difference to go for a deluxe. From my reading of a few other threads, I gather that is best to not count on special pricing to happen when wanted/needed. That means I need to go for what I know I can afford at the time of booking then might change resorts if a discount does come into the picture (of course I'm assuming that is possible on a room only reservation).

I do understand the problem of having no place to go while the little one falls asleep. We went to Disneyland CA last Fall and had a few nights when it was hard to get her to settle. However, she handled that trip quite well so I think we'll do as well this time. Also, I won't be surprised if I'm as ready to fall asleep as she is after a full day of fun so staying quiet shouldn't be a problem.

The reason I'm not currently considering a value resort is that I like the idea of a little luxury for myself. I'm pretty frugal most of the year so I feel that a bit of indulgence on vacation helps make the skimping worth it.

 

[NotTooGoofy]

LisaZoe - For a little luxury and being very close to MK, you may want to check out WL. WL seems to have the lowest price room rates of all the deluxe resorts. We stayed there last December for $125/night while other deluxe resort rooms were $70-$100 more a night. A good website that lists discount codes for room rates is www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html .

Whispering Canyon cafe, located at WL, is a great restaurant, for young kids, especially if they are not shy - there's lots fun and interaction with the waiters/staff.

 

[Jungle Skipper]

I really enjoyed the laid back nature of POR...but my only complaint was it's HUGE size...it was quite the hike to EVERYWHERE from out room (so with my handicapped mother, this dampened out experience I guess you could say).

I dont think I would have enjoyed it if the trip had been more than 4 nights. I am tryin gout POFQ at the end of the month (16 days baby!!! )

Jungle Josh

 

[msteddom]

I think Port Orleans French Quarter will be perfect for oyu. I think you will appreciate the small size of the resort. The busses also pick up there first, so it easier to get a seat, and they drop off there first. The rooms were all recently redone and they look fantastic. The bed there was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in!

I think your DD will really like the Dragon pool as well as all the color and bustle of the place. So POFQ is my vote. I'm happy to answer any questions!


Melissa