Which Moderate for First-timers?

[decker96]

Some friends of ours are planning their first trip to Disney in Jan. 2005. They have 2 kids, DS8 and DD5. They have decided they want to stay in a moderate resort, but have no idea which one. We have only stayed at POR, so I couldn't be much help to her about the others. I told her that I would put the question to the experts and let her know what you all think!
They really have no theme preference. They want a good pool, good transportation, and decent food court. Which moderate would you recommend and why?

 

[cajunfan]

POFQ...wonderful compact hotel...close to everything....neat theming...stayed there two years ago and loved it!

 

[NotTooGoofy]

I really like CSR. It has a great pool with an Aztec style pyramid, hot tub, is wonderfully themed and has great bus service. The food court is called the Pepper Market. Our family liked the food but it is the only food court at a Disney resort that charges an automatic 10% gratutity, which irks a lot of people.

 

[KevinFSU]

Sorry, but these kinds of questions drive me insane. You will get a bunch of responses, and the numbers will come pretty close to being even. Then, you are right back where you started at..... not knowing which one is best for first-timers.

 

[billybaruch1]

First-timers with children age 8 and age 5 should stay at a value resort, All-Stars or Pop Century. They will have a great pool, great transportation, and an okay food court. There will be a lot of energetic, similar families staying there.

They can stay in a moderate on their second visit.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR was our first resort with our 5 yr old DD and we fell in love with the place.

CSR has the best main pool area of all the mods. Great transportation and beautiful grounds.

From MOUSESAVERS.COM

"Coronado Springs is my Best Value choice in the Moderate category. It has several advantages compared with the other Moderate resorts. It is newer, so there has been less wear-and-tear on everything. Also, Coronado Springs is a convention hotel, so it has a few extra amenities not offered at the other Moderates, including a salon, a health club and a more upscale food court."

Check out my website below for pics, links and info.

 

[Terk-1]

I voted for the French Quarter. This is my favorite moderate resort for many reasons. It's the smallest, which is nice, since it does not take very long to get anywhere around that resort.

 

[ILUVDXL]

After 14 trips, still our favorite.

 

[decker96]

Thanks for all the input so far!

kevinfsu -- I know a poll is not the most scientic way to make a choice, it does come down to everyone's opinion in the end. But, you can still get info on why people like a certain resort, like FQ is small and easy to get around, CSR has a great pool, etc. What resort would you recommend?

billybaruch1 -- It is exactly for the reason that there will be many "energetic families" as you put it, that they don't want to stay at a value. They also do not plan to return for a long time (they are not as addicted as most of us, yet) but it's not in their budget to go deluxe, so it's a moderate for them.

 

[AirForceRocks]

We've only stayed at CBR and CSR (staying at POFQ in 3 weeks), but of the two we've tried, CSR wins hands down. Great pool, excellent food court and the theming is the best, IMO.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

I didn't vote since I would be torn between the 3 larger hotels, but since your children are young I don't think I would go to POFQ due to the food court. I am not hearing good thing about the food court there. We had friend there in May and they were not happy with it.. POFQ is our favorite moderate, but we are only 2 adults and we always eat out. everything else we love about the resort.

 

[KevinFSU]

Coronado is my favorite. I just love the theme. I like it spread out around the lake. It is absolutely beautiful at night with all the lights reflecting off the water.

However, everyone has different tastes. With the exception of CB, your poll is pretty much tied up, with CSR holding a slight lead. I would advise that said first timers read up on all the resorts, go to places like allearsnet.com and look at the photos, and visit Buzz's CSR website. I'm sure they will get a feel for what's right if they look into it, and not just rely on what people are saying here. Regardless of which one they stay at, they can always go and look at the other ones for the next trip (assuming they have time).

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Although I agree with KevinFSu that these types of questions never get you anywhere because everyone is going to give you a different answer I will give you my answer anyway. I voted for CSR because I think it is a beautiful resort. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the moderates though. Good luck making your decision.

 

[NotTooGoofy]

decker96 - Which ever resort you ultimately choose, try to find time to visit the other resorts while you are there. Our family has dinner at other resorts just to see what they were like. That's how we fell in love with WL and stayed there last December.

 

[decker96]

NotTooGoofy--I agree! I've told them they should resort hop or have a meal somewhere besides their resort and the parks. I'm trying to get them hooked!!

 

[HopperFan]

.....answered them based on the information given and not just their own preference!! While a resort may be my favorite, it may not be best for the travelers in question.

I answered POR. I love it and CSR equally, but the reason I posted that was...........gives them the option of two different decors, the resort landscaping and design is beautiful and I think anyone can enjoy it, the FOOD COURT is great, the theme pool and quiet pools are nice and still a good option for their children's age group, recreation amenities (boats etc), boat to DTD, and the use of POFQ if interested. Transportation has never been a problem for us, we always load in front of the gift shop/main building.

I also suggest they eat all over, we do. Great way to explore. ESPECIALLY GO eat at the Pepper Market and tour CSR. They may want to try it next time. We love it there, but some do not like the food court, which is why I thought POR for a first trip. I suggest they eat there and decide if it is for them next time, since the food court was one of their priorities. I also suggest they make PS at BOMA at AKL, and take in the sights there. The hotel is a real treat and I imagine a good destination for a future trip. Great hotel for younger children and you can always find a great deal there !

 

[currycook]

POFQ

For this reason, it doesnt seem to be so large and overwhelming as the other ones.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

For a great pool, wonderful transportation and the best food court of all the mods-go with CSR! They are also great b/c you are in close proximity to all the parks. CBR is great for location too. In my opinion, PO is just too out of the way. My vote is CSR!

 

[decker96]

Thanks everyone for all your input! Right now they are leaning towards CSR. The kids saw a picture of the pool and really want to go there! They are also still considering PORFQ, since it is smaller, but I think they will probably end up at CSR. Where ever they stay, I'm sure they'll have fun!

 

[Buzz2001]

Good choice! Have a great trip!