Which Moderate for Newbies?

[itsmeamanda]

My family is planning on going to WDW next year (possibly late February, late September, or early October). We will be driving down (so we'll have a car), and we have two boys who are 4 and 6 (will be 5 and 7 if we go later next year). The boys and I have never been. My DH went years ago when he was younger, and has gone to a conference on property the last 2 Decembers (stayed once at the Beach Club, and once at the Contemporary).

I've read a ton of information as well as bought the Neal's guidebook from B&N.

We thought Coronado sounded pretty good, but have since read reports that it's less "disney" than other resorts, and that we might ought to pick another moderate.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Amanda

 

[lizzyb]

I've stayed at POR and CSR and I didn't find that either were very "disney". I actually prefer the values for that. If I were going to choose from a moderate I would go with CSR as I personally liked the theme better than POR.

 

[GrumpyMom25]

If you want a resort that makes you feel like you're really at Disney for your young boys I would go with POP, All Star Movies or Art of Animation. I know they are all value resorts but for young kids they are fantastic. We've stayed and POR 2 times and love it but there is nothing like walking out of your room and seeing the large icon statues to make you really feel like you're at Disney. I bet they would love the Cars suites at AoA.

 

[*Fantasia*]

If you want a resort that makes you feel like you're really at Disney for your young boys I would go with POP, All Star Movies or Art of Animation. I know they are all value resorts but for young kids they are fantastic. We've stayed and POR 2 times and love it but there is nothing like walking out of your room and seeing the large icon statues to make you really feel like you're at Disney. I bet they would love the Cars suites at AoA.

Ditto! POP. ASMovies and AoA is very Disney! It's Disney "in your face" with larger than life icons! Our first value resort was the Movies. We fell in love with that resort. We were in the Buzz and Woody section. Every time we get up and leave our room, we were always greeted by Andy's toys. We love strolling along Andy's room. Your children will also love AoA. They have the theme to the Cars, The Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo. This resort is an attraction by itself!

POP is more so for those who can appreciate and understand what was in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and the 90s. Young children may not understand what is a flap disk or a Rubik cubes are. They may not be able to relate what are in the "show box" on the wall in the lobby. Now for those of us who grew up in those days will definitely will appreciate this resort because it will take you back in time.. Oh those good ol' days!! I love it! I'm an 80s child! I love the 80s and the 70s and I can relate to those years. I also like to be taken back in the 60s and 50s when I wasn't even around then.. but love to see how it was back then prior to being born. It is a wonderful resort.. I enjoy strolling along the "memory lane".

 

[ashleym337]

We love port Orleans riverside. We've stayed at Coronado and Caribbean beach and por was hands down our fav. The rooms felt bigger and they were just redone with queen size beds. It's clean the pools are great.... Love love love

 

[Missytara]

I have been to CBR, POFQ, and POR.

I love, love, love POR. It is my second home. I go once a year, every year. When I retire, I am moving south so I can be closer to POR.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I have stayed at all four of the moderates and my favorites are POFQ and POR. I don't ever wanna stay anywhere else again. I think you get a lot for your money at the moderates, without having to pay an arm and a leg for a deluxe. The amenities are great and the pools are fun. I got that Disney feeling at both POFQ and POR. The rooms all now have queen beds and are refurbed. The grounds are just amazing at both. They also both have the boat to DTD which is great and relaxing.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

If you want a resort that is more "Disney", save your money and stay in a value. Pop seems to get very good reviews. We prefer the moderates because they are quieter and the landscaping is nicer, and all of the moderates except CBR offer queen beds. CBR and the values have double beds. CBR offers pirate rooms, but if you are going to spend your vacation in double beds, you might as well save the money and sleep in double beds in a value.

We have stayed several times at CSR, both with and without kids. My kids first stayed there when they were 9 and 6, and they loved the CSR pool and slide. The beds are very comfortable, and the bus service is great. But the decor is understated, which my DH loves.

We walked around Art of Animation, and a Nemo, Lion King or Cars family suite might be awesome for your kids if you want a room that is highly themed. You would have two rooms and two bathrooms, but the rooms cost more than a moderate. The standard rooms at AoA are Little Mermaid, so maybe not a big hit with boys. DH said he would never stay at AoA - it was too Disney for him - but my kids thought it was awesome! AoA doesn't have a pool slide, but it has a large pool and a large splash area.

 

[MMS1125]

Like the previous posters said I think you somewhat leave the Disney "feel" when you leave the value hotels. I'd def consider the AoA suite for the first trip. It will be a little more $$ than a moderate but I think they probably embody the magic feel for the kids.

As for the moderates my fave often changes but I'm a big CSR fan. The beds are so comfortable, the food court is fantastic, the pool is pretty nice (esp the slide!) and we've had the best bus service while staying there.

Have to think about how much time you will actually spend in the room to make your decision really. You get the feel of Disney in the parks and other activities so if you are using your resort for sleeping and breaks I'd go with the more comfy amenities over Disney theming.

 

[PlannerMama]

If you want a resort that makes you feel like you're really at Disney for your young boys I would go with POP, All Star Movies or Art of Animation. I know they are all value resorts but for young kids they are fantastic. We've stayed and POR 2 times and love it but there is nothing like walking out of your room and seeing the large icon statues to make you really feel like you're at Disney. I bet they would love the Cars suites at AoA.

Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[Sue M]

Our fav moderate is POR. We love the mansion section, either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace. Good central location without paying for a preferred room location.
I think POR just has a little more to offer:
Amazing landscaping & theming
Boat to DTD
Great pool with slide
Hot tub
Very good food court
Evening entertainer (family) in the lounge
Horse & carriage rides
Fishing hole
Bus stops under cover with benches so no standing out in the rain or hot sun.
More relaxing then the values. The mods are plenty Disney without being in your face. And it's quieter. Much appreciated after a hectic day in the parks.

 

[Planogirl]

I personally think that most of the WDW resorts have plenty of Disney feel but that's just me. You can't go by DS either because he spent his younger years at the Polynesian Resort and to this day asks to go back (he's 19).

As for moderates, we've stayed at all but POFQ and we're checking that one out this year. My favorite so far is Port Orleans Riverside. It has a great pool, a cool boat ride to Downtown Disney (what kids doesn't like that) and just a really nice overall atmosphere. Plus you have a restaurant on the premises if you ever want to skip eating at the food court.