Which moderate resort and why?

[drp4video]

We always go at CHristmas and stay at POP (prior was Allstarmusic). SInce we are not going this August because DD just graduated HS and wants to stay home this summer with friends before they all leave for college, I have a bigger budget for Christmas. So, is it worth it stay at a moderate, and if so, which one, and why? I can't decide. THank you.

 

[Buzz2001]

THE PROS
No sharing bus service with other resorts
Centrally located with short rides to the parks
Largest hot tub on WDW property
Awesome main pool area with bar, snack bar, playground and kiddie pool
3 quiet pools
New shuttle service eliminates long walks to any of the villages
High speed internet service
WiFi available too
Free use of the gym
Spa
Fridge in the room
Coffeemaker in the room
Iron and ironing board
full room service menu
2 arcades
beautifully landscaped
central air, not a noisey wall unit

THE CONS
Full size beds (kings size beds are available)
one sink

IN THE MIDDLE
The Pepper Market is either a love it or hate it place. We love it but some folks just don't care for it.

Convention resort - some guests don't like seeing other guests at work. Doesn't bother us and helps keep the buses empty. GF, Cont, BW, Y & B Club are also convention resorts.

Check out my website below

 

[Dizneydaz]

As you can see by my signature below, my family has stayed at all levels of resorts. Our next trip is at a Moderate-POFG. We like the FQ because it's a more manageable size. My DD (5 at the time) loves the dragon slide. We found POR to be large. On our first trip to FQ we were actually booked into Carribean Beach. After seeing how large it was, we changed to FQ. However, on our last trip in Jan., after eating breakfast at CB, my daughter really enjoyed playing on the sandy beach and playground. I think the next time we stay at a moderate (after Sept) we'll stay at CB as long as we can get close to food court and pool area.

We didn't like Coronado Springs-since it's set up more for conventions than for families. No "food court". We had the hardest time finding the pyramid pool-we weren't the only ones driving around looking for it. It's also very spread out-long walks to pools and food area.

We like the changes at POFQ since the merger with POR. The rooms are improved. We like the curtain at the sink area.

57 days and counting!

 

[Lizzybee]

We have stayed at POR twice and have all loved it...from age 7 to 65. In the Alligator Bayou section where we stayed it's atmosphere is peaceful and serene with a laid back Tom Sawyer-ish charm which is a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the parks. The Magnolia Bend side is more like Southern Mansions along the Sassagoula River. The landscaping is lush and it feels like a resort, not a hotel. The breakfasts at Boatwrights have been THE best breakfasts I've ever had, dinner was fine but I'm sure there are better places. We enjoyed a few meals in the food court as well and LOVED to get bakery treats after coming back from the parks. This is one resort that allows pool hopping, you have the use of two main theme pools, POR's Ole Man Island and POFQ's Doubloon Lagoon. Both are great and there are also quiet pools scattered all throughout POR. Another big bonus at this resort is the boat to DTD, it's is a wonderful way to travel and much more relaxing than the standard busses. Bob Jackson the all ages piano man in the River Roost lounge is a HOOT for the whole family, tons of fun! There is also a carriage ride that goes between POR and POFQ, I believe you make reservations and there is a fee but I don't know more because we didn't have the chance to enjoy this feature. Also something we didn't do but saw lots of were bike rents, boat rentals and surrey bike rentals.
I'm sure all of the moderates are great and have their own special touches, it is Disney after all, I'm just not sure I'll ever find out because I'm afraid I'd get homesick for POR

 

[disneyccc]

I love this resort and after staying there I really have no desire to stay in any other moderate only because I feel I won't love it as much as I do POR which kinda stinks because part of me wants to try something new. POR is great, very laid back and very beautiful. I have only stayed in the mansions which I reccomend because you feel like you are in a deluxe resort. Some feel it is too large but I don't feel like it is, just a personal preference. The walk to the main building is very enjoyable because of the beautiful landscaping and the relaxing Sassagoula River that runs through POR. All in all you can't really go wrong!

 

[TLinden16]

I like the POFQ because it is a lot smaller than the other moderate resorts. I like the atmoshpere--it's bright and colorful, but also very peaceful. The boat to Downtown Disney is a nice change of pace from the buses. I like the food court here, and I find the staff here to be fantastic.

Karen

 

[Laurajean1014]

CSR - The layout is great, the resort has a wonderful theme, restaurants are very good and the buses are a breeze.

 

[tjl1388]

Another vote for POR. Sooooo peaceful. Nice to have a relaxing evening after chasing the rug bugs around all day. Me and the mrs. usually hit the hot tub about 12 midnight in the evenings(we bring the nanny ) it is very private and relaxing place to stay...the resort and the hot tub.

 

[Badllamamama]

Another vote for CSR!! We really enjoyed our stay at this resort more so than any other moderate resort. Awesome grounds, best transportation, best pool and we love the Pepper Market.

 

[dolphin01]

Ditto on CSR! Our family enjoys it for all the reasons listed above.

 

[Lilolvr]

More votes for CSR!! Our family loves the pool and the Pepper Market!!

 

[Disneyjamie]

We have decided to stay at CSR this December too. I hope it is decorated nicely for the Christmas season. We originally planned for WL, but to save a lot of $$, we chose to stay here instead (only courtyard views were left for WL - double the amount to stay at WL than CSR).

 

[jxh1]

I have only stayed at CBR, but I would highly recommend it! I'm sure you'll hear this over and over again, but it really all depends on what kind of theming you like, I love the tropical feel of CBR, but I have visited all the other resorts and would love to try them all at some point. Good Luck!