Which Moderate Resort? - Would LOVE some help!

[cqguth]

We are taking our kids to Disney for the first time in October 2012. I have been reading a million reviews for the resorts, but am still struggling to make a decision. We feel a moderate resort best fits our budget.

I am new to these boards, but have been reading a LOT over the past few days. You all seem so helpful!! Could you please give us some advice as to which one to choose?

Our kids will be 3.5 and 5 in October.

Thank you so much!!

 

[CdnKayDee]

Hi,

Have fun planning your October trip! It is a favorite time of year for our family as there are tons of things to do at this time.

Our families personal favorite for a moderate choice is POR. We have stayed there appr 6 weeks over 3 years. We loved every minute of each. It has a great food court, a great pool and waterslide for the kids, it is a short boat/bus ride from DTD, and we can't forget to mention Piano Bob. Who plays in the lounge on select nights in the lounge. Great family entertainment. Some other potential fun activities are the surrey bikes, horse drawn carriage ride, a stocked fishing hole (catch and release) and boat rentals. Overall POR has a very relaxed feel, as soon as you walk out of the lobby you are on what we consider one of the best Disney grounds there is. Our last 2 trips we have spent at our DVC. Both trips we have come back to POR to see Piano Bob.

Any questions please feel to PM us!

 

[SRiley1985]

I would go with CBR. The pool area there is amazing! They have a special section for the smaller kids (we were there when my DD was 4 and she loved it, still talks about it now and she is almost 7) and the main pool is zero entry with 2 waterslides. I love the lake in the middle with the beach and hammocks to lay out in. The food court is nice too. The only drawback to CBR is the TS there, Shutters, is not as good as the POR TS, Boatwright's. The resorts are about the same size and I've stayed at both, I like CBR better. I'm a sucker for anything "beach" related though so maybe that influences my opinion a bit. LOL.

 

[browneyedgrl4282]

My kids are a little younger then yours (3,3,and 2) and we have stayed at all the moderates (well but POR we are staying there in a few weeks).

Here is my take on the moderates we have been at

CBR - I really dislike this place because it is so large. No elevators so if you are dealing with stroller(s) and small kids it is pain in the butt, so ground floor is the way to go here. If you are not near the main pool area it is far walk. I thought food court was lacking in a lot of ways. I also have found out of all my stays in moderates this resorts gets so crowded. Yes the pool is a big hit for the little guys with the pirate ships but this place again is very crowded. The buses were a nightmare!

POFQ - Smallest of the moderates and has elevators. Just have QS food court. Pool is really cute for little kids. Love that they have boat to Downtown Disney. It has been recently updated.

CSR - So far this is my favorite moderate (might change when we stay POR). Pepper Market (food court) is probably the best food court I have seen in Disney. Much better options. Love the pool and I really felt like we were in Mexico while there. Yes this is large resort too but didn't feel like it was as spread out as CBR. Maya Grill (sit down restaurant) is great too. I felt this resort wasn't as crowded as CBR and the buses didn't overcrowd. They do have conventions there so you might want to check if there are any large ones while you are there. We were during a tow truck convention but the only reason we even knew that is was going on because of the familes with the convention told us when we commented on the amount of tow trucks there.

 

[Kae]

We have stayed at CSR & POFQ and I was going to sugest CBR the new pool area looks like alot of fun. Are your kids Boys or girls if they are girls maybe the new princess rooms at POR-they look fun.

Kae

 

[dworldlovers]

We loved POR, especially the Magnolia Bend section!! Very nice rooms and the grounds are beautiful!! If money is tight, Disney's 'value' resorts are also very nice. We've stayed at All Star Music and Pop Century and really liked them both. The kids would love the atmosphere and the pools are nice. They have outdoor movies at night by the pools (Disney, of course!!) which is great family fun!! CSR was very nice, but it is pretty big and if your room is in the back of the property like ours was, it is a LONG walk-maybe a bit much for your little ones!! Have fun planning your trip and remember to give the kids some rest time while at Disney-you'll all be much better off!!

 

[Liv4Dis]

I would suggest that you read up on the mods and look at some of the pictures and pick the one that appeals to you the most. I have stayed at 3 of the 4 and have loved each one for a different reason.

No matter where you stay, you will be in Disney and you will have a great time.

 

[TrueDisneyLove61207]

I would suggest that you read up on the mods and look at some of the pictures and pick the one that appeals to you the most. I have stayed at 3 of the 4 and have loved each one for a different reason.

No matter where you stay, you will be in Disney and you will have a great time.

Agree with this 100%!!!!

 

[cqguth]

Hi,

Our families personal favorite for a moderate choice is POR. We have stayed there appr 6 weeks over 3 years. We loved every minute of each. It has a great food court, a great pool and waterslide for the kids, it is a short boat/bus ride from DTD, and we can't forget to mention Piano Bob. Who plays in the lounge on select nights in the lounge. Great family entertainment. Some other potential fun activities are the surrey bikes, horse drawn carriage ride, a stocked fishing hole (catch and release) and boat rentals. Overall POR has a very relaxed feel, as soon as you walk out of the lobby you are on what we consider one of the best Disney grounds there is. Our last 2 trips we have spent at our DVC. Both trips we have come back to POR to see Piano Bob.

Any questions please feel to PM us!

Thank you!! POR is definitely a front runner for us. I appreciate the extra info!

 

[cqguth]

CSR - So far this is my favorite moderate (might change when we stay POR). Pepper Market (food court) is probably the best food court I have seen in Disney. Much better options. Love the pool and I really felt like we were in Mexico while there. Yes this is large resort too but didn't feel like it was as spread out as CBR. Maya Grill (sit down restaurant) is great too. I felt this resort wasn't as crowded as CBR and the buses didn't overcrowd.

Thank you!! Does CSR have elevators. We will be using strollers. Our 5yo is tiny!

 

[cqguth]

Are your kids Boys or girls if they are girls maybe the new princess rooms at POR-they look fun.

Kae

Our 5yo is a girl. A coworker is going to be staying in one of the princess rooms during the same week. We are definitely considering it! Our 3yo son won't mind - he's pretty easy going! Thank you!

 

[cqguth]

I would suggest that you read up on the mods and look at some of the pictures and pick the one that appeals to you the most. I have stayed at 3 of the 4 and have loved each one for a different reason.

No matter where you stay, you will be in Disney and you will have a great time.

Thank you!! I have been reading, reading, reading - on the DW site, allears, mousesavers, and here. I was just looking for some personal opinions - especially geared towards us having the 3.5 and 5yo. Thanks again!!