which moderate?

[MimiofOlivia]

Hi all! My husband and I want to stay 3 nights at WDW end of Aug/first of Sept. prior to a cruise. We would like a resort that is fairly laid back and relaxing. I have read good comments concerning CSR but am open to other options. We have never stayed at a moderate, only deluxe, and wanted the best, in your opinion, of a moderate. Thanks so much!

 

[Buzz2001]

Hi all! My husband and I want to stay 3 nights at WDW end of Aug/first of Sept. prior to a cruise. We would like a resort that is fairly laid back and relaxing. I have read good comments concerning CSR but am open to other options. We have never stayed at a moderate, only deluxe, and wanted the best, in your opinion, of a moderate. Thanks so much!

CSR is a great choice. Check out my website below for pics and info.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379456
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1390589
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1398185

 

[Princess Amy]

If the cruise is to the Caribbean, I would suggest the Caribbean Beach. It would be a exotic pre-trip for whats to come. Besides that, the resort is absolutely beautiful!

 

[hbehrman]

Hi all! My husband and I want to stay 3 nights at WDW end of Aug/first of Sept. prior to a cruise. We would like a resort that is fairly laid back and relaxing. I have read good comments concerning CSR but am open to other options. We have never stayed at a moderate, only deluxe, and wanted the best, in your opinion, of a moderate. Thanks so much!

I would recommend Port Orleans Riverside as it is often referred to on these boards as a step above the other moderates in terms of theming, yet practically priced. You also have a choice of staying in either "Mansions" or Alligator Bayou. Amenities include boat rental, boat ride to DTD/POFQ, fishing, quiet pools, sharing pools with Port Orleans French Quarter (which I understand is quite nice itself). We liked it because it was very serene and relaxing

 

[Tam1067]

We found POR very beautiful and relaxing. DH and I stayed there before the kids came along and loved it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I would vote for a stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We had a 10 day stay there in June, 2006 and are heading back on 5/31/07!

We fell in love with the resort the minute we pulled into the Custom House parking lot. Everything is bright and cheerful. Caribbean music plays all around the resort.

The resort is large but that also means the guests are distributed throughout the resort. The result? No crowded in feeling.

Each village has their own quiet pool and white sandy beach. The beaches have beach chairs and hammocks. We really liked the fact that we could laze around in a hammock on the Jamaica beach and watch the Epcot fireworks.

There is an island in the middle of lake and we found benches, picnic table and chairs to relax in.

At the marina, you can rent pontoon boats, canoes, sailboats, watermice, bicycles and surrey bikes.

The food court had a pretty large variety of foods to choose from. At breakfast, you will find breakfast meats, Mickey waffles, omelets, fresh baked items, etc. At lunch and dinner, you will find pizza, pasta, salads, deli sandwiches, burgers, chicken strips (kids meals come in a sand pail they can keep), rotissiere chicken, veggies, etc. The food court area was always clean and well maintained.

The store was larger than I expected. Lots of Caribbean themed items and the typical Disney merchandise. Our first purchase? An autograph book and pen. No need to wait until we got to the park to purchase them.

There is also an arcade at Old Port Royale.

The main pool is designed to look like an old fort with water cannons and a slide. There is hot tub nearby. A hair wrap station is located near the main pool too.

Order a tropical drink from Banana Cabana and sip it under one of the many umbrella tables.

Mousekeeping was great. They came in and cleaned every day. They replinished the linens, towels and washcloths, toiletries and coffee. We received four towel animals during our 10 day stay.

The bus service was efficient. We never waited long for a bus. Sometimes, there were two and three buses loading and unloading at once. Because the CBR is so centrally located, it never took us long to get to any destination.

Oh yeah....the rooms at the CBR are 340 square feet whereas the other moderates are 314. When you get all your stuff in the room, you'll be glad you have the extra space.

Have a great trip no matter where you decide to stay! Lisa

 

[MimiofOlivia]

Thanks for the replies. I have it narrowed down to either CSR or CBR. I like the Caribbean theming of CBR but like the fact that CSR is new and some say has the most upscale feel of the mods. The only downside is the theming. I live near San Antonio so I see the Spanish architecure all the time. We are planning to spend more time at the resort this trip and maybe only one day in a park. Hoping to hear from someone who has stayed at both that can tell me their favorite and why. Thanks again!

 

[mickeystoontown]

We are from Louisiana and that's why we choose not to stay at either of the Port Orleans resorts. I just don't think we would enjoy the theming as well as others. We live in a log home. Our furniture is handcrafted and rustic. We live on several acres of land. The Mardi Gras parade is a yearly thing. They even shut the schools down for it. Etc. Etc. Etc.

I think that's part of the reason we enjoy the CBR so much. We don't get to see beaches and hear Caribbean music every day.

 

[yecats]

Like Mickeystoontown stated above, I too live in Louisiana and see the french quarter, rustic cajun and antebellum homes on a nearly daily basis so when I go on vacation it is usually something I try to avoid (ie. you with the southwest theming).

CSR and CBR are very similar in the fact of size and layout to a degree around a lake. It has been a decade since I last stayed at CBR but MickeysTT did a wonderful job of describing the place. The theming can take you away and due to the size of the resort you may feel like you have some space to yourself and can certainly enjoy the beach scene and pool areas as well as nice walks around the property.

My favorite though is CSR (of course I don't look at the spanish theming everyday of my life). Everytime that I have stayed there I have always had a wonderful vacation. Some people call CSR a mod plus as the difference inbetween CSr and CBR is that CSR has room service, some spa and massage services, salon, fitness center and a larger pool/slide and hot tub area which is both larger and IMO better than CBR's (mainly because CSR is newer and Disney knew which areas to improve on by the time they built this). Additionally, CSR has two dining options: Maya Grill - sit down restaurant; Pepper Market - order placed at service areas and seating in a general area. The Pepper Market has the most food options available of any of the Disney resorts. There is also hammocks all around the lake area and a beach area as well. There are several large quiet pools which each have a laundry facility close to them as well. You can also rent bikes and several different boats in the lake. I do enjoy the feeling there and have used most all of CSR services (massage, salon, pools and restaurants) and I don't have anything bad to say about the resort services. The only downside that I can list is this is a convention resort so you will see in some areas the dressed up conventioners and the resort is quite a walk around if you don't catch a bus to the front or the internal shuttle (of course if your not doing the parks then the walk shouldn't really bother you).

Truly either way I think you will have a wonderful vacation.

 

[minnie61650]

mod vs. mod.


'CBR is 340 square feet and the other mods are 314.

They are basically laid out the same but CSR only has 1 sink (the other have 2 sinks.)
CSR does not have a luggage seat.


Here is the layout of POR:

POR room lay out

Room size Comparison:

Pop Century/All Stars-260 Square Feet
CS, POR/POFQ-314 SF
Caribbean Beach-340 SF
Wilderness Lodge-344 SF
AKL-344 SF
Yacht/Beach-381 SF
Boardwalk-385 SF
Polynesian-409 SF
Contemporary-436 SF
Grand Floridian-about 400-440SF
Ft Wilderness Cabins-504 SF
Family suites at All Star Music -520 SF
__________________


POFQ is not as spread out as the other mods or the values.


POR CBR and CSR are very spread out.


The mods have pool slides, a hot tub and a sit down restaurant (POFQ doses not have a sit down restaurant but shares with POR.)

POFQ and POR are concidered sister resorts so they share pools.

When staying at one of these resorts you can use the other resort's pool.
You can also refill your refillable mug at either of the food courts.


Some of the rooms at POR in the AB section have a trundle bed and can sleep 5.

---------------------------------------------------------
Transportation.


CBR has 7 bus stops.
CSR has 4 bus stops.
PO has 5 stops. 1st stop POFQ then 4 stops at POR.
POFQ & POR do have a boat to DTD.

---------------------------------------------
Elevators

CBR does not have elevators.

CSR does have elevators

Pofq does have elevators

POR has elevators in the mansions

POR does not have elevators in the AB section

-----------------------------------------------------

Have fun at Disney wherever you chose to stay!

 

[LIOs]

I'm very partial to POR if you were bringing kids, but for a couple, CBR provides great nightly walks on the boardwalk.

It is also walking distance from EPCOT World Showcase which is also an excellent place for couples in the evening.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Thanks for the replies. I have it narrowed down to either CSR or CBR. I like the Caribbean theming of CBR but like the fact that CSR is new and some say has the most upscale feel of the mods. The only downside is the theming. I live near San Antonio so I see the Spanish architecure all the time. We are planning to spend more time at the resort this trip and maybe only one day in a park. Hoping to hear from someone who has stayed at both that can tell me their favorite and why. Thanks again!

I would say POFQ, however, since you have narrowed it down, I would vote for CSR!

 

[MrsMud]

I'm very partial to POR if you were bringing kids, but for a couple, CBR provides great nightly walks on the boardwalk.

It is also walking distance from EPCOT World Showcase which is also an excellent place for couples in the evening.

LIOs, I respectfully have to question your post, I think you are referring to the Beach Club at the boardwalk, and the OP is asking about the Caribbean Beach Resort. Easy mistake, I don't want the OP to get confused.

 

[ShellyMouse]

we stayed at CSR in december.....we loved it!

my mom and i are doing a girls only trip in september, staying at CBR.....it looks beautiful! can't wait

either way, you will have a great time!

 

[Raincrow]

My vote goes to CSR ,but if the Southwest theming bores you ,try PO/FQ... CSR in October..

 

[WVParkfan]

We have stayed at both and loved both. However, if I were to choose, I would pick Coronado Springs for a couple of reasons:

- CSR has a much, much better pool and pool slide.
- CSR pool bar is better than pool bar at CBR. Same choices, but more fun (festive theming and music), and more room. More seats in the shade, too.
- CSR is newer and the rooms (inside and out) seem nicer. However, our room at CBR was a corner room and was significantly bigger.
- CBR did NOT feel like we were in the Caribbean. It was a great resort, but did not have what I would call an "Island" feel. So, don't base your decision to stay there on the theme.
- CSR lake is better for boating. It is larger and deeper.
- CSR has the BEST foodcourt. CBR was comparable to the values. The Pepper Market at CSR is incredible.
- CSR also has conventions, which can be a good thing. In other words, not everyone at the resort will be trying to get on the bus the next morning to go to the parks. Thus, it is usually less crowded on the busses.

In conclusion, we would pick Coronado Springs Resort over Caribbean Beach. But, we would honestly be happy to stay anywhere on Disney property.

 

[MimiofOlivia]

MrsMud, I did wonder about the proximity of CBR to Epcot and the boardwalk after LIOs post but see now that it was an oversight. We have stayed at the Beach Club before and realized this must be the one he/she was referring to.

Again, I thank everyone for their posts and the edge goes to CSR. I think this is the one we will choose and while I am there we will visit CBR and maybe stay there on a future trip. We have stayed at POFQ before, and visited POR. I am basing my decision for CSR on pictures I have seen and all the positive posts!

 

[tinawv]

I have never stayed at the CSR, but have stayed at the CBR and enjoyed our stay very much. We especially enjoyed viewing the fireworks from EPCOT from the beach at CBR each night. Also, the room are the largtest of all the moderates. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the moderates.