Which Moderate?

[a_sailor's_wife]

DH and I are looking at upgrading from a value (All Star Sports) to a moderate for our upcoming trip in May. After taking a look at our schedule while there, we noticed we have a lot of free time. We'll be going without DS and enjoying some couple time. What is a good moderate to stay? Any special reason?

Thanks for your help!

 

[pavil]

And loved it. It's a beautiful place, not that crowded and it didn't take long to get to any park. The only down side for some is that it is a HUGE place, you can walk quite a ways to get to the main pool or Lobby/Restaurants.

But it is the only place I know of in Disney that you can lay on a hammock on a palm tree beach sipping a nice drink and not even think you are in Disney. It's a nice break from the hectic Parks.

It's our favorite. Port Orleans is nice, but CS takes it to another level for us.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Opinions on this will vary dramatically. We've stayed at all four and here are my opinions:

My favorite moderate is POR. I really enjoy the landscaping and theming. To me, it's a very peaceful resort. I loved the early morning walks along the paths near the river, plus you can take a boat to Downtown Disney.

My least favorite moderate is CSR. Granted, you get Queen size beds there which is a big plus. However, without kids you can request a room with a king size bed in any of the moderates. We just didn't like the "feel" of the CSR when compared to the other Disney moderates. It's difficult to explain, because although it was a beautiful, well-themed resort, it just seemed a little "off". Although it's my least favorite moderate, it's a great place and I would definitely stay there again.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

But it is the only place I know of in Disney that you can lay on a hammock on a palm tree beach sipping a nice drink and not even think you are in Disney. It's a nice break from the hectic Parks.

Hammocks were also available at CBR when we stayed there.

 

[HGD24]

I love POFQ for romance! It's small and quiet and strolling the "streets", especially early in the am or at night, with your hubby by your side is just amazing! In fact, we're spending our 10th anniversary there.

 

[a_sailor's_wife]

I've been leaning towards POFQ, but all of your reviews make me want to stay at each one.

 

[HGD24]

Check out pics of each resort at allearsnet.com and see which one you find suits your tastes or the mood you want on this trip. Pics have always helped me decide.

 

[Stitch2244314]

I've been leaning towards POFQ, but all of your reviews make me want to stay at each one.

I think POFQ is a great choice! It's small, compact, has the boat to DTD, and nice overall themeing. It's just a great, relaxed resort.
My personal favorite moderate is CBR-- I just really like the whole tropical feel to it. That would be my first choice.
POR is nice too though-- fantastic food court! The theming is nice as well-- I think it can get a little boring at times, but it's still a nice resort.
We had a terrible experience at CSR, so I personally wouldn't recommend that. But I don't really think you can go wrong choosing POFQ, CBR, or POR. Good luck deciding and have a great trip!

 

[dmmichelle]

POR is more "romantic" for couples...the grounds are so beautiful for walking and they have carriage rides!!

CBR is great too...it's a bit more geared to families I think but again very beautiful grounds and they have wonderful beaches (with hammocks!) and the tropical setting is wonderful.

POR has a water taxi to Downtown Disney which is pretty cool. I don't think you can go wrong with either one!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

DH and I love CBR! It is definitely our favorite of the 3 moderates we have stayed at (CBR, POFQ, CSR). We enjoy the tropical, beautiful, romantic, quiet grounds and atmosphere. The rooms are larger than the other moderates and the CM's are very friendly & helpful! We have experienced excellent bus service at CBR. The new pool is fantastic and looks like it belongs at a deluxe resort. The marina is great and is open all year. We also enjoy relaxing on a hammock by the lake in the evening watching IllumiNations!

Good luck with your decision and have a great vacation!

 

[KatMark]

You don't say how old your son is. POFQ is the smallest of the moderates and everything is close together. The POR, CBR and CSR are all large and require walking. We've only stayed at the CSR--seven times--and we have no plan on changing--we see no reason to mess with the success we've had on our visits. And now with the new queen beds and new decor, we may never leave.

DH and I find it very "romantic" and also kid friendly (even though others will say it is more adult oriented). The POR and CBR have never appealed to us as far as their themes (although the POR has the BEST food court of the moderates); depending on the age of your son you might enjoy the CBR with the new Nemo and pirate rooms.

 

[a_sailor's_wife]

You don't say how old your son is. POFQ is the smallest of the moderates and everything is close together. The POR, CBR and CSR are all large and require walking. We've only stayed at the CSR--seven times--and we have no plan on changing--we see no reason to mess with the success we've had on our visits. And now with the new queen beds and new decor, we may never leave.

DH and I find it very "romantic" and also kid friendly (even though others will say it is more adult oriented). The POR and CBR have never appealed to us as far as their themes (although the POR has the BEST food court of the moderates); depending on the age of your son you might enjoy the CBR with the new Nemo and pirate rooms.

Our DS won't be joining us on this trip. We're in much need of an adults only trip.

 

[KatMark]

Our DS won't be joining us on this trip. We're in much need of an adults only trip.

Then I definitely recommend CSR or POFQ! Enjoy! DH and I loved our trips when the kids were young, but we also really enjoy our alone trips!

 

[a_sailor's_wife]

Then I definitely recommend CSR or POFQ! Enjoy! DH and I loved our trips when the kids were young, but we also really enjoy our alone trips!

I have to say that last year with DS who is 3, was a blast. We can't wait to take him again. However, we decided this year we needed something for us. I've been given a hard time especially by coworkers about not taking him, but he'll enjoy our other trips this summer and winter just as much.

 

[KatMark]

I have to say that last year with DS who is 3, was a blast. We can't wait to take him again. However, we decided this year we needed something for us. I've been given a hard time especially by coworkers about not taking him, but he'll enjoy our other trips this summer and winter just as much.

Good for you! Mom and Dad need to have that "special alone" time to keep the marriage healthy. DH and I would take weekend trips or trips to Vegas for four days while the boys were younger. Now, both of ours are in college, and we can go where and when we want (within certain limits because of college tuition).

Let us know what you decide.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We love CSR! It's the only mod with a spa and fitness center, and the new rooms look gorgeous. We love the theming, and it is DH's favorite resort along with the Beach Club. But I'm sure you will have a great time wherever you choose!

 

[pdchris]

For a more romantic feel, I'd vote for POFQ. It's smaller so less crowded and very relaxing.
I've stayed at CSR twice now. I like the resort including the food court. But it is pretty big and our first time, we stayed across the lake so the walk to the food court was pretty long. (KSDisneyDad - I know what you mean. I think possibly it's because it is Disney's "convention resort.")

 

[Amy&Dan]

I'd have to vote for CSR. I have stayed at and enjoy and love all four of the mods but for a couples trip, I know I'd pick CSR. It has a bit more of an adult feel (not to say its not great for kids because it is). It has things like the spa, room service and a night club. I also think the main pool is great and while I love POFQ and its very lovey, it only has one pool. That resort is very popular for people with young kids due to its compact size and smaller pool and slide. I prefer to have a resort with a quiet pool. All the other mods have those, and I think for a nice evening by the pool, a quiet pool that isn't mobbed with kids is nice. Alhtough going over to POR's pool is no big deal (about a 15 minute walk or you can take the boat). Love POR's main pool and its quiet pool. And it has the carriage rides and all those lovely grounds. Love that resort!

CBR is also great, love the tropical grounds, the six quiet pools, the beach and the hammocks. But I do think that resort with its pirate and Nemo theme is better for families. You will have to take your son there someday to stay in a pirate room!

So you can't make a bad choice, they all four have so much to offer! And don't let people give you grief. The best gift you can give your son is a healthy relationship between his mom and dad! And at 3, he won't remember this trip later on anyway, so go and enjoy yourselves. WDW will be there for more family trips in the future.

 

[mmtska]

I vote CSR I'm seriously so excited about staying there.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Did you have a chance to check out the All Ears net rate and review section? All 4 moderates received fairly comparable ratings ranging from a low of 8.02 to a high of 8.69 on a scale of 1 to 10. The two higher rated moderates are very comparable in their ratings to most of the Deluxe resorts.