Which moderate??

[IandGsmom]

Ok I need help from all you Disney World vets...being a Disneyland person (thats a whole other discussion) my family of 4 are finally making it out next year to WDW. We can spring for a moderate but is it really better than the All Stars? I was looking at CBR or Port Orleans Riverside? Give me the good and bad please!

 

[ljsmom]

My family of 4 has stayed at both ASMo and POR. My kids loved both, but I have to say the theming at the ASMo was a big hit with them. I guess it depends on how old your children are. The rooms at the ASMo are small. It was very tight for our family (I had a porta crib set up in the room). The walls are also very thin. We had a room in the Toy Story Courtyard and all night we could hear people outside. Rooms at POR are more private.
The pool at ASMo is nice, but the one at POR is MUCH better. ASMo has no slide.

If it were me I would spring for the moderate. Although I don't think the rooms are much larger, there are more amenities (bike and boat rentals for instance). The ASMo served its purpose for just $60/night, but I don't think we will stay there again.

I have not stayed at any other moderates but have stayed at the Poly. If I was asked if it was worth the extra money between POR and the Poly I would say definetely NOT. We had a horrible experience at the Poly.

Hope this helps, and have a great time.

 

[daannzzz]

I am from California and went to Disneyland many, many times until m,y first trip to Walt Disney World in 1996. It is awesome, like Disneyland but in a nice green setting and something like 80 times as large! I have stayed at lots of the Diusney hotels and all of the moderates. You should be happy at either one of the moderates you have on your list.
Both of them are large and spread out but POR is a bit easier to get around. Carribean beach is much more colorful and festive. They expansive views across the lake are nice and the rooms are bigger. At Port Orleans Riverside there are lots and lots of trees. The alligator Bayou area is in a forest and the mansion homes are full of formal gardens and walkways.
Both food courts are good and the transportation is about the same. Which theme works best for you is the question you need to answer.

 

[sandee]

There is very little difference in room sizes between a mod. and an All Star. All Star pools were nice but no slide, however if you are going to one of the water parks the slide isn't that big a deal. My DGrD just turned 11. She has been going to DW 2x a year since she was 5 and has stayed in all the AS and moderates. She prefers the ASMo or ASMu. The FQ- RS has very pretty bldgs., but the AS resorts look like they were designed by a kid with a very active imagination...kids love them. I also prefer the AS food courts and bus service. You could get a zillion different opinions about this.... whatever you decide on, I'm sure you'll have a great time!!

 

[Buzz2001]

If you like a mexican themed resort with great transportation and an awesome pool area, CSR may be the place for you. Check out my website below.

Good luck deciding but more importantly, have a great trip!

Epcotfan Review

 

[love the magic]

I have been to Disneyworld 17 times in the last 20 or so years and have stayed at both moderate and budget resorts. I think that the biggest determining factor for me is taking into account how much time I'lll be spending actually IN the resort. If you plan on spending lots of time and have many "mouseketeers" on the trip, then the moderate accomodations might be in order - my favorite of those was Carriben Beach, but all reorts have their own special theming. If you plan to spend most of your time in the parks, then why waste the funds on the moderate accomodations that you really don't require or won't take advantage of? Either way, you're assured a great experience "staying" with the magic at a Disney resort! Happy Planning!

 

[Tara8595]

After staying at PORiverside and Coronado Springs, and comparing it to the All-Star Movies - I found that there just wasn't enough of a difference to warrant the extra money spent. I didn't think the rooms were that much smaller at the All-Star. When it came down to it, the biggest difference (besides theming), was that the All-star rooms have one sink and the moderates have two. Both have double beds. Both have food courts. Neither have balconies.

I went with my Mom to each and she agrees with me - (I'm 34). Even though we had no kids with us, we really liked the whimsical nature of the All-Star. I can imagine most kids would really like it.

Now, all that being said - if an opportunity arises to get a deluxe with a discount code - that's where the big difference is. Try Beach or Yacht club if you get a chance - your kids would love the pool, and the adults will love easy access to Epcot to see Illuminations any night you wish.

Tara

 

[Tara8595]

http://www.wdwig.com/faq_hot.htm - This page has links to FAQ's about all the resorts, pictures and reviews.

Of course, you can find out a lot about the resorts on the DIS boards resort FAQ threads too.

Tara