Which moderates typically include FD/room discounts

[mrsgthatsme]

We had decided on POFQ for our November trip with our two kids,my brother and my parents. However, since we learned about the potential of free dining during that time as well as the fact that FQ is not ever included in that promo, I am wondering if we should consider booking something else. Is POR usually included in FD? What other moderates would you suggest for five adults and 2 kids (ages 6 and 9)? We loved the idea of FQ's smaller size (less walking for the kids after a long day at the parks) and one bus stop.

Also, does FQ usually participate in the percentage off sales, or no promos at all? Thanks!

 

[ontheuptick]

You won't know which resorts have FD until it's announced unfortunately. It used to be all mods, then a few years ago POFQ dropped off and I think last year POR dropped off as well. So, last year it was just CBR and CSR available for FD.

My personal opinion is that you should absolutely consider FD. By most all accounts, the Moderate resorts are very close in value and "best of" rankings. Depending on what is important to you, one may be slightly ahead of the others. But, the difference between one vs another is definitely not enough to overcome getting FD vs not getting it.

Personally, I would have POFQ as my last place moderate resort.

 

[loves to dive]

I wouldn't plan around it, you can always rebook later. Personally, I'd run the numbers, often free dining ends up costing more than if you got a room discount and paid out of pocket. You also have to take into account how your family eats, the dining plan "free" or otherwise, is not always right for everyone.

 

[Lee & Kerry]

POFQ used to do FD but not as of the last few years, they do have had a 25% discount every once in a while. CBR has had free dining the last few years, as well as CSR. We like scoring the free dinning more then the discounts on rooms. CBR has a nice resort and we have found the buses to and from the park are just fine. CSR is nice also and although they had a convention there when we stayed there last time and that kinda sucked, very busy. FQ is by far the nicest and has the best ambiance.

 

[ontheuptick]

FQ is by far the nicest and has the best ambiance.

Incredibly subjective. Personally, I would wholeheartedly disagree and would rank it lowest of the Mods. But that's subjective.

What I do know is that none of the mods are "by far the nicest". They are all close in many ways.

 

[Lee & Kerry]

Incredibly subjective. Personally, I would wholeheartedly disagree and would rank it lowest of the Mods. But that's subjective.

What I do know is that none of the mods are "by far the nicest". They are all close in many ways.

Well I guess I should have said in my and my families opinion, as I would believe that is what most people in in do comment on. As I see your opinion that I won't comment on.

 

[mrsgthatsme]

I appreciate all of your input. Good to know there are multiple good options in the moderate category. I would personally strongly consider a room discount over the FD, simply because we originally planned on getting some groceries and doing breakfast and dinner in the room and lunch at a restaurant, so we would not save as much as a family buying all meals at the park. However, the room discount will not be a sure thing, obviously. Trying to decide if we should book FQ since it was initially our top pick, or go for POR or CBR assuming our odds would be better for a promo with one of those....

 

[dansdad]

I appreciate all of your input. Good to know there are multiple good options in the moderate category. I would personally strongly consider a room discount over the FD, simply because we originally planned on getting some groceries and doing breakfast and dinner in the room and lunch at a restaurant, so we would not save as much as a family buying all meals at the park. However, the room discount will not be a sure thing, obviously.

Neither is Free Dining. Lately the way WDW is scaling back the discounts, nothing is a sure thing.

Trying to decide if we should book FQ since it was initially our top pick, or go for POR or CBR assuming our odds would be better for a promo with one of those....

I would see what the room only discounts are and what resorts are available for Free Dining when they are released and then book. It is of ZERO advantage to have a reservation already booked when discounts come out. You still have to call and fight the masses to snag a room that included in the discount.

 

[JRennie]

POFQ used to do FD but not as of the last few years, they do have had a 25% discount every once in a while. CBR has had free dining the last few years, as well as CSR. We like scoring the free dinning more then the discounts on rooms. CBR has a nice resort and we have found the buses to and from the park are just fine. CSR is nice also and although they had a convention there when we stayed there last time and that kinda sucked, very busy. FQ is by far the nicest and has the best ambiance.

I agree that FQ is the nicest! I've stopped in and toured the others and FQ seems the most relaxed and best themed in my opinion and I love the compact size of the resort!