Which Resort?

[cl1067]

We are planning a trip to WDW in early Dec 2004. We are traveling with me, my husband, our two girls (ages 3 & 8), my parents, and my brother (age 24). My Dad thinks we should stay at the Carribean Beach (we have gone twice before and stayed here), but this time, I'm pushing for the Pop Century. It's new and looks like fun and I read the FAQ thread on it and it sounds as if its convienent to everything. However, if paying for the moderate resort is worth it, I have no problem doing that.

Do you think the moderate resorts are worth the upcharge?

 

[safetymom]

How much time will you be at the resort or in your room? If you spend a lot of time at the resort then I would go with a moderate. Also the rooms are a little larger.

I think you will be fine at either resort.

 

[JMD]

I think the moderate resorts are worth the extra money. The value resorts are always crowded. There are always long lines at the food courts and bus stops, and the rooms are smaller.

With a larger party I would stay at a moderate.

 

[spiceycat]

I have at almost all the WDW resort and I loved the Pop Century - this is a fun place - but also has a romantic side - reminded me more of the moderates than All Stars.

I really enjoyed my stay here.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I stay at the Value resorts cause they are more fun for my kids ages 5 and 6 POP looks pretty cool but we are at movies sincemy kids won't "get" POP.

One thing to keep in mind about Dec is check and make sure its not during the Cheerleading competition because the values will be loaded with teenage girls being teenage girls.

 

[FOV]

My husband and I love the Port Orleans FQ but my kids choice is the AS Movies. We usually go with my parents and get a connecting room which gives us enough space. On our last trip my kids were 2, 4 & 8.

The Pop Century looks like fun!

Only drawback we have found at the values is that there isn't a water slide in the pool.

 

[katiemegcz]

My family and I have stayed at AS Movies, AS Music, AS Sports, POR (when it was called Dixie Landings, and after the name change), and the Poly. POR was by far our favorite, and well worth extra money. I have never been to Pop Century, but hear it is really nice.

When we stayed at the AS resorts, 2/3 times we got a room that was comfortable, except for one notable exception...With 2 kids, a bathtub is essential. Those two times, at the same price, we only got a shower stall. It was spacious, and had a seat and pull-down shower head, but my toddler was terrified of the shower, and my 5 year old wanted nothing to do with it. I don't know if they have those at Pop Century, but if you go there, ask ahead-we payed the same price, and were not told that it was a possibility. One more drawback to the value resorts were the crowds, and the difficulty getting on the bus. It seemed like longer waits, more strollers to get on board, etc.

One thing worth mentioning at POR...In Alligator Bayou, many of the rooms have a trundle bed. If your kids are like mine, and end up fighting over covers and waking each other up, having the trundle was great!

 

[motaei]

IMHO - I think moderat is worth it. I looked at both when I first was planning our vacation. Because of a budget, I immediately started looking at the All-Stars. However after discussion with DH, we both decided we could never deal with the large icons & accompanying interior. It was well worth it for us to upgrade to the moderate for the ambiance alone, not to mention the hot tub & pool slide (my kids are a little too big for the playground - 9 & 11). The $ upgrade from value to moderate is nowhere near the $ upgrade from moderate to deluxe, so I feel the extra $ is worth it to stay at a moderate.

PS - yes I know my tag says I stayed at YC, but I got it (on a fluke) for the same price as the mod.

 

[Nolcrest]

Since there is a range of ages going, I would consider a moderate if it is possible. Po would be my choice - either FQ (which my parents loved) or PoR. There is something for everyone there. The kids'll love the pool. The adults will enjoy the boat to DTD. I understand they also offer a carriage ride. If you stay at FQ it's small enough to navigate. POR is very relaxing and offers fishing. I say look into PO. FQ or Riverside - you can't go wrong.