Why Pick Moderate Over Value?

[middlega]

After staying at both Values (AS-Mo, AS-Mu) and Moderates (CS) on numerous previous visits, our last trip was PO-FQ ... and all I can say is "Wow".

As several others have said, the biggest difference between Val & Mod is atmosphere, but a close second IMO is the quality of the transportation service. Shorter lines/less crowded both coming & going -- That difference alone made our PO-FQ stay far & away the most enjoyable of our 8 visits (7 on-site).

As they say "your mileage may vary" -- certainly the bump from Val to Mod isn't a guarantee of the same luck (as one nightmarish trip spent at Coronado Springs can attest), but it's definitely better odds IMO.

I'll also say this -- we're about to book another visit for October, and I've just about convinced my wife to take another turn at PO-FQ instead of GF.

 

[Madi100]

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I'm thinking that a mod. would be great for our trip. Of course, one of two promotions needs to happen. Hopefully, it's mine. DH's will happen eventually. Mine is a one time thing. Thanks again!

 

[*Fantasia*]

We always enjoy our stay at the value resorts. but during winter, I would prefer to stay at the moderates, they have hot tubs there. Other than that, I really don't mind the value resorts. It just gives us more spending money.

 

[clkelley]

We normally stay at Values. I absolutely love the fact that I can walk to the food court first thing in the AM, grab something quick, then get to the bus stop. Most of the moderates are too spread out to do that easily, except for POFQ.

We tried POFQ for my son's graduation trip in May. I loved it!!! It has a compact layout, a great pool, a hot tub, wonderful atmosphere, and just a great laid back feel to it!!

My teenage boys, however said they want the All-Stars!! They love the fact that the sports/cheerleader groups are there. Lots of other teens for pickup games in the courtyards, and in the pools. On a trip a couple of years ago, the boys even went to Wide World of Sports to watch a softball game of some friends they met.

Will I stay at a moderate again?? Probably, but only if it is less than $100 a night and only if it is adults only.

Carol

 

[DisneyKidds]

for the atomosphere is it worth the extra money?

Absolutely.......ABSOLUTELY...........ABSOLUTELY

Should I say that again? .

IMHO, and I've debated this at length with many a person, PO Riverside is everything that a WDW resort experience should be, while the values are little more than a wonderful opportunity to stay in a nice hotel in the middle of WDW (not that that is chopped liver ).

Let me elaborate, and hopefully keep from getting flamed by those who love the values.

Disney has been, and always will be, about themeing. It's about experiences. It's about details. It's about options. These are all things that the moderates, and POR in particular, have in abundance over the values. Yes, the valuse are cheap. Yes, they have neat Disney based decorations (note I didn't say theme ), they have great food courts, and they are fun....but that's it, IMHO, not that that isn't a lot. We've stayed at the All Stars, and it has a lot to offer. The moderates just have so much more.

Take POR. The first thing that strikes you is the incredible themeing. You are taken back in time to the old south. The main building is just the start. You have the whole central port and marina area...very well done with the docks, the bridge, the water wheel, etc.. You can meander over to Old Man Island, where the pool is very interesting and fun to sit by.......perhaps relax and have a drink at the pool side bar. Then you can venture further. You can wander past the sprawling mansions of the old south, or adventure through the bayous and back woods. Take a pleasant stroll along the river, watch children fish, watch the boats go by....it's beautiful. And that's just the start. Don't feel like being by the main pool at Old Man Island? Take your pick of the beautiful quiet pools. Want a horse and buggy ride....go grab one for a reasonable $30 bucks or so. Want to head to DTD or PI...hop a boat for a pleasant ride. Rent a bike and explore the river down to POFQ. Maybe wear your bathing suit and try the pool over there, or just take in the atmosphere of New Orleans. Want a quick bite... the food court is great. In the mood for an adult sit down meal in a nice restaurant, you can do that too. There are just sooo many options, all adding to the incredible atmosphere and wonderful themeing. That is what Disney does best, and it's DEFINITELY worth $40 a nite more if you can swing it. To me, a stay at POR is an experience in and of itself, in addition to the experience of being in WDW and going to the parks. For me, the values are more of a gateway to the experience of being in WDW and going to the parks, but aren't necessarily a big experience of their own. Walking around them is interesting, what with the neat decorations and all, but it certainly doesn't provide you with everything that a resort like POR does.

Sure, the room at a moderate isn't that much better than the values, although it is larger. But it isn't the room that you are paying the extra for. Try POR and you won't be disappointed.

 

[Mortlives]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
Absolutely.......ABSOLUTELY...........ABSOLUTELY
<Much wisdom snipped because it's right above>.

ITA. We love POR, although we're not done trying different resorts. We will definitely be returning to POR though, and probably fairly often.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

 

[DisneyKidds]

ITA. We love POR, although we're not done trying different resorts. We will definitely be returning to POR though, and probably fairly often.

IMHO PO Riverside, or Dixie Landings as I still like to call it , is the best themed of all the moderates. But trying them all is a lot of fun. Coronado Springs is great as well. Come to think of it, Caribbean Beach ain't no slouch either ..........but POR is the moderate we're drawn back to when we have the need to add a night to one of our DVC stays.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I just had to jump in on this one!

and I'll ditto Disneykidds: Absolutely, absolutely, ABSOLUTELY!!!

But now I'll add my own .02 As opposed to many who love POR I prefer POFQ - I like the quaintness, the theme and most of all, being the FIRST BUS STOP to and from anywhere!!

Now, I have never stayed at POR (and I still think of it as Dixie Landings too) - only becasue when I walked around the Mansions they were in dire need of refurbishment and it was a turn off. Post refurb maybe I'd feel differently.

Although my room/where to stay preference is POFQ I far prefer the gift shop at POR and Boatwright's(sp?)...the two resorts are lovely and well worth an upgrade from a value.

BUT if a value means the difference between being able to go or not then I'd stay at the POP again, 50's building, lake view (which means Illuminations view as well) - or 50's building pool view. Short walk from the food court, check-in, etc and a pool is right outside your door, so to speak.

It is always difficult for me to choose a resort - I also love the CRB (Martinique before it was "preferred").
This time the disney cr cd will get a workout because it's the Poly...and yet, I still "kinda" wish I'd be staying at POFQ or POR!!!

<sigh>