Deciding on a Moderate resort

[LaurenTheSLP]

For our trip in September I originally thought about going with the Pop value resort to save $$. Now I'm starting to lean towards a moderate resort, given that we may enjoy our time more during breaks from the parks. I'm trying to decide between POFQ, POR, and CBR. My husband would enjoy going to the pool during down time and maybe having a cocktail somewhere. Wondering how transportation to the parks varies between these two resorts, and if one is preferred over the other??

 

[Weather_Lady]

For our trip in September I originally thought about going with the Pop value resort to save $$. Now I'm starting to lean towards a moderate resort, given that we may enjoy our time more during breaks from the parks. I'm trying to decide between POFQ, POR, and CBR. My husband would enjoy going to the pool during down time and maybe having a cocktail somewhere. Wondering how transportation to the parks varies between these two resorts, and if one is preferred over the other??

I've never heard of transportation being better or worse than average at any of these resorts, although obviously CBR will get you closer to Epcot, and the Port Orleans Resorts will put you closer (and have ferry boat access) to Downtown Disney (now called Disney Springs).

To my mind, aside from the theming differences, these are some factors to consider:
- CBR has double beds. The other moderate resorts all have queen beds. If you or your DH are big or tall, the lack of queen beds at CBR might be a deal-breaker.
- POFQ is the smallest of the resorts and the easiest to walk. The others are much more spread out, and you may find yourself having walk 10 minutes or more to get to the "main" building in your resort. It will be a beautiful walk, but still...
- CBR has a well-rated main pool that is considered one of the best, but its in-room theming is often criticized as too loud and in great need of refurbishment.
- PORS and CBR have table-service restaurants. POFQ does not, although it's just a few minutes' walk down the scenic Sassagoula River path to get to PORS from POFQ.
- Although all 3 have food courts, PORS's is consistently touted as one of the best on property.
- The Port Orleans resorts offer bus service to the parks and a Sassgoula River cruise which takes you between those resorts and to DTD (Disney Springs). At CBR, you'll take a bus everywhere.
- For your DH: all 3 resorts offer a themed main pool with a pool bar. PORS and POFQ also each have a bar/lounge with live entertainment in the evening, while CBR does not.

 

[Master Yoda]

I would avoid CBR. Is still does not have queen beds, the resort is far too spread out and transportation leaves a good deal to be desired.

PORS and FQ connect to each other and you can't go wrong with either. Transportation tends to be a little better at FQ as it will have a single dedicated route during peak times. It is also much smaller making it easy to navigate and get around. Both resorts also have water access to DTD.

PORS has a great bar with entertainment provided by Yehaa Bob on select nights.

You also have great beignets in the food court at FQ.

 

[LaurenTheSLP]

I've never heard of transportation being better or worse than average at any of these resorts, although obviously CBR will get you closer to Epcot, and the Port Orleans Resorts will put you closer (and have ferry boat access) to Downtown Disney (now called Disney Springs).

To my mind, aside from the theming differences, these are some factors to consider:
- CBR has double beds. The other moderate resorts all have queen beds. If you or your DH are big or tall, the lack of queen beds at CBR might be a deal-breaker.
- POFQ is the smallest of the resorts and the easiest to walk. The others are much more spread out, and you may find yourself having walk 10 minutes or more to get to the "main" building in your resort. It will be a beautiful walk, but still...
- CBR has a well-rated main pool that is considered one of the best, but its in-room theming is often criticized as too loud and in great need of refurbishment.
- PORS and CBR have table-service restaurants. POFQ does not, although it's just a few minutes' walk down the scenic Sassagoula River path to get to PORS from POFQ.
- Although all 3 have food courts, PORS's is consistently touted as one of the best on property.
- The Port Orleans resorts offer bus service to the parks and a Sassgoula River cruise which takes you between those resorts and to DTD (Disney Springs). At CBR, you'll take a bus everywhere.
- For your DH: all 3 resorts offer a themed main pool with a pool bar. PORS and POFQ also each have a bar/lounge with live entertainment in the evening, while CBR does not.

I am leaning towards POFQ from all that I've read about it and from your comparisons! It sounds like a resort we will really enjoy. Glad to hear that the transportation system seems to run smoothly. We'd like to be at the parks for EMH, then come back to the resort for pool time/nap, then head back out for dinner/parks. Sounds like it would be easy to do this at POFQ.

 

[LaurenTheSLP]

I would avoid CBR. Is still does not have queen beds, the resort is far too spread out and transportation leaves a good deal to be desired.

PORS and FQ connect to each other and you can't go wrong with either. Transportation tends to be a little better at FQ as it will have a single dedicated route during peak times. It is also much smaller making it easy to navigate and get around. Both resorts also have water access to DTD.

PORS has a great bar with entertainment provided by Yehaa Bob on select nights.

You also have great beignets in the food court at FQ.

I also like that the two resorts connect to each other. We will probably explore DTD one evening so that is a plus!

 

[Betsyboo]

My vote is for PORS or POFQ. I've stayed at Riverside twice and enjoyed it. February will be our first trip to FQ but I've heard great things. Boat to DTD is nice.

 

[LaurenTheSLP]

Hope you enjoy your time at POFQ! I think that's what we'll do as well!

Any suggestions for a building to stay in or does it really matter?

 

[Master Yoda]

Hope you enjoy your time at POFQ! I think that's what we'll do as well!

Any suggestions for a building to stay in or does it really matter?

FQ is so small that is not a supercritical thing. Follow the normal rules like avoid poolside if you want quiet.

PORS is a good bit larger and proximity to the lobby and transportation is nice but not essential. Booking a prefered room at PORS can be a nice plus.

This website will tell you everything you could ever want to know about both PORS and FQ.

http://www.portorleans.org/backstory.php

 

[Betsyboo]

Check out portorleans.org They have complete info on buildings etc. Also, http://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/disneys-port-orleans-resort-french-quarter will give you a view from each room at FQ. Remember, they are all outside access and the view would be from your window which will also overlook a walkway.

 

[Betsyboo]

FQ is so small that is not a supercritical thing. Follow the normal rules like avoid poolside if you want quiet.

PORS is a good bit larger and proximity to the lobby and transportation is nice but not essential. Booking a prefered room at PORS can be a nice plus.

This website will tell you everything you could ever want to know about both PORS and FQ.

http://www.portorleans.org/backstory.php

We must have been typing at the same time.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Hope you enjoy your time at POFQ! I think that's what we'll do as well!

Any suggestions for a building to stay in or does it really matter?

Here's a "review" of the resort with maps with building numbers. Frankly, the buildings are all so close the main one that I don't think you can go wrong anywhere, but the review does suggest, if you are booking a standard room, Building 4, second floor, or Building 3:
http://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/02/12/review-disneys-port-orleans-french-quarter-resort-2/

 

[Bethypoo]

I used to stay at the Beach Club and decided to stay at POFQ for a couple of days on my last trip in May. I had a corner room with a king bed located near the pool. It is now my favorite resort. The noise from the pool never bothered me. I love the pool bar and hot tub. I found the bus service to be satisfactory. Enjoy your trip!

 

[LaurenTheSLP]

Looks like POFQ it is! When I book I am going to request building 4, second floor. Hope it works out!

 

[Betsyboo]

Looks like POFQ it is! When I book I am going to request building 4, second floor. Hope it works out!

Check out the section on portorleans.org about requesting rooms. I'm doing the same and following up a week before our trip. Glad you found a resort.

 

[luv]

I like them all and think you'll be happy with wherever you go. I can find good and bad points about all of them. POFQ, the only real "bad" point s that I didn't like the food court a lot. The buildings are cheerful to return to at the end of the day. The rooms aren't annoying. It's a little romantic in certain areas at night.

The water views can be pretty, too.

If you don't get enough Walking Outside Fun in the parks (unlikely), POFQ/POR is a really nice place to walk.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

For our trip in September I originally thought about going with the Pop value resort to save $$. Now I'm starting to lean towards a moderate resort, given that we may enjoy our time more during breaks from the parks. I'm trying to decide between POFQ, POR, and CBR. My husband would enjoy going to the pool during down time and maybe having a cocktail somewhere. Wondering how transportation to the parks varies between these two resorts, and if one is preferred over the other??

One of the Port Orleans resorts seems to best fit your needs, likely with FQ getting the nod.

CBR is big, dated, and the transportation was pretty slow on our last visit there.

 

[LaurenTheSLP]

Made our reservations last night! now just have to wait until I can fill up our itinerary...

 

[Marijil]

Huge fan of POR...just get preferred room...its huge