So conflicted...which moderate resort?

[Heatherly30]

I thought that I had narrowed it down to Coronado or Caribbean, but they have the two lowest ratings of the moderate resorts on Trip Advisor. The pics of the Port Orleans resorts on the Disney website must not do them justice. They look old and run down, but they have the highest ratings on Trip Advisor. French Quarter is 41/390 and Riverside is 62/390.

Are these two just as kid friendly as the other resorts? Good water slides and pools?

What makes the Port Orleans resorts better than the other moderate resorts?

 

[WishandDream]

We have been trying to figure out the same this. Right now we are leaning toward POFQ. I think it really comes down to what your situation is. We are all adults and I heard that POFQ can be better for groups of adults. I would think that they are all the same quality-wise. Maybe it just comes downt to what amenities your group needs.

 

[disneychic71]

Many people seem to prefer POFQ because it is the smallest of the mods, so nothing is far away. Also, it is beautifully themed, kid-friendly and has an awesome pool. I would definitely recommend it. POR did not really ring any bells for me, but we were pretty far from the food court area (which was excellent) and didn't use the pool because it was too cold when we were there. It looks like a great pool, however, with a fun slide. I personally always liked the CBR for its tropical theming, beautiful grounds and great pool and food court. I haven't stayed there in many years, however, so I guess it must have gone downhill from all the negative posts I've read. Good luck!

 

[Heatherly30]

Anyone know how far of a walk it is from the Pirate Theme Rooms to the food court/bus stop?

 

[DisneyJoe]

Anyone know how far of a walk it is from the Pirate Theme Rooms to the food court/bus stop?

To the food court - FAR! I stayed at CBR twice, the second time in Trinidad South - we were sooo far from everything, I swore I would only go back to CBR if we were not in that set of buildings.

here is one map
http://allears.net/acc/cbrmap3.jpg

and another
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/cbrmap.htm

Each island has its own bus stop, so that isn't an issue.

 

[hawkwood]

We have stayed at Coronado, Caribbean Beach, and POR. We've enjoyed our stays at all three, though I would have to say that we enjoyed POR the most. It our favorite theming of all the resorts we have stayed at thus far. I would say it is kid friendly, with a cool pool and slide, and the kids' pirate cruise is available here (extra cost).

I have not been over to the French Quarter side (we were on a tight schedule that weekend with several passholder events), but you can walk over to it. The two sections are separated by a canal, with a couple of foot bridges connecting them.

If I were to choose, POR would definitely be my first choice.

 

[mike stallings]

POR is one of our favorites

 

[Heatherly30]

Ok, so I have taken a look at other sites with pics of POR, and I am seeing why others love it. Magnolia Terrace seems to be the most central location...right?

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

I thought that I had narrowed it down to Coronado or Caribbean, but they have the two lowest ratings of the moderate resorts on Trip Advisor. The pics of the Port Orleans resorts on the Disney website must not do them justice. They look old and run down, but they have the highest ratings on Trip Advisor. French Quarter is 41/390 and Riverside is 62/390.

Are these two just as kid friendly as the other resorts? Good water slides and pools?

What makes the Port Orleans resorts better than the other moderate resorts?

Ahhh exactly my thoughts!

I made a thread about Port Orleans not too long ago, asking what is so appealing to guests when I find it kind of dark and depressing. I don't know what the appeal is...everyone said they love it and are very happy staying there. You must have to generally like the main theme of it, which I personally do not take to.

I've stayed at Coronado and loved it. You'll probably be happy there.

 

[Dwarful]

I don't know how many people or the ages in your group..but we stayed at Coronado Springs Christmas 2006 and once was enough for us. Our rooms were close to the main area..food, bus, front desk, etc., with that said...we were a walk and a half from the Dig Site and never once during our 10 day stay did we see any 'golf carts' for a 'complimentary lift' to the pool area. Also, we weren't that thrilled with the food court area. But if you were all adults it might be perfect for you.

 

[SchultzFamily]

We have only stayed at the Coronado (CSR) and have no desire to try any of the others (although we would stay at POFQ if CSR was not available, but never at the other two--the themeing and the Nemo/Pirate thing just don't do a thing for us). We've had seven nearly perfect stays at the CSR and are booked for trip number eight in September. If you do a search, you can find all the wonderful things we love about CSR (including the new queen beds and the new decor). Or feel free to pm me with any specific questions.

 

[disneygirl1]

Haven't stayed at POR before so I can not comment on that resort, but have stayed ay both CB and CSR and Hands down both myself and 7 year old son enjoyed CSR better. We just stayed at CSR again this past December and had a wonderful stay. Our room was located in the Casitas and was a central location for the food court and buses.

 

[Heatherly30]

I booked our trip! I decided on Port Orleans Riverside. I think we'll be happy there. We would probably be happy at any of them, so I just went with what ranked better on Trip Advisor. Now I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that we get in the Magnolia Terrace!

 

[Stellajack]

I booked our trip! I decided on Port Orleans Riverside. I think we'll be happy there. We would probably be happy at any of them, so I just went with what ranked better on Trip Advisor. Now I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that we get in the Magnolia Terrace!

I was waiting to see what your decision would be and hoping it would be POR since you have not stayed there. This is absolutely my favorite resort. The pix you looked at may have given it a "run down" look, but boy are you going to be pleasantly surprised (especially when you enter the Lobby and Guest Registration area)!

Magnolia Terrace is absolutely beautiful and you will love this resort. Have a great time! Take a walk around this resort at night and just take it all in.:wave:

 

[Heatherly30]

thanks stellajack! i feel good about our choice! we're super excited!

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I've been to Coronado Springs Resort three times and have had great experiences each time. I highly recommend it. My favorite section is the cabanas section. Request that section if you can.

 

[WDWRLD]

POR and POFQ are great....Its the only mod that offers a water taxi to a destination. I personally like POR better.

 

[scarpiapiano]

POR was the first Disney resort we stayed at in '92 (it was called Dixie Landings back then). We Loved It!!! We hadn't been married 2 years yet and we still think of that '92 trip as our honeymoon. When you get up early to take advantage of EMH and walk to the bus stop, the fog is just lifting off the river. No one seems to mention how romantic this resort is but my wife and I have a real soft spot in our hearts for POR. I hope your stay is as magical as ours was 17 years ago!

 

[gettingsmaller]

I've only stayed at POR and All-Star Music. With 5 people, POR is our most economical choice. The pool there is fine--my kids (5,7,9) loved it.
There are many details about the OP that we don't have... how many people? Ages? length of stay? Touring style?

We go to the parks pretty much from open to close. So, it's really an effort to make it to the pool. We don't do a lot of hanging around the resort (no time in the morning, and too tired at night).
I don't know that any of them have a slide that I would consider very exciting...
If you want to spend a lot of time at a pool and experience good slides, you might want to check into the water parks. We loved Typhoon Lagoon... Spent a fair amount of time just playing in the sand. Well, as I said, there's lots of missing info, and what you would choose depends on a lot--from personal preferences to practical concerns.
As for being "run down", well, maybe you're just seeing the theming. POR is designed to look like mansions on one end and slowly progress to bayou shacks on the other end. It's a down-home, Dixie kind of feel. So, it intentionally has a "rustic" theme. HOWEVER, just because it's intentional doesn't mean that it's "your thing". So, again, personal preference plays a part there...

We enjoyed POR for the small amounts of time that we actually spent at the resort. The food court is nice--a number of choices there. Also, if you're on the dining plan, it's a great place to use snacks for milkshakes:slurp:. Also, it has an area with a TV, crayons, etc.. So, the kids can go mess around while you eat in relative peace...

 

[cpeterstx]

I personally love the POR. It feels more quiet and "removed" so it's a great place to relax. Now, if you're looking for more energy and excitement, then I think the others might be a better fit. Ultimately, you can't go wrong...because your at WDW!!!