Which moderate?

[sbkline]

My wife and I have stayed at POR twice...the only times we have stayed on property. Each time, we left our son at home with Grandma, as we deemed him too little to take. Next year, Lord Willin', we hope to take him on his first trip to WDW (his first vacation anywhere, for that matter), and we also plan to take the new baby, who is due in a couple months. Even though I called more than a year out to book the room (a week or so ago), the regular rooms at Carribbean Beach were all booked up and all that was available was Pirate rooms. Initially, I went ahead and took that, but the wife and I were not too thrilled about a Pirate room, especially for 30 bucks more per night, so I called the next day and switched to Coronado Springs, which is another one I have been interested in trying out someday.

So now, with more than a year to go, we have plenty of time to decide whether to keep Coronado, keep calling back and trying to find an opening at CBR, or maybe returning to POR. We love POR, but I hate to go down multiple times and only stay at the same resort when there are so many others to try. On the other hand, we could return to POR and do it different by staying at Alligator Bayou this time rather than the mansions. My biggest beef with POR was the ungodly long lines at the parks for the return buses. We would see very small lines for the other resorts, with one bus picking up everyone in line, whereas in the POR lines, it may take 3 buses before it is our turn. And I'm leary of doing that again with a 10 month old and an almost 4 year old. And my wife thinks French Quarter is tacky and refuses to consider that one. LOL

So, let's hear which one y'all would pick. This is the chance to give a plug for your favorite moderate and maybe open my eyes to something that I may not have thought of in regards to a particular resort. If you were in my place, which one would you pick?

 

[donvincenzo]

Can I ask why your wife thinks FQ is tacky? I, and I think many others on here, think it's the best of the moderates. I know not the response you were looking for, but I was really curious. If you could convince her, I would recommend trying it...

 

[Jessie&Buzz]

I love POFQ. I didn't think it was tacky at all. It was very quiet and beautiful. We went back to the room 2 days for afternoon naps since my daughter wasn't feeling well. There didn't seem to be any other people around. It was so peaceful.

 

[sbkline]

Can I ask why your wife thinks FQ is tacky? I, and I think many others on here, think it's the best of the moderates. I know not the response you were looking for, but I was really curious. If you could convince her, I would recommend trying it...

She just thinks it's ugly I guess. I don't know if anyone can really give a reason WHY they find something tacky...just a matter of taste, and you either like it or ya don't. I don't find it as "tacky" and ugly as she does; it's even kind of cool, but even so, it's still not what I would really want, either, although I would be more open to trying it than she would be.

 

[sbkline]

On the subject of Coronado Springs, between the Casitas, the Ranchos and the Cabanas, do all of them have regular rooms? Or is one of them exclusively suites?

 

[Master Yoda]

I have stayed at all of the moderates multiple times and have always preferred Alligator Bayou at PORS to all the rest. The rustic look of the rooms and the natural appearance of the simulated bayou landscaping IMHO provide the biggest separation from reality of any of the moderates. The layout of the resort is much better than CS or CBR in that is as nowhere near as spread out. CS is also very rapidly becoming a convention style resort. By the time you travel this conversion should nearly be complete. Not bad if you are sans kids but with a family it is not the best environment. In regards to the lines at the buses it is definitely a case of the grass is always greener syndrome. No matter what resort I stay at it seems like the others have shorter lines.

 

[donvincenzo]

She just thinks it's ugly I guess. I don't know if anyone can really give a reason WHY they find something tacky...just a matter of taste, and you either like it or ya don't. I don't find it as "tacky" and ugly as she does; it's even kind of cool, but even so, it's still not what I would really want, either, although I would be more open to trying it than she would be.

Fair enough. lol. Like Master Yoda, I've also stayed at POR in the Alligator Bayou section, and I liked that too.

 

[javs4evas1298]

My husband and I spent two weeks in disney in January/Feb. The first week we stayed at Coronado and then we switched over to Riverside for the second. I had never stayed in anything other than a value resort but when he was younger he stayed in Riverside and loved it. He stayed in Coronado years ago, back when it first opened and did not like it. We decided to give it a try since it wasn't new anymore and they were able to work out all the kinks. We made sure to end the trip at Riverside because we knew we would not be disappointed with it. We were both very disappointed with Coronado. Although it is a beautiful resort and has nice rooms, it is geared toward conventions and we felt like we did not fit in. There were always people talking business and well, who wants to hear that when on vacation? Also, we were very disappointed with the Pepper Market. The food was expensive (restaurant not owned by disney) and in my opinion not very good. In the week we stayed there we ate at the Pepper Market twice. It was good they had the Cafe Rix though, although there were few selections it was a little better priced and something to grab quickly on the way to the room after a day in the parks. Not sure if you have to deal with this in the summer months but we had practically no control over the temperature of the room. We both like to keep the room cool so it is nicer for sleeping. We set the thermostat to 65 which was the lowest it would go and we would come back to it being 70 and the heat on. We called the desk thinking something was wrong with it but they told us they had a heatmiser (sp?) system that controls the temp. So we were not happy with that. We were both very happy to switch over to Riverside. The food is good, the rooms were nice (and we could control the temp). The one thing that was nicer about coronado is we never had to wait in a bus line, but then again when everyone is there for a convention you dont have to worry about them going to the parks. But we did not have to wait too long for the busses at Riverside either. So overall, I would say if you are going with a family and are concerned about spending more money than you need to, stay at Riverside. Not trying to knock Coronado because some people like it, just a matter of opinion, but I just thought I would share my likes and dislikes with you. Needless to say, I am a Riverside fan

 

[polynesiangirl]

Obviously I know you said CBR was your initial choice and was booked up, so who knows if something will open up for you guys, BUT -- we've stayed there several times and always enjoy it. Also, both my husband and I had families who stayed there when we were children, and we both have fond memories of swimming in the pool! I think it's a great resort for small kids, and if that opens up that would get my vote for you, your wife, and your little ones. (And I agree with you about not doing the same thing every trip -- I may love my favorite resort, but that doesn't mean I never want to try any other ones, either.) :wave:

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR is my family favorite! I don’t know if it will work for you but pick which resort theme you like best and which resort amenities meet your family's needs. Also, check out my CSR website below for updated info and pics.

Here is just some quick info on CSR.

CSR has newly renovated rooms (about half done as of 3/2009) and queen beds (only mod to offer them).

A terrific main pool area that includes a 123 ft slide (2nd largest at WDW), kiddie pool, arcade, playground, sand volleyball court, hot tub (largest on WDW property), a bar, and snack bar (very good food for CS).

Reliable transportation that is not shared with other resorts, 4 resort stops and quick rides to all the parks. CSR has the closest bus stops to the park entrances too (first stop at DHS and MK)!

Other amenities you may be looking for in a resort.

Only moderate to offer suites.

A spa, salon, tanning beds, a lap pool and fitness center (free to its guests).

Full menu room service, expensive though.

Central air, flat panel TV’s and WiFi available.

Rix Lounge – a dance club voted most trendy bar in Orlando.

A business center with computer access.

 

[sbkline]

Thanks to everyone so far for their replies, both for and against Coronado, and regarding POR as well.

So for those who don't like Coronado because of the convention issue, I'm curious what there is about it that makes it a negative experience for you. I mean, I guess I can see how it might make the food court seem a little dull when you go in there to eat if it is full of people in suits talking business, as opposed to a room full of children laughing and people chattering about what park to do today. But besides that, is there anything else about the convention thing that makes it a less than pleasurable experience to stay there?

For those who like it, which section would you recommend out of the Cabanas, the Ranchos and the Casitas? If I wanted the shortest possible walk to BOTH the food court and the main pool (not saying I would, necessarily), which building should I request? Are all three sections available for regular rooms, or is one of them exclusively for the suites?

 

[javs4evas1298]

Thanks to everyone so far for their replies, both for and against Coronado, and regarding POR as well.

So for those who don't like Coronado because of the convention issue, I'm curious what there is about it that makes it a negative experience for you. I mean, I guess I can see how it might make the food court seem a little dull when you go in there to eat if it is full of people in suits talking business, as opposed to a room full of children laughing and people chattering about what park to do today. But besides that, is there anything else about the convention thing that makes it a less than pleasurable experience to stay there?

For those who like it, which section would you recommend out of the Cabanas, the Ranchos and the Casitas? If I wanted the shortest possible walk to BOTH the food court and the main pool (not saying I would, necessarily), which building should I request? Are all three sections available for regular rooms, or is one of them exclusively for the suites?

I don't know about anyone else but when I am on vacation, especially Disney, I do not want to feel like I should be working and it is kind of hard to not feel like that when it is all you are surrounded by. I felt out of place in my shorts and t-shirt while others were in dressy clothes. Basically I thought it had more of a work atmosphere over a vacation one. I just never felt like I was completely on vacation until I checked out of Coronado and into Riverside.But again, this is just my opinion. I know people who love it there. I'm just not one of them!

 

[accord99cutie]

Thanks to everyone so far for their replies, both for and against Coronado, and regarding POR as well.

So for those who don't like Coronado because of the convention issue, I'm curious what there is about it that makes it a negative experience for you. I mean, I guess I can see how it might make the food court seem a little dull when you go in there to eat if it is full of people in suits talking business, as opposed to a room full of children laughing and people chattering about what park to do today. But besides that, is there anything else about the convention thing that makes it a less than pleasurable experience to stay there?

For those who like it, which section would you recommend out of the Cabanas, the Ranchos and the Casitas? If I wanted the shortest possible walk to BOTH the food court and the main pool (not saying I would, necessarily), which building should I request? Are all three sections available for regular rooms, or is one of them exclusively for the suites?

I loved the fact that it was a convention center! The conventioneers (is that a word??) were never at the pool, so it was not very crowded. And since there are less families, there are less children running around and screaming, it was a very relaxing atmosphere! We have stayed in Ranchos 6A twice, I would however suggest Cabanas 9B for being close to both the front and the pool, although all of the Cabana buildings are decent distance to both, at least compared to Ranchos and Casitas. They all have regular guests rooms.

 

[sbkline]

I don't know about anyone else but when I am on vacation, especially Disney, I do not want to feel like I should be working and it is kind of hard to not feel like that when it is all you are surrounded by. I felt out of place in my shorts and t-shirt while others were in dressy clothes. Basically I thought it had more of a work atmosphere over a vacation one. I just never felt like I was completely on vacation until I checked out of Coronado and into Riverside.But again, this is just my opinion. I know people who love it there. I'm just not one of them!

That's fine; it's everyone's opinions that I am looking for. On the one hand, I'm inclined to think that we're on vacation at a pretty resort, so who cares what other people are wearing. But on the other hand, I think it's inevitable that the mood is going to be set, to a large degree, by the people surrounding us there. If we walked into the food court for breakfast and the room was full of long haired biker dudes with doo-rags and scruffy beards and whatnot, I can easily see how that could detract from the ambiance of the resort. :lol: Since part of the "vacation" feel is seeing dozens of other families there enjoying their vacation and hearing a room full of chatter of various families discussing their plans, I can see how a room full of businessmen in suits or polos could create a more dull atmosphere.

 

[sbkline]

I loved the fact that it was a convention center! The conventioneers (is that a word??) were never at the pool, so it was not very crowded. And since there are less families, there are less children running around and screaming, it was a very relaxing atmosphere! We have stayed in Ranchos 6A twice, I would however suggest Cabanas 9B for being close to both the front and the pool, although all of the Cabana buildings are decent distance to both, at least compared to Ranchos and Casitas. They all have regular guests rooms.

Ya, I can see that point, too...that the convention atmosphere would result in less people in line in front of me at the bus stops (both to and from) and less people in my way at the pool. But again, I can also agree to an extent with the other idea that other people there help to create the atmosphere. I'm not sure I would avoid the resort simply because of the convention atmosphere, though, but I do see where some of those people are coming from.

 

[javs4evas1298]

That's fine; it's everyone's opinions that I am looking for. On the one hand, I'm inclined to think that we're on vacation at a pretty resort, so who cares what other people are wearing. But on the other hand, I think it's inevitable that the mood is going to be set, to a large degree, by the people surrounding us there. If we walked into the food court for breakfast and the room was full of long haired biker dudes with doo-rags and scruffy beards and whatnot, I can easily see how that could detract from the ambiance of the resort. :lol: Since part of the "vacation" feel is seeing dozens of other families there enjoying their vacation and hearing a room full of chatter of various families discussing their plans, I can see how a room full of businessmen in suits or polos could create a more dull atmosphere.

I just wanted to add that the people in the dress clothes was not the only reason we didnt like it. It was a combination of the convention, the expensive food and not being able to control the temp in our room. We did like the look of the hotel and stuff it just wasn't better than Riverside or Pop in our opinions.

 

[sbkline]

CSR is my family favorite! I don’t know if it will work for you but pick which resort theme you like best and which resort amenities meet your family's needs. Also, check out my CSR website below for updated info and pics.

Here is just some quick info on CSR.

CSR has newly renovated rooms (about half done as of 3/2009) and queen beds (only mod to offer them).

A terrific main pool area that includes a 123 ft slide (2nd largest at WDW), kiddie pool, arcade, playground, sand volleyball court, hot tub (largest on WDW property), a bar, and snack bar (very good food for CS).

Reliable transportation that is not shared with other resorts, 4 resort stops and quick rides to all the parks. CSR has the closest bus stops to the park entrances too (first stop at DHS and MK)!

Other amenities you may be looking for in a resort.

Only moderate to offer suites.

A spa, salon, tanning beds, a lap pool and fitness center (free to its guests).

Full menu room service, expensive though.

Central air, flat panel TV’s and WiFi available.

Rix Lounge – a dance club voted most trendy bar in Orlando.

A business center with computer access.

Oh ya, I did forget to mention that I did look at your site. Very nice, with some good pics. I've been looking at the resort pictures of the day thread to see some pics of CSR, but if that thread is any indication, CSR is one of the lesser visited resorts in the wdwmagic community. I seem to see fewer pics of that resort than many of the others. The pool area looks pretty awesome, that's for sure.

 

[redfive13]

She just thinks it's ugly I guess. I don't know if anyone can really give a reason WHY they find something tacky...just a matter of taste, and you either like it or ya don't. I don't find it as "tacky" and ugly as she does; it's even kind of cool, but even so, it's still not what I would really want, either, although I would be more open to trying it than she would be.

My wife and I hated FQ. It just felt like a dated forgotten sibling to POR. We'd stay at a value resort be fore staying there again. I say try Coronado Springs!

 

[Kaseys412]

I'm obsessed with POR, Alligatr Bayou in particular.. I stayed once at CBR and haven't strayed from POR since.. can't really describe it, but I don't really like the looks of POFQ either, I think it's because I love all the trees and greenery around.. I would like to try the Poly someday but.. that's another trip and another budget lol

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

I'm obsessed with POR, Alligatr Bayou in particular.. I stayed once at CBR and haven't strayed from POR since.. can't really describe it, but I don't really like the looks of POFQ either, I think it's because I love all the trees and greenery around.. I would like to try the Poly someday but.. that's another trip and another budget lol

The Poly is amazing!!! You should definitely stay there. The atmosphere is beautiful...and extra special if you like plants and greenery.