Going To Step Up To A Moderate Resort-Opinions?

[WDWCrazyKaren]

We've been loyal fans of POR up until this last trip. It's pretty and all, the pool is nice, fun theming, BUT....we've decided it is just too darn big. I know all of the resorts are big, but this one takes the cake. I was really wishing we had opted for either CSR or POFQ. I think CBR is just as big as POR-so I'd go for one of the others. Had troubles finding seating in the food courts, even at "off meal" times, very crowded at all times of day or night in the check in areas. I guess my patience levels are decreasing as I get older!

[vicster]

We've been loyal fans of POR up until this last trip. It's pretty and all, the pool is nice, fun theming, BUT....we've decided it is just too darn big. I know all of the resorts are big, but this one takes the cake. I was really wishing we had opted for either CSR or POFQ. I think CBR is just as big as POR-so I'd go for one of the others. Had troubles finding seating in the food courts, even at "off meal" times, very crowded at all times of day or night in the check in areas. I guess my patience levels are decreasing as I get older!

That' exact why I like POFQ - it's a much smaller resort. Stayed at CBR two years ago and it's just too large.

[kemps@wdw]

Have stayed @ the CBR but found transportation takes longer than I want to to give it. We then decided to try WL, since @ the time we got a GREAT upgrade rate. Once there, we realized we found our new WDW home. Since we, like you, don't do WDW commando style anymore since our DD is older, we find ourselves utilizing our resort more, and wanted something a little more laid back. WL has all we want. And the little extra we paid is worth it. We have had all views and preferred the courtyard view above the rest. Kicked back on our balcony overlooking the pool, pool bar, the geyser, and Bay Lake is awsome. Having my morning coffee, in my PJ's, on the dock @ sunrise.... The light parade on the lake comes right to our beach. Theming is wonderful and very soothing. Less expensive than the other deluxes. And, we seem to spend less time on transportation than @ any other resort we've stayed at.

[darthmacho]

Hello all!

What we would like is:

1) Good transportation
2) Nice theme
3) Interesting pool area
4) Decent food court
5) Friendly staff-but I believe that is a given at WDW


Thanks all!

1.) Can't speak on this too much. We've rented cars on all of our trips. I would guess that transportation would be comporable at all Moderates, since none of them are too close to the parks. Keep in mind that POR and POFQ share transportation.

2. Theming is subjective. Personally, I like the themes of ALL the moderates, but my favorite is Coronado Springs. Wonderful theming and landscaping there.

3. Coronado had an interesting pool area, an (Aztec?) temple with a waterfall! There were also several "quiet pools" in the Casitas. Not sure how the pools are at the other moderates.

4. The food court at Coronado was interesting, if a little confusing. It had the look and feel of a market, and you had to go to each stall and fill out a card or something, then eat, and then pay at the end. The food and decor were great, but the set-up was almost silly. Food courts should be simple: order, grab, pay, sit, eat, leave. I don't know if they still use the same system, but back in 1999 it was a little too elaborate for my taste.

5. We experienced friendly staff at our stay at Coronado, and when we visited Carribean, but it's hard to say what your experience will be. I always thought friendly service at WDW was a given too, but recently there were mixed reviews here on service at the resort at which I plan to stay next year, PORiverside. I hope the service improves before I get there.

I hope any of this helped. My opinion is that the moderates have comparable amenities, so if you are having a hard time choosing, look at lots of pictures online and pick which one you think has the best theme for you. Good luck!

[Disney Doll]

Coronado is our moderate of choice. Love it!