HELP! Where to stay?

nancyk · 03-17-2004

With all of your help, I thought that I had made up my mind to stay @ POFQ. However, I bought the unnofficial guide to WDW & now I'm more confused than ever. Originially. we were going to stay @ a value resort mainly because I thought my son would like the decor, (and we are on a budgert). That said, we decided we could afford the moderate resort but would wait until Sept to go. Can anyone let me know what they think? Should we stay @ the PO-Riverside instead, or another moderate resort? Also, we would like to stay one night at a resort that we can see the magic kingdom fireworks, even if it means saving a little more for a delux resort. The "Guide" also discouraged me about the potential crowds in Sept. Should we wait till Dec? I don't think I Can!!!
I need help about where to stay..PLEASE!
:nooo:

**Dana** · 03-17-2004

September is a good time to go to WDW. There are virtually NO crowds. I'm sure POFQ is a fine place to stay, but if you are looking for a place to view the Wishes (fireworks) I think you will have to go for the Polynesian. You can view it from the beach there. You don't have to stay there, however, you can just visit the resort on the night of wishes and view it from the beach. Why pay all that extra just to view Wishes for one night when you can do it for free? The Unofficial Guide is a great "realistic" guide book but don't take every word to heart. It's a bit blunt in places and will turn you off of certain things by the way it's presented. Grab a the Passporter Guide. Same information but put in a nicer way..lol Your DS will love the All Stars BTW. Very cute resorts for young kids.

If I were on a major budget and looking for extra ways to save money, I would go in September (value season) and stay at the All Stars. Double money saved. The resorts are at their lowest costs and the crowds are nonexistant allowing you to walk on the rides with little or no waits. The parks close earlier, but you will have more than enough time to see everything you want. Keep in mind that Wishes and Spectro Magic may not be shown every night at this time of year. It was shown on Tuesday and Saturday night when I was there in January. Check the days and times for these.

**DisneyTeacher** · 03-17-2004

Welcome to DC, Nancy.

You are going to get as many different opinions as there are resorts. Everyone has his or her favorite and will gladly share thoughts and experiences with you. When it's all said and done you will have to look at your needs and preferences.

All of the moderates are nice and offer a little more than the values. For some the differences are worth the extra money and for others they are not worth the extra money. I have heard really great things about POFQ, people seem to like the size the most. POR also looks nice but I believe it is a little bigger and more spread out. The values seems to appeal to kids, those larger than life figures are great. You can't beat the price of the values either.

I will never be able to go then but September is a great time to go. The crowds shoud be much lower by then.

Enjoy the planning, it's half the fun for most of us.:)

dznyfan64 · 03-17-2004

You will love the French Quarter we have stayed there and the atomsphere is very relaxed. The pool is also wonderful.

As for September - you just need to know one thing the parks are yours! We have went in September for several years now and there doesn't seem to be a crowd during the week. On the weekend it's slightly crowded because of the "locals" but it is still enjoyable.

Have a good time!:)

EmpressJenny · 03-17-2004

GO IN SEPTEMBER!!! That is when it is the least crowded. I went in September 2003 and had a great time!

jbtoursejg · 03-17-2004

Nancy, you asked 'should I wait until Dec."? Sept. is a great time to go because of low crowds but warm weather that allows swimming. Dec. is also empty from after Thanksgiving until about a week before Christmas and oh so beautiful for the holidays. But most often is too cold for swimming.

Amneris · 03-18-2004

December is c-o-l-d. And it can go jacket cold rather than just too cold to swim cold. So I'd go with September. If you want a resort your son would like, sticking with the All Stars may be the best. I've never been to POFQ, but it is often recommended as a romantic hotel with it's mansion decor (unless I'm confusing it with Riverside!), which probably wouldn't be as gripping for your son. Check out the pics online on the Disney site with him and see what HE thinks. The moderates are all pretty "calm" in themeing -- beautiful, but calm. The Contemporary is cool looking, the Polynesian is pretty exotic, and AKL is awesome with the animals and things, but those are all delux. I'd vote for sticking w/ All Stars and just have dinner fireworks night at the Poly -- @ O'Hana's if your son is young enough and would enjoy that, otherwise at the Kona Cafe.

**MissDisney** · 03-18-2004

Nancy, We love the POR... we always ask for the Bayou section, which has really fun pathways through the "bayou" -- it is easy to get to Ol' Man Island (the play and swim area). The food court at POR is really terrific! POFQ has a great pool area, as well, and at night, it is really a beautiful hotel. POFQ can be easier to navigate, as it is more compact. I do, however, like the food court at POR a little better, as well as Boatwright's, the sit-down restaurant. You can use the pools and facilities at both locations, however. There is a boat that goes back and forth from POR and POFQ, and the boat ride itself is fun for the kids!
September, September, September! You will be able to use the pools and enjoy an extra hour of sunlight!

buzz2001 · 03-18-2004

Check out my CSR website below. It is one of WDW's moderate resort. It is a very large resort but that is part of what makes it great. It does not share transportation with any other resort, has a spa and gym like the deluxe resorts, has the best main pool area of all the mods, a great slide and beautiful landscaping. Good luck deciding!

MickeyMamma · 03-18-2004

Welcome to DC!

Usually September is low season there. This past year, they were running the Fairy Tale Package so suddenly everybody decided to take advantage of the big savings and go in September. It was the first year I had seen it like that.

About seeing the fireworks from your resort...Do you mean at your resort? Or from your room? There is a BIG difference. Rooms with fireworks views are hard to come by and I am not sure if they can be guaranteed.

If you just want to see it from a resort, you can always book dinner at O'Hanas at the Polynesian resort and you can watch the show from the window. I would try to make your dinner PS for about 60-90 minutes before the show starts to make sure that you are seated in time for the show.

ArielBelle · 03-18-2004

Hi Nancyk!

We orginally booked our trip last summer at POR. I had heard great things about this resort, mainly from the gang here at DC. It was our first choice.
We ended up staying at the WL because of the great deal we got with the Fairytale package. We had a great view of the fireworks from the balcony of our room.

nancyk · 03-19-2004

OK guys, I have to thank you all for making me feel tons better. I now feel like I haven't made the wrong decision with going in sept, and also think I'll stick with POFQ or POR. I really appreciate your help! Oh, by the way, Since I'm used to really cold weather, I don't think the cooler days will bother me, I'm coming from Quebec and the winters here can get pretty chilly. Thanks again!!
:) :D

dznygrl · 03-20-2004

I have been to WDW 3 times, and 2 out of those 3 times I have gone in September. Personally, I think it's a great time to go. There may be more crowds than if you went in early December, but in September the weather is wonderful and the crowds are definitely manageable. Last year it was a little whacko, but like other people said, I think it was because of the Fairytale Packages. (We did that too...)

And from what I've seen and explored, POR is a nice resort...

I think you've made good choices. :)

DisneyDreamer16 · 03-20-2004

We always go from august into september almost every year. We stay at a moderate resort since they have a slide for the kids at the pool and its not to loud and busy. Caribbean beach is our favorite.

coasterman2002 · 03-20-2004

I have stayed at both POR and CSR. I have not stayed at POFQ, but I'm sure that it is great. I was impressed with CSR because the pool was great, the rooms were very nice for a moderate resort, and the food court was wonderful. POR was more out of the way, but had a great pool and the scenery was amazing. CSR was our favorite moderate resort, but if you want a wonderful resort with a wonderful location, upgrade to a deluxe either on the MK monorail, or near Epcot (Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/beach club resorts). If you want to stay on a tight budget, then stay at CSR or POR;)

03-17-2004	#1 (permalink)
nancyk Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 603	HELP! Where to stay? With all of your help, I thought that I had made up my mind to stay @ POFQ. However, I bought the unnofficial guide to WDW & now I'm more confused than ever. Originially. we were going to stay @ a value resort mainly because I thought my son would like the decor, (and we are on a budgert). That said, we decided we could afford the moderate resort but would wait until Sept to go. Can anyone let me know what they think? Should we stay @ the PO-Riverside instead, or another moderate resort? Also, we would like to stay one night at a resort that we can see the magic kingdom fireworks, even if it means saving a little more for a delux resort. The "Guide" also discouraged me about the potential crowds in Sept. Should we wait till Dec? I don't think I Can!!! I need help about where to stay..PLEASE! :nooo:

03-17-2004	#2 (permalink)
Dana Super Mod/Packen' Kracken Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Joisey Posts: 23,782	September is a good time to go to WDW. There are virtually NO crowds. I'm sure POFQ is a fine place to stay, but if you are looking for a place to view the Wishes (fireworks) I think you will have to go for the Polynesian. You can view it from the beach there. You don't have to stay there, however, you can just visit the resort on the night of wishes and view it from the beach. Why pay all that extra just to view Wishes for one night when you can do it for free? The Unofficial Guide is a great "realistic" guide book but don't take every word to heart. It's a bit blunt in places and will turn you off of certain things by the way it's presented. Grab a the Passporter Guide. Same information but put in a nicer way..lol Your DS will love the All Stars BTW. Very cute resorts for young kids. If I were on a major budget and looking for extra ways to save money, I would go in September (value season) and stay at the All Stars. Double money saved. The resorts are at their lowest costs and the crowds are nonexistant allowing you to walk on the rides with little or no waits. The parks close earlier, but you will have more than enough time to see everything you want. Keep in mind that Wishes and Spectro Magic may not be shown every night at this time of year. It was shown on Tuesday and Saturday night when I was there in January. Check the days and times for these. __________________ ~82 off-site~91 off-site~97 ASMusic~ ~00 ASMovies~02 Wilderness Lodge~04 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ ~05 Animal Kingdom Lodge & Polynesian~ ~05 Port Orleans French Quarter~06 Old Key West~ ~07 Port Orleans French Quarter~08 Old Key West~ ~09 Saratoga Springs~10 Port Orleans Fench Quarter~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 10 day do all or die trying trip. 270 days 7 hours 0 minutes

03-17-2004	#3 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,308	Welcome to DC, Nancy. You are going to get as many different opinions as there are resorts. Everyone has his or her favorite and will gladly share thoughts and experiences with you. When it's all said and done you will have to look at your needs and preferences. All of the moderates are nice and offer a little more than the values. For some the differences are worth the extra money and for others they are not worth the extra money. I have heard really great things about POFQ, people seem to like the size the most. POR also looks nice but I believe it is a little bigger and more spread out. The values seems to appeal to kids, those larger than life figures are great. You can't beat the price of the values either. I will never be able to go then but September is a great time to go. The crowds shoud be much lower by then. Enjoy the planning, it's half the fun for most of us.:) __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 239 days 12 hours 0 minutes

03-17-2004	#5 (permalink)
EmpressJenny MB's Half-Yard President Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 2,399	GO IN SEPTEMBER!!! That is when it is the least crowded. I went in September 2003 and had a great time! __________________ Grand Floridian: Honeymoon 2003 - Coronado Springs: Spring 2004 - Polynesian: Sept. 2004 - Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jan. 2005 - Grand Floridian: April 2005 - PORiverside: May 2005 - Beach Club Villas: May 2005 - Boardwalk Concierge: Sept. 2005 Rescuer of MK Froggies

03-17-2004	#6 (permalink)
jbtoursejg Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: connecticut Posts: 185	Nancy, you asked 'should I wait until Dec."? Sept. is a great time to go because of low crowds but warm weather that allows swimming. Dec. is also empty from after Thanksgiving until about a week before Christmas and oh so beautiful for the holidays. But most often is too cold for swimming. __________________ [countdown=December 27, 2003 10:00 AM EST;off to Walt Disney World;Red]

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Resorts
HELP! Where to stay?

03-17-2004	#4 (permalink)
dznyfan64 Junior Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 26	You will love the French Quarter we have stayed there and the atomsphere is very relaxed. The pool is also wonderful. As for September - you just need to know one thing the parks are yours! We have went in September for several years now and there doesn't seem to be a crowd during the week. On the weekend it's slightly crowded because of the "locals" but it is still enjoyable. Have a good time!:)

03-18-2004	#7 (permalink)
Amneris Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 418	December is c-o-l-d. And it can go jacket cold rather than just too cold to swim cold. So I'd go with September. If you want a resort your son would like, sticking with the All Stars may be the best. I've never been to POFQ, but it is often recommended as a romantic hotel with it's mansion decor (unless I'm confusing it with Riverside!), which probably wouldn't be as gripping for your son. Check out the pics online on the Disney site with him and see what HE thinks. The moderates are all pretty "calm" in themeing -- beautiful, but calm. The Contemporary is cool looking, the Polynesian is pretty exotic, and AKL is awesome with the animals and things, but those are all delux. I'd vote for sticking w/ All Stars and just have dinner fireworks night at the Poly -- @ O'Hana's if your son is young enough and would enjoy that, otherwise at the Kona Cafe. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1985 - off-site 2000 - Coronado Springs 2001 - Contemporary 2002 - DAKL 2002 - Contemporary 2003 - Western Carribean Cruise 2003 - Contemporary 2004 - DAKL 2004 - DISNEYLAND Grand Californian 2004 - Land / Sea 4-Night Cruise 2005 - SOG ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

03-18-2004	#8 (permalink)
MissDisney Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 8,552	Nancy, We love the POR... we always ask for the Bayou section, which has really fun pathways through the "bayou" -- it is easy to get to Ol' Man Island (the play and swim area). The food court at POR is really terrific! POFQ has a great pool area, as well, and at night, it is really a beautiful hotel. POFQ can be easier to navigate, as it is more compact. I do, however, like the food court at POR a little better, as well as Boatwright's, the sit-down restaurant. You can use the pools and facilities at both locations, however. There is a boat that goes back and forth from POR and POFQ, and the boat ride itself is fun for the kids! September, September, September! You will be able to use the pools and enjoy an extra hour of sunlight! __________________ Disneyland Moderator Disneyland Hotel 1987; Dixie Landings 1993; Dixie Landings 1997; Caribbean Beach 1998; Boardwalk Villas 1999; Vistana Resort 2001; Dixie Landings 2002; Vistana Resort 2002; Marriott Royal Palm Villas 2004; Vistana Resort 2006; Marriott Cypress Harbour 2007; Boardwalk Villas 2008; AKV Kidani 2009; Saratoga Springs 2009

03-18-2004	#9 (permalink)
buzz2001 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coronado Springs Posts: 425	Check out my CSR website below. It is one of WDW's moderate resort. It is a very large resort but that is part of what makes it great. It does not share transportation with any other resort, has a spa and gym like the deluxe resorts, has the best main pool area of all the mods, a great slide and beautiful landscaping. Good luck deciding! __________________ buzz2001's Unofficial Coronado Springs Resort Website Check out the CSR forums!

03-18-2004	#10 (permalink)
MickeyMamma Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 599	Welcome to DC! Usually September is low season there. This past year, they were running the Fairy Tale Package so suddenly everybody decided to take advantage of the big savings and go in September. It was the first year I had seen it like that. About seeing the fireworks from your resort...Do you mean at your resort? Or from your room? There is a BIG difference. Rooms with fireworks views are hard to come by and I am not sure if they can be guaranteed. If you just want to see it from a resort, you can always book dinner at O'Hanas at the Polynesian resort and you can watch the show from the window. I would try to make your dinner PS for about 60-90 minutes before the show starts to make sure that you are seated in time for the show. __________________ Back from Disney, hoping to return again soon.

03-18-2004	#11 (permalink)
ArielBelle Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saratoga Springs Posts: 802	Hi Nancyk! We orginally booked our trip last summer at POR. I had heard great things about this resort, mainly from the gang here at DC. It was our first choice. We ended up staying at the WL because of the great deal we got with the Fairytale package. We had a great view of the fireworks from the balcony of our room. __________________ WDW 1984 WDW1991 May-June 2001 Disneyland Hotel August 2003 Wilderness Lodge May 2007 Riverside

03-19-2004	#12 (permalink)
nancyk Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 603	OK guys, I have to thank you all for making me feel tons better. I now feel like I haven't made the wrong decision with going in sept, and also think I'll stick with POFQ or POR. I really appreciate your help! Oh, by the way, Since I'm used to really cold weather, I don't think the cooler days will bother me, I'm coming from Quebec and the winters here can get pretty chilly. Thanks again!! :) :D

03-20-2004	#13 (permalink)
dznygrl aka dizzygirl Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The breezy shore Posts: 9,335	I have been to WDW 3 times, and 2 out of those 3 times I have gone in September. Personally, I think it's a great time to go. There may be more crowds than if you went in early December, but in September the weather is wonderful and the crowds are definitely manageable. Last year it was a little whacko, but like other people said, I think it was because of the Fairytale Packages. (We did that too...) And from what I've seen and explored, POR is a nice resort... I think you've made good choices. :) __________________ Proud former 2-time Disneyland CM Avatar: Moooom, make Alice stop hugging me! 2000 ~ off-site 2002 ~ Polynesian 2003 ~ All-Star Movies 2008 ~ All-Star Music My Disney Countdown Counting down to: The girls' first trip to Disneyland! 39 days 11 hours 0 minutes

03-20-2004	#14 (permalink)
DisneyDreamer16 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 191	We always go from august into september almost every year. We stay at a moderate resort since they have a slide for the kids at the pool and its not to loud and busy. Caribbean beach is our favorite.

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03-20-2004	#15 (permalink)
coasterman2002 Big Cheese Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 607	I have stayed at both POR and CSR. I have not stayed at POFQ, but I'm sure that it is great. I was impressed with CSR because the pool was great, the rooms were very nice for a moderate resort, and the food court was wonderful. POR was more out of the way, but had a great pool and the scenery was amazing. CSR was our favorite moderate resort, but if you want a wonderful resort with a wonderful location, upgrade to a deluxe either on the MK monorail, or near Epcot (Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/beach club resorts). If you want to stay on a tight budget, then stay at CSR or POR;)