Back for some more input! There are quite a few questions, so bear with me. Any advice would be very much appreciated!

After reading all of the replies that we have received, we are thinking of taking the advice of the masses and spending our entire trip on-property. We currently have the latter 2/3 of our stay booked with nine days at the Coronado Springs and the last five days at the Wilderness Lodge. The first seven days of the trip are still open and we are thinking of booking a room at another moderate resort for these days. Now for the questions!

Would you recommend splitting the first part of our trip between two moderates? We are thinking that if we are there for such a long time, we might as well experience as many different places as we can. Does this make sense or should we spend the entire first two and a half weeks at the same resort?

If we do book at a different moderate, which would you recommend - POFQ or POR - and why? If we do decide stay at the French Quarter, can we also use the quiet pools at the Riverside? Are the two resorts within walking distance from one another (I ask this because of the limited dining options at FQ)? On the topic of dining, is the boat service to DtD reliable and efficient?We were thinking of staying at the Caribbean Beach, but just read that the main pool will be under renovations during our trip. Do you think this will really make much of a difference?

Lastly, do have any recommendations as to how we organize our stay? We will definitely be staying at WL last, but given the choice between the Coronado and Port Orleans, where would you want to stay first? Do you think it makes a difference?

Sorry, again, for all of the questions. We're a couple of WDW newbies and want to make this trip as great as it can be! Thanks guys!

Your trip sounds wonderful - nice and long!

At the 2 Port Orleans resorts, you can use the pools at both. There's a nice walking path along the river connecting the 2 resorts (allow about 10 minutes), or you can hop almost any bus from FQ to get to Riverside, then just walk back 1 way. Of the 2, FQ is the best in my opinion. The room decor & furnishings are nicer than any other moderate, including Riverside. The resort is also half the size of the other moderates, so nothing is too far.

I would start with Coronado Springs for about a week, then move to FQ for the days you have until WL. I'd do most of my Magic Kingdom time while staying at WL, and do most of my Animal Kingdom days while at Coronado. FQ is more centrally located to everything.

Coronado is a big resort (like Riverside), and it's pretty spread out. I prefer rooms in the Ranchos section, although they're the furthest away from the main building. There are 4 bus stops though, so no room is too far from a bus. Ranchos are also fairly close to the main pool area, which is quite nice. I'd just avoid Casitas section, as that is where most conventioners are put, and it's more densely populated. Casitas is 4 stories, while Ranchos I think is 2 stories - so you have half the people in the same space by staying in Ranchos.

FQ is beautiful - there really are no bad locations here. Be sure to try the beignets if you like fried dough.

WL has gorgeous public areas but I personally am not impressed with the rooms. I think the rooms at FQ are nicer - except at WL you'll have a balcony. I don't know the size of your party - but consider a studio at Villas at Wilderness Lodge if you're ok with 1 queen bed & a sleep sofa vs 2 queen beds. The studio will give you a small kitchenette with microwave, fridge, toaster & coffee maker & sink.....rooms in regular WL only have a smaller fridge & coffee maker.

Thankyou so much for the reply Sue. I am Miss Mouse's other half and i am replying for her as she is presently away. This will be our honeymoon if that helps at all. As of now, we are booked for 9 nights at Coranado followed by 5 nights at WL for the middle and end of our trip. I think you have sold us on the French Quarter, now the question of where to put it in our trip is all that is left. Should we add French Quarter for the first 7 nights and keep the rest the same or should we book Coranado for the first 7, French Quarter for the next 9, and WL for the last 5? Is there a better resort to be at longer taking into account the heat and humidity? Also, how difficult is it to get to Universal and Seaworld from these resorts without a car? I appoligize as all our questions could cause someone to pull their hair out. Thanks for your time and help!

Oh gosh, for a honeymoon....no question, FQ is the moderate to pick! WL is the nicer resort overall, but not by much in my opinion. As a rule of thumb, when changing resorts always move UP, not down. In other words if you're splitting between the All Stars and the Grand Floridian, start with All Stars & end with the nicer resort. So, I'd do your Coronado days first, the longest stay at FQ and then end at WL. I'd also try for a king bedded room in FQ (doesn't hurt to ask at Coronado either).

To get to Universal check with the bell services or concierge people to see about booking a Mears shuttle. It used to be $10-20 per person, but I have no idea what it costs now. Another option is to rent a car for a day or 2...depending on how much time you spend offsite.

At Universal, people staying in their resorts get front of the line priveleges in the parks...all day long. If you're spending 2-3 days there, I'd consider moving out of Disney and into Universal (they have 3 hotels I think) for those nights, then come back to Disney. Just an idea...something to think about.

While you're on Disney property, moving from resort to resort is easy. You can take a cab, or just have bell services move your luggage for you - as long as you don't mind not getting it until around dinner time. If you want to take it with you to be sure you have access to it as soon as your new room is ready, take it with you.

I think it's a great idea to move around every few days or so. I'd disagree with Sue in the order of things just a bit. I'd start at the FQ for the romance of the place, and then move to the Coronado Springs for the wide open spaces of the lagoon and the pool. I've always thought that the CS feels much more like a premium, so you'd be moving in the right direction. Then top it all off with a premium stay in the WL, and you'll have yourselves a vacation!

If you're doing a few days at Universal parks I'd stay those days at one of their resorts as you'll get front of que perks - also sounds like you don't intend to have a car so you'd probably get to and from Universal parks more easily from a Universal hotel. I can only speak for POFQ but thought it was lovely, so much so after endless debate we'll be back there again. As a thought - you're going to get increasingly tired as the days go by so definately save the resort you want to spend the most time at until last. Enjoy - wish I had your choices to make!!

We've now stayed at two moderates: POFQ and CBR. Based on these experiences, we don't see the increased value for the money and will likely be returning to Pop Century unless we decide to make the jump to Deluxes for future trips.

I'd have to say that POFQ and CBR are my 2 least favorite of the moderates. Don't get me wrong - I still dig 'em. But I agree, Andrew, that they're not that far above the Pop. But the CSR - man, that place is almost a deluxe IMO!

I agree that CSR is almost a delux. I also think it is incredibly beaustiful at night when the lights and fountains are on -- inspiring romantic strolls. I would spend my 9 days there over POFQ anyday.

Thanks for all of your opinions guys - the decision doesn't seem to be getting any easier! :)

Something that may influence our choice - how does the transportation compare between CSR and POFQ? We are not planning on renting a car at this point, so ease and speed of transportation is an important issue.

From what I remember, (and some may disagree) they may actually be very comparable. There's only one stop for FQ, right in front, but it shares transportation with Riverside. And CSR has 4 or 5 stops. There may not be too much difference.

But here's the good news: I don't think you can go wrong with either of them! The reviews are so split because they're both really lovely! On my last two trips, those were the two resorts at which we stayed. My advice: FQ is more compact, so less walking within the resort. If you're out all day at the parks and too tired to drag yourself back to the room, this might be a good bet. But - if walking doesn't bother you, and like us, you enjoyed a little quiet walk back to the room in the relative peace and serenity of the resort (with a beautiful view) to decompress after a long day, then go with Coronado. I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. Flip a coin, and don't stress over it!

I have stayed at WL and FQ. I loved them both, but definately thought WL was worth the money. In general there is a theme to the places that sets a mood when you go "home". I think the order you have is fine (as long as you end in the delux) I will add that to me the FQ has a festive air and is small and friendly (not unlike it's name sake). One big aspect of that is the little boats to downtown disney. So if it is in the middle of you trip, you might want to plan some evenings going DTD while you are there. The jasmine was in bloom when we went down the river and it was lovely! Then WL is open and big. Big open wooden lobby, large trees, big views. It makes me inhale a big relaxing breath just to think of it. There is great music (coplen like if you know what I mean) and to me it just felt very relaxing. A fitting end to a full trip. Relax in the hot tub, or cool pool, and watch the stars, watch the fireworks at MK from the boat launch. Sit inside and look at the fireplace (different layers of rocks for different ages of the earth). At the end of the trip, you might be feeling like hanging out at "home" more and the shops and comfortable sitting places in WL should help.

Just a thought. Have you viewed the photographs of the resorts at allears? It might help you to decide.

Just a thought. Have you viewed the photographs of the resorts at allears? It might help you to decide.

Good answer! My group enjoys picking a kind of 'overall theme' for a vacation and use the resort theming to complement that. Examples would be: celebrating a spanish linguist's recent success in her language we go to CSR. When feeling summery and tropical, we would do CBR or Poly, I'm really looking forward to this time at POR because I'll be reading some Mark Twain to really get the mood right! So the gist of what I'm saying is: all else being equal, pick the ones you think are prettiest with the views you would most enjoy (and apply the other advice to this line of logic. ie do the deluxe last, the prettiest moderate second, and the other moderate first.)

My other piece of advice would be to limit the number of hotel changes. One is okay, but I find more than that to be excessive. If it doesn't bother you, then more power to ya' but I don't like being so nailed down as to where I have to be when for moving and worrying about luggage and if I left anything in rooms etc...

Just a thought. Have you viewed the photographs of the resorts at allears? It might help you to decide.

MousePlanet has photo tours of all the WDW resorts (http://www.mouseplanet.com/search.php?type=w&aid=bb). Port Orleans (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=wu020111bb) (both POR and POFQ), Coronado Springs (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=wu020108bb), and a more recent tour of Caribbean Beach (part 1 (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=eo060825bb), part 2 (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=eo060829bb)). Even the older photo tours are useful, as the resorts don't change that much.

no disrespect,but why would you switch resorts? when we unpack thats it, not movin, you're going to waste valuable Disney time by packing and unpacking. pofq is nice but limited in what they offer, it's ok for a short trip. Riverside is a lot more exciting in food,drinks, atmosphere,and the grounds are beautiful.Coronado is a walk and a half to anywhere you want to go there,but the buses to the parks are the most frequent of ANY resort.WL is very nice and would recommend it to anyone.this year we were at Boardwalk late a couple of nights and took a cab back to WL it took 5 min and $10 well worth the money. you can always stay at another resort on your NEXT trip.

no disrespect,but why would you switch resorts?

I'm not the original poster, but I can see several reasons why to move. The Disney resorts are destinations in their own right. And on a long stay (such as they're doing) it can be fun to shake things up mid-trip. For me, I don't do any kind of a big unpack - just hang up the shirts and spread out the toiletries, and then live out of my suitcase. It takes all of 5 minutes to pack up again. And with Disney doing the move of your luggage, it's pretty painless to resort-hop. Perhaps with a bigger group this would all be more of a pain, though.

Having stayed in a few moderates, values, and the Poly (deluxe), I say if you're not gonna splurge, stay at Pop Century. It's clean, themed, and much, MUCH cheaper.

wow that's a nice long trip you've got ahead of you! unlike other places I've been to, I think the resort you're staying at in wdw makes a big difference in the overall enjoyment of your vacation. I totally agree you should stay at the least expensive one first, and move on up. have you thought of switching some of the first nights to the value resorts, and then at the end stay at the grand floridian? I was at the grand floridian 5 nights in june, and it was one of the best times I had all year.

Everyone has their own personal opinion. My ranking of the moderates would be:

1) POFQ
2) POR
3) CSR
4) CBR

I dislike all the value resorts, as the rooms are too small and the walls are paper thin.

no disrespect,but why would you switch resorts?

No offense taken - I realize that some people may think it is pointless to switch resorts throughout the trip and there are a few reasons that we have decided to do so. Danyoung summed things up pretty nicely! :)

It essentially comes down to this: we will be in Florida for an extended period of time (three weeks). We figure that since we will be there for so long, it will be nice to switch things up and experience as many different things as we can. We tend not to only unpack what is really necessary, so moving should be pretty simple.

This trip will be our honeymoon, so we are hoping to make it as memorable as possible and were having trouble deciding between resorts. We originally thought we would split the trip between a Disney Resort and an off-property hotel, but decided to go with the overwhelming majority here on Mousepad and spend the entire trip on-property. We feel that in three weeks, why just experience one resort when we can get a decent taste of two or three? Plus, we don't know when we will be returning to WDW so we want to make the most of it.

So there ya have it. Keep those suggestions coming, folks! :)

I'd agree with Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter being the best moderate resorts. POR is my personal favorite (I even like it better than the BC, where I stayed this year - and that's a Deluxe resort!).

Generally, I think it is easier to stay at one resort. It makes things a lot easier, and when going from a moderate to a moderate, you really aren't changing anything except the scenery and theming. Everything else is pretty much the same, and you can visit the other resorts while you are there.

It seems like a lot of hassle to have to lug the baggage from resort to resort.

But, that's my two cents, lol. :)

We opened POFQ in '90 and opened POR in '91 and have flopped between them, each has their upsides. I stayed at FQ in August and will be at POR in a few weeks. We lean toward POR because of the dining. FQ used to have the best sit down with real good southern food, it is still boarded up, actually boarded up, in August. The bar area at FQ is very small and my son and I fell through the cane seats or lack there of in August, the cushion they placed on top didn't help. The FQ CS court is smaller and much louder than POR. POR's court also overlooks the river and water wheel which is beautiful, it also still has sit down dining for B & D. The bar is a blast, the store much larger. The mansion side is far more romantic than the other side of POR, to rustic for honeymooners. Along the mansion side are fountains and gazabo's along the river front. Also on the mansion side of the riverwalk are benches that are nicely lit (dim, but safe) that make walking the long riverwalk just right. Riverside also has many swimming pools that are great and often private day or night, familys head to the main pool. The one, I believe by the Acadia mansion is arched so pretty. (We'd get up early and have my son train for swim team, had the whole pool to himself and I'd have my coffee by the pool as the sun came up before our fun began). OK, I vote POR! Now I'm hoping for the Mansion side even though I'm traveling next week with my daughter and hubby can't even get away with us.

I love POFQ and am staying there again in January. It is quite romantic and quiet and I like the small feel of it - yet you always feel part of the action as well. The advantage of POFQ vs. POR is that it is smaller yet it is very close to POR. I seldom eat at the POFQ becaue I like the food court at POR so much better but from building 7 it is only a 5 minute walk. It is like having two resorts in one. I don't think you can go wrong at either. The boat ride to DD is very nice and a romantic experience as well. I have stayed at Pop Centrury a lot and though I like the resort - it just isn't the same as POFQ. I have also stayed at the Grand Floridian - and that is just a whole different experience. I do visit the WL for hours each trip as I love this place but I am fine not paying the extra $ to stay there - maybe someday. It is a great choice to end up though. Another vote for POFQ!

No offense taken - I realize that some people may think it is pointless to switch resorts throughout the trip and there are a few reasons that we have decided to do so. Danyoung summed things up pretty nicely! :)

It essentially comes down to this: we will be in Florida for an extended period of time (three weeks). We figure that since we will be there for so long, it will be nice to switch things up and experience as many different things as we can. We tend not to only unpack what is really necessary, so moving should be pretty simple.

This trip will be our honeymoon, so we are hoping to make it as memorable as possible and were having trouble deciding between resorts. We originally thought we would split the trip between a Disney Resort and an off-property hotel, but decided to go with the overwhelming majority here on Mousepad and spend the entire trip on-property. We feel that in three weeks, why just experience one resort when we can get a decent taste of two or three? Plus, we don't know when we will be returning to WDW so we want to make the most of it.

So there ya have it. Keep those suggestions coming, folks! :)

Three weeks in Orlando, such a dilema! My wife and I have always said we'd like to have a trip where we rotated among different resorts so we can understand your interest. We recently stayed at the POFQ and highly recommend it. Somebody else posted that the rooms themselves are as good if not better than the WL and I would agree with that but the WL resort as a whole is still our favorite resort setting. You'll love it there.

The value resorts are fine for clean and relatively inexpensive rates but for themes and ambiance (particulary for your honeymoon), you're better off at the moderates.

Somebody else recommended staying at one of the Universal properties for a couple of days if you intended to tour those parks. I totally agree with that since those on-site hotels grant you the front of the line privledges with just the use of your room key. While the Universal experience as a whole does not compare at all with the Disney experience, you can have a lot fun for 2-3 days. You'll only need to stay 2-3 nights with a multi-park pass and you'll be good to go. Then move onto Disney, that's what we've done in the past.