ksanders

Planning a trip to Disney, Pop is a Value hotel and obviously lower rate but is it really bad, noisy, bad rooms, etc. Caribbean Beach is listed as a Moderate and looks a little nicer, rooms, pool, etc but I have read mixed reviews. Cleanliness seems to be a problem. Has anyone been recently that could give me an their opinion. Or if one of the other Moderate level hotels is better please let me know.
We are 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 4 and 8. We typically stay in 4/5 star resorts and timeshare resorts so we are used to a lot of amenities and space. We are planning on getting 2 adjoining rooms where ever we choose. Any help is appreciated!
Thanks

Pumpy

Of these WDW properties, I can only comment on Caribbean Beach. It is a fun place and has a nice pool. However, it is far from a 4/5 star hotel. In fact, we've stayed at 7 WDW properties, I think you'd be hard pressed to find any that would truly rate 4/5 star. Much like the hotels in Vegas, even the very nice ones, the rooms are nice but not so nice you want to spend a lot of time in the room "lounging." Their goal is to keep you out and about spending $$$$. Of all the WDW properties, we probably enjoyed Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club best. I'd rate these a 3.75 (comparing to true 4/5 star properties). Regardless, have fun and don't worry too much about the room as you'll be spending most of your time out and about!

egret

We have been to the Coronado Springs property twice, and loved it. Like the above post, it's definatly not a five star resort, but it has wonderful grounds and a very peaceful setting.

travelinwifey

Do you have a AAA card? You can generally get 15-20% off the room rate when you book in advance. That could transfer into an upgraded hotel at the standard room rate. The rate is bookable through 1-407-WDISNEY or a AAA travel agent.

ajcolorado

Have you looked at the Disney Beach Club - great fascility and great pool. We saved some money by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points through a DVC owner from the DVC forum on www.disboards.com

I've stayed in Pop Century and it is very Kitch - sort of the feel of a classic Route 66 hotel. Very cute and we were comfortable. We've stayed in all sorts of hotels from the super cheap to super nice. Pop Century has basic rooms with super fun theming.

Caribbean Beach is very pretty. It does get mixed reviews but Disney is pretty good about responding to any problems with just a phone call.

My favorite moderate is the Port Orleans Riverside - it is very pretty with a nice pool and playground. You can also take the boat to Downtown Disney. We stayed in the "Magnolia Terrace" building which was very close to the pool, marina, and playground. The food court / restaurant area was a short walk. The buses to the theme parks were a short walk across the parking lot behind the building (the resort has bus stops in more than one area - Caribbean Beach is the same way).

The grounds were absolutely gorgeous.

citrustchr

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I loved it. I had my daughters, who are a bit older than your two, but they loved it their because they love animals. You can see giraffes right outside the widow. There's a beautiful lobby; it's very much like the Grand Californian at Disneyland if you've ever been there. I found a great rate on it, and would definately recommend it for a family. Also, my kids loved the bunk beds they offered.

tdmort

We returned from a trip to WDW in January where we stayed at Port Oleans - French Quarter. It seemed to have the best reviews of all the Modern Resorts. While it was by no means a 4/5 star resort, we found it to be very quaint and charming. Wonderful landscaping and really had the New Orleans theme throughout. What sold us was that of all the modern resorts it was the smallest, with the least amount of walking to rooms, pools, bus stop, etc. Another nice feature was the boat ride down the river to Downtown Disney.