Which moderate for 5 adults in 3 rooms

Question

I know that many people ask for advice on resorts but I am now stuck!

For context, we visit frequently and always stay at SSR, but next year the party will consist of 2 young couples and me, and if we book a 2 bed villa that means me sleeping in the lounge which I'm not prepared to do! I did have a little cheap idea using one of the non Disney DS resorts, but the kids gave decided that they would rather spend more and everyone be together on-site, unfortunately 3 studios at SSR would be way too expensive, so we are looking at moderates.

I have always wanted to stay at one of the PO resorts as I love New Orleans and Louisiana and The Princess and the Frog is my favourite film, however the kids are leaning towards Caribbean Beach for the skyliner. They are also slightly put off PO by the fact that we will be arriving directly from a week in New Orleans so the Disney version may seem a bit strange!

They are fully aware that the skyliner doesn't always run, but I think they also prefer the location of the Caribbean in general, and I'm just not so sure. We have always enjoyed many nights at DS and the PO resorts are much closer with the boat service.

I just wondered what the thoughts were of those who had recently done both? Cheers

Answer

It sounds like you're in a bit of a dilemma when trying to balance your ideal hotel with everyone else's preferences. Both the Port Orleans (PO) resorts and Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) offer unique benefits, and the decision often comes down to priorities like theming, transportation, and overall atmosphere. Here's a breakdown to help you compare the two options:

Port Orleans Resorts (Riverside and French Quarter)

If you're a fan of New Orleans and *The Princess and the Frog*, Port Orleans French Quarter has that charming, intimate vibe that makes you feel like you're in the heart of the French Quarter with its cobblestone streets, fountains, and jazz music playing. The resort is smaller, which means it's more walkable and feels less spread out compared to Caribbean Beach. However, as you mentioned, since you'll be coming from New Orleans, the theme may not feel as unique, but it can still be a fun way to experience it in a more relaxed, Disney-fied way. Port Orleans Riverside is a larger resort, with more sprawling grounds, but it also offers a boat service to Disney Springs, which is a big perk for evenings out or shopping.

Proximity to Disney Springs: Both PO resorts have boat access to Disney Springs, which could be a big plus if you love spending time there (shopping, dining, etc.).
Size: French Quarter is smaller and more compact, making it easy to get around. Riverside is a bit larger, which could mean more walking, but the landscaping and theming are beautiful.
Theming: French Quarter has a vibrant, festive feel, while Riverside has more of a laid-back, southern plantation vibe with beautiful mansions and a peaceful setting by the Sassagoula River.

Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR)

CBR has a more tropical, island-inspired theme, which offers a relaxing escape from the parks. It’s also one of the few moderate resorts to offer direct access to the Skyliner, which is a huge bonus for guests who want quick and easy access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As you mentioned, the Skyliner doesn’t always run (due to weather or maintenance), but it can still be a fun and unique way to get around the parks and resorts. Caribbean Beach is much larger than Port Orleans, but the Skyliner makes it feel less spread out, and you'll have easy access to food and shops at the Centertown Market.

Skyliner access: Caribbean Beach is the hub for the Skyliner, meaning it has easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This can be a great perk, especially if you plan to visit those parks a lot.
Size: The resort is quite large, and some of the rooms may be a bit further from the Skyliner station, but the tropical vibe and views of the beaches make it a nice place to relax after a long day.
Theming: If you enjoy a relaxed, beachy vibe, this resort will offer plenty of fun, especially if you have a younger crowd. It’s a bit more laid-back compared to the New Orleans atmosphere.
Dining: The dining options at CBR are good, though it’s less immersive than some other resorts. However, you can easily hop over to the Skyliner for dining at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.

Decision Factors

It seems like the main factors are transportation, theming, and the overall size of the resort:

If proximity to Disney Springs and a more intimate, charming atmosphere appeals to you, Port Orleans (French Quarter or Riverside) is a fantastic choice.
If you prefer the convenience of the Skyliner and a more tropical vibe, Caribbean Beach Resort might be the better option.
If you’re okay with a larger resort and the added perks of easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, CBR could be ideal.

Ultimately, both resorts offer great amenities and experiences, but if you're trying to get the group together in a more compact, quieter atmosphere, Port Orleans could be a great fit. If the Skyliner access and tropical feel are more important to you, then Caribbean Beach would be a good choice. It really comes down to whether you value the boat access to Disney Springs and the smaller resort feel or the ease of getting to the parks via the Skyliner.

Hopefully, this gives you a clearer idea! Whatever you decide, you’ll be in for a magical stay. Enjoy planning!