While I not-so-patiently wait for Disney to announce the skyliner refurbishment dates ... does anyone have any advice on if I should switch resorts if the skyliner is closed for my stay?
We are currently booked at CBR in a 5th sleeper. Two adults and two kids (7 and 9) but wanted the 5th sleeper for more options in sleeping arrangements. We have a pretty good discount at the moment (the room discount is minimal, but lets us put the Canadian resident tickets as part of the package, and that's a big savings.)
We stayed at POFQ two years ago and really liked it except for the limited dining options.
I could switch to a POR 5th sleeper for about the same price, or CSR standard room for a bit of a savings. POFQ is not available with a discount, so it would be quite a bit more.
I think I would prefer CBR over Riverside even without the skyliner - to try something new, plus more dining options at CBR. But should I consider CSR? Or any other options in a similar price range I might be overlooking?
Not sure how much this helps, but this is how we usually decide:
--First, we tend to follow the money. So, if there is a cheaper option, that usually wins out.
--Second, if costs are similar or don't matter, then we look to see if there is something new we can try.
--Third, if costs or trying something new don't matter, then we look at the pools, theming, and food. Is one resort more appealing than another? Are the food options something we would actually eat? Does the atmosphere seem fun and exciting to us?
For us, the skyliner, monorail, or other transportation options are not dealbreakers. However, they might be for other families.
We recently had a similar conversation about these same moderate resorts, so I totally get it! For our family, our preferences (with teenagers) kind of landed at POR first, then POFQ/CBR, then CSR. We've stayed at all these resorts over ten years ago, when our children were about your children's ages now. Oddly enough, they don't really remember staying at CBR or CSR or POFQ, but they still talk about and want to go back to POR. The 5th sleeper pull down with Louis on it at the POR Bayou buildings was just something that stuck in their mind! However, don't let this sway you, because every family is different and you never know what will appeal to your specific children! I like showing my family pictures of the rooms, dining options, and pools to see their reactions and guide our decisions. The good news is, you really can't go wrong with any of these options!
With your situation, I would personally remove POFQ because you've already been there, and there is no discount. I like your reasoning about CBR over Riverside (i.e., skyliner potential and it's new to you--however, extra dining only matters if it's cuisine your family will eat). I'm not sure CSR would add anything more than CBR or Riverside could get you, aside from savings.
Also, we personally love the value resorts! If you like extra space, All-Star Music has a family suite, as well as Art of Animation.
Hopefully, I didn't make this harder for you! Don't overthink it, and know that, usually, your first pick is a good gut instinct! However, part of the fun of any Disney vacation is researching and planning and re-researching and re-planning, haha!