I haven't stayed at CSR or CBR. Some say those are very large and spread out resorts. POR is pretty large too.
I have stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ). I like it because it is smaller, and the Riverside resort is connected, there is a walkway between the two. Also, both resorts run along a very pretty river.
We walked to Riverside resort and had dinner at the sit-down restaurant (Boatwrights). Note that French Quarter has food court but no sit-down restaurant. We went during
free dining and walked from French Qtr to Riverside our first evening for dinner, and it turned out to be one of our favorite dinners of the week. You can also use the pools at both resorts, And there is a boat that goes between the two resorts and also goes to Downtown Disney, it's a relaxing adventure taking the boat!
I have been to all the Value resorts as well. I don't think they are that much more crowded or noisy than the moderates. (the parks and the restaurants will have a lot more crowds and noise than the resorts!) All food courts are busy in the morning, and all main pools can be crowded. The values have three pools and each main pool will be more crowded than the "secondary" pools. If the pools are important to you, schedule some swim time in the "off times" like later in the evening or in the morning.
I thought the room noise from other rooms was better at the values, and have read studies here on the boards in regard to room noise. for example, Pop Century is one of the quietest as far as hearing other people in their rooms, and I agree with that, I think because they are newer and building materials have improved over the years.
Try looking at the resorts on either wdwinfo.com (main page of the boards, or on allearsnet.com). It's so much fun planning, and you will have a great time no matter what resort you choose!
