If you had to choose a moderate...

[nursejackie]

I am loving all these CSR recommendations, we check in next week for 10 nights.

We stayed for 4 nights back in 2017 in a refurbished room (no GDT back then) so when we chose moderate this time it was a no brainer.

In days gone by we rented DVC points for deluxe resorts without issue but the risk of COVID restrictions coming back meant we would have lost it all. Booking directly with Disney meant this trip could be moved without a penalty, which we had do to twice because of travel restrictions.

 

[Lizgistix]

My favorite moderate (thus far) is POFQ and depending on cost, I'll request either a standard in building 3 or 4 (closest to main lobby) or a corner room river view. The smaller size makes walking around easier. The water taxi to Disney Springs is nice but keep in mind they only use the docks that are situated between DS and Saratoga Springs, so it's a bit of a trek to most restaurants.

 

[MidnightMeeko]

I think the mod vs Swoplhin cost may depend on the type of discount you can get through Disney for their mods. I've never found the Swolphin resorts for less than the discounts I've found at mods, especially when factoring in the resort fee at Swolphin and the parking fees at both. I think it's great when it works out for others, but I've never had it work out for me and that includes looking at discounts at the Swolphin resorts.

I really like POR and CBR, but I don't love the Skyliner. I also enjoyed CSR (even esp. the Ranchos section way in the back). I think a lot of it has to do with personal preferences of ambience. If you want less nature and more compact - go with POFQ (still very pretty/still nature on the perimeter).

 

[STJ]

Coronado Springs 100%. We stayed there in the middle of the refurb and absolutely LOVED it. The hammocks on the lake were fantastic for unwinding with a drink as the sun sets. Rooms were great. Enjoyed the food options and the staff was awesome. We have said multiple times if it were a DVC resort we would buy there in a heartbeat. We liked the fact that it was more spread out. It felt way more like a deluxe than a moderate than to us.

 

[sanibel93]

Like POFQ, smallest one among the moderates. I like the food court. Boat to DS.

 

[tguz]

I could easily be talked into POFQ or Riverside but CBR only because of the skyliner is my choice right now.

 

[Chuck96]

Coronado Springs is one of the best resorts at the extended campus. It has charm, convenience, and class.

 

[BelleChick]

Another vote for POFQ. The resort is small, so there isn’t a ton of walking to the food court or buses. The last time I stayed there, we were the first pick up for the bus(sharing with riverside). Hot tub isn’t right on top of the main pool, so it’s a little more quiet. You can also take a boat to Disney Springs.

 

[Micca]

Another vote for CSR. Prior to joining DVC, CSR was our go-to when we couldn't score a deluxe at a reasonable price.

 

[tguz]

Another vote for POFQ. The resort is small, so there isn’t a ton of walking to the food court or buses. The last time I stayed there, we were the first pick up for the bus(sharing with riverside). Hot tub isn’t right on top of the main pool, so it’s a little more quiet. You can also take a boat to Disney Springs.

Love Disney boat rides. We need to try that ride to DS next time.

 

[stinkpickle]

The Gran Destino tower feels more like a deluxe, but we prefer POFQ or POR.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Love POR - just so quiet and serene. The pool at POR is better than the one at POFQ. Rooms are identical but POFQ is more compact. We stayed at CBR pre-Skyliner and did not like it. In fact hated it so much we moved to AoA. It was just too spread out and it felt like we were always on a bus or waiting for one.

 

[DVacationer]

Planning a trip for next year. I've been saving and hoped to stay at Yacht or WL but honestly these PRICES are NUTS. I can't get my head around how much they've gone up in a short time (last visit June 21). So! If you'd had your heart set on deluxe life but had to go with a moderate, which one? Are there ways you can make a moderate feel more luxurious (room types, etc.)? We're not planning on having a car. I don't mind the skyliner but I don't love it either.

Hands down, Port Orleans Riverside. French Quarter is also a close second. The FEELING of staying at PO is really special. You won’t get it through videos and pictures. Its the only hotel I wish was also a part of DVC as I am a DVC owner. It’s beautiful. The boatride is amazing to Disney Springs. Coming back from a park day to Port Orleans feels amazing. It’s like staying in New Orleans Square Disneyland. I’ve stayed at the other moderates too and Coronado Springs was nice but didn’t give me that special feeling Port Orleans gives. walking along the sassogoula river daily is very special and beautiful. It’s Disney theming at its finest. I even love the Bayou music and crickets sounds when you take the bus back to Port Orleans from the parks. It’s very soothing.

 

[HopperFan]

Coronado Springs, the deluxe of the moderates in so many ways. You could also book a Tower room that would make it feel more deluxe.

 

[Mousetopia]

Planning a trip for next year. I've been saving and hoped to stay at Yacht or WL but honestly these PRICES are NUTS. I can't get my head around how much they've gone up in a short time (last visit June 21). So! If you'd had your heart set on deluxe life but had to go with a moderate, which one? Are there ways you can make a moderate feel more luxurious (room types, etc.)? We're not planning on having a car. I don't mind the skyliner but I don't love it either.

Rent dvc points and stay at a deluxe for the cost of a moderate!

 

[midwestdee]

Like what perks? I’ll wait. Swolphin is considered deluxe for after hours, which even the Waldorf isn’t. So what perk exactly?

From what I’ve read buses from those resorts go to the TTC not directly to parks. Someone can jump in if that’s incorrect.

 

[hmansionlover]

I think we need to know who is in your party - size, kids , no kids ages etc..... Certain resorts have pools that children will love. Certain resorts have theming that children will love. And other resorts are very nicely themed but more adult in nature.

 

[sheilafri]

If you can get it, the Swan. Not a Disney moderate, but typically priced like one. And you get the benefit of being so close to the boardwalk and Epcot.

And currently the perks of a Disney Deluxe.

 

[sheilafri]

From what I’ve read buses from those resorts go to the TTC not directly to parks. Someone can jump in if that’s incorrect.

I believe that is correct. Perks include morning hours, deluxe evening hours, transportation via boat to Epcot or HS, busses to AK or MK although just the TTC there.

 

[maxiesmom]

From what I’ve read buses from those resorts go to the TTC not directly to parks. Someone can jump in if that’s incorrect.

Yes. For the Magic Kingdom the bus goes to the TTC. Though we walked over to the Boardwalk stop and hopped on their bus. For the Animal Kingdom the bus stop is actually closer than the Disney bus stop. And it has seating and cover, which is nice.