Perfect resort to pair with the Grand Floridian

[maleficent55]

If you were adding on days to a stay at the GF, which moderate resort would give a nice balance?

This is for a first trip!

 

[leebee]

Depends on what you want, but I'd go with Coronado Springs. It's definitely the "deluxe" of the moderates, with several table service restaurants, several lounges, etc. However, sometimes we stay at French Quarter. It's small, quieter, laid-back, but although it has a lounge, it doesn't have a table service restaurant. PORiverside has a restaurant, but DD and SIL really didn't like the vibe of the whole resort. Haven't stayed at Caribbean Beach, but it is HUGE; lots of walking to get to the food, pool, pool bar. Some of the rooms at CBR are closer to the amenities at Rivera than at CBR!!

 

[RivGirl]

If you were adding on days to a stay at the GF, which moderate resort would give a nice balance?

This is for a first trip!

Will you be going to any parks from the moderate resort?

 

[maleficent55]

Will you be going to any parks from the moderate resort?

Yes

We would add the moderate on to the beginning (you never want to downgrade during your stay!) so it would be AK and MK in the beginning followed by a rest day, EPCOT, HS, rest day, MK

 

[kylenne]

Yes

We would add the moderate on to the beginning (you never want to downgrade during your stay!) so it would be AK and MK in the beginning followed by a rest day, EPCOT, HS, rest day, MK

I second Coronado. It’s fairly centrally located, much more than “AK resort area” suggests. The bus ride to MK is like 9 minutes (I timed it one morning when I stayed in the tower). It also has better on site food and amenities than the other mods, by far, and feels more like a deluxe. If you can snag a good deal on a tower room absolutely go for it.

 

[RivGirl]

And what ages will be on this trip? Will you be visiting the pools?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would be Carribean Beach Resort. Love the skyliner and the tropical vibes

 

[RuntheMouse]

Another vote for Coronado Springs. I love the food there and the tower is Deluxe light if it’s in the budget.

Good thinking on moderate first, it’s the right move!

 

[peachiepie]

I'd say Carribbean Beach, for the skyliner.

 

[gottalovepluto]

CSR Tower

 

[maleficent55]

And what ages will be on this trip? Will you be visiting the pools?

My husband and I and teen daughter
Yes, 2 pool days

 

[maleficent55]

Does a split stay affect LLMP? I don’t think so as long as both are linked to MDE, but just triple checking!

 

[Marthasor]

I would probably do CSR, but I actually prefer the preferred rooms over the tower rooms (I found the tower to be a bit loud). If you are looking for "mod" pricing, but don't need to stay at a Disney resort, you might also consider the Swan or Dolphin in the EP resort area.

 

[RivGirl]

My husband and I and teen daughter
Yes, 2 pool days

If you had a younger child I would argue for Caribbean Beach or French Quarter or a Tiana room at Port Orleans Riverside. Nah, I’ll go ahead and make the argument anyway. The theming at those resorts is just so great and makes it more than a hotel! Caribbean is very spread out, but I have never minded that, and the tropical beach vibes there put me in vacay mode instantly. The pools at these resorts have excellent theming, too, but with one teen in tow she might prefer something more subdued like Coronado. You know your child.

Since you won’t be visiting Epcot or HS from the moderate (that was my understanding from your response?) the Skyliner is no benefit. When it comes to bus transportation, Port Orleans French Quarter is the way to go as it has the least bus stops of any of the Mods. It also has a nice boat ride to Disney Springs.

I think my ultimate vote would indeed be for French Quarter. It’s charming and compact, it is often seen as a more “adult” resort which might appeal to your daughter, transportation is good, and it has Mickey beignets! Plus you can use both the French Quarter and the Riverside pool when you stay there, giving you some variety. I love both of those pools!