Questions about the Moderate Resorts

[Atrain13]

My girlfriend and I are going to Disney World this fall, and staying on the resort. We are just going to stay at a Moderate Resort but we're going out to get the deluxe dining plan. Anyhoo, I was wondering which moderate resort people suggested. I've heard that the Coronado Springs is the better one of the group. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions based off their history.

We will be flying and being picked up by Disney, so parking won't be an issue. Plus which of those resorts have the best dining? We'll be eating all over, so those resorts aren't that big of a deal, but what are some of the better places to eat/snack at in Disney World? Thank you everyone for your help.

 

[bgilson1973]

My family and I stay at Port Orleans French Quater all the time if available. The river boat takes you strait down to Downtown Disney and the bus service too the parks are pretty good with showing up on time. Rooms are nice also.

 

[mpbest]

We have never stayed at Coronado. We prefer Port Orleans French Quarter as a moderate. It is much smaller than the other mods. Bus service was great and everything was centrally located. You also have boat service to DTD. There is not a sit down restaurant at FQ, but there is at Riverside. I have only eaten there once and it was good/average.

Some of our favorite sit down restaurants are Teppan Edo, Cape May Seafood, 50's Primetime and Kona Cafe. Depending on your tastes, Chefs de France is good. We are hoping to try the Deluxe dining in the Spring, so we can try some of the signature restaurants. Le Cellier is also very good. We personally did not care for Captains Grill.

For counter service, Flame Tree at AK, Earl of Sandwich or Wolf Gang Puck Express at DTD, Columbia Harbor House at MK and just about anywhere at Epcot in the World Showcase. Don't really have a fav at HS, but the Boardwalk Bakery is good and not too far by boat.

Have a great trip!

 

[3pletprincesses]

I love POR. I like the fact that the resort is big and therefor seems like there's never too many peple around. I like the boat ride to DTD and it's in the process of being completely renovated. If it was my choice, that what I would pick.

 

[Joe'sgirl]

Just got back from CSR. I only ate at the Pepper Market and it was ok, nothing special. But I think if it is you and your girlfriend you will likely enjoy the resort. It was very quiet where I stayed (Ranchos) but it was only about a minute walk to the pool which is really nice. It was not at all crowded but it may have been the time I was there (1/25-1/29). Bars were nice, there was one right outside the main building and one by the pool. Rooms were ok, 2 queen beds, I believe they have 1 king as well. They didn't seem much bigger than the rooms at POP to me but it definitely seemed like a more grown up hotel and if it were just my DH and I, I would consider returning to CSR if the price was right.

 

[starrysky]

I agree with POFQ its a nice small resort and close to MK and to DTD.

The resort is nice and small and the buses like PPs have said are good, there is only one stop and it makes getting around much easier. You can book kingsize bed rooms and they are great with only having one bed in the room it gives you a bit more space.

If you are going on the Delux plan I would highly recommend the California Grill and the Wave at the Contemporary. Teppan Edo, San Angel Inn in EPCOT. Fultons, Paradiso 37, T-rex, Raglan Road at DTD. Sci Fi at DHS. Tusker House breakfast at AK is great fun. Crystal Palace breakfast at MK.

CS wise there are loads of options. Cosmic Rays at MK. Tangerine Cafe at EPCOT are the stand out ones for us.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I have stayed at all four moderates and think each one has its pros.

POFQ is compact, its rooms are newly redone and have queen beds and its a very lovely and charming resort. My only downside to POFQ is the lack of quiet pools. We don't always want to swim at a hectic main pool and the other mods all have numerous quiet pools meaning no matter where your room is, you have a pool nearby.

We enjoy the grounds and theming of all the mods and think they are the perfect compromise of value (by Disney standards) and a resort feel.

My personal favorite is Riverside but I am happy to stay at any one of them.

The one negative to CBR right now is that it only has double beds. CSR and POFQ have the queen beds, POR is mid refurb and all rooms will soon have them. So that is nice. Although for a couples only trip, you can book a King room at any of them I think.

Good luck, I don't think you can mkae a bad choice!

 

[BelleChick]

Port Orleans French Quarters would be my pick for these reasons:

1.It is the smallest moderate resort and typically quieter.
2.It has been renovated recently. (The new decor is lovely by the way!)
3.Hot tub is in a more secluded area separate from the main pool, so it has a little more of a romantic feel to it.
4.You will be the first pick-up and drop-off on the bus route.

I have stayed at all the moderate resorts more than once, and to be honest...you can't really go wrong with any of them. It really just depends on what kind of theme and atmosphere you prefer. Personally, I find myself always ending up at POFQ for the reasons above. It is one of the few resorts that after a long day of walking in the park, I don't feel like I arrive at my resort hotel and have to walk another mile to my room.

 

[aubriee]

I go to WDW several times a year and normally stay in a moderate, so have stayed at all four within the last couple of years. I'd rank them:

#1. CSR
#2. POFQ
#3. PORS
#4 CBR

 

[Mattix]

As a couple we have always enjoyed staying at CSR. The grounds are beautiful and we find the resort very relaxing. Since it sounds like you will be using Disney transportation, we have found that CSR has always had good bus service and it is just a short trip to AK, EPCOT, HS and the Boardwalk Resort Area. It is a little longer trip to MK but still not too long a ride.

 

[mince]

If you are going all in with the deluxe plan, you may want to consider a last second car rental. I got a car for the week for $100 last trip. Most of the best restaurants are at resorts and NOT in the parks. For example, if you want to eat at Jiko, you'll have to go to a park or DTD then off to AKL. So you will spend a ton of extra time in transit if you are planning to hit the best restaurants.

 

[myladyisatramp]

WOOHOO, only 8 more days till POR......

 

[jujube]

I go to WDW several times a year and normally stay in a moderate, so have stayed at all four within the last couple of years. I'd rank them:

#1. CSR
#2. POFQ
#3. PORS
#4 CBR

 

[adi1138]

Of the three moderates I've stayed at (Caribbean Beach, Riverside, and Coronado), I would recommend Coronado. I went there just me and my husband in September and it was perfect for a couple. The resort is absolutely lovely, lush, relaxing and romantic. There are nice hammocks on white sand beaches, a fabulous pool (easily the best pool of the moderate resorts), and a great lounge. And since it's such a big resort, it never feels crowded and the walk around the lake is very beautiful (and romantic at night!)

Also, since Coronado was designed for the convention crowd, it feels a little more upscale than the other moderates. It has more modern room decor and linens, better quality toiletries, a gym, spa, etc. It feels more grown-up, whereas the other two are both great resorts, but more geared towards families.

 

[figmentsimagination]

I have stayed at CSR.... and it was just OK. I honestly would have just stayed at Pop and saved money. The pepper market isn't that great, and it's really spread out. Sometimes there are people in golf carts they will pick you up. The rooms weren't anything special.

I plan to stay at POFQ after reading all the awesome reviews.

Places to eat? Mmmm.. my favorite places are Garden Grill (Epcot), California Grill (Contemporary Resort), Artist Point (WL), 50's Primetime (DS), Jiko (AKL), Boma (AKL). To name a few.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We are huge fans of CSR. We had adults, teens, and preschoolers and we all were happy. CMs were great and went out of the way to be sure we were taken care of. Bus service was amazing. We waited ONCE for more that a few minutes last month. We like pepper market and as a CS credit on the DDP its a great deal. There was no crowds anywhere even during a very busy time. Pool looked amazing but we did not have time for it and it was pretty cold as well. Resort is however huge and where you are may impact your stay. We like Casista buildings. I think 1-3 is preferred and the others not??? We got a free upgrade to preferred for looking like a happy disney family.
Rooms are not huge but I like having real doors to separate the bath area from the sleeping area.

 

[jujube]

We are huge fans of CSR. We had adults, teens, and preschoolers and we all were happy. CMs were great and went out of the way to be sure we were taken care of. Bus service was amazing. We waited ONCE for more that a few minutes last month. We like pepper market and as a CS credit on the DDP its a great deal. There was no crowds anywhere even during a very busy time. Pool looked amazing but we did not have time for it and it was pretty cold as well. Resort is however huge and where you are may impact your stay. We like Casista buildings. I think 1-3 is preferred and the others not??? We got a free upgrade to preferred for looking like a happy disney family.
Rooms are not huge but I like having real doors to separate the bath area from the sleeping area.

We are too. IMO, The Pepper Market is a great counter service restaurant! The variety of foods is amazing and every one we've had has been delicious.

 

[Belle83]

I would pick POFQ. You can take the boat to Downtown Disney (and all the restaurants there), it's smaller, and recently renovated. I like the theme a lot, too.

Coronado is supposed to be nice and geared more toward adults (it's a convention hotel), with more amenities.

All of the mods except POFQ have a sit-down restaurant. I think that of the 3 (Maya Grill, Boatwright's, and Shutters), Boatwright's (at POR) is supposed to be the best. You could walk there from POFQ, though.

ETA: As for other restaurants, my favorite is California Grill at the Contemporary

 

[catheren]

For adults CSR, handsdown!
Resort is more upscale then the other Moderates.
Pepper Market is great, yet know they are doing a "trial buffet" lunch - not too fond with that, but there is another QS open which is pretty good.

Dining: TS recommendations, in no particular order, FF at BW, Narcoosees at GF, Garden Grille at GR, Cali Grille at CR, Artist Point at WL, and YSH at YC.

Epcot Chef de France, Bistro de Paris, Rose and Crowne , QS Epcot Bakery in Norway and France, Mexico, Sunshines in the Land.

MK QS at Pecos Bills and Caseys Hotdog Stand. No TS recommendations.

DHS and AK = YUCK for both QS and , we bring in snacks and eat later at a resort.

 

[buzznina]

Here is our rankings
1a PORS - Has more activities to do for our family and the boat to DTD
1b POFQ - Pool more for kids, but I do like that it's just not a big square.
2 CSR - Has a great pool and a night club for adults
3 CBR - We live by the beach so theme not a big draw and full size beds