I've stayed at all the Moderate Resorts, most multiple times. Really, there is no "best". My experience is that people's favorite is largely influenced by which theme appeals the most to them.
Below is a repost of something I wrote a while back to try to objectively evaluate the Moderate Resorts. Hope it helps but be warned, it might be a bit dated.
WDW has four Moderate Resorts (MRs):
- Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR)
- Coronado Springs Resort (CSR)
- Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ)
- Port Orleans Riverside (POR)
People have their favorites but which one is the best? Realistically, there is no such thing as 'best'. In this case, 'best' is a matter of preference. However, it might be interesting to try to objectively evaluate the four MRs.
Note: Although the Cabins at Fort Wilderness were reclassified as "Moderate" in 2008, these still are part of the unique Fort Wilderness campgrounds and don't fit neatly into any traditional Disney resort category. Therefore, they are not listed as an option in the poll.
Below is my attempt to rate the 4 resorts. Please feel free to use whatever criteria you like.
Theming - All four resorts are extensively themed and well executed. Theming is consistent throughout the common areas, with plenty of lush vegetation. Which theming is 'best' primarily is a matter of taste. I award 1.0 point to each of the 4 MRs for this category.
Layout - POFQ is by far the smallest MR with all amenities within easy walking distance; 1.0 points. Although, POR is significantly larger, it's centrally located pool means it's a relatively easy walk from most rooms while the main building and food are still far from most rooms; 0.5 points. With large central lakes, most rooms are distant for the main facilities, 0.25 points to CBR and CSR.
Transportation - Compared to Deluxe or Value Resorts, bus
transportation at the MRs are weak. However, accordingly to 'The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World', CSR has the best bus service of the four; 1.0 points to CSR, 0.5 to the other 3.
Pool - CSR and POR have large, interesting main pools with good water slides for children; 1.0 points to these 2 MRs. The main pool at CBR is slightly smaller and slightly less exotic; 0.75 points. The main pool at POFQ is significantly smaller with a water slide that's exciting for only the very young; 0.25 points.
Dining - POR has an excellent food court with a varied food selection and ample seating. POR also offers a good Table Service (TS) restaurant. 1.0 points to POR. CSR and CBR resort also offer good food court and TS options, although not as extensive; 0.75 points. POFQ has the smallest food court and no TS option; 0.25 points.
Rooms - All 4 MRs have identically sized rooms (314 sq ft) with nearly identical layouts. POR gets the slight advantage because its standard room can
accommodate a 5th guest; 1.0 points to POR, 0.75 points to the other 3 MRs. (CSR offers suites but the prices of these go well beyond the typical price associated with MRs.)
Price - Although the MRs are priced similarly, the small POFQ tends to have the fewest, least agressively priced discounts offered, while CBR has the most; 1.0 point to CBR, 0.75 points to CSR and POR, and 0.5 points to POFQ.
Other - All four offer various forms of entertainment for families; 0.5 points to each resort. POR and POFQ offer water transportation to DTD, an additional 0.25 points.
Summary
Adding the above, the results are:
- POR - 6.50 points
- CSR - 6.00 points
- CBR - 5.50 points
- POFQ - 5.00 points
Note that I included a poll question for this. The results were:
- POR - 32 votes
- CSR - 25 votes
- CBR - 6 votes
- POFQ - 23 votes
