Best Moderate to Stay in?

[LeighM]

I prefer Port Orleans Riverside. I love the relaxing atmosphere especially after a busy day in the parks. The quick service is really good and I like the create your own pasta station. The boat ride to Disney Springs is a nice option. We've never had an issue with the buses or feeling like the resort is too large. However, some of my friends stayed there and hated it. All personal preferences

 

[daisyduckie]

I've stayed at 4 of the 5 moderates. I'd rank them--
#1 CSR
#2 POR
#3 POFQ
#4 CBR

CSR takes the win because it is the only moderate with a fitness center. And the buses tend to be less crowded as some of the people staying at the resort are not going to the parks. POR is a close second as I find it very pretty and very peaceful.

 

[Buzz2001]

I have a reservation there 3/31 - 4/2. I request "Cabanas" and "Near Transportation" via Online Check in. Am I good with those choices?

You can't go wrong with the cabanas. 8a is steps from bus stop 4 and the mani pool. My favorite choice for a regular room. As you move up in number, 8b and 9a, you get closer to the main building and away from the pool and bus stop. If you are an early riser (rope drop guests), that bus stop should be fine. If you sleep in and leave later in the morning, the buses could get crowded or bypass the stop when they are full. That is why conventions help keep the buses less crowded.

 

[captainkidd]

CSR had excellent bus service. I also really liked the pool bar. I prefer the lounge and food court at Riverside to CSR.

 

[carriebeth]

even though there are rooms at Caribbean Beach and also Riverside that accept 5 people staying in them, if its 5 adults or adult size people, it might not be too comfortable. The sleeping arrangements are 2 queen beds and a pulldown. The pull down is smaller than a single sized bed. Its sort of like the little bunks that an RV would have. Narrow and short. Someone over maybe 5 ft 6 or 5 ft 7 probably would not fit with straight legs at all. If you are looking to go as cheap as you can and are willing to maybe take turns not sleeping so comfortable, it could work.

 

[ryguy]

Personally I am not a big fan of staying at a resort during a refurbishment so that eliminates the Coronado and CBR. Were talking about major changes coming to both resorts. Not your run of the mill update of the rooms.

Riverside is the prettiest and French Quarter is nice because it's small and easy to get around. I think French Quarters food court just received an update too.

Have Fun!!

 

[ryguy]

Have you considered a cabin at Ft. Wilderness? That would accommodate your travel party. All the cabins have been updated and often times the prices aren't bad on these units. There almost always cheaper than a deluxe. Ft. Wilderness is a pretty cool place.

 

[RustySpork]

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Dolphin and Swan. It's a deluxe, but it's often priced competitively with the moderates and walking distance to HS and Epcot. The biggest drawback is that you can't use Magical Express.

If it's still off the table for whatever reason, Riverside. The buses can be very crowded and slow as it's pretty far out from all of the parks, but the resort is beautiful.

 

[The Dean Finder]

Thanks for all of the responses! However with the recently announced CSR and CBR refurbs would this change your preferences?

 

[squidward]

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Dolphin and Swan. It's a deluxe, but it's often priced competitively with the moderates and walking distance to HS and Epcot. The biggest drawback is that you can't use Magical Express.

If it's still off the table for whatever reason, Riverside. The buses can be very crowded and slow as it's pretty far out from all of the parks, but the resort is beautiful.

It really isn't. No further from the Magic Kingdom or Epcot than Coronado. Obviously closer to Disney Springs and further away from Animal Kingdom.

The buses do get crowded though. Best bet is to use the 1st bus stop to get picked up at. Not always practical, but it would alleviate having to stand.

 

[squidward]

Thanks for all of the responses! However with the recently announced CSR and CBR refurbs would this change your preferences?

I would choose Riverside for theme and rooms overall. CSR is a beautiful resort, but has the dullest rooms of any Moderate. With the announced refurbs, no way I would stay in one of those.