[Chuck]

HI
I would like to hear some more reviews (good or bad) on the Disney World Moderate Resorts:
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs
Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans French Quarter

[mickey]

Chuck, you can see some reviews here:

ReviewCentral moderate resorts

[Brian]

Chuck,

My wife and I stayed at the Carribean Beach Resort 2001 and had a terrific time. The rooms are not huge but the relaxing atmosphere of the resort was very nice. There are many pools(both quiet and themed with a water slide) as well as a nice beach to relax on. The sitdown restaurant had good food and the outdoor bar overlooks the water and was a nice place to get away as well. We had a room that overlooked the water and was a nice spot to hang out after the sun went down. THey just renovated the part of CBR this year so I am sure it is even nicer now. I would definitely stay there again.

Brian

[mattomouseman]

We have stayed at CB and CS and loved them both. We also got upgraded on one trip to WL because we had booked Port Orleans but then they closed it for refurbishment. I would however suggest trying to get your room as close to the main buildings as possible (IF possible) We have two small children and when we got to back the room at night the trek to the food court from the room was pretty long when we were at CS. When we booked it didn't cross my mind because we inadvertanly lucked out at CB and WL. We were near the restaurants both times and it wasn't an issue! Whichever one you choose you'll have a blast!:)

[KarenWDWCP]

Chuck,
I have stayed at the Carribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter with my family. All were great. The Carribbean Beach has more of that tropical/beach atmosphere (I guess that is obvious) so if you are a "beach person" that might be the best bet for you. I preferred the French Quarter and Riverside to the CB though - I loved the beautiful landscaping and how quiet and peaceful it seemed. Riverside really seemed more like a deluxe resort than a moderate (we just stayed there 12/02). I also really enjoyed the boat transportation to Downtown Disney. If I were going, I would probably pick Riverside or French Quarter. Also keep in mind that French Quarter does not have a sit down restaurant - I am not sure if that is important to you or not. You'll have a great time wherever you stay!


Karen

[Preachers Son]

I have stayed at the Caribbean Beach twice (stay #3 coming up in June) and I would easily suggest that Hotel to you. I'm interested to see what they've done while they closed it (if anyone knows, I'd appreciate you letting me in on it).

[mickey]

Preachers Son, welcome to DisneyCentral. When Caribbean Beach was closed prior to Christmas 2002, the only thing they changed was an overhaul of the food areas. They added a new restaurant, Shutters, and made some of the other areas smaller. I have heard that a pool rehab is in the works, but nothing firm as of yet.

[soxmets]

My wife and I stayed at Coronado Springs in the Spring of 2002. She was there on business, I was there to play. Rooms are not overly large, but clean & nice. The pool is huge. Ask for a room close to the front, because this resort is really spread out and you can do some serious walking. Also, when you check-in, ask to have a bell hop assist you with suitcases. They'll get a vehicle to move them for you, so you're not carrying them. This place is designed for convention business, so if you're taking kids, you'll probably want to choose another kiddie friendly location. Food at the PepperMart is excellant. However, they build the gratuity into your bill, even though the only thing the waiter does is fill your drink. This is a nice place for business people, but again kids would prefer something differnent.

[Minnie Mommie]

HI Chuck

We've stayed at the CB and POFQ! We liked them both. The CB is a much bigger property than POFQ. We requested a buliding near the main pool and food court, but ended up far, far away! We used the square quiet pool more than the "themed" pool because it was too far of a walk( with a then 4 yr old) after a long day of walking at the parks!But I did like the mood there with the steel drums playing!! We liked POFQ because of the pool slide and the size of the property!!It wasn't too much for a 5 yr. old. I would go back to both!!( Now that the youngest is 7yrs!!):laugh

[sandanv1]

I have been to them all and I liked Port Orleans Riverside the best. Early in the morning or just before dusk the little critters come out and seem to be all over (a good thing) and it seemed more peaceful and romantic than the others.
My husband, who rates everything on food quality, likes the Coronado for its Pepper Market (food court).
We did Carribean in Feb. which was nice because it seemed deserted, it was cool and the beach was deserted.
I would say that rooms are the same size. Distance from the buses, pool and food depends on the room you get.
After all is said and done, for the amount of time we spend in the room, all we need at the end of the day is a hot shower and comfy bed

[WDWNutCase]

The only bad thing I have to say about the CBR is the Captain's Tavern, the sit down restaurant. However, during the rennovation, apparantly the restaurant was redone completely and apparantly now it's fine.

[Chernabog]

I've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (Still Dixie Landings in my heart) my past 4 visits and I love it! I think it has a great location, a boat ride away from Downtown Disney, and short bus rides elsewhere. Plus the layout of the resort is fantastic. Each little "section" has its own pool as well as a huge central pool which has some great theming and a fun slide.

You can't beat the theming of the entire resort. In my opinion, Riverside has the best food court, in terms of selection & theming, on the entire property. Boatright's Dining Hall is a great place for breakfast and the boat under construction over your head is stunning.

In my opinion, Riverside is one of the best moderate resorts in WDW, and unless I can afford a deluxe, I'll be staying there for years to come.

[mj7379]

I have only been to one moderate resort and it was CB. I thought that the grounds were beautiful and had a great time there. The rooms were a little small, but we hardly stayed in them at all except to shower and sleep. The pool was nice, my daughter had loads of fun there and made lots of friends. Overall, it was very nice for the money.:)

[CaribBeachNut]

I stay at Caribbean Beach every time I go to WDW. I have toured all the other resort hotels at WDW thinking I may be missing something better, but I found nothing better overall. I believe that the moderate resorts are the best value. CB was one of the first resorts built, so it has amenities that the other moderates do not. For instance, each village has its own swimming pool and there is also a common themed swimming pool at Old Port Royal. Guests are free to use any pool they wish. CB offers the largest rooms of all the moderate resorts, although it is only slightly larger. WDW offers discounts during the year, and if you can get one of those discounts, then staying at a moderate resort will be as inexpensive or even less expensive than staying at a "Value" resort. You can choose between villages located near the Old Port Royal (and food court) or you can choose to be farther away (if you desire peace and quiet like I do). I enjoy walking over the two bridges and through the Parrot Cay on my way to breakfast. A nice way to begin the day. It is also close to the exits and I-4, so it makes for a quick exit to go out to International Drive, et al to shop the outlet stores, pick up something at the Supermarket or see something off Disney. I have stayed at CB 7 or 8 times and I plan on continuing to do so. I am going to check out how intrusive the Bonnet Creek construction is later this year. My vote goes to the Moderate Resorts with CB being the best of the moderates.

[alexa1466]

The only moderate resort I have stayed at was the CB. Nice on outside but I think the rooms could have used some inprovement on the inside. I heard nothing but rave reviews about POR which is why I made my reservation to stay there this December. Whichever you decide, I'm sure you will have a great time!