Comparing the moderates...

Coronado Springs: they've just renovated all the rooms with better (bigger queen) beds, more deluxe amenities, etc. Plus, the way the resort is situated, you can often get a parking spot very close to your room if you're driving. However, I don't like their food court, and their table-service gets bad reviews.

CBR: The resort is giant and it's pretty hard to get to the food court from anywhere that isn't a preferred room. There IS shuttle service around the resort, though.

POR: I stayed here years ago and really enjoyed it, but wasn't thinking about it from an 82-yr-old's perspective.

POFQ: This might be the best option. It's the smallest, most compact moderate. The food court is great (and they have beignets (sp??)!). There's a boat to Downtown Disney (as there is with POR as well). I've heard that it's the best option for people who don't get around as well as they used to. Plus, it's beautiful.

I've always thought the moderates were much better for those who are moving a bit slower than the deluxes. I'd vote for CSR because you can get a parking space so close to your room. I feel like it's the resort with the closest parking to rooms. Of course if you're not renting a car it's a terrible idea, because that place is monstrous.

I'd have to vote for PO Riverside too. If you can get a room in Oak Manor it's near the bridge across the Sassagoula and not too long of a walk to the resort center, food courts, marina etc. There are also loads of benches along the walkways and beautiful grounds to admire while you sit for a minute. The quiet pools are lovely too...there is one right next to Oak Manor which is a nice alternative to the crowds at Ole Man River. Oh and the carriage rides are a nice treat!! The boat to DTD is also convenient and very relaxing.

When we lived in Orlando, we used to go to DTD for dinner/shopping and then take the boat up to POR for an after dinner drink and stroll. Very romantic if the boat's not too crowded...which it usually isn't around the early/mid evening time...everyone is still eating and shopping at DTD. One time, there was a pretty strong thunderstorm out over the Gulf of Mexico and we could see the "lightshow" from the boat....very cool.

Good point. At POR or POFQ you have access to the food courts and pools at both resorts...as well as DTD. That's a lot of benefits in one small area.

Would you guys bring a car?

As you know, I LOVED CSR. If you could get a room in the Casitas in Building 4 near bus stop 2, you'd have it made. (Although if you rent a car, that's moot.) It's a 5 minute walk to El Centro, the quiet pool is right there if you need to cool off, the bus stop is the first one picked up and dropped off (for the parks, not DTD), and the rooms are almost all remodeled so they're deluxe quality (and I believe they will all be done by October).

The only downside are the food choices. As you know, I didn't eat on site. I thought it was pricey.

POFQ would be my second choice. I didn't care for the rooms there, but it's very condensed, so easy to get around, and as others have pointed out, the boats to DTD give you access to all sorts of great dining choices.

(Sorry...just responding to this a little late) If you like the Pepper Market, then CSR is definitely in the running.

That definitely decreases the walking. I kind of agree with C-dub although my experience isn't extensive, I feel like at CSR it's easier to get a room where the parking is right outside.

do they have a particularly good drink in port orleans?

While I haven't stayed at all of the moderates, I am inclined to agree that CSR is a great resort. My only complaint was that I wasn't a huge fan of the pepper market. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and the food was good . . . I just liked other resort food courts better. I have never really thought about resorts in terms of bringing an 82-year old along, but it seems are you getting good advice here. It is something I will have to keep in mind, because hopefully someday in the not to far of future we would like to take the family down and give them there first disney experience.

Sarah

Sounds like that's something to "celebrate!"

MT, I gotta go with CSR or POFQ. Both seem like they'd fit the need. CSR has more amenities, but POFQ has the boat to DTD, which makes for a good little trip if everyone's too worn out to go to the parks.

My instinct is CSR but it's hard to argue with quick access to beignets.

I wonder how many people who show up at their resort and get asked "Are you celebrating anything?" reply with "We're here!"

I like POR FQ