Hey, Robin!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Great job on securing free dining!
Moderate versus
Value is an age old question for everyone when deciding where to stay. Personally, I would stay at the Moderate.
The major differences are restaurants, themed pool with a waterslide, larger rooms, bigger beds and usually but not always location. I am a big fan of comfort and any room that gives my family a bit more space to stretch out is a win for us. Also, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort there is a sliding door to close off the sink and shower area for privacy. The Value Resorts tend to have a sheer curtain.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort has a convention center attached to it making it busier than other Moderate Resorts while Values are typically packed with folks on a tight budget. I'd say you would be getting a similar experience as far as crowd levels at both places but the bigger room, nicer pool and restaurants makes the difference. If you stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, try and get a room in the Cabanas or Casitas for shorter walks to El Centro (lobby).
Disney Dad Tip: There are 11 first come-first served hammocks around Lago Dorado: nine in the Cabanas section and two outside of the Casitas section. You will drift away to your own Fantasyland on these hammocks. The Cabanas are on the sand while the Casitas are under beautiful palm trees.
Robin, enjoy making many
unforgettable Magical Memories!
~Jason ºOº