Hi, Fred!
I'm glad you asked the Disney Parks Moms Panel this question. I started off taking my family to the All Star Resorts, and we made the jump to
Moderate Resort Hotels after a couple of visits.
Our family's first moderate was
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. I decided to book a Preferred Room to stay in a room closer to the restaurants and lobby. Since then, we have stayed without the preferred location and enjoyed it just as much. Coronado has four bus stops, so if you have tired kids and need to get to the lobby, you can hop on the closest bus and ride it to the front. The pool at Coronado Springs is AWESOME. If you stay in a room near the pool or just get hungry when you're there, you can grab Quick Service food at
Siestas Cantina. I've had small meals at the restaurant many times instead of walking to the main food area near the lobby.
My family has come to find Moderate Hotels offer more activities, food, and better pools. If that interests you, it may be worth the extra cost.
I hope you have an enjoyable visit to Walt Disney Word Resorts. Please let me know if I can help you with any of your other planning questions!
-Jen