Hi, Michele!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I’m glad to hear that you’re planning your first family visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
The moderate resort hotel I’d recommend is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, a scenic property reminiscent of the Louisiana Bayou. It’s a serene and picturesque resort that is, in my opinion, the best of the moderate resort choices. All of the rooms were renovated this past summer, including the preferred rooms in the Alligator Bayou section of the resort that now feature a bunk-size pull-down bed in addition to either a king size bed or two queen size beds. The pull-down bed is smaller than a twin size bed and best for younger children. The Royal Rooms in the Magnolia Bend section are elegantly themed and include several magical details incorporating Disney Princesses and their Princes.
The themed pool area, Ol' Man Island, is conveniently located between the resort’s main sections. There is a large pool, a spa, a kiddie pool, a wading pool and a water slide. The pools and water slide are open most of the day, and there are also five 24-hour quiet pools scattered throughout the resort.
Direct bus service is available to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and there are also boats to Downtown Disney, which depart daily every 10-20 minutes. Especially with a little one in tow, it’s nice to be able to hop on a boat for a change of pace from bus rides. The resort’s River Roost Lounge has live entertainment, including appearances by Yehaa Bob Jackson, whose high-energy act is a family favorite.
I hope this information is helpful, Michele. Please feel free to ask me more questions you may have about resort hotels or any other aspect of planning your pixie-dusted vacation!
Wishing you magic,
Courtney