I'm going to WDW in early November and would like to stay within the park. The 'moderately priced' hotels (Dixie Landings, Carribean, Port Orleans) sound like the most cost efficent (I wasn't thrilled with the 'All-Star' resorts last time around). Can anyone provide some feedback or advise on these 3 - which would you suggest? Thank you!!

For detailed info & reviews in trip reports, check out Deb Wills unofficial guide site at www.wdwig.com, it has lots of good info. I have only stayed at the All-Stars myself. A good friend went last summer and stayed at Dixie Landings and really liked it.

We stayed at Dixie Landings in February 99. The rooms were large enough for my family of 4. Our youngest slept in a full-size crib that was provided by the hotel, and it fit nicely in the room.
The grounds and pool were also nice.
Several friends and family members of ours have also stayed there, and all have enjoyed it.

Hi. The Carribean Beach resort is fabulous. The rooms are large, well appointed, and provides a free shuttle around the Disney parks. I highly recommend it.

Our group is returning to DW in October and will probably stay here depending on the size of the group. We have also thought about renting a house nearby - very reasonable.

If you have a Majic Kingdom Club Card, just call the number on the back and they will help with all reservations. Plus you will receive a discount.

Have a wonderful time.

I would also consider the Fort Wilderness "cabins" and "homes". They have similar layouts but one type (I forget which) has a large-ish deck with grill. Transport by car is most efficient for this site but there is shuttle service. They save a lot of money because you can eat many of your meals there. They are incredibly well equipped.

I have stayed at both Dixie Landings and the Caribbean and enjoyed both of them. Dixie Landings was nice because they have the boat ride you can take to that shopping area (forget what it's called). Caribbean was nice because I thought their food court was better and they had better swimming areas. Cost was similar. My mom lives in Fla and goes there a couple times a year. She used to go to Dixie Landings but she prefers the Caribbean now. I think with children the Caribbean might be more fun, they seemed to have more gift shops too but the grounds around Dixie Landings was very nice also. You can't go wrong with either one.

We stayed at Dixie Landings last year and I was very impressed with the rooms and the entire hotel for the money. The rooms were decorated very tastefully, grounds were beautiful. The food court and restaurant both were good. Nice pool. The boat there takes you to directly to Downtown Disney. All in all I'd have to say it really is a good value for the money.

I've stayed at all three mentioned and would give a slight nod the Port Orleans. All three are different in themes yet similar in most every other way(decent pools, food courts, etc). In my not so humble opinion all the rooms on property are small and over priced.However, I would not want to stay anywhere but on property! It's like Vegas (outside of the suites) they make the rooms nice but not so nice you want to stay in your room. They (like Vegas) want you out spending $$$. Enjoy!!

I have stayed at 2 moderates in the last 14 months. One trip was a business trip where 4 of us each stayed at different Resorts. They are all VERY SIMILAR with many the interior decor being different.

1) Coronado Springs: Not bad at all. If you are going to eat at the resort the food court is great. Lots of options. The large pool is by all means the nicest of your mentioned resorts.

2) Carribean: Stayed here for the "family" trip mainly because i didn't care for the "southwest" decor at Coronado Springs. I wouldn't recommed Carribean. There is nothing at all wrong with the rooms...However, the food court was terrible compared to Corondao. You can very easily be a LONG way from the food court/gift area.

One big negative is transportaion. While WDW transp. in general is a GREAT way to go. Each resort has a specified drop off/pick up area...and Carribean was ALWAYS the furthest drop off spot away. Port Orleans had a great atmosphere...again rooms almost identical....

Next time we will consider a step up to the Boardwalk.

All this being said...WDW Resorts are definately the way to go if Disney theme parks etc. are the main focus of your trip.