How do you choose where to stay when there's 22 themed resorts to choose from? Money always factors into the decision but even the deluxe resorts can be had at a fairly reasonable price at specific times of year. I've spent most of my Disney trips at moderate resorts. These are the middle of the road in price, location and amenities. So now it comes down to theming. The four choices include Port Orleans Riverside, a southern-style resort along the Sassagoula River with Mansions and lush gardens. It's sister resort, French Quarter, will give you a healthy taste of Mardi Gras. Riverside offers horse-drawn carriage rides at a very reasonable price. And from both Riverside and French Quarter you can take a boat ride to Downtown Disney, which is something not offered at any other resort. The Caribbean Beach resort has an Island theme. There you have the unique ability of mailing someone a coconut instead of a postcard.
Then there's the Coronado Springs, a Southwest style resort that boasts one of the best pools with a 46-foot tall pyramid and a cascading waterfall. So just when you think you've narrowed the choices down to four, the decision becomes more difficult because each resort offers something unique.