WE have stayed at all the moderates multiple times. However, it has been a while since we stayed at CBR and there have been a lot of changes recently, so I am looking forward to staying there again sometime over the next year.
Which resort is best is a very personal thing. Everyone has different priorities when choosing a resort. You have noted some of the major differences between the 4 moderate choices which is great. Does any theme look more appealing to you? It may seem unimportant, but the theme does matter a lot to many people. It sets the mood for your visit and theming is very well done at WDW resorts.
Here are a few other things to think about as you choose: (all are JMO, of course)
CSR (my first choice for couples only / older children families:
-best moderate pool on property
-nice quiet pools
-fitness center, salon
-three lovely landscaped areas for theming options
-hammocks, fountains and little areas to explore while enjoying the grounds
-excellent bus service
-romantic. walk around the lake
-excellent TS restaurant ( and now another one on the water - can't wait to try this one!)
-rooms in the tower have interior corridors, if desired
-Good food court
-central location
-buses rarely crowded
-our favourite theme
-convention hotel (bothers some people, never a problem for us)
-large size (again bothers some people, a plus for us as we enjoy having nice grounds to walk around and extra amenities to enjoy)
book preferred rooms or tower rooms for most convenient locations
POR (my second choice)
Nice themed pool
good quiet pools around property
good TS restaurant
best moderate food court on property
boat to DS
lovely grounds to walk around
horse and carriage rides
Surrey bike rentals
over the top Royal rooms, cute bayou rooms or regular mansion rooms combine to give options for many decor preferences
walk to POFQ for another themed pool and/or beignets
evening entertainment
book preferred rooms for most convenient location
CBR (might be tied for second choice with new additions, not sure)
very relaxing resort theme
nice main themed pool
great quiet pools
new gondola ride to DHS and Epcot may be a plus
some say rooms are a little larger ( 340 vs 314 Sq Ft at others?)
book preferred rooms for most convenient location
POFQ (our last choice)
only one bus stop (some people like this a lot)
great for families with small children
boat to DS
walk to POR to use the amenities there
small footprint, so easy to navigate and all rooms close to everything, no need to pay extra for a preferred room
few amenities at FQ
no TS restaurant
small food court
pool more suited to small children
theming doesn't appeal to us, grounds are themed like New Orleans streets
All four are great choices Enjoy whichever you choose. If staying a week or longer you could book a split stay and experience more than one.
Enjoy!