Cyndal BenulloWe all know that a Disney World vacation can be expensive, and guests want to make sure it will be worth their while. For families looking to experience everything about the “Disney Bubble” but don’t know where to begin, we are here to help! Disney World Moderate Resorts can be a great option for those looking to get the full Disney experience without breaking the bank. But, which moderate resort is right for you and your family? We’re breaking down the pros, cons, and more when it comes to these moderately priced hotels!
What Is a Moderate Resort?
There are over 25 resort options on Disney World property, which can be overwhelming for families planning their first Disney vacation. Currently, Disney World categorizes its resorts into four different groups. This includes Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Deluxe Resort Villas. And, each one caters to a variety of different needs and luxuries.
Moderate resorts are considered the middle-of-the-road hotels offered on property. They are often some of the largest resorts in Disney World and provide more amenities and room options than the value resort category. Though, they’ll have a little less compared to deluxe resorts. This also means that moderate resorts come in with middle-of-the-pack pricing. Moderate resort standard rooms start at approximately $300 per night but can range anywhere from $250 to $450+ per night on average.
Which Resorts are Considered Moderate Resorts?
The following resorts are Moderate Resorts on Disney World property:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Benefits of Staying at a Moderate Resort
A lot of perks come with staying at Disney World Resort hotels! This includes perks such as Early Theme Park Entry (gaining access to the parks 30 minutes prior to park opening), Disney Transportation (to/from all four theme parks, both water parks, and Disney Springs), free theme park and overnight parking, and the ability to book dining reservations a little earlier than regular day guests. (60 days in advance, PLUS the length of your stay).
What Accommodations Do Moderate Resorts Offer?
Moderate resort accommodations are going to vary depending on which resort is chosen.
When it comes to the room size of moderate resorts, they are relatively similar with a few small exceptions. Standard rooms at moderate resorts average 314 sq. ft., which is about 50 sq. ft. larger than the standard value resort room. Moderate resort rooms consist of either two queen beds or one king-size bed. And, many moderate resort rooms also include a child-size pull-down single bed, making the rooms accommodate up to five guests.
Apart from the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, all moderate resort rooms will have exterior “motel style” hallways and exterior doors. This is similar to value resorts. At Gran Destino Tower, all hallways and room doors are interior.
These are the standard moderate resort accommodations you can expect when you book a stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside. But, there are a few exceptions at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort worth noting!
Gran Destino Tower Rooms at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs offers an accommodation no other moderate resort offers — Club Level. Typically only deluxe resorts offer Club Level rooms, but Gran Destino Tower is the one exception!
Club Level gives guests access to a club lounge for the length of their stay, a concierge Cast Member to help with any and all needs, and extra room perks. This exclusive club lounge offers guests complimentary snacks, small plates, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Club Level rooms are more expensive than the standard rooms at Coronado Springs, but it is the cheapest Club Level experience on property.
Differences Between Moderate Resorts and Other Categories
If you haven’t caught on to the trend already, moderate resorts really are in the middle of the pack of all Walt Disney World Resorts when you take into account everything they offer. Differences between moderate resorts and value or deluxe resorts can make a difference in decisions on which one is right for your trip, so let’s break them down!
Pools
The pools at all moderate resorts have more upgraded features than value resort pools. However, deluxe resort pools still come out on top compared to moderate pools.
All moderate resort pools feature at least one waterslide. And, each pool area offers a hot tub. Caribbean Beach Resort, and Port Orleans — French Quarter also offer children’s aquatic play areas, consisting of pint-size slides, water cannons, and splash areas for young travelers in the group.
In comparison, value resorts don’t offer slides or hot tubs of any type. And, deluxe resorts feature more elaborate slides, hot tubs, and kid play areas.
Dining
Dining at a Disney World moderate resort is a significant upgrade from value resorts. Whereas value resorts only offer one singular food court with quick service options, all four main moderate resorts offer at least one quick service option in addition to at least one table service restaurant. There is one small loophole here, as Port Orleans — French Quarter doesn’t technically have a table service restaurant. However, the table service restaurant at Port Orleans — Riverside is just a short walk away.
If you’re craving more dining options but don’t want to pay deluxe resort pricing, Coronado Springs is the place to stay! Because it doubles as a convention center, this resort has more dining options than other moderate resorts with FOUR table service restaurants, two cocktail lounges, two coffee bars, and a poolside bar/grill.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort also has a few more dining options with a food court, table service restaurant, and two poolside bars and grills.
Transportation
One of the downfalls of value resorts is the lack of access to Disney’s complimentary transportation options at moderate resorts. Like value resorts, Coronado Springs and both Port Orleans Resorts only offer bus transportation to the parks. However, while value resorts only have one bus stop near the main lobby, large moderate resorts such as Coronado Springs, Port Orleans — Riverside, and Caribbean Beach Resort offer multiple bus stops around the resort grounds. This makes bus transportation much easier for guests, as they don’t have to travel across the entire resort with all of their park gear just to get on the bus.
Along with bus transportation, Caribbean Beach Resort is home to the hub of the Disney Skyliner. This is a huge perk for this resort, giving guests direct access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the gondola-style transportation system.
And, Port Orleans — French Quarter and Riverside both offer boat transportation to and from Disney Springs. This is a great perk for guests, especially at nighttime when buses to Disney Springs can get crowded with guests trying to get to their dinner reservations there.
Recreation/Amenities
Outside of the pools and poolside recreation entertainment, the value resorts don’t really offer any additional resort amenities. However, a Disney World moderate resort offers a little bit more for families to do at the hotel.
For example, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans — French Quarter, and Port Orleans — Riverside all offer fishing excursions, jogging trails, arcades, nightly movies under the stars, and campfires with smores. Plus, Port Orlean’s also offers Surrey bike rentals.
And, as previously mentioned, Coronado Springs doubles as a convention center. So, here guests also have access to a full gym and mixology classes such as Sangria University at Three Bridges Bar and Grill.
Theming
All Walt Disney World resorts are heavily themed, regardless of their category. Part of the experience of being in the Disney bubble is to immerse yourself in the story, no matter what that might be!
While value resorts bring out the child in even the most stubborn adults with their larger-than-life portrayals of classic Disney movies and likes thereof, moderate and value resorts transport guests to their specified “destinations.” Deluxe resorts may be more heavily themed than moderate resorts, but still in the same realm of context.
Port Orleans — French Quarter sends guests down the heart of Bourbon Street, while Port Orleans — Riverside has guests relaxing on the bayou. Coronado Springs Resort has guests immersed in Colonial Mexico and the American Southwest. And, with building names such as Jamaica or Aruba, it’s hard not to feel like you’re on island time at Caribbean Beach Resort.
Who Should Consider A Disney World Moderate Resort for Their Vacation?
As previously stated, there is a Disney resort for everyone. The important part is just finding the right one! Here are some key points to help you decide if a Disney World moderate resort is the right fit for your next vacation.
Moderate Resorts are best for:
- Families of 5 looking to stay in one room
- Guests splitting their time equally between the resort and the parks
- Guests trying to stay within a specified budget but still enjoy upgraded amenities
- Guests looking to enjoy sit-down meals at their resort
- Guests looking to utilize the Disney Skyliner
- Families looking to spend adequate amounts of time in pool areas
Moderate Resorts are NOT the best fit for:
- Families trying to spend as little as possible
- Families looking to spend most of their time in the parks
- Guests interested in using boat or Monorail transportation to/from parks
- Guests looking for luxury amenities
- Guests wanting Signature Dining restaurants on-site
- Families needing 2- or 3-bedroom suites
So, Should You Stay at a Moderate Resort?
A Disney World moderate resort can be great destinations to spend your magical Disney vacation. There are many to choose from and they have much more to offer than value resorts. For guests looking for high-quality amenities within an affordable budget, moderate resorts may be the perfect fit for you. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, you may want to consider a Disney value resort. Or, if you’d prefer top-of-the-line accommodations, it may be best to consider Disney deluxe resorts instead.
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