What Is Disney World's Moderate Resorts Tier?

Did you have your heart set on a luxurious trip to the Polynesian at Disney World? Did you scan for hours, selecting your perfect room location and dreaming of munching on noodles in the hotel's restaurant, only to find it's way out of your price range? Don't feel bad; that's a Disney thing, and everyone has felt that way, even Disney. That's why they introduced the concept of "moderate tier resorts."

Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a decent blend of affordability, immersive theming, and enhanced amenities, making them a popular choice for guests seeking a balanced Disney experience. Positioned between the budget-friendly Value Resorts and the luxurious Deluxe Resorts, these accommodations provide a unique combination of comfort and thematic immersion.

Overview of Disney’s Moderate Resorts

As of 2024, Walt Disney World features five Moderate Resorts:

1. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

2. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

3. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

4. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

5. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Each resort boasts distinct themes, dining options, recreational activities, and transportation links, catering to a diverse range of guest preferences.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Theme and Atmosphere

Emulating the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean, this resort is divided into five villages: Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and Trinidad. Each village features colorful architecture and lush landscapes, creating a tropical retreat.

Accommodations

The resort offers standard rooms with Caribbean-inspired décor. Select rooms are themed after "Under the Sea” providing a unique experience for fans.

Editor's Note: After a comment from a reader, mention of the pirate-themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort have been updated to the Under the Sea theming.

Dining Options

• Sebastian’s Bistro: A table-service restaurant serving Caribbean-inspired dishes.

• Centertown Market: A quick-service food court offering a variety of options.

• Banana Cabana: A poolside bar with light snacks and beverages.

Recreation

• Fuentes del Morro Pool: A pirate-themed main pool featuring water slides and a shipwreck play area.

• Beaches and Volleyball Courts: Sandy beaches and recreational courts for guest enjoyment.

Transportation

The resort is a central hub for the Disney Skyliner, providing gondola access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enhancing convenience for park visits.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Theme and Atmosphere: Inspired by Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, the resort features a blend of colonial architecture and modern design, especially evident in the Gran Destino Tower.

Accommodations

Guests can choose between standard rooms in the original sections or more upscale rooms and suites in the Gran Destino Tower, which offers a contemporary aesthetic. Be warned, however, that if you don't book a preferred room, you are in for a long walk to the front of the resort. This place is huge.

Dining Options:

• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: A rooftop restaurant in Gran Destino Tower offering Spanish-inspired cuisine.

• Three Bridges Bar & Grill: An open-air dining venue located on an island in the resort’s lake.

• El Mercado de Coronado: A quick-service food court with diverse offerings. It's fine. Just fine.

Recreation:

• The Lost City of Cibola Pool: A Mayan pyramid-themed pool with a 123-foot-long water slide.

• Fitness Center and Spa: Facilities for guests seeking wellness services.

Transportation

Bus services provide access to all Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, but that's it. No boats or Skyliner to speak of here.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Theme and Atmosphere

Reflecting the charm of rural Louisiana, the resort is divided into two sections: Alligator Bayou, with rustic, lodge-style buildings, and Magnolia Bend, featuring grand manor-style architecture.

Accommodations

Standard rooms are available in both sections. The resort also offers Royal Guest Rooms, adorned with regal décor and nods to Disney princesses.

Dining Options

• Boatwright’s Dining Hall: A table-service restaurant serving Southern specialties.

• Riverside Mill Food Court: A quick-service venue with various stations.

• River Roost Lounge: A lounge featuring live entertainment.

Recreation

• Ol’ Man Island: A 3.5-acre recreation area with a pool, fishing hole, and playground.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Evening rides along the resort’s pathways.

Transportation

Thanks to its proximity to the waterways of Kissimmee, guests can enjoy boat transportation to Disney Springs and bus services to the theme parks.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Theme and Atmosphere

Capturing the essence of New Orleans’ French Quarter, this resort features cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and vibrant Mardi Gras theming. This is by far my favorite of the Moderate resorts on Disney's campus due to the theming, excellent food and relative size. I mentioned above with Coronado Springs, but these places tend to be enormous, and French Quarter just...isn't.

Accommodations

The resort offers standard rooms with charming, French-inspired décor.

Dining Options

• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory: A quick-service food court known for its beignets.

• Scat Cat’s Club Lounge: A lounge offering live jazz music and specialty cocktails.

Recreation

• Doubloon Lagoon: A Mardi Gras-themed pool featuring a sea serpent water slide.

• Jazz Cruises: Evening boat rides with live jazz music.

Transportation

Similar to Riverside, guests have access to boat transportation to Disney Springs and bus services to the parks.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Theme and Atmosphere

Set amidst 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, the resort offers a rustic, campground experience with the comforts of home that is ideal for a large family, or multiple families, traveling together.

Accommodations

Each cabin includes a living area, full kitchen, bedroom, and private patio with a grill, accommodating up to six guests.

Dining Options

• Trail’s End Restaurant: A buffet-style venue offering hearty American fare.

• P&J’s Southern Takeout: Quick-service options for guests on the go.

• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: A dinner show featuring entertainment and a Southern-style meal.

Recreation

• Tri-Circle-D Ranch: Home to the resort’s horses, offering pony rides and trail rides.

• Archery, Canoeing, and Fishing: Various outdoor activities for guests.

• Campfire Sing-Alongs: Evening events with s’mores and entertainment.

Transportation

Guests staying at The Cabins at Fort Wilderness have access to a combination of internal resort buses and external bus routes to all four Disney theme parks. Additionally, boat transportation is available to Magic Kingdom, offering a scenic and efficient way to reach the park.

Benefits of Staying at a Disney Moderate Hotel

Choosing a Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World offers several advantages, balancing value and experience. Here’s why these hotels stand out:

1. Immersive Theming

Each Moderate Resort delivers a rich thematic experience, transporting guests to far-off locales like the Caribbean, New Orleans, or the American frontier. The detailed design, landscaping, and unique architecture immerse guests in Disney storytelling.

2. Upgraded Amenities

Compared to Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts offer:

• Larger rooms (averaging 314–340 square feet).

• Enhanced pool areas with slides, hot tubs, and elaborate theming.

• Additional recreational activities such as carriage rides, live entertainment, and spas.

3.Diverse Dining Options

Moderate Resorts feature a mix of quick-service and table-service restaurants, allowing for more varied dining experiences. Some resorts, like Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach, even offer poolside dining and upscale options.

4. Convenient Transportation

Most Moderate Resorts provide seamless access to the parks via buses, boats, or the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner, in particular, is a major draw for guests staying at Caribbean Beach Resort, offering quick transport to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

5. Quiet Atmosphere

Moderate Resorts typically have a more relaxed ambiance compared to Value Resorts. Sprawling layouts, lush landscaping, and quieter pools make them ideal for families or couples seeking a peaceful retreat.

Tips for Choosing the Right Moderate Hotel

Selecting the perfect Disney Moderate Hotel depends on your preferences, group size, and itinerary. Here are some recommendations:

• Best for Families with Kids: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, with its pirate-themed rooms and lively pool areas, is a favorite among families.

• Best for Couples or Solo Travelers: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers a romantic, serene atmosphere with charming New Orleans touches.

• Best for Foodies: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, with its Gran Destino Tower and top-tier dining options, is ideal for culinary enthusiasts.

• Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort provide a rustic escape with outdoor activities like horseback riding and canoeing.

How to Maximize Your Stay at a Disney Moderate Resort

To get the most out of your stay, consider these tips:

1. Utilize Mobile Order for Dining

Many Moderate Resorts offer mobile food ordering via the My Disney Experience app. Skip the lines and enjoy your meals on your schedule.

2. Take Advantage of Resort Activities

Check the daily resort activity schedule for unique offerings like poolside games, campfires, or evening movies under the stars.

3. Use Resort Hopping to Explore

Guests staying at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter can enjoy amenities at both resorts due to their proximity. Similarly, use the Disney Skyliner to explore dining and recreation options at neighboring resorts.

4. Book Early for Special Room Types

Specialty rooms, such as the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside or Pirate Rooms at Caribbean Beach, are in high demand. Booking early ensures availability.

5. Plan for Transportation Time

While Moderate Resorts are well-connected, their larger size means you may need extra time to reach bus stops, boat docks, or Skyliner stations. Allocate sufficient time for transportation to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Moderate Resorts

Are Disney Moderate Resorts Worth the Price?

For guests seeking a balance between affordability and enhanced amenities, Moderate Resorts are an excellent choice. They provide a richer experience than Value Resorts while remaining more budget-friendly than Deluxe Resorts.

How Much Do Moderate Resorts Cost?

As of 2024, nightly rates for Moderate Resorts range from $250–$450, depending on room type, season, and availability. Special offers and vacation packages may reduce costs.

Do Moderate Resorts Offer Early Park Access?

Yes! Like all Disney Resort hotels, Moderate Resorts provide early theme park entry, allowing guests to enjoy select attractions before the parks officially open.

Can Guests Use Pools at Other Resorts?

Pool hopping is generally not allowed. However, guests staying at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter can use the pools at both resorts.

Are Moderate Resorts Pet-Friendly?

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is the only Moderate Resort with pet-friendly accommodations. Additional fees and rules apply.

Conclusion

Disney’s Moderate Resorts provide an exceptional middle ground for visitors seeking a magical Disney World experience with enhanced comfort, immersive themes, and convenient amenities. Whether you’re relaxing in the vibrant Caribbean vibe of Caribbean Beach, soaking up the jazz-inspired charm of Port Orleans French Quarter, or enjoying outdoor adventures at Fort Wilderness, these resorts deliver unforgettable moments for every traveler.

By choosing the right Moderate Resort and planning strategically, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend of Disney magic and value, ensuring a memorable stay that balances both fun and relaxation.