Staying at a moderate Disney resort can be a great combination of price and amenities, but they can sometimes be overlooked in favor of a deluxe or value resort. Here’s what you need to know about Disney moderate resorts at Disney World.
What is a Disney Moderate Resort?
Disney offers three categories of rooms: deluxe, moderate, and value. These three resort categories share the same benefits of staying on Walt Disney World property but have varying amenities, themes, and room styles. While deluxe resorts are luxury resorts and value resorts are the most budget-friendly, moderate resorts can be a good combination of both if you want to save money and have better amenities.
Amenities at Disney Moderate Resorts
In-room amenities include a hairdryer, refrigerator, coffee maker, and safe. A selection of toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and facial soap, is also included. Each moderate hotel has at least one pool with a water slide, a kiddie pool, and a small playground. The moderate resorts also offer activities, including outdoor movies, Surrey bike rentals, and poolside fun.
Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans is two resorts in one. There are two sections, including Riverside, which is themed after the countryside of Louisiana. Within that resort are two areas, Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend (which look like large mansions). The Riverside section of the resort offers a large pool called Ol’ Man Island. This pool area is 3.5 acres and includes a 95-foot-long water slide. Five additional pools are quieter. Riverside has a food court as well as a table service restaurant. Other amenities include an arcade, surrey bike rentals, catch-and-release fishing, and movies by the pool.
Port Orleans French Quarter
The Port Orleans Resort French Quarter side also has a pool area called Doubloon Lagoon, a 51-foot-long sea serpent slide, and a water play area. There’s also a food court, arcade, and playground. The French Quarter side is smaller, which can be less intimidating for families with younger kids.
Coronado Springs Resort
As a conference hotel, Coronado Springs Resort is a large resort. It recently underwent a renovation that made it even larger. Because there is a conference facility, it includes lots of amenities to appeal to that population. There’s a great pool area in the center of the property. Called the Dig Site, this pool area is an entire recreational area with a small playground, volleyball net, arcade, sandbox, kiddie pool, a huge jacuzzi, and a large pool with a waterslide. If you are looking for something quieter, three smaller pools are located around the resort.
Caribbean Beach Resort
This beach-themed resort offers a sizeable pirate-themed pool called the Fuentes del Morro Pool. There are also two waterslides and a 12-person jacuzzi. If you’d prefer a quieter swimming experience, the property has five leisure pools. The Caribbean Beach Resort is located on the Skyliner, making getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios more convenient.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
One of the most unique lodging experiences at Walt Disney World is the cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort. While this resort is typically known for camping, it does have beautiful cabins that are great for a larger family. This resort has boat access to the Magic Kingdom, which can be very convenient if you plan to spend a lot of time at that theme park.
The Best Moderate Resort
If you are wondering what the best moderate Disney resort is, I’d probably recommend the Caribbean Beach Resort due to the Skyliner and its great activities. But they are all great for a family vacation. To read more about these moderate resorts, read our blog post.