Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida, has a lot of resorts to choose from. If you’re planning a trip to Disney, I’ve got you covered with this series comparing the three main types of Disney resorts! This post I’ll cover Disney’s moderate level resorts. You can also read about Value Resorts and Deluxe Resorts.
Disney’s moderate resorts are definitely at a higher level than the value resorts. You will see and feel the difference immediatly. If you want a slightly upgraded experience, definitely go for the moderate level resorts. The moderate resorts have great themes and landscaping which gives the feel of being little more adult friendly than the value level themes. There’s something for the whole family, but they are also great for adults vacationing without children.
The themes are varied but more subtle than the value resort, with a little of Disney entwined in them. For example, at Port Orleans you’ll get a New Orleans feel, with Princess Tiana portraits mixed in. The lobby areas are also nicer and more welcoming, with shorter lines for check in/check out.
Moderate Resort Rooms and Amenities
One major difference you’ll notice with upgrading to a moderate resort is the rooms. They are bigger in general than the value resort rooms. The beds are nicer and the room “feel” is better. There’s small, but noticable, upgrades in every aspect of the rooms. For example, nicer bedding and chairs with cushions in the rooms. These resorts are laid out a little closer with less rooms (in general) so there’s less walking involved. There are more pools at the moderate resorts as well. Generally there’s a main pool area with a slide, kiddie pool and hot tub as well as quiet pool areas closer to the rooms.
At moderate resorts you’ll find the food court style restuarant like at the value resorts. However, there’s also sit down service restaurants and lobby bars, something that’s missing from the value resorts. The food is about the same in the food courts, but I do think the variety is better at the moderate level. Just like the value resort you’ll find an excersize trail, arcade, playground and movie nights. There’s also s’mores nights at the fire pit and pool parties and activities for the kids.
How to Select the Right Disney Moderate Resort for You
If you’ve decided on the moderate level resort then here’s a few considerations to go on and select the right one for you and your family. Theme can be a big consideration here. If you want to feel like you’re at the beach go for Caribbean Beach Resort. Or, if you want a little bit of a more relaxed feel go for Port Orleans Riverside. If you want a fun pool for the kids with an awesome little kids area (and seperate hot tub for mom and dad) go for Port Orleans French Quarter! I don’t think you can go wrong here, and you’ll get that Disney “magic” whichever one you choose.
Another consideration is transportation to the parks. If you plan to use the bus service think about which resorts are closest to the parks you plan to go to most. The Port Orleans resorts are in the Disney Springs area so you will have a longer bus ride with more stops to get to the parks, this is especially noticable at the end of the day when you’re heading back to your resort. On the other hand, you can take a nice boat ride from Port Orleans to Disney Springs. If you stay at Caribbean Beach you can take the gondola line to Epcot. Also, the Fort Wilderness cabins have a boat to Magic Kingdom.
Last, consider the other amenities you might like. For example, Port Orleans has a horse drawn carriage ride you can spring for. At the Fort Wilderness cabins you get a kitchen so you can make your own meals. For us the biggest draw of the moderate resorts (besides the better rooms) are the pools and hot tubs! They are definitely better and I love having a hot tub to relax in on vacation!
Stepping into the Caribbean Beach Resort transports you into a tropical oasis where you can relax and unwind. They even have pirate themed rooms the kids would love! This resort is on the Disney Skyliner line which can take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. The main pool has an old Spanish Citadel feel with a zero entry. There are water cannons and two water slides to play with and there's a hot tub. Nearby the main pool is the shipwreck pool with small water slides for little kids (under 48 inches tall). Each island area also offers their very own ‘quiet pool’ for guests to use. Location: Epcot Area The Coronado Springs resort is themed with a blend of Southwest American, Spanish and Mexican cultures. The main pool (the dig site) has a 50 foot pyramid and has a 123 foot long water slide. Here you will also find the largest hot tub within all of the Disney properties! There are also quiet pools around the different sections of the resort. Near the main pool is also a kiddie pool for the younger ones who may not enjoy the big pool. Location: Animal Kingdom Area The Port Orleans- French Quarter resort resembles the Historic French Quarter in New Orleans complete with Mardi Gras theme, cobblestone streets and gas lanterns. This is one of the resort we like to stay at when we go to Disney overnight. Some of the rooms also have magical headboards that light up like fireworks when you press a button! You can also get the famous Mickey beignets here! The water taxi to Disney Springs makes a stop here as well. The Mardi Gras theme continues at the Doubloon Lagoon pool. There's a 51 foot long sea serpent water slide, hot tub nearby and a seperate water play area for the smaller kids. Guests of Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter can also make the short walk next door and enjoy the pool at Port Orleans Resort- Riverside. Location: Disney Springs Area Port Orleans Resort - Riverside encompasses everything that is rural Louisiana. Rooms are themed with a charming backwoods cabin feel in the Alligator Bayou or white column mansions buildings with princess themed rooms. This is another resort we prefer to stay at on our visits! They also have horse drawn carriage rides and you can take the water taxi to Disney Springs from here. On Ol’ Man Island you'll find the swimming pool shaped like an old saw mill. The only access to this and the fishing hole on Ol’ Man Island is by crossing one of three wooden bridges. There’s also a kiddie pool and hot tub and of course the Muddy Rivers bar. Around Port Orleans Riverside you will also find a total of five leisure (or quiet) pools. As a guest of Port Orleans Riverside you also have access to the pools at Port Orleans French Quarter. Location: Disney Springs Area Within the 750 acres of pine and cypress trees you will find the cabins of Fort Wilderness Resort. The private cabins are fully equipped and even have a grill and porch. You can also take the boat right to Magic Kingdom from here! I've never stayed here but I think it would be really fun to do one time! The Meadow Swimmin' pool offers a corkscrew waterslide and a spa for those wanting to relax after a long day at the parks. The Wilderness pool is the quiet pool and also offers a whirlpool spa. Also popular here is the Hoop-Dee-Doo musical review dinner show! Location: Magic Kingdom AreaDisney Moderate Resorts
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower | Walt Disney World Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter | Walt Disney World Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Walt Disney World Resort
Port Orleans Riverside
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Cabins at Fort Wilderness
