All About Disney Moderate Resorts

There are a number of resorts at Walt Disney World resort, including some that are a great value for families (like Disney's Pop Century) and some that are a big splurge (Disney's Grand Floridian). It can be a little challenging to choose the right resort hotel because while you won't spend too much time in the room, there are so many fun places that you'll want to stay in.

Maintaining your budget is important, however, because it's you'll want to save money for park tickets, meals, and souvenirs. Staying at a Disney moderate resort can definitely 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. Have you ever stayed at one?

Through press trips, Disney Parks Moms Panel trips, and Disney Social Media Moms, I've stayed at some Disney resorts (moderate included) at no cost or at a discounted cost. I've also paid full price for many stays. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us. 

When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.

All About Disney Moderate Resorts: What is the Best Moderate Disney Resort?

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 property at Walt Disney World 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 some better amenities.

In general, you'll find that the moderates have everything you need for a comfortable family vacation, including gift shops, restaurants (with dining options ranging from food courts to table-service restaurants), main pools, quiet pools, and other fun amenities and activities.

Rooms at Disney Moderate Resorts (Excluding the Cabins at Fort Wilderness)

Rooms at Disney's moderate resorts are generally a bit larger than value hotel rooms, but smaller than deluxe rooms. Typically, there's a small table or desk, a larger bureau with drawers, a small refrigerator, two beds, and a nightstand. You'll also find a double sink, a safe, and a closet rod in a small area right in front of the bathroom.

There are usually sliding doors that separate that area from the sleeping area, for a little bit of privacy. I appreciate having this small section separate from the toilet and shower so that two people to get ready at the same time.

Rooms are accessible through an exterior door and generally don't have decks, balconies, or patios. Adjoining rooms may be available, by request. While the rooms aren't huge, they definitely have what you'll need for a fun and relaxing hotel stay. Keep in mind, however, that rooms may vary, even within a single resort.

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are also considered a moderate resort; however, their configuration differs from that of other moderate resorts. The cabins sleep six and offer a patio, grill, kitchen, microwave, and more. They are a great option for larger families since they accommodate more guests than the regular moderate resort. 

Amenities at Disney Moderate Resorts

In-room amenities include a hairdryer, refrigerator, coffee maker, and safe. They include a selection of toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and facial soap.

Outside of the room, you'll find food courts, restaurants, and bars. Coronado Springs, as a convention hotel, has a huge selection of food options, although you are likely to spend most of your time at the parks.

Each of the moderate hotels has at least one pool with a water slide and kiddie pool, as well as a small playground. The moderate resorts also offer activities including outdoor movies, surrey bike rentals, and poolside fun. These can be fun and lively resorts, with plenty going on.

Current Disney Moderate Resorts

Walt Disney World currently has five moderate resorts (four if you combine the two Port Orleans areas):

Port Orleans (Riverside and French Quarter sections)

Port Orleans is two resorts in one. There are two sections, and Riverside is themed after the countryside of Louisiana. Within that resort, there 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 features a food court, as well as a table-service restaurant. There are other amenities, including an arcade, surrey bike rentals, catch-and-release fishing, and movies by the pool.

The Port Orleans Resort French Quarter side also has a pool area called Doubloon Lagoon, along with a 51-foot-long sea serpent slide and water play area. There's also a food court, arcade, and playground.

There are several room types available at Port Orleans, including some rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people. There are also Royal Guest rooms available, which can provide a special experience for families with young children.

I love Disney's Port Orleans resort. When my kids were younger, we preferred the French Quarter side, because it's smaller and less intimidating. Now that they are older, I like the activities and energy of the Riverside section. Guests of the two resorts can utilize the amenities at either resort, making it a great place to stay for a variety of activities.

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 it features a conference facility, it offers numerous amenities to appeal to that population.

At Coronado Springs, you'll find a delicious food court called El Mercado de Coronado, which also has a coffee bar. The resort also has the Maya Grill, Three Bridges, Toleda, Cafe Rix, Siestas Cantina, and the Laguna Bar.

The property features a great pool area located in the center. Called the Dig Site, this pool area is a full recreational facility featuring a small playground, volleyball net, arcade, sandbox, kiddie pool, and a huge jacuzzi, in addition to the large pool with a waterslide.  If you're looking for something quieter, there are three smaller pools located throughout the resort.

I like Coronado Springs, but it may feel a little less exciting for the youngest kids because of the convention center. The Dig Site is lots of fun ,though, and because so many guests are at conventions or the day, it can be quieter during the day than the pools at the other moderate resorts. I wouldn't skip booking this resort if you are traveling with kids, just because of the convention center.

Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has also undergone renovations. This beach-themed resort offers a large pirate-themed pool called the Fuentes del Morro Pool. There are also two waterslides and a 12-person jacuzzi. If you'd prefer a more quiet swimming experience, there are five leisure pools located throughout the property.

The resort offers several food options for its guests. There's the Island Markets, the Centertown Buffet, the Centertown Bar, and the Spyglass Grill. It's also adjacent to the new Riviera Beach Resort, so you can walk over there for additional food items.

Several years ago, I visited Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort for the first time. I was so impressed with the amenities, activities, and location of this resort. Additionally, the Caribbean Beach Resort is conveniently located on the Skyliner, providing easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

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 its camping facilities, it also offers beautiful cabins that are ideal for larger families.

Visiting Fort Wilderness feels like you are out in the woods. It doesn't at all seem like you are on the grounds of a large theme park - it's so quiet and rustic.

Amenities at the resort include the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, which has a corkscrew water slide. There's also a water play area that is great for younger kids. There are also other fun activities (some of which cost an extra fee), including archery, kayak rentals, fishing, bike rentals, basketball, volleyball, pony rides, wagon rides, and movies under the stars.