Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World are often the unsung heroes when it comes to staying on property. They offer a bit more than the Value Resorts but are more affordable than their more expensive counterparts, the Disney Deluxe Resorts. Here’s a roundup of the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World!
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Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World
There are five moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. In no particular order, this category includes Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Coronado Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, and the cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
How much do the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World cost?
As with all of the resorts at Walt Disney World, this really depends on the time of year and availability. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from slightly less than $200/night to over $400/night for a moderate resort room. This varies a lot by resort and room type, but we will talk about that more below.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is themed to the Caribbean Islands. Brightly colored buildings, small beaches throughout the resort, and a lush tropical setting make this resort really feel like you’re on vacation. It’s home to the Pirate rooms and is located right next to Disney’s Riviera Resort. This resort is quite large, although it’s size has diminished a bit since Disney took down the old Barbados and Martinique sections to replace with the Riviera.
Pros of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
We love Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, so there are a lot of pros to us! Firstly, it’s located on the Skyliner route. This gives you easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and any of the other Skyliner resorts in case you want to grab food or just visit. It also tends to be one of the less expensive moderate resorts, and room availability is pretty good. Since it’s within walking distance of Disney’s Riviera Resort, guests staying here have more dining options at their fingertips. Dining options like Topolino’s Terrace, Le Petit Cafe, and Primo Piatto might be a little bit challenging to get to if you’re staying somewhere else, but at Caribbean Beach, it’s right there!
And Caribbean Beach has its own dining options that are pretty great as well. We are big fans of Sebastian’s Bistro and even their food court has some different types of cuisine that we’ve enjoyed seeing in a food court setting.
Cons of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Since the size of the resort is quite large, that can mean a lot of walking. For some, that’s not really a big deal; but for those who are traveling with little ones or who have mobility challenges, it should be noted. Since the resort is so large, it can make taking the Disney busses a hassle. They are usually quite crowded. And due to the multiple bus stops at this resort, sometimes the people at the last stop, those staying in Aruba, don’t get picked up and you have to wait a while for the next one to come around. And the Skyliner can be quite far from the rest of the resort unless you’re staying in Jamaica.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has gotten an upgrade in recent years! The addition of Gran Destino Tower not only brought in a new class of rooms for moderate resorts, but also new restaurants and lounges. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is themed to the American Southwest, while Gran Destino Tower is inspired by Spanish influences. The rooms at Coronado Springs are set up in a traditional fashion for moderates, with multiple buildings and doors that open up to the outside. Whereas Gran Destino Tower is set up more like a deluxe resort, with all of the rooms with doors on the inside of the building.
Pros of Disney’s Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs is a great place to stay, especially if you’re on a budget. The rooms, excluding those in the tower, tend to be on the less expensive side. And due to the size of this resort, there is usually plenty of availability. There are also quite a few different room types to choose from and at different price points, so it’s generally pretty easy to find something that suits your needs. The dining options at Coronado Springs are pretty fantastic and we think that’s a huge plus!
Cons of Disney’s Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs only has bus transportation. Due to this, the bus lines can get very long, both at the resort and at the Parks. There is also a conference center at Coronado Springs, so it can be quite busy when there is a business conference.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is often a fan favorite in the Moderate Category. Its small size makes it very manageable and not feel too overwhelming. It is themed to New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, with fun hints of Mardi Gras. It’s located right next to Port Orleans Riverside, making it easy to get to if you want to enjoy their grounds or restaurants. The vibe here is fun and quaint and we always love visiting it when we have the time.
Pros of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Since this resort is so small, there really is no bad place to stay. Every room is convenient to the food court and main transportation areas. There is also a ferry boat that takes guests to and from Disney Springs, making it an easy ride over. French Quarter is also home to Disney’s famous Mickey beignets, and they are cooked fresh as you order them. It really is quite a treat!
Cons of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
One of the biggest cons of staying at French Quarter is that the only transportation to the Parks is the Disney busses. Luckily, due to its smaller size, the lines tend not to be too long and the waits are usually pretty reasonable. Since it is smaller, there is also usually less availability and the rooms tend to be more expensive than some of the others in this category.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a beautiful, peaceful resort located right on the Sassagoula River. It’s themed to the Louisianna Bayou of the old south. This resort is welcoming and charming and is home to the Royal Guest Rooms, which are some of the prettiest rooms at Walt Disney World!
Pros of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans Riverside is generally a pretty quiet resort due to its sprawling layout. There are plenty of places to walk and you can even rent bikes to ride along the river. Just like French Quarter, there is ferryboat transportation to and from Disney Springs. As mentioned earlier, this resort houses the Royal Guest Rooms, which are sure to be a treat for any Princess fan.
Cons of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Cons of Disney’s Port Orleans RiversideAlso like French Quarter, there is only one method of transportation to and from the Parks and that’s the Disney busses. The lines and wait times are usually not too bad, but it’s good to note that it’s your only option. This resort tends to be a little more expensive than some of the moderates and the Royal Guest Rooms are many times excluded from discounts and promotions.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness really should be in a category all their own! The cabins are not resort rooms, but actual cabins. They have a little kitchen, living room, full bathroom, bedroom, and even a porch. Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is one of our favorite places to stay!
Pros of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are perfect for those who may be traveling with a larger party, or for those who just prefer a bit more space. They’re also great for saving some money on food, as you can cook your meals in the cabin if you’d like. Fort Wilderness and Campground is a destination all itself. There is so much to see and do, you could easily just stay at the resort and never even visit the Parks! And there is a bus that takes guests to and from Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, so it’s easy to access their dining options if you want more than the campground has to offer.
Cons of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are definitely the most expensive of the resorts in this category. This is completely justified, but it’s good to know. The actual size of Fort Wilderness is huge, so if you’re staying here for any amount of time, you may want to consider renting a golf cart, which can add to the costs. And keep in mind, Fort Wilderness is not for everyone. Even if you are staying in a cabin, these are located in very woodsy areas. So if nature is not your thing, you’re better off staying in a more traditional resort setting.
Disney Moderate Resort Prices
While the Disney Value Resorts are the cheapest at Walt Disney World and the Disney Deluxe Resorts the most expensive, many consider the Moderate Resorts at Disney to be worth the price. At between $200-$400 per night, give or take, it’s in the middle range of cost on the Disney Resort Categories list. And while this does vary throughout the year, and changes with different room type choices, you’d be surprised what an upgrade this feels like from the All Stars Resorts. With more upscale amenities and a variety of transportation options, like the Boat Transportation at the Port Orleans Resorts, or the Disney Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, we think you’d find the extra cost worth it if you’re hoping to add Disney Resort time to your vacation.
There you have it. All five resorts are in the Moderate category. Have you stayed at any of the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World? Did you have a favorite?
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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