All You Need to Know About the Disney World Moderate Resorts

Walt Disney World offers a wide range of accommodations on Disney property… everything from their Value Resort Hotels to Deluxe Villas. But if you’re looking for something right in the middle, you may want to consider their Moderate Resorts. They have more to offer than Value Resorts, but they don’t have the high price tag you’ll find at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. If this sounds like your cup of tea, here is everything you need to know about Disney World Moderate Resorts.

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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more! (You can also find our 2023 guide here!)

What you need to know about Disney World Moderate Resorts is that they are still fairly basic in terms of the rooms themselves. The rooms are similar to that of a clean, nice hotel room. It should be noted that Disney does an outstanding job of theming their resorts. So even their “basic” rooms are well-themed and enjoyable!

Unlike the Value Resorts on Disney property, Disney World Moderate Resorts offer more than just your basic food court and pool bar. You’ll find much more in terms of dining options, pools, lounges, and recreation. That being said, the perks of being on Disney property still apply including access to Disney transportation to and from the parks.

Other basic amenities found at Disney’s Moderate Resorts include in-room celebrations, complimentary WiFi Internet, parking for a fee, online check-in, resort airline check-in, ATM, currency exchange, childcare services, designated smoking areas, laundry and dry cleaning services, mail services, and access to Disney Signature Services.

As far as which Disney Moderate Resort is the best… that is ultimately up to you. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort receive the highest praise when it comes to online reviews. I have personally stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as Disney’s Coronado Springs and had a fabulous time on both occasions! But in the end, your personal taste in food and theme may determine the best resort for you and your family.

Other considerations to keep in mind include the fact that both the French Quarter and Riverside sections of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort are within walking distance of each other allowing you to enjoy the recreation, amenities, and dining at BOTH resorts when staying at one or the other. Also, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort are very spread out and have the potential to require some additional walking. Keep this in mind when completing your online check-in. My family was able to request a room close to transportation when we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

To help you make your choice, here are the basics of each of the Disney World Moderate Resorts.

In This Post

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Location: Epcot® Resort Area

This tropical-themed resort offers guests the chance to experience the laid-back island lifestyle while still enjoying all the excitement of the parks. With a variety of rooms and suites, there’s something for everyone here. And for those who love the water, the resort features six different pools, including a pirate-themed pool for the kids. You’ll also find a variety of dining options, including a lively food court and a waterfront restaurant with stunning views.

Room Types: This moderate resort offers both standard rooms or preferred rooms with views of the Resort Hotel, Courtyard, Woodlands, Lake, or Pool. Preferred rooms are a bit more expensive and are basically the same rooms as standard, just in better locations within the resort itself. For our family, this additional cost was well worth it as this resort is very spread out. There is a wide range of sleeping arrangements including 2 Queen beds, 1 King, and rooms that even offer a Child-Size Pull-Down bed. Most sleep up to 4 adults, and some will allow for a family of 5 as long as the 5th is a child.

Dining:

Sebastian’s Bistro | $$
- Dinner (reservations accepted) | Latin, Casual Dining, Family Style
Centertown Market | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Latin, Mobile Orders, Fast Casual
Centertown Market Grab & Go | $
- Breakfast | American, Fast Casual
Banana Cabana | $
- Lounge | American
Spyglass Grill | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service

Recreation: This resort houses the featured Fuentes del Morro Pool as well as 5 leisure pools, Caribbean Beach Campfire Activities, Pirate Adventure Cruise (for those 4-12 years old), outdoor movies, fishing, bike rentals, volleyball, a jogging trail, and a playground.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Resort Area

This resort features a variety of room options, including suites and casitas, and is inspired by the vibrant cultures of Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Guests can enjoy multiple dining options, including the popular Maya Grill, and the resort also features four pools, a fitness center, and a spa.

Room Types: This moderate resort offers a wide range of standard and preferred rooms ranging from standard rooms with 2 Queen beds all the way up to Presidential Suites with club access. This resort is also home to the popular Gran Destino Tower.

Dining:

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood | $$$
- Dinner (reservations accepted) | Seafood, Steakhouse, Spanish, Unique/Themed Dining
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago | $$
- Dinner | Latin, Casual Dining
Rix Sports Bar & Grill | $$
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (reservations accepted) | American, Unique/Themed Dining
Dahlia Lounge | $$
- Lounge | Spanish
Barcelona Lounge | $$
- Breakfast and Lounge | American, Quick Service
Siestas Cantina | $
- Lounge | American, Quick Service
Maya Grill | $$
- Dinner (reservations accepted) | American, Mexican, Seafood, Steakhouse, Unique/Themed Dining
Cafe Rix | $
- Breakfast | American, Quick Service
El Mercado de Coronado | $$
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mexican, Quick Service
Laguna Bar | $
- Lounge | American, Quick Service

Recreation: The featured pool at this resort is The Lost City of Cibola Pool. It also houses 3 additional leisure pools, Coronado Springs Campfire Activities, outdoor movies, volleyball, a jogging trail, a playground, the Iguana Arcade, The Running of Coronado Fun Run (offered most Sundays), Colors of Coronado Painting Experience, and fitness classes.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Location: Disney Springs Resort Area

This charming resort is inspired by the lively streets of New Orleans, with beautifully landscaped grounds, classic architecture, and jazz music filling the air. Relax in one of the comfortable guest rooms, enjoy a dip in the themed pool, or savor classic Cajun and Creole cuisine at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.

Room Types: This resort offers standard rooms only with differing view options (Garden, Courtyard, Riverfront or Parking Area). All rooms either offer 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed.

Dining:

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Cajun/Creole, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge | $
- Lounge | American
Scat Cat’s Club – Café | $
- Snacks | American
Mardi Grogs | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service

Recreation: The featured pool at this resort is the Doubloon Lagoon. It also offers Painting on de’ Bayou (painting classes for an additional fee), Beignet Fun Run (offered most Sundays), horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor movies, Cajun Campfire Activities, bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, fishing, jogging, a playground, and South Quarter Games.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Location: Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a lush and peaceful retreat inspired by rural Louisiana. This charming resort features scenic waterways, a working mill, and southern-style mansion buildings. With a variety of guest rooms and suites, this resort seeks to provide the quintessential Southern hospitality experience. The resort offers guests two expansive pool areas, plus an on-site restaurant, arcade, and playground.

Room Types: This resort offers both standard and preferred rooms (standard rooms in a prime location). You’ll have options including 1 King bed, 2 Queen beds, and even an option for a 5th child-sized pull-down bed. In addition, they offer Royal Guest Rooms featuring Princess Tiana.

Dining:

Riverside Mill Food Court | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
River Roost | $
- Lounge | American
Muddy Rivers | $
- Bar Service | American, Quick Service
Boatwright’s Dining Hall | $$
- Dinner (reservations accepted) | American, Casual Dining

Recreation: The featured pool at this resort is the Ol’ Man Island. There are also 5 additional leisure pools, horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor movies, Campfire on de’ Bayou, bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, fishing, a jogging trail, a playground, and the Medicine Show Arcade.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area

These rustic cabins can accommodate up to six guests and come equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and private patio. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature while still enjoying all the amenities of the resort, including two swimming pools, a playground, and even horseback riding.

Room Types: This resort gives you the opportunity to stay in a cabin tucked away in the woods during your stay at Walt Disney World. The Wilderness Cabin offers 1 Queen Bed, 1 Bunk Bed, and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa (sleeping up to 6 adults).

Dining:

P & J’s Southern Takeout | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Mobile Orders, Quick Service
Meadow Snack Bar | $
- Snacks | American, Quick Service
Crockett’s Tavern | $
- Lounge | American
The Chuck Wagon | $
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | American, Quick Service, Fast Casual, Food Truck
Trail’s End Restaurant | $$
- Breakfast and Dinner | American, Casual Dining
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue | $$$-$$$$
- Dinner Show | American

Recreation: This moderate resort offers two pools, the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience, Tri-Circle-D Rance, horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides, wagon rides, Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, outdoor movies, motorized boat rentals, fishing, canoe rentals, kayak rentals, bike rentals, basketball courts, volleyball, jogging trails, playgrounds, Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade, Davy Crockett’s Wilderness Arcade, and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure.

Amenities/Transportation: This resort offers all of the typical moderate resort amenities including bus and taxi/limo transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. They also offer transportation by boat to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort! In addition to transportation, they offer an Electrical Water Pageant and allow the use of a variety of vehicles and recreational devices to explore the woods.

Still not sure if one of the Disney World Moderate Resorts is for you? Be sure to check out our guide to Disney’s Value Resorts or visit our info page on selecting a Walt Disney World Resort for your next vacation!