Disney World Moderate Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve ever started pricing out Walt Disney World hotels and found yourself caught somewhere between “this value resort is fine” and “I cannot justify that deluxe price tag,” you’re in exactly the right place. Disney World moderate resorts exist for this reason. They’re the middle tier of on-site accommodations, and they genuinely offer more than the values without requiring a second mortgage. Bigger rooms, better pools, more dining options, and theming that goes a step beyond the basics… all at a price point that still leaves room in the budget for Lightning Lane passes and a few extra Mickey bars.
I’ve stayed at three of the four moderate resorts myself, and I have plenty of opinions. My husband and I did a couples trip at Caribbean Beach early in my Disney-going adulthood (before the Skyliner even existed, which means it’s only gotten better since). I’ve taken my family to Coronado Springs, where my girls were young enough that the pool was basically the highlight of their entire lives. And just recently, I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside with my family and got to experience the brand-new renovated rooms firsthand. Port Orleans French Quarter is the one still on my list, but I’ll get to why it’s so highly recommended in a moment.
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Are Disney World Moderate Resorts Worth It?
Before we get into the individual resorts, let’s talk about whether the moderate tier makes sense for your trip. Because the honest answer depends on what you’re looking for.
Disney’s moderate resorts run roughly $250 to $450 per night depending on the season, resort, and room type. That puts them meaningfully above the value category but well below deluxe pricing. What you’re getting for that step up is real: rooms jump from 260 square feet at the values to approximately 314 square feet at the moderates, which is a noticeable difference when you’re traveling with kids. You get at least one table-service dining option on property at each resort, more elaborate pools with waterslides, and theming that feels more like a destination than a backdrop. The moderate resorts also tend to be quieter than the All-Star Resorts, which frequently host youth sports and competition groups.
Everything that applies to value resort guests applies here too. That means Early Theme Park Entry (30 minutes before the parks open to the public, every single day of your stay, confirmed through 2027), free transportation throughout Walt Disney World, free standard parking at the theme parks, free resort parking, and the ability to purchase Lightning Lane passes 7 days before your trip instead of the 3-day window available to off-site guests. One thing worth noting: Extended Evening Hours, which let guests stay in select parks after closing, are a perk reserved for deluxe resort guests only. If that’s important to your trip, it’s worth factoring into your resort decision.
So who are moderate resorts genuinely great for? Families who want a little more breathing room in the room and a more elevated resort experience, without going full deluxe. Adults and couples who want a real restaurant on property without eating every meal at a food court. Anyone who plans to spend meaningful time at the resort between park days, where the extra pool space and dining variety will actually get used. And honestly, anyone who has stayed at a value resort before and is ready to see what the next level feels like.
Where moderates might not be the right fit: if you’re purely park-focused and plan to spend every waking moment at the parks, the extra cost over a value resort may not be worth it. The on-site perks are identical at both tiers. But if the resort itself is part of the experience for you, moderates deliver a noticeably better one.
Bottom line: moderate resorts are a smart choice for families and couples who want a more comfortable, immersive stay without the full deluxe price tag. If you’re trying to decide between a moderate and a value, price them both out for your dates. Promotions occasionally narrow the gap more than you’d expect.
What All Disney World Moderate Resorts Have in Common
All four moderate resorts share a set of standard amenities that set them apart from the value tier. Rooms are approximately 314 square feet, sleep up to four adults (with select rooms accommodating a fifth guest via a pull-down murphy bed), and include two queen beds or a king. Each resort has a main themed pool with a waterslide, additional leisure pools, a food court, at least one table-service dining option, a pool bar, a playground, an arcade, outdoor Movies Under the Stars, a jogging trail, and bike rentals.
One thing to be aware of: unlike the value resorts (which have interior corridors in some buildings), most moderate resort rooms are accessed via exterior walkways. The exception is the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, which has interior hallways and a more hotel-like feel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you arrive.
Transportation at all four moderate resorts includes Disney bus service to every theme park and Disney Springs. Two resorts, Caribbean Beach and both Port Orleans properties, offer additional transportation options beyond buses, which I’ll note for each.
The Four Disney World Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Location: EPCOT Resort Area | Transportation: Bus and Disney Skyliner
Caribbean Beach is a sprawling tropical resort divided into four island-themed sections: Aruba, Jamaica, and North and South Trinidad. (Two former sections, Barbados and Martinique, were removed when Disney’s Riviera Resort was built on adjacent property.) The theming is warm and cheerful throughout, with calypso music, hammocks, and an overall “island getaway” atmosphere that’s hard not to love.
I stayed here with my husband before the Skyliner opened, and it was already a lovely resort. Knowing it now has Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios makes me want to go back. That transportation perk is genuinely significant at this resort, partly because Caribbean Beach is large and spread out, and partly because the Skyliner ride itself is a delight.
Rooms offer two queen beds or one king, sleeping up to four, with select rooms accommodating a fifth guest via a pull-down murphy bed. Standard rooms and preferred rooms (closer to the main building and transportation) are both available. Given how spread out this resort is, I’d recommend seriously considering a preferred room or requesting a location close to transportation at online check-in.
The main pool is Fuentes del Morro, which has a pirate theme, a waterslide, and a zero-entry area for little ones. There are also four additional leisure pools spread across the resort’s sections. Sebastian’s Bistro is the table-service restaurant on property, serving Latin-inspired cuisine for dinner (reservations recommended). Centertown Market handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fast-casual and mobile ordering options. Spyglass Grill offers quick service meals throughout the day, and Banana Cabana is the poolside bar.
Recreation: Fuentes del Morro main pool, four leisure pools, Pirate Adventure Cruise (ages 4-12), outdoor movies, Caribbean Beach Campfire Activities, volleyball, jogging trail, bike rentals, fishing, and a playground.
Transportation: Bus service to all parks and Disney Springs, plus the Disney Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area | Transportation: Bus only
Coronado Springs is Disney’s largest moderate resort, and it genuinely feels different from the others. The theming draws from Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest, and the entire resort wraps around a 22-acre lake (Lago Dorado). It’s beautiful, polished, and has an adult-forward atmosphere that makes it stand apart from the more family-centric moderates. It’s also Disney’s primary convention resort, which means the amenities lean upscale in ways you wouldn’t necessarily expect at this price point.
My family stayed here when my daughters were young, and I’ll be honest: it’s a bit more “grown-up” than some of the other moderates in terms of its overall vibe. But my girls didn’t care about that at all, because the Lost City of Cibola pool completely captured their attention. It’s spectacular, with a Mayan pyramid waterslide, a zero-entry area, and a sand volleyball court nearby. The rooms were spacious and quiet, and the dining options are genuinely impressive for a moderate resort.
Speaking of dining, Coronado Springs has more table-service options than any other moderate resort by a significant margin. Toledo at the top of Gran Destino Tower is the standout, with rooftop views over the resort. Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago is a lovely over-the-water option for a more casual dinner. Maya Grill handles American, Mexican, and seafood for dinner. Rix Sports Bar and Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a sports bar setting. For quick service, El Mercado de Coronado is the food court, and Cafe Rix handles breakfast. Lounge options include Dahlia Lounge, Barcelona Lounge, Siestas Cantina, and Laguna Bar.
Standard rooms are approximately 314 square feet with two queen beds. The Gran Destino Tower is worth calling out separately: its rooms have interior hallway access (unlike the exterior walkway rooms throughout the rest of the resort), a more modern and upscale feel, and some truly stunning views. Tower rooms book as a separate category and are priced higher, but for adults or couples who want a more refined experience at moderate pricing, it’s a compelling option.
Recreation: Lost City of Cibola main pool, three additional leisure pools, outdoor movies, Coronado Springs Campfire Activities, Colors of Coronado Painting Experience, Sangria University tasting experience, volleyball, jogging trail, playground, Iguana Arcade, fitness center, and full-service spa (the only moderate resort with either).
Transportation: Bus service only. This resort is centrally located on Disney property, with reasonable bus access to all four parks.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Location: Disney Springs Resort Area | Transportation: Bus and boat to Disney Springs
Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest of the moderate resorts, and that’s actually one of its biggest selling points. Everything is close together: one bus stop, one food court, one pool, easy navigation. For guests who find larger resorts overwhelming, or who want a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, French Quarter consistently earns high praise. The theming celebrates the festive, colorful side of New Orleans, with Mardi Gras-inspired architecture, jazz details, and a lively energy that’s distinct from every other resort on property.
I haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s genuinely near the top of my list. One reason: the beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, which are apparently legendary among Disney resort guests. The other reason: the resort recently completed a full hard-goods room renovation (finished May 2025) that added Princess and the Frog theming and character details throughout. The rooms are reportedly beautiful, and since the entire resort is small enough to have finished the refurbishment in one go, every room at French Quarter is now freshly renovated.
Rooms offer two queen beds or one king, with garden, courtyard, riverfront, or parking area views. No preferred room category here, which makes sense given how compact the resort is. Dining is handled by Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Cajun and Creole options and the famous beignets), Scat Cat’s Club Lounge and Café, and Mardi Grogs pool bar.
Recreation: Doubloon Lagoon themed pool, Painting on de’ Bayou art classes, Beignet Fun Run (most Sundays), horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor movies, Cajun Campfire Activities, bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, fishing, jogging trail, playground, and South Quarter Games arcade.
Transportation: Bus service to all parks, plus boat transportation to Disney Springs. Note that French Quarter shares bus service with Riverside at times.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Location: Disney Springs Resort Area | Transportation: Bus and boat to Disney Springs
Port Orleans Riverside is the largest moderate resort at Walt Disney World, and in my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful. The theming draws from rural Louisiana, split between the rustic Alligator Bayou section and the more stately Magnolia Bend mansion buildings. Both sides have their own character, and the grounds throughout are absolutely stunning. Moss-draped trees, winding waterways, and quiet pathways make this resort feel genuinely peaceful in a way that’s easy to underestimate from photos.
My family just stayed here recently, and I can tell you firsthand: the renovated rooms in Magnolia Bend are gorgeous. The renovation added walk-in showers to many rooms, beautiful updated finishes, and a style that feels fresh and elevated. The resort is large, and yes, there was walking involved. But the grounds are so pretty that the walk wasn’t a hardship. On a beautiful Florida evening, strolling back to your room through the bayou-inspired landscaping is actually lovely.
A few things worth knowing: Riverside’s refurbishment is still actively ongoing. Magnolia Bend has been receiving the renovation in phases since May 2025, and the project has since been expanded to include Alligator Bayou as well, with the full refurbishment now expected to run through August 2027. If you’re staying before the renovation reaches your section, you may be in an older room. Requesting a Magnolia Bend building when you check in gives you the best chance of landing one of the newly updated rooms, though it’s not guaranteed.
Rooms offer two queen beds or one king, sleeping up to four. Select rooms in Alligator Bayou include a fifth pull-down murphy bed for a child. Royal Guest Rooms (featuring Princess Tiana theming) are available in Parterre Place (Building 95) and have been reduced in inventory following the renovation.
Dining includes Boatwright’s Dining Hall for table-service dinner (reservations recommended), Riverside Mill Food Court for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, River Roost Lounge, and Muddy Rivers pool bar. One easy perk: since French Quarter is within walking distance, you can also pop over to enjoy their beignets and food court options.
Recreation: Ol’ Man Island main pool with waterslide and zero-entry area, five additional leisure pools, horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor movies, Campfire on de’ Bayou, bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, fishing, jogging trail, playground, and Medicine Show Arcade.
Transportation: Bus service to all parks, plus boat transportation to Disney Springs.
Which Disney World Moderate Resort Is Best for Your Trip?
Like the value resorts, I don’t think a straight ranking serves anyone well here. The best moderate resort really does depend on what your trip looks like and what matters most to your group. Here’s how I’d think about it.
Best for families with young kids: Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans Riverside. Both have great pools with waterslides, strong theming that resonates with kids, and room options that accommodate a fifth guest. Caribbean Beach adds the Skyliner perk, which kids tend to love. Riverside adds the beautiful grounds and the option to walk to French Quarter for beignets, which tends to impress guests of all ages.
Best for adults and couples: Coronado Springs, particularly Gran Destino Tower. The elevated dining, the spa, the fitness center, the rooftop views from Toledo, and the overall polished atmosphere make it feel closer to a deluxe experience at a moderate price. I’d also put French Quarter here as a strong second for couples who want a quieter, more intimate resort with a lovely boat ride to Disney Springs.
Best for Skyliner access: Caribbean Beach, and it’s not close. Caribbean Beach is actually the main Skyliner hub, which means it connects to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios directly, and you can also use it to hop to Riviera Resort or the Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts if you want to explore. If EPCOT is your favorite park or you’re planning significant time at Hollywood Studios, this is a meaningful transportation advantage.
Best for Disney Springs access: Either Port Orleans resort. The boat to Disney Springs is a genuinely enjoyable experience, and having easy, relaxed access to Disney Springs for shopping and dining adds a lot to a resort stay. The two resorts are within walking distance of each other, which means staying at one gives you practical access to both.
Best for large families (5 guests): Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans Riverside. Both offer select rooms with a pull-down fifth bed for a child, which is the only way to fit five in a moderate resort room without booking two rooms. If you have five adults, you’re looking at two rooms or a suite at Coronado Springs.
Best for a quieter, more intimate experience: French Quarter. It’s the smallest moderate by far, with a single bus stop, one pool, and a compact layout that makes everything feel easy and unhurried. If you’ve stayed at larger resorts and found the scale overwhelming, French Quarter is the antidote.
Final Thoughts: Should You Stay at a Disney World Moderate Resort?
The moderate resorts represent a genuine sweet spot in the Walt Disney World hotel lineup. You’re getting all the same core on-site perks as every other Disney Resort hotel, but with more space, better pools, real dining options, and theming that makes the resort itself feel like part of the vacation rather than just a place to sleep. For most families and most trips, that’s a meaningful upgrade from the value tier.
My honest take: if you’ve always stayed at the value resorts and you’ve been curious about the next level, a moderate is a great place to start. You don’t need to go all the way to deluxe to feel the difference. And if you’re a deluxe guest who’s considering scaling back without giving up too much, the moderates, especially Coronado Springs or a freshly renovated Riverside room, will probably pleasantly surprise you.
The right Disney World moderate resort isn’t the one with the best reviews online. It’s the one that fits how your family actually vacations.
Ready to Start Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation?
Here are some resources to help you get started!
Walt Disney World Dining Guides:
Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:
- Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom
- Attraction Guide for Epcot
- Attraction Guide for Hollywood Studios
- Attraction Guide for Animal Kingdom
Not sure which resort tier is right for you? Here’s a look at all your on-site options!
Value Resorts | Moderate Resorts (you are here) | Deluxe Resorts | Deluxe Villas
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