Choosing the Best Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World

Planning your dream Walt Disney World vacation involves a LOT of decisions, and none is more pivotal than choosing the perfect place to stay. To help you embark on your magical journey with confidence, our team of dedicated Traveluxe agents has curated a ranking of our personal favorites among Disney's Moderate Resorts.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

​Each resort has been scored based on seven key factors: transportation, location, dining options, value for your money, room features, pool area, and theme.

Here's our expert insight on the Disney Moderate Resorts to ensure you choose the perfect accommodation for your next magical vacation.

5. The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

​Discover the perfect fusion of nature's beauty and modern comfort as you step into The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. The cabins offer a rustic yet cozy retreat that provides all the conveniences you desire. ​

The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

If you enjoy “roughing it” in a cabin, you will be excited to know that you can still cookout and dine at a picnic table but that’s as “rough” as it gets as the cabins are full of amenities to also make you feel at home. 
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​Vibe: Perfect for those seeking a camping-like experience with all modern comforts. The ambiance is peaceful, surrounded by pine and cypress trees with wildlife sightings. The cabins also accommodate larger families as they sleep up to 6 guests with a separate bedroom and a full kitchen.

Dining: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of the most popular dining establishments when you’re visiting Walt Disney World and it’s located right here at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort! Trail’s End Restaurant will have all the grub you need for any meal of the day.  Outdoor cooking at your cabin's grill adds to the authentic outdoorsy experience. Don’t forget to end your day with a stop at Crockett’s Tavern for a nightcap. They even have a walk-up window for a drink-on-the-go!

Transportation: Internal shuttle services are helpful, but the resort's size can mean longer travel times within the property. Many guests rent a golf cart to get around the large resort. Boats to Magic Kingdom Park add a charming touch but all other parks offer bus transportation.

Location: Its remote setting within Walt Disney World offers a perfect escape from the park's hustle and bustle while still being conveniently close to Magic Kingdom Park. The large resort grounds allow ample outdoor areas to enjoy when not in the parks.

Rooms: Disney is currently refreshing the cabins with plans to have them ready summer of 2024. These cabins sleep up to 6 with some allowing dogs. The spacious cabins have a separate bedroom, living area, full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. They are ideal for larger families or longer stays when extra space is needed. We love the private patio deck and charcoal grill after a long day in the parks. There's nothing better than relaxing on the deck with a drink while the kids run around. 

Pools: The main pool, Meadow Swimmin' Pool, has a water slide and whirlpool spas. Young children love the adjacent fort-themed water play area. The quieter Wilderness Swimmin' Pool is a serene alternative and has a whirlpool spa for ultimate relaxation! 
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Value: The Cabins are excellent for those seeking space and peace in the middle of the Walt Disney World hustle. They offer a unique lodging experience, especially for larger groups or extended stays. The concepts of the new cabins look amazing, this resort might move up a few spots after they are complete!

4. DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS RESORT-RIVERSIDE

Nestled amidst the enchanting scenery of the Louisiana Bayou, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside captures the very essence of Southern charm and tranquility. While this moderate resort offers a picturesque and immersive experience, its size may not be suitable for everyone.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside

This variety of theming is really quite impressive with two distinct layouts within the resort. You'll get a luxury feel at the moderate price. ​
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Vibe: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside exudes a relaxed atmosphere, with lush landscaping and the Sassagoula River. The buildings are reminiscent of antebellum mansions in the Magnolia Bend section and cozy rustic dwellings in Alligator Bayou. It is definitely one of the prettier moderate resorts and will offer a beautiful, laidback setting for any family.

Dining: For a moderate resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is loaded with dining options. Boatwright's Dining Hall offers a delicious taste of Southern cuisine. Riverside Mill Food Court is the perfect quick-service dining option. The River Roost features live music and a vibrant bar scene. You don’t want to miss the performances by the fan-favorite Yee Haw Bob!

Transportation: The resort's spread-out layout can mean a bit of walking, but regular bus services offer convenient access to all Disney parks. The bus stops are located throughout and can offer an alternative to walking the length of the resort. The buses also connect to the sister resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter for more dining and entertainment options. The ferry along the river offers a tranquil transport to other resorts and Disney Springs.

Location: Its riverfront setting is both scenic and tranquil, providing a pleasant respite from the park's excitement. Located on the Sassagoula River, it is a short ferry ride to Disney Springs for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With several other resorts along the ferry route, it’s one of the best resorts for resort-hopping. 

Rooms: The Royal Guest Rooms, themed around Disney princesses, offer a magical experience, while standard rooms provide comfortable, Southern-styled accommodations. There is a number of rooms that offer a child-sized pulldown bed making this resort a favorite of families with younger children. 

Pools: The Ol' Man Island pool complex features a sawmill-themed water slide amidst a fishing hole setting, plus five leisure pools for quieter swims. The kiddie pool and hot tub are always a hit here. The pools are spread throughout the resort so many guests like to check out different pools each day.

Value: Offering a great balance of thematic immersion, amenities, and relaxation, makes this a solid choice for families and couples. The Royal Guest Rooms are an exciting experience for young ones and the 5th person sleeper rooms allow the perfect arrangements for larger families. 

3. DISNEY'S CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT

This resort is a colorful combination of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern influences, surrounding a glimmering lake. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort ends up being a polarizing resort with its layout and its guests. 

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

The outlying room clusters definitely provide the moderate resort feel while the Gran Destino Tower and loads of amenities elevate it to near-Deluxe levels. Scoring a room in the Gran Destino Tower when there are no conventions going on can allow an elegant and relaxing stay but when the conventions come to town, the resort can feel crowded and overrun. 
 
The food, the pools, and the central location offer many options that aren’t found at other moderate resorts, but the lack of transportation options and the often-occupied convention center can make this resort less appealing than others. 
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Vibe: The resort's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by its unique blend of cultures, appealing to both leisure and business guests with its convention center facilities. The Gran Destino Tower is the most elegant of the accommodations within the moderate resorts. Because the convention center is located on property, this resort can see large groups at one time which can lead to a crowded and louder atmosphere. 

Dining: Culinary options are diverse, from the rooftop Toledo - Tapas, Steak, & Seafood restaurant to the more casual El Mercado de Coronado and Rix Sports Bar & Grill. Don’t miss the Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago where you can enjoy Spanish-American ambience and cuisine. If you’re looking for a fun adults-only activity, Sangria University takes place here with beautiful views and you even get to make your own sangria!

Transportation: Bus services are efficient, though the resort's size can lead to longer travel times within the property. There is only bus transportation to the parks, which can be a downfall for some guests looking for alternative options. 

Location: Centrally located within the Walt Disney World complex offers easy access to various parks and attractions. The setting around the shores of Lago Dorado is unique with the bridges spanning the lake for quicker access to opposite sides of the resort. Also onsite is the convention center which does allow for a different clientele when there are conventions occurring. 

Rooms: The rooms, especially in the new Gran Destino Tower, are stylishly appointed with modern amenities and offer various view options. The non-tower buildings have multiple bedroom suites that can allow larger families to stay together along with standard rooms. The Gran Destino Tower is the only moderate resort that offers club level rooms for added luxury. The non-club rooms in the tower are gorgeous and if you can get a higher floor, the views are incredible!

Pools: The Lost City of Cibola pool, with its towering 50-foot Mayan pyramid, is a standout feature. The 123-foot-long waterslide features a spitting jaguar spirit that will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours! There are 3 smaller pools for a quieter experience throughout the resort. The Dig Site has the largest hot tub on Disney World property with room for 22 people! There’s also a pool bar and a kiddie pool to keep everyone happy during the hours outside the parks. 

Value: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort’s unique theming and range of amenities provide a more upscale experience at a moderate price point. The Gran Destino Tower was built with the convention clients in mind but has led to many guests falling in love with this resort’s level of luxury at a very fair price point compared to Disney Deluxe Resorts. 

2. DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS - FRENCH QUARTER

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter immerses guests in the lively spirit of New Orleans, bringing the vibrant Mardi Gras theme to life in every corner of the resort. The charming cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and colorful facades create an intimate and lively atmosphere reminiscent of the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. 

Disney's Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter

The whimsy of the resort, especially in the pool area, make this a hit with many of our Traveluxe agents. The theming here is one of the best in the moderate resorts. The rooms have the feel of luxury while the Mardi Gras touches maintain the fun. You will feel like you’re in the middle of New Orleans when you stay here thanks to the Disney magic all around. 

Dining: The culinary offerings at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter are a delightful journey for the taste buds. The Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory provide a diverse range of dishes, from hearty Southern classics to delectable seafood options. For evening entertainment and light bites, Scat Cat's Club is the go-to spot. However, the true highlight of dining at this resort is Scat Cat’s Café, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with mouthwatering beignets. Be warned – you'll find it hard to resist these delectable treats during your stay!

Transportation: Getting around is convenient with bus transportation to the Walt Disney World Parks and a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs. While the transportation may take a bit longer than some other resorts, the smaller size of Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter means shorter internal travel times within the resort. It's worth noting that during non-peak travel times, the buses may make stops at the adjacent Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside as well, providing more dining and entertainment options.

Location: The resort's riverfront setting adds to its charm, offering a delightful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby theme parks. The slightly offset location in the Disney Springs Resort area allows for a more laid-back atmosphere than those connected to the parks. And for foodies and shoppers, the ferry ride to Disney Springs makes Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter a top choice, offering easy access to a variety of dining and shopping experiences.

Rooms: The resort's rooms are elegantly decorated with Mardi Gras-themed accents, creating a comfortable and immersive stay that complements the overall theme of the resort. The attention to detail in the room design adds to the charm of your Walt Disney World vacation. All the rooms only sleep a maximum of four guests. 

Pools: The Doubloon Lagoon pool serves as a focal point for family fun with its impressive dragon-shaped water slide, providing hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. In addition to the main pool, there are quieter leisure pools throughout the resort, offering guests options for relaxation and water-based fun.
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Value: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter is an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate resort experience with unique theming, diverse dining options, and enjoyable amenities. It strikes a balance between providing a relaxed atmosphere and being close enough to the magic, making it a wonderful value for your Disney vacation.

1. DISNEY'S CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT

Step into a world where the allure of the Caribbean comes to life with vibrant island-inspired architecture, lush landscapes, and a tropical paradise that beckons you to leave your worries behind. The transportation and loaded amenities of this tropical haven are perfect for families looking to combine the magic of Disney with the sun-soaked allure of a Caribbean getaway.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Our agents have voted Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort their favorite Moderate Resort for so many reasons. We are sure you family will fall in love with it as well! Whether you're an all-day park hopper or a relax by the pool vacationer, you will find everything you need here for an amazing value!

Vibe: This resort envelops you in the ambiance of a Caribbean Island. The colorful buildings, swaying palm trees, and sandy beaches create a lively and immersive atmosphere that will make you feel like you've been whisked away to a tropical getaway.

Dining: Dining at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a culinary adventure. Sebastian's Bistro stands out with its delectable Caribbean cuisine, offering a taste of the islands with flavorful dishes. Centertown Market provides a range of quick-service options with something for everyone, while Spyglass Grill offers tasty bites in a relaxed and picturesque setting.

Transportation: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has the best transportation options of the moderate resorts, including the Disney Skyliner Transportation, which significantly enhances accessibility to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. This convenient transportation method allows you to glide above the resort and enjoy breathtaking views while swiftly reaching the parks. Additionally, the resort offers efficient bus services for access to other Walt Disney World attractions and locations.

Location: The resort is situated around the picturesque 45-acre Barefoot Bay, and its layout enhances the Caribbean Island feel. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the sandy shores or relax in hammocks while savoring the tranquil waters. This location provides a serene and tropical backdrop for your Walt Disney World vacation. An added bonus is the surrounding resorts that you can easily visit like walking to Disney's Riviera Resort or taking the Disney Skyliner Transportation to the Disney's Boardwalk Inn for more entertainment and dining options. 

Rooms: The rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort are thoughtfully themed with bright island colors and comfortable furnishings, offering a cheerful and inviting retreat after a day of Disney adventures. The Caribbean-inspired decor adds to the overall experience of staying in this tropical paradise. The new Little Mermaid themed rooms in some buildings are the perfect level of Disney fun and sophistication. 

Pools: The Fuentes del Morro Pool is a standout feature with its colonial Spanish fortress theme, complete with water cannons and two thrilling water slides. The pool area offers fun for all ages and is perfect for families. Additionally, there are several smaller leisure pools throughout the resort, ensuring there's always a spot for relaxation or splashing around.

Value: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort stands out for its value, especially for families seeking a memorable Disney experience with a tropical twist. The Disney Skyliner Transportation makes it the top choice for those looking to stay close to the parks. When you are looking to combine the magic of Disney with the allure of a Caribbean getaway, the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is the perfect selection.

As you can see, each Disney Moderate Resort offers a unique blend of theming, amenities, and value. Whether you're seeking a rustic retreat at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or a tropical getaway at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, there's a choice to suit every family's preference.  The best part is they won't break your budget! 

Have more questions about the Disney Moderate Resorts? Our agents are here to help!

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