Magic on a Moderate Scale: Ranking Disney’s Mid-Level Resorts

Are you at a place where you want to stay at a pricy resort, but your budget tells you no? Or maybe you’ve splurged for an expensive hotel in the past and felt you paid too much. Even though it’s a vacation, unfortunately, we can’t have it all. Sometimes, a compromise is in order. Often, that compromise is a moderate resort.

A moderate resort falls between two categories: value and deluxe. Below, we’ve ranked each of the moderate resorts at Disney World to help you decide which one will work best for your vacation.

Moderate resorts won’t offer as many amenities as one of Disney’s deluxe or deluxe villa resorts, but they will cost considerably less. Meanwhile, moderate resorts are considered a step up in amenities from value resorts, so you will have a few upgrades that aren’t available at value resorts.

As we continue, we’ll rank the best moderate resorts at Disney World, with considerations for 2024. We also discuss amenities and other benefits you can expect when staying at a moderate resort. Most will find that Disney’s moderate resorts are often–the perfect fit. Let’s see why!

Our Rankings

Below is a list of every moderate resort at Walt Disney World.

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

As we delve into our rankings, I want to point out that the saying “to each their own” is true. This article is a subjective determination that changes from time to time. Those changes are based on our experiences. So if you think you’ll love one resort more than another, you should probably try that resort.

Each moderate resort is gorgeous in its own way. For example, I love the Port Orleans Riverside, but I prefer to stay at the French Quarter because I like the smaller footprint of the resort. So, as we cover the essential facts about each resort, consider them. But when it comes to theming, you should allow what you like best to weigh heavily on your decision.

#5 Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

It’s unfortunate to rank Disney’s Fort Wilderness as our last choice for a moderate resort. However, a stay here is not something for everyone. But you should be able to quickly discern whether or not an outdoorsy vacation will work for your family. 

On a positive note, Fort Wilderness is a tremendous resort with many on-site activities. It’s so tremendous that you’ll likely want to rent bicycles or a golf cart to get around. Of course, the resort’s size will make it challenging for some, which could also be a negative. 

Fort Wilderness comprises cabin rentals, campground sites, and RV sites. Because of its cabins, it is a moderate resort. These units offer some modern conveniences of home, like separate sleeping areas and small kitchens.

However, in 2024, the cabins are being replaced by new units and will transition to become part of the Disney Vacation Club Resort. They are expected to open in July of 2024.

#4 Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Port Orleans Riverside is next on our list of the best moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. This resort has grown on me over the years, but its tremendous size will make it difficult for some to get around.

No doubt, Riverside is a gorgeous resort with beautiful grounds. The resort is divided into two sections: The Mansions and Alligator Bayou. All the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside have been updated within the last few years.

Expect touches of Tiana from The Princess and the Frog in the Mansions and a more rustic look in Alligator Bayou. Royal guest rooms, an upgrade, have more princess details than regular rooms. While these rooms are pretty, we have found them inconvenient due to their proximity to everything else.

We stayed in a royal guest room a few years back and had difficulty discerning what we paid for compared to a regular room. This last year, we stayed in a regular room in the Mansions with a much better location. Riverside is one of the few resorts where we would consider a preferred room upgrade to be closer to the resort’s amenities.

We love Port Orleans Resorts but prefer the French Quarter because it’s the exact opposite in size compared to Riverside. To learn more about Riverside, our entire resort review details our last stay.

Related: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Review

#3 Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is our third choice for the best Disney moderate. We only rank this resort third because our top two choices have a few extra perks.

However, Port Orleans French Quarter has a romantic feel with a boutique layout. Friendly alligators take up residence at the resort, greeting guests as they come and go. Most of them appear to be playing jazz instruments.

French Quarter is so small that you won’t have to walk far to get anywhere at the resort. Because of its size, the resort only has one bus stop and one feature pool. (Did we mention Riverside has four bus stops?) Now, do you see the difference?

Guests of the French Quarter can still take advantage of the amenities at Riverside since it’s only a short walk or boat ride away. You can also hop on a boat from either resort to Disney Springs, which is a huge advantage for anyone who wants to enjoy the excellent dining options at Disney Springs.

Related: Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review 

#2 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

I’ve had to debate this year’s top two rankings, but ultimately, I decided to move Coronado Springs to our number two slot of best moderate resorts. We’ve spent time at both resorts this year, and Caribbean Beach feels like it gets the edge because of the Skyliner.

It’s still a tough call because Coronado Springs is gorgeous. You can’t go wrong here if you’re interested in a unique South Western feel, with desert-like landscapes and stunning views of the central lake.

Over the last year, we’ve stayed at both Coronado Springs and Gran Destino Tower. Gran Destino is a separate interior hotel that feels more like a deluxe resort than a moderate one. It even has a club level called the Chronos Club. This is an expensive upgrade you might consider if you want to splurge. But you might also consider a deluxe resort, considering the price this upgrade demands. Of course, this exact upgrade costs significantly more at a deluxe resort.

During our stay at the regular portion of the resort, we were in the Cabanas. It’s an excellent location between Gran Destino and the resort’s Dig Site pool and recreation area. The Dig Site is included in our list of the best pools at Disney World.

Coronado Springs has more restaurants than any other moderate resort. While they don’t have a formal signature restaurant, they have Toledo, Tapas, Steak, and Seafood, which is close to fine dining. (It made Florida’s Michelin Guide this last year.) Additionally, this moderate has a large food court and a restaurant in the middle of the lake, Three Bridges Bar and Grill. It’s an excellent place to lounge or have an entire meal. 

Coronado Springs is also the only moderate resort that offers a fitness center and spa. Since this best moderate choice has a convention center, it’s the most well-rounded of all the resorts in its class. 

Related: Coronado Springs Resort Review

#1 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach is our top choice for the best Disney moderate resort in 2024. Between the resort’s new rooms, Skyliner, and gorgeous landscape, we had to move this one up a notch.

Being able to hop on the Skyliner to access nearby Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a tremendous amenity. I often overhear guests saying the Skyliner is the best ride at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Caribbean Beach also sits directly next door to Disney’s Riviera Resort. That means you’ll have even more dining options near the resort. 

Caribbean Beach has its own island, the Caribbean Cay. You’ll have plenty to explore, including sandy beaches, a playground, and swings. The resort also has quiet pools in each of its villages.

Things to Know About Disney’s Moderate Resorts

We hope you enjoyed our rankings of the best moderate resorts at Disney World. In addition to the things we’ve already discussed, here are a few other things you’ll want to know about this category of resorts.

When it comes to theming at the moderate resorts, you won’t find much “Disney” unless you look at some finer details. However, the deluxe resorts are the same way. Disney’s Value Resorts are the only hotels that offer authentic Disney theming, like Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Art of Animation, or Pop Century.

That said, Disney’s moderates offer excellent theming. For instance, Disney’s Coronado Springs mixes Southwestern American flair with Spanish vibes. 

While at Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the touches of New Orleans and Mardi Gras at Disney’s French Quarter. However, the bayou look and feel of Port Orleans Riverside has a unique way of enchanting guests. 

Those who want a tropical feel might enjoy vacationing at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Each resort section is named after Caribbean islands like Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Aruba.

Lastly, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers guests a variety of campsites and cabins. Cabins at Fort Wilderness are considered part of Disney’s moderate resort category. 

Disney World Moderate Resort Benefits

Guests of Disney’s Moderate Resorts can participate in early theme park entry, a perk extended to all Walt Disney World Resort guests. Here are a few details and tips about this benefit.

Early Theme Park Entry: This perk allows resort guests to enter any Walt Disney World theme park 30 minutes before officially opening to the general public. This early entry provides several advantages:

1. Lower Crowds: Being among the first to enter the park allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. This will help you to check off must-see rides and experiences ahead of the crowd.
2. Photography Opportunities: If you love capturing the magic of Disney, the early hours provide a fantastic opportunity for photos in front of iconic landmarks with fewer people in the background.
3. Cooler Temperatures: Morning hours are often more relaxed, making outdoor activities more comfortable. But if you visit during cooler weather, don’t forget a jacket!

If you take advantage of this benefit, you’ll want to get to the park at least 30 minutes before the early opening time. If you arrive “on time,” you’ll likely be too late. You’ll also have to make your way through the crowds waiting for the regular park opening.

Related: List of Resorts with Early Theme Park Entry

Moderate Resort Pools

Moderate resorts stand out because their primary pools have a feature you won’t find at the value resorts–water slides. Kids can spend the afternoon sliding down the sea serpent’s tongue at the Doubloon Lagoon or racing back down the Jaguar slide at Coronado Springs. Don’t be surprised if they want to hang out at the pool all day! 

Additionally, each moderate resort has a feature pool and multiple quiet pools, except for the French Quarter, which has only one pool and a children’s aquatic play area. The resorts have playgrounds and an arcade, which is standard for most Walt Disney World Resorts.

Related: List of Every Pool with FAQs at Disney World

Some pools at the moderate resorts have a nearby laundry room. If you want to learn more, we have an article dedicated to each moderate resort’s pool.

Here are a few photos of the moderate resort pools. You can click the smaller images to make them larger.

Dining at Disney’s Moderate Resorts

Another thing that sets moderate resorts apart is their dining options. Each one (with one exception) has a counter service, a pool bar, a table service restaurant, and a lounge. 

Unfortunately, none of the moderates offer signature dining locations or character dining. You’ll only find those types of restaurants at the deluxe resorts. All moderates have food courts with multiple stations offering various cuisines.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter differs here as well. This resort is home to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, an excellent counter service option. But, unfortunately, the resort has no formal table service restaurant. However, most will agree it’s unnecessary because Port Orleans Riverside is within walking distance. Guests can enjoy Riverside Mill Food Court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Riverside.

Accommodations

Moderate resorts offer slightly larger rooms than the value resorts. However, the main difference is that the resort’s guest baths have two sinks. For comparison, value resorts only have one sink with less counter space. 

Another noteworthy factor is that many of the moderate resorts have undergone refurbishment in the past couple of years with significant room updates. For example, this last year, we stayed in a standard room at Port Orleans French Quarter. We loved this room and thought it was comfortable for a week’s stay. Our room felt more like a deluxe with its simple furnishings, solid surface floor, and functional layout. 

One potentially negative factor regarding accommodations at the moderates is the resort’s layout. Except for the French Quarter, the moderate resorts are massive in size. Each portion of the resort is spread out into villages or sections. Therefore, you could have a significant walk to your room when coming and going around the resort. 

Thankfully, the larger resorts have internal bus stops, so bus transportation should be available near your room. If you are concerned about having too much of a walk at a moderate resort, consider upgrading to a preferred room or looking closer at Port Orleans French Quarter, which has a boutique layout. 

Additionally, all the moderates have exterior room access. By this, I mean that moderate resorts are not like hotels with interior hallways to access rooms. You’ll enter your room from the outside. So often, a view upgrade is not warranted. Your view would be to the exterior walkway outside your room and then a view of whatever the room was facing. 

We always close our curtains because we don’t want other guests peering into our room as they walk by. While I don’t think many of us would intentionally invade another guest’s privacy, it seems only natural that one would tend to look inside an open window in passing. 

There’s only one location in this class of resorts that’s an exception: Gran Destino Tower. This tower hotel is an addition to Coronado Springs Resort and offers interior room access. So if staying inside a hotel is important, Gran Destino Tower is your only moderate option. 

Related: Gran Destino Tower Review

Lastly, I want to point out one other important factor: elevators. Unfortunately, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort does not have any elevators. So if you’re on the second floor of one of the buildings, you’ll have to drag your luggage up the stairs. 

Additionally, the Alligator Bayou portion of Port Orleans Riverside does not have elevators. While I wouldn’t let that keep me from staying at either, I might request a room on the first floor.

Transportation at Disney’s Moderate Resorts

Transportation is another aspect to consider when choosing one of the Disney moderates. You’ll have a few options at some of the moderate resorts.

Coronado Springs is a simple resort that only offers bus transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This is a large resort with an internal bus system, so you shouldn’t have to walk far to reach the bus stop nearest your room. However, you will spend extra time looping the resort.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach offers the Disney Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus service is provided to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the water parks, and Disney Springs. It’s important to note that you must take the Skyliner for Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The only time an alternative is provided is when the Skyliner is down.

At Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, bus service is provided to the theme parks and Disney Springs. Guests also have the option to take a water taxi to Disney Springs. Given their proximity, the Port Orleans Resorts are excellent choices if you plan to spend a decent amount of time at Disney Springs.

Fort Wilderness offers resort boat service to Magic Kingdom. Additionally, the resort provides bus service to all other Disney theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Due to the campground’s vast size, most guests will have to take an internal bus around the resort to get to the central bus station. Alternatively, you could bring or rent a bike or golf cart to travel back and forth to the bus stop or boat dock.

We have transportation guides for each moderate resort that offer specific details on how to get to and from popular destinations. We’ve put a good deal of work into these guides. They are packed with tips for using transportation efficiently.

Final Thoughts on Disney’s Moderate Resorts

I hope this article gave you an idea of which moderate resort might work best for your next vacation. Disney’s moderate resorts are a great, middle-of-the-road option when choosing a hotel.

To learn more about staying at Disney, check out our Disney World Hotel Reviews. Or you might prefer these planning articles. For starters, The Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Hotel will provide you with an overview of what to expect at all Disney Resort Hotels. But you might also enjoy staying off-site. If it’s something you’re considering, try our list of The Best Off-Site Hotels Near Disney. Other favorite planning articles include The Best Disney Springs Restaurants and The Ultimate Disney World Character Dining Guide.

What Do You Think?

Have you had the opportunity to stay at any of these Disney moderate resorts? Do you agree or disagree with our choices for best moderates? Which resort are you leaning toward? Share your thoughts below in the comments.