Disney Moderate Resorts: Balance of Comfort and Value

If you are looking for a middle ground between budget and luxury at Walt Disney World, the Disney Moderate Resorts are it. These resorts offer more space, upgraded amenities, additional dining options, and charm that differs from the Value Resorts.

The Disney Moderate Resorts consist of:

• Caribbean Beach Resort

• Coronado Springs Resort

• Port Orleans - French Quarter

• Port Orleans - Riverside

What Makes a Disney Moderate Resort

Disney Moderate Resorts are a step up from the Value Resorts in both room size and overall resort experience. They are ideal for families seeking a more relaxed and scenic atmosphere, a more romantic getaway, or those who want extra amenities without the Deluxe pricing.

At the Disney Moderate Resorts, you will find:

• Larger rooms and more adult-friendly layouts

• Lush, more immersive resort grounds

• Enhanced pools with water slides

• Both quick-service and table-service dining options

• Unique activities like boat rentals, carriage rides, and campfires

Theming at Each Moderate Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort

Transport yourself to the Caribbean islands! This resort is themed after the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean, with bright, tropical-colored buildings grouped into villages inspired by Barbados, Trinidad, Martinique, Aruba, and Jamaica. This resort features white sand beaches, hammocks, Caribbean music, and lots of space.

Coronado Springs Resort

A blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American themes, Coronado Springs has an elegant and modern feel, especially with the addition of the Gran Destino Tower. This resort is sophisticated yet family-friendly, features Lago Dorado lake, fountains, and upgraded dining and room options.

Port Orleans - French Quarter

Step into the charm of New Orleans! The French Quarter is the smallest Moderate Resort, offering a more intimate and walkable experience with cobblestone streets and Mardi Gras flair. It features a romantic and whimsical vibe, Jazz music, wrought-iron balconies, and beignets at Scat Cat's Cafe.

Port Orleans - Riverside

Riverside captures the southern charm of the Louisiana Bayou with two distinct areas: Magnolia Bend with plantation-style mansions and Alligator Bayou with rustic, woodsy cottages. It's serene, natural, and romantic. It features walking paths, fishing holes, and Royal Guest Rooms. You can even catch a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Transportation Options

Disney Moderate Resorts offer the typical bus transportation. Here are some overall differences for each one:

Caribbean Beach

• Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

• Buses stop at each village, similar to how Disney All-Star Resort buses work

• This is a large resort, so walking around this resort to and from the bus stops, the Skyliner, or the restaurants can be significant

Coronado Springs

• Buses only, with multiple stops around the resort

• This is a larger resort, so walking can be significant

Port Orleans - French Quarter and Riverside

• Buses to all the parks

• Boat service to Disney Springs

• French Quarter is the most compact and walkable

• You can easily walk between French Quarter and Riverside

Pools, Activities, and Recreation

Disney Moderate Resorts offer upgraded pool experiences compared to Value Resorts, including water slides and hot tubs. They also host unique experiences not found at the Value Resorts:

• Caribbean Beach has the Fuentes del Morro pool, a pirate-themed with slides and water cannons and a splash pad

• Coronado Springs has The Dig Site, a Mayan pyramid, a slide, and a large hot tub

• French Quarter has the Doubloon Lagoon, a sea serpent slide, and a splash area

• Riverside has Ol' Man Island, rustic themed with a large pool, hot tub, and fishing dock

Unique Activities vary but can include:

• Campfire s'mores

• Fishing (Port Orleans Riverside)

• Horse-drawn carriage rides (Port Orleans)

• Movies under the stars

• Bike rentals

• Jogging trails

Dining Options at Moderate Resorts

Disney Moderate Resorts offer more diverse dining experiences than Value Resorts, including table-service restaurants and bars/lounges.

Caribbean Beach Resort

• Quick Service: Centertown Market, Spyglass Grill

• Table Service: Sebastian's Bistro

• Lounge: Banana Cabana - poolside cocktails and bites

• Walking distance to Riviera to experience their dining options

Coronado Springs Resort

• Quick Service: El Mercado de Coronado

• Table Service: Maya Grill, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood, Cafe Rix, Rix Sports Bar and Grill, Siestas Cantina

• Lounge: Dahlia, Barcelona, Laguna

Port Orleans - French Quarter

• Quick Service: Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

• Snack Favorites: Scat Cat's Cafe

• Lounge: Scat Cat's Club, Mardi Grogs

• No table-service available, but walkable to Riverside

Port Orleans - Riverside

• Quick Service: Riverside Mill

• Table Service: Boatwright's Dining Hall

• Lounge: River Roost, Muddy Rivers

Why Choose a Moderate Resort

Disney Moderate Resorts are a balance of value and luxury. If you want to enjoy larger rooms, more immersive theming and landscaping, better pool areas, unique activities and dining experiences, then a Disney Moderate Resort may be a better option for you.

Booking early often means better rates! Get in touch with me to discuss your options and see what I can do for you!

Looking for other options? Check out my other Disney Resort guides:

• Disney Value Resorts

• Disney Deluxe Resorts