Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience. Walt Disney World Moderate resorts offer an excellent middle ground between Value and Deluxe accommodations, providing enhanced amenities and theming without the premium price tag. Walt Disney World offers five distinct Moderate resort experiences, all located on the Walt Disney World Resort property: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Before we explore each resort’s unique characteristics, it’s worth noting that all Moderate resorts share certain amenities that elevate them above Value resorts. You’ll find larger rooms (approximately 314 square feet) featuring queen-size beds, enhanced dining options including table-service restaurants (except at French Quarter), feature pools with slides complemented by quiet pools, hot tubs, pool bars, and dedicated gift shops. Each resort also offers recreational activities like jogging trails and arcades, plus conveniences such as complimentary WiFi and self-parking. However, unlike many of the deluxe resorts, you must use Disney transportation to access any of the Disney theme parks, the are not within walking distance.

Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts Summary

• Walt Disney World offers five Moderate Resorts: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness, each offering enhanced amenities and theming at a mid-tier price point.
• Standard rooms at Moderate Resorts are larger than Value Resorts (314 square feet) and include queen beds, while The Cabins at Fort Wilderness provide 504 square feet of space with full kitchens and separate bedrooms. Two moderate resorts have rooms that will sleep 5, both Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Resort – Riverside have rooms with two queen beds and a day bed, but you must book a 5-th Sleeper room in order to get a room that sleeps 5.
• Each Moderate Resort features unique transportation advantages: Caribbean Beach has Skyliner access, Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans resorts offer boat service, and all provide bus transportation to parks and Disney Springs.
• All Moderate Resorts feature elaborately themed feature pools with slides – from the Spanish fortress-themed Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach, to the sea serpent-adorned Doubloon Lagoon at French Quarter, the Lost City of Cibola Pool at Coronado Springs, the rustic Ol’ Man Island pool at Riverside, and the wilderness-themed Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at Fort Wilderness – plus each resort (except French Quarter) offers multiple quiet pools for a more relaxed swimming experience. Enjoy a while in the hot tub to ease your sore feet at the end of the day.
• Dining options are more diverse than Value Resorts, with each Moderate Resort (except French Quarter) offering both table-service and quick-service restaurants, plus pool bars and lounges.
• Pricing typically ranges from $200-400 per night for standard rooms (higher for Cabins), with the best rates available during value season, weekdays, and through special offers, a substantion savings over Disney deluxe resorts.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Stepping into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort feels like being transported to a tropical paradise. This sprawling resort surrounds the picturesque 45-acre Barefoot Bay, with its buildings arranged into six distinct villages: Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad North, and Trinidad South. Each village showcases the vibrant colors and relaxed atmosphere of its Caribbean namesake, creating a perfect blend of island charm and Disney magic.

The rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort are housed in two-story buildings with exterior corridors. Standard rooms comfortably accommodate up to four adults, while special fifth sleeper rooms feature an additional child-size pull-down bed perfect for families. For a truly unique experience, the Pirate-themed rooms in Trinidad South transport guests to a world of swashbuckling adventure, complete with ship-shaped beds and treasure chest-inspired furniture.

Dining at Caribbean Beach embraces the island theme wholeheartedly. Centertown Market serves up quick-service meals in a casual marketplace setting, while Sebastian’s Bistro offers table-service dining featuring Caribbean-inspired flavors. The Banana Cabana Pool Bar provides tropical drinks and light bites, and Spyglass Grill offers additional quick-service options. Mobile ordering is available at quick-service locations, making it convenient to grab a meal between adventures.

One of Caribbean Beach’s strongest selling points is its prime location on the Disney Skyliner system. This innovative gondola transportation provides direct access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making it an excellent choice for park enthusiasts. Traditional Disney bus service connects guests to all parks and Disney Springs, with multiple internal stops throughout the resort ensuring convenient access from all villages.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs sets itself apart by blending the elegance of Spanish colonial Mexico and the American Southwest with modern luxury, particularly since the addition of the stunning Gran Destino Tower. This resort uniquely caters to both vacation and business travelers, offering upgraded amenities while maintaining the moderate price point.

The resort’s accommodations offer impressive variety. Traditional rooms in the two-story buildings surrounding Lago Dorado provide classic moderate resort comfort, while rooms in Gran Destino Tower feature more contemporary styling and tower views. Business class rooms include additional amenities, and various suite options accommodate larger groups or those seeking extra space.

The dining scene at Coronado Springs is arguably the most impressive among moderate resorts. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood crowns Gran Destino Tower, offering signature dining with spectacular rooftop views. Three Bridges Bar & Grill creates a sophisticated dining experience in the middle of Lago Dorado, while Maya Grill serves Mexican-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. Multiple quick-service options, lounges, and bars round out the impressive culinary lineup.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Capturing the romance and festivity of New Orleans’ French Quarter (or Port Orleans French Quarter), this intimate resort charms guests with its wrought-iron balconies, gas-lit walkways, and cobblestone streets. As the smallest moderate resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter offers a boutique hotel experience while maintaining the musical soul of the Big Easy.

The resort’s three-story buildings feature interior corridors and elevators, housing comfortable rooms that sleep up to four adults. The compact layout means every room is just a short stroll from dining, transportation, and recreation, making it particularly appealing to guests who prefer convenience over sprawling grounds.

While French Quarter may offer fewer dining options than its moderate resort siblings, each venue delivers on quality and theme. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory serves quick-service meals in a festive setting, while Scat Cat’s Club offers both a cafe and lounge experience, complete with live jazz on select nights. The Mardi Grogs Pool Bar keeps the celebration going poolside with refreshing beverages and light snacks. Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a short walk or boat ride away if you want to dine there or check out their pools.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Sister property to French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside captures two distinct aspects of the American South: the stately manors of Magnolia Bend and the rustic lodging of Alligator Bayou. The resort’s grounds are particularly beautiful, with meandering paths following the Sassagoula River and peaceful oak-lined walkways.

Riverside’s room options cater to various preferences and party sizes. The mansion buildings of Magnolia Bend house standard rooms as well as the elaborately themed Royal Guest Rooms, which tell the story of Princess Tiana hosting her royal friends from around the Disney kingdom. These magical accommodations feature incredible details like headboards that illuminate with fiber-optic fireworks, custom artwork of Disney princesses, and special touches that reference beloved characters throughout the space. The royal treatment continues with ornate décor including custom drapes and bed runners, “magic carpet” designed carpeting, and even faucets themed to look like Genie’s lamp from Aladdin. Located in the Oak Manor and Parterre Place buildings of Magnolia Bend, these rooms maintain the same basic layout as standard rooms but transform the space into a royal chamber that makes guests feel like Disney royalty. Over in Alligator Bayou, the rustic lodges include rooms with fifth sleeper beds, perfect for families with three children.

The dining options at Riverside create a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and Disney service. Boatwright’s Dining Hall serves dinner in a converted boat warehouse setting, offering Southern specialties in a table-service environment. Riverside Mill Food Court provides quick-service options throughout the day in a unique setting featuring a working cotton press water wheel. The River Roost Lounge often features live entertainment, including the beloved “Ye Haa” Bob Jackson on select nights.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness’s Resort were long considered to be a moderate resort. However, with the complete replacement of the cabins with brand new units in 2024, and with them joining Disney Vacation Club, they are no longer considered a moderate resort, but are now included with the deluxe villa resorts.

Choosing Your Perfect Disney World Moderate Resort

When selecting between these five distinct resorts, consider your vacation priorities carefully. If convenient park access tops your list, Caribbean Beach’s Skyliner connection to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios might be your best choice. For those seeking the most dining options and modern amenities, Coronado Springs stands out. French Quarter appeals to those wanting a compact, romantic setting, while Riverside offers a more spread-out, scenic experience. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness provide the most space and cooking facilities, perfect for longer stays or larger families.

Consider your transportation preferences as well. Caribbean Beach offers Skyliner access, while Fort Wilderness and the Port Orleans resorts provide boat service to select destinations. All resorts offer bus service, though the layout of each property affects internal transportation needs.

Room configuration should also factor into your decision. The Cabins sleep six and include a kitchen. Caribbean Beach and Riverside offer fifth sleeper rooms for families of five. If unique themes appeal to you, consider the Pirate rooms at Caribbean Beach, Royal Rooms at Riverside, or tower rooms at Coronado Springs.

Pricing varies throughout the year but typically ranges from $200-400 per night for standard rooms, with the Cabins generally commanding higher rates due to their size and amenities. The best rates can usually be found during value season, on weekdays, and through special offers.

Why stay at a Disney World Moderate Resort

Each moderate resort offers a distinct variation on the theme of upgraded amenities and immersive storytelling without deluxe-level pricing. Whether you choose the tropical atmosphere of Caribbean Beach, the sophisticated styling of Coronado Springs, the intimate charm of French Quarter, the tranquil settings of Riverside, or the home-like comfort of the Fort Wilderness Cabins, you’ll find that sweet spot between luxury and value that makes moderate resorts so popular among Disney World guests.

Remember to book early for best availability and pricing, and always check for special offers that might make your preferred resort more affordable. Whichever moderate resort you choose, you’ll enjoy enhanced amenities, detailed theming, and that special Disney magic that makes every vacation memorable.