Ultimate Guide to Staying at Disney Moderate Resorts
Easy family tips, simple planning help, and real mom thoughts
Disney Moderate Resorts are the “just right” level for many families. You get nicer rooms, better pools, peaceful grounds, and more food choices without paying Deluxe prices. If you want comfort, value, and a little extra magic, Moderate Resorts are a great fit.
Mom Tip: After long park days, a moderate resort feels calming and cozy. We rest better here, and that makes the whole trip easier for everyone.
Why Choose a Moderate Resort?
Moderate Resorts give you a mix of comfort, fun, and price. They sit right between Value and Deluxe Resorts, which makes them great for families who want more space without overspending.
What Makes Moderates Special
Bigger rooms than Value Resorts
Better pools and some with slides!
More dining choices
Beautiful theming and landscaping
Quiet spots to relax
Good Disney transportation
Disney Moderate Resorts Overview
Below are all the Moderate Resorts at Disney World, each with its own style, charm, and family perks.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach feels like a tropical island: colorful buildings, sandy beaches, and lots of sunshine. Kids love the pirate-themed pool, and parents love the Skyliner right at the resort.
What You’ll Love
Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
Large, sandy beaches
Fun main pool with slides
Island-style theming
Lots of quiet areas
Pros
Great transportation
Family-friendly food court
Pretty views everywhere
Cons
Big resort = longer walks
- Some buildings feel far from Skyliner
Mom Tip: Book a Preferred Room here if possible. Caribbean Beach is large, and being close to the Skyliner makes mornings with kids so much easier.
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
This is the smallest Moderate Resort and one of the easiest to navigate. It has a cozy New Orleans feel, bright colors, and warm energy and the best part are their delicious Mickey Beignets.
What You’ll Love
Small, walkable layout
Jazz theming and cobblestone streets
Quick access to buses
Boat to Disney Springs
Beignets (don’t skip)
Pros
Easiest moderate for families
Peaceful but fun vibe
Cons
Fewer dining options
Pool is smaller
Mom Thought: French Quarter is my “stress-free” pick. No long walks, no confusion and the beignets make every morning feel magical.
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
Riverside feels calm and beautiful with trees, rivers, and country charm. It also has Royal Princess Rooms that kids love.
What You’ll Love
Princess-themed Royal Rooms
Peaceful river views
Boat to Disney Springs
Multiple pools
Gorgeous grounds
Pros
Great theming
Quiet spots to unwind
Cons
Very spread out
Some buildings are far from dining
Mom Tip: If you have little princess fans, the Royal Rooms are a must-do at least once.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs blends Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern styles with a very modern, deluxe feel, especially the Gran Destino Tower.
What You’ll Love
Deluxe-style rooms at a moderate price
Large, exciting pool
Amazing dining (including rooftop!)
Beautiful tower rooms
A more “grown-up” vibe
Pros
Tons of food options
Great for adults too
Feels fancy
Cons
Convention guests
Resort spread out
Mom Thought: Coronado Springs is a “special trip” resort. It feels fancy, but still affordable, and the rooftop restaurant (Toledo) has amazing views.
How to Have the Best Resort Day
Try the Table-Service Restaurants
Moderate Resorts have great sit-down dining right on property.
Boatwright’s at Riverside is a hidden gem.
Toledo at Coronado Springs has some of the best rooftop views at Disney.
- Mom Tip: Plan one “resort night.” Skip the parks, enjoy a nice meal, swim, explore, and relax.
Balance Budget With Food
- Moderate food courts have more variety than Value Resorts.
- Mom Tip: You can split meals here to save money. Coronado Springs has great shareable dishes if you want to stretch your dining dollars
Book a Preferred Room
- Moderate Resorts are bigger and more spread out.
- Closer to buses, dining, and the lobby. Great for families with strollers or tired little legs.
Mom pick: Caribbean Beach preferred rooms near the Skyliner
Check for Special Rooms
- Moderate Resorts offer themed rooms:
Pirate Rooms (Caribbean Beach)
Princess Rooms (Riverside)
When to Book for the Best Price
Book early if you can
Watch for Disney sales
Check weekday vs. weekend rates
Look at fall or late winter for lower prices
Use the Transportation Wisely
- Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs have multiple bus stops.
- Mom Tip: Ask for a room near the first bus stop so you get a seat in the morning. At Caribbean Beach, request a building near the Skyliner station for fast park days.
Try Resort-to-Resort Transportation
- Port Orleans offers a free, relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs.
- Mom Tip: Ride the boat in the evening. The lights on the water are gorgeous.
Don’t Miss the Extra Activities
Moderate Resorts offer fun extras:
Surrey bike rentals
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Campfires
Movies under the stars
- Mom Tip: We always schedule one non-park afternoon to enjoy these activities. It gives the kids a break and saves energy for the rest of the week.
Explore the Grounds
Moderate Resorts are beautiful in the mornings and evenings.
Riverside is peaceful along the Sassagoula River
French Quarter has lively New Orleans charm
Final Mom Thoughts on Disney Moderate Resorts
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” resort at Disney, but Moderate Resorts come close. They hit a perfect sweet spot between budget and comfort. You get fun pools, pretty grounds, great food, and calmer spaces for your family.
Every time we stay in a Moderate Resort, our trip feels easier and more relaxing, not rushed or chaotic.
We sleep better.
We eat better.
We even argue less!
These resorts give you little magical moments you don’t get anywhere else.
FAQ for Disney Moderate Resorts
What makes a Moderate Resort different from Value or Deluxe?
Moderates are the “middle tier.” They offer larger rooms, more peaceful theming, better dining options, and nicer pools with prices that sit between Value and Deluxe Resorts.
Do Moderate Resorts offer Early Theme Park Entry?
Yes! Just like Value and Deluxe Resorts, Moderates get 30-minute early entry.
Do any Moderate Resorts have Skyliner access?
Yes, Caribbean Beach Resort is the main Skyliner hub, connecting directly to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
How big are Moderate Resort rooms?
Rooms are larger than Value rooms and more comfortable for families of four. Many also offer a 5th sleeper option.
Which Moderate Resort has the best pool?
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Caribbean Beach both have highly rated themed pools.
Are Moderate Resorts a good value for families?
Yes. They offer a big step up in amenities without the higher Deluxe price. Great for families who want comfort + savings.
Do Moderate Resorts have table-service restaurants?
Some do! Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside all offer sit-down dining options.
Is transportation easier at Moderate Resorts?
Yes and no, they offer bus service, and some have Skyliner access. Larger layouts mean multiple bus stops, but overall transportation is reliable.
