A Guide to Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World and looking to balance comfort, amenities, and value? Disney’s Moderate Resorts hit that sweet spot—offering more spacious rooms, enhanced theming, and robust dining and recreation options, all without the deluxe price tag. These resorts are perfect for families, groups, or anyone who wants more than the basics but still wants to save. From Caribbean vibes to New Orleans charm, here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect Moderate Resort for your next Disney adventure.
What Makes Moderate Resorts Special?
Moderate Resorts sit between Value and Deluxe properties—offering:
Upsized rooms: Standard rooms are larger than Value counterparts, with more beds and often a fifth sleeper option.
Themed pools & recreation: Resort-specific pools, water slides, quiet zones, and playgrounds.
Dining variety: Full-service restaurants (usually one table-service), plus quick-service food courts.
Transportation: Complimentary bus service—some resorts also connect via Skyliner or waterways.
Disney perks: Early Theme Park Entry, seamless integration with My Disney Experience, and more.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Theme & Vibe
Caribbean Beach Resort is bursting with tropical energy. Colorful buildings, sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and village-like sections (named after Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Aruba, and Trinidad) give you the relaxed feel of an island escape—without ever leaving Florida.
Why We Love It
Skyliner convenience: Caribbean Beach is the main hub for the Disney Skyliner, making it incredibly easy (and fun!) to glide over to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Room variety: Along with standard rooms, Caribbean Beach is home to the new Little Mermaid-themed rooms in the Trinidad section—perfect for families with little ones who love Disney princesses.
Themed pool fun: The Fuentes del Morro Pool is pirate-themed with cannons, water slides, and splash zones that kids absolutely love. There are also several quieter “leisure pools” in each village.
Centertown Market: A colorful and casual quick-service location offering everything from breakfast bowls to tacos and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Sebastian’s Bistro, the table-service restaurant, is a hidden gem for sunset dinners by the water.
Good to Know
It’s a large resort—so if being close to the main pool and dining area is important to you, request a Preferred Room or one near Old Port Royale.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Theme & Vibe
Blending Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern influences, Coronado Springs is beautifully themed and full of architectural charm—from rustic casitas and ranchos to the sleek and modern Gran Destino Tower. It’s also the only Moderate Resort with a convention center, so it tends to have a mix of families and adult travelers.
Why We Love It
Gran Destino Tower: This addition elevated Coronado Springs to a whole new level. The tower features elegant, modern rooms with walk-in showers, smart TVs, and incredible views.
Dining variety: From rooftop dining at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood to casual bites at El Mercado de Coronado, the food options here are seriously impressive. There’s even Three Bridges Bar & Grill located over the water—perfect for a relaxing evening with a sangria in hand.
Massive main pool: The Lost City of Cibola Pool features a huge pyramid structure, a 123-foot waterslide, and a great kids’ play area.
Spa-like vibes: With its calm walking paths, fountains, and hammocks, Coronado feels like a vacation from your vacation.
Good to Know
While it doesn’t have access to the Skyliner, its deluxe-style feel and excellent dining more than make up for it. It’s a great choice for adults, foodies, and anyone who wants a more refined atmosphere.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Theme & Vibe
Southern charm and sprawling greenery make Riverside a peaceful, romantic retreat. Think antebellum mansions, magnolia trees, and river views. The resort is divided into two sections: Alligator Bayou (rustic cabins with wood accents) and Magnolia Bend (elegant mansions with columned architecture).
Why We Love It
Royal Guest Rooms: These beautifully decorated rooms are fit for a princess (or prince), with headboards that light up with fireworks and nods to favorite characters from Disney royalty.
Boat access to Disney Springs: A relaxing 15-minute boat ride along the Sassagoula River takes you straight to the shopping and dining mecca of Disney Springs.
Great pool complex: The Ol’ Man Island pool has a large slide, a fishing hole, and lots of shaded areas for relaxing.
Hidden paths and charm: Riverside is the kind of place where you might wander under Spanish moss-draped trees, sip coffee by the water, and feel like you’re in a storybook version of the South.
Good to Know
Rooms can sleep up to five guests, making it a solid option for families who need just a little extra space but don’t want to splurge on a suite.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Theme & Vibe
Quaint, colorful, and full of jazzy flair—French Quarter is Disney’s smallest and most walkable Moderate Resort. With cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and gas-style lanterns, it channels the festive heart of New Orleans.
Why We Love It
Intimate layout: Everything is close together—no long walks to the bus stop, pool, or dining.
Beignets, of course: Scat Cat’s Café serves up hot Mickey-shaped beignets!
Serene yet spirited: A jazz soundtrack plays as you stroll past fountains and gardens, making it perfect for couples or travelers looking for a quieter experience.
Pool with personality: Doubloon Lagoon has a fun sea serpent waterslide (King Triton included!) and a splash area for little ones.
Good to Know
French Quarter doesn’t have its own table-service restaurant, but guests can easily walk or boat over to Riverside to dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. It’s a favorite pick for those wanting charm and ease in one place.
Final Thoughts
Moderate Resorts offer an ideal blend of Disney magic and vacation comfort. You get the immersive theming, fun pools, and quality dining of the deluxe resorts—at a price that won’t stretch your budget too far. Whether you're looking to swing in a hammock, float down a lazy river, or sip coffee by the bayou, there’s a Moderate Resort for every travel style.
Let us help you find the perfect match for your travel party. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a big family vacation, or a girls’ trip to Disney, People Mover Travel is here to make every detail magical.