All About Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts
We welcome you to our post on everything Walt Disney World moderate resorts. Sometimes the perfect vacation is walking a fine line between expenses and opulence. This is where Walt Disney World’s moderate resorts specialize. Their appeal is having better amenities than a value resort while being less expensive than a deluxe resort.
Walt Disney’s World’s moderate resort line-up features: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, and Port Orleans Riverside Resort. It also includes Walt Disney’s Cabins at Fort Wilderness; categorized as a moderate resort but at a higher price point due to their unique selling point.
Room Design
Walt Disney World’s moderate level resorts feature a larger room on average than those in the value resort realm. The rooms are 300 square feet up to 500 square feet for those Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Rooms at moderate resorts can sleep 4-6 guests. These rooms generally have 1 bathroom with 2 sinks, 1 toilet, and 1 tub or tub and shower. Sleeping arrangements are either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed with many rooms having additional murphy beds.
Resort Design
Most rooms at moderate resorts have a better view than value resorts. Some of the room views could be a parking lot, themed resort decoration view, or natural bodies of water. All these resorts have at least one pool, jogging/walking trails, arcade, and various outdoor games and entertainment such as movie nights. Some of the moderate resorts also have water activity or bicycle rentals or even a character meet and greet. Many of these resorts have a themed pool and a quiet pool, with some having a waterplay area or even a small waterslide. The theming on the grounds is undoubtedly Disney but more mature and less over the top than value resorts. Design cues are more subtle and blend into the overall landscape of the resort. They kind of feel like you are in your own little world away from the hustle and bustle. The resort grounds are spread out and room rates do change based on how close you want to be to the main building or amenities.
Dining is also improved in the moderate resorts. Each resort has at least a food court or quick service restaurant option when most have 1 table service restaurant except Port Orleans French Quarter. Most of the resorts also feature 1 lounge or indoor bar. All moderate resorts also offer pizza delivery in-room.
Transportation still is primarily complimentary bus transportation with multiple stops for bus pick-ups. Fort Wilderness has a boat transportation for Magic Kingdom while both Port Orleans resorts offer boat transportation to Disney Springs. Caribbean Beach Resort is on the Skyliner route for easy transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
PROs of Disney Moderate Resorts
- Many guests find this to be a great mix between cost and amenities. There are some more luxury amenities at Walt Disney World moderate resorts while not paying for top-of-the-line opulence.
- Improved dining options over value resorts. Dining feels less like a cafeteria and more like a true restaurant, some might even say a high-end restaurant. You may have some table service options close by which makes a Deluxe Disney Dining Plan a viable option.
- These resorts have larger rooms and just more space in general. Having more space and more amenities on site makes it possible to plan a resort day away from the theme park environment. You could spend a lazy morning at breakfast, an afternoon at the themed pool, and an outdoor Disney movie on the lawn in the evening.
CONs of Disney Moderate Resorts
- These resorts are spread out over a large area. There will be some walking distance between functions when staying at a moderate resort. Most rooms are in outbuildings and can be a good distance from pools, shopping, or restaurants.
- Transportation is still primarily buses to and from theme parks, but certain resorts do offer boat transportation. You may have a far walk to the bus station and might have to wait in lines for the bus depending on when you are travelling. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the worst time for the wait, but you will get where you need to go.
- The moderate resorts do have a higher price point but still do not have access to the extra theme park hours that deluxe guests can take advantage of. These resorts are all about balancing your cost and features available to you.
Are Disney Moderate Resorts Right for Me?
Walt Disney World moderate resorts are generally thought to be the “goldilocks” resort in that the price is higher but not overpriced with amenities that are plentiful but not necessarily all encompassing. These resorts are a bit isolated but quieter and laid-back environment. Your party can easily plan a day or two away from the parks to enjoy what your resort has to offer.
We are here to help make sure you get the perfect resort for your stay. If you are interested in a moderate resort, we can price these along with either a value or deluxe option. We will discuss your plans and preferences and help you plan your magical vacation. Please reach out for your free Disney Vacation Quote. Contact – (themeparkvacationsplanner.com)