Walt Disney World Resort offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. The Moderate Hotels strike a balance between the budget-friendly Value Resorts and the luxurious Deluxe Resorts. These hotels provide enhanced amenities, dining options, and a more immersive atmosphere. Let’s compare the four Moderate Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach is probably the most popular Walt Disney World Moderate Resort hotel owing to one incredible amenity that the other moderate resorts don’t have – the Disney Skyliner. The Caribbean Beach is one of the hubs for the Skyliner and it’s position on the line offers easy transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. If those parks are major parts of your touring plans, then this amenity is a game changer.
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Themed around a tropical paradise with a pirate’s cove, this resort offers a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
- Features a large lagoon with a winding waterway, perfect for leisurely boat rides. This pool is a hit with kids!
Amenities and Features:
- Multiple pools, including the Barefoot Bay Pool and the Pirate’s Cove Pool.
- A food court with a variety of dining options, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches.
- A table service restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro, offering a more upscale dining experience.
- Disney Skyliner access.
- Connected to a Deluxe Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney Coronado Springs is a hidden gem of a moderate resort. It’s often overlooked because of it’s reputation as a conference hotel and the fact that you had to rely on Disney bus transportation to get anywhere. It’s a large resort that was made even larger with the addition of the Gran Destino tower. There are plenty of reports of full busses and long waits to get one, but my experience couldn’t have been further from the that. I’ll also note that the convention hotel reputation is true, they do hold conventions here, but it’s not been an issue at all. On the plus side, the food offerings at this resort are perhaps slightly elevated from other moderates because of this.
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Inspired by the American Southwest, Mexico, and the Caribbean, this resort offers a unique and diverse cultural experience.
- Features a large lagoon with a sandy beach and a variety of recreational activities.
Amenities and Features:
- Multiple pools, including the featured Dig Site Pool.
- A food court with a variety of dining options, including Mexican cuisine.
- Toledo Restaurant in the Gran Destino Tower is a Signature-lite dining experience.
The Port Orleans resort complex consists of two sister resorts that are different entities for booking, but practically can be thought of as 1 big resort. They are connected via a peaceful 5-10 minute walk along the river or a relaxing 5 minute boat ride. Port Orleans Riverside is a sprawling resort with different thematic areas, much like Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach. On the flip side, Port Orleans French Quarter is much smaller and more compact – walking from one end to the other only takes 5-7 minutes. We prefer to stay at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort because of that compact footprint and general serenity a small resort offers.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Themed around the charming New Orleans French Quarter, this resort offers a relaxing and elegant atmosphere.
- Features a scenic river view and beautiful landscaping.
Amenities and Features:
- Multiple pools, including the Ol’ Man River Pool and the Bayou Pool.
- A food court with a variety of dining options, including classic American fare.
- A table service restaurant, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, offering a more refined dining experience.
- Boat service to Disney Springs.
- Easy walk to Port Orleans French Quarter.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Themed around the vibrant New Orleans French Quarter, this resort offers a lively and colorful atmosphere.
- The smallest of the moderate resorts and very compact grounds.
- Quaint and quiet compared to larger resorts.
Amenities and Features:
- Multiple pools, including the Scamp’s Corner Pool and the Doubloon Lagoon Pool.
- A food court with a variety of dining options, including Creole cuisine – note that French Quarter does not have a table service restaurant.
- Boat service to Disney Springs.
- Easy walk to Port Orleans Riverside.
Conclusion
Each of the Moderate Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort offers a unique theme and atmosphere, catering to different preferences and interests. Whether you’re looking for a tropical paradise, a cultural experience, or a charming New Orleans vibe, there’s a Moderate Hotel that will suit your needs. These resorts provide a great balance of affordability, amenities, and Disney magic, making them an excellent choice for your next vacation.
I hope this helps you decide which Moderate Hotel to stay at during your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Do you have a specific theme or feature you’re looking for in a hotel?
