In our last blog we reviewed the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort. In part two of this blog series we’ve got the moderate resorts next on our list to review!

Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts

The Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts are the next step up in price and luxury! The theming at the moderate resorts is quite subtle in comparison to the colourful and character filled design of the value resorts. But don’t worry, you’ll still find Disney touches in its décor and design. The environment at a moderate resort will completely transport you and make you forget that you are only minutes away from the theme parks! At these resorts you can explore beautiful walking/jogging paths, and enjoy lush landscapes and musical elements that really integrate you to the theme of each resort.

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort celebrates the spirit of the Caribbean islands.

What you can expect:

Rooms: Slightly larger than those at the value resorts, a typical standard room at a Walt Disney World moderate resort is approximately 314 sq. ft. (with the exception of the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort which are 504 sq. ft.) The standard rooms will sleep up to four people, offering 2 queen beds or 1 king bed room options. However, at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, some rooms can accommodate up to 5 people with the addition of a child size pull down bed.  These are a great option for families travelling with younger children who prefer to stay in a single standard room as they do not need the additional space or additional cost of a family suite! One last noticeable difference in the rooms at the moderate resorts when comparing to the value resorts is the bathroom. When you move up to the moderate resort category, the standard rooms will also feature double vanity which will make getting everyone ready on those early park mornings a bit easier!

A standard guest room at Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Dining: Similar to the value resorts, the moderate resorts offer a food court style option with multiple food windows with a variety of cuisines. You can expect to find your traditional offerings such as pizza, burgers and more. However, in addition to these options you will typically notice a selection of foods that match the theme of your resort! For example, at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort you will find some dishes that are inspired by Caribbean cuisine and at Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter you can treat yourself to some beignets! Another perk when staying at a moderate resort is the addition of the table service options available at each resort. These restaurants do require advance reservations, but they will often offer a walk-up list that is available through your My Disney Experience app.  Also offered in the moderate resort category is a poolside bar and indoor lounge. In-room pizza delivery is available if you find yourself exhausted (and hungry) after a long day at the theme parks!

Recreation: One question our agents get asked frequently is “what is there to do if I am not visiting a theme park?” The answer is – LOTS! When it comes to the moderate resorts, you don’t even have to leave your hotel to have a busy day! The pools of course are the most commonly used form of recreation, especially when you need to cool off from the Florida heat. You have the choice of the main ‘feature pool’ or one of the numerous ‘quiet’ pools. The feature pools are themed to match the resort and you will find waterslides, hot tubs and water play areas for little Mouseketeers! Just like at the value resorts, the Walt Disney World Recreation Cast Members will organize a fun filled schedule of games, crafts and entertainment all day long. At the moderate resorts, you will find even more opportunities for recreation with activities such as surrey bike rentals, pole fishing and horse drawn carriage rides (all for an additional fee).

Your whole family can pedal together on Surrey bike rental! 

Transportation:  Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is home to a Disney Skyliner station which provides gondola style transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.  With the exception of the boat transportation offered to Disney Springs from Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts and to Magic Kingdom from the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, the transportation to the four theme parks and Disney Springs will be by the complimentary bus transportation provided at Walt Disney World.  

In summary, at a Disney Moderate Resort you find:

• More subdued décor and theming

• Some rooms that sleep a family of 5

• Table Service dining in addition to the Quick Service options

• Main transportation option is the Walt Disney World bus transportation

• Multiple pools, hot tubs, and a slide at the feature pool

• Resort recreation activities vary but can include surrey bike rentals, fishing, horse drawn carriage rides

• Resort activities to enjoy such as arcades, poolside games and movies

It’s important to plan a little bit of rest and relaxation into your Walt Disney World trip itinerary and the Moderate resorts will give you the atmosphere and amenities to make this an easy task!

What do you think?  Stay tuned for the final part of this blog series where we’ll cover the differences in choosing a Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort.

Planning magical vacations for families since 2011, Pure Magic Vacations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency - EarMarked Platinum Producer.