If you’re thinking of a visit to the most magical place on Earth, it’s never too early to start dreaming and budgeting by learning all about the best Disney moderate resorts to make all your Disney dreams come true.
There are so many amazing resort options at Walt Disney World in Florida (34, to be exact) and, luckily, you can’t go wrong choosing any of them. The best Disney resort is always going to be the one that suits your priorities.
You can choose by location (such as one of the best resorts nearest to Epcot), or choose according to the age of your party (like the best resorts for kids or best resorts for adults).
But if you want to prioritize budget, Walt Disney World resorts fall into three approximate categories: deluxe, moderate, and value.
On the high end are the deluxe Disney resorts where you can get spa treatments and fine dining.
On the other end of the scale are Disney value resorts, which are best for travelers that plan on spending all their time in the parks and only need a cute place to sleep, shower, and swim.
The Disney moderate resorts are right in the middle of that range.
Prices still vary quite a bit according to time of year, length of stay, etc., but below we’ll explore this “just a little splurge” zone.
This article will cover the pros and cons of Ear To There Travel’s top five favorite Disney moderate resort hotels at Walt Disney World:
- Port Orleans ~ Riverside
- Port Orleans ~ French Quarter
- Caribbean Beach
- Coronado Springs
- Fort Wilderness Cabins
Why should you take our suggestions?
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You’ll notice that this piece is focusing on moderate resorts for Walt Disney World in Florida. If you’re looking specifically for Disneyland resorts in California, there are only 3 total on property since it covers a smaller amount of overall real estate than its counterpart on the other side of the country. The Grand Californian Resort and Spa, the original Disneyland Resort Hotel, and the Paradise Pier are all great hotels; all have a wide range of price options.
Contact us if you’d like more information about those options at the happiest place on earth.
Why Port Orleans – Riverside Is One Of The Best Disney Moderate Resorts
Always our first recommendation and a consistently huge hit for groups of all ages and sizes, Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. Is. A. Ma. Zing.
Settle into the comforts and charm of rural Louisiana, with plenty of amenities that are sure to please.
Pros To Staying Here:
- It’s gorgeous. It might be the most aesthetically pleasing resort among all the moderately priced possibilities.
- Hands-down the very best free entertainer in all of Walt Disney World: Yeeha Bob Jackson, who performs his delightful, comedic piano show at the River Roost.
- Fantastic food options, including:
- Incredible activities available, such as:
- Old-school pole fishing (catch and release with old-fashioned fishing poles in a little fishing hole). As long as it’s not too hot, this is a wonderful activity for quality outdoor time with your kids.
- It is puppy-friendly if you would like to bring your cuddly canine on vacation with you.
Cons To Staying Here:
- It’s large and pretty spread out. That means the free buses taking you back to your room at night might have several stops along the way (making the ride feel a bit longer when you’re already tired).
Why Port Orleans – French Quarter Is One Of The Best Disney Moderate Resorts
Ooh-la-la!
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter offers the romance, fun, and cozy comfort you’d expect in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
A celebratory Mardi Gras atmosphere – complete with lovely wrought iron balconies and joyful jazz – drifts down the cobblestone paths of this delightful resort.
This resort is also high on the recommended list for a relaxing, grown-up getaway or anyone thinking about honeymooning at Walt Disney World.
Pros To Staying Here:
- Quiet atmosphere
- Smaller layout
- Only one bus stop
- Great lounge
- Cool activities include:
- Carriage rides
- Surrey bike rentals
- Cajun campfire fun
- Playgrounds
- Arcades
Cons To Staying Here:
- No table service restaurant, but of course, that can also be a fun excuse to visit the parks or other resorts using the free water taxis or free bus services. Or you can always walk to Port Orleans – Riverside.
Why Caribbean Beach Is One Of The Best Disney Moderate Resorts
The transportive bliss of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort captures the alluring spirit, vibrant decor, and Calypso calm of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba.
Pros To Staying Here:
- The Skyliner. What a treat.
- It’s like a bonus ride at the end of the night or to start your day.
- An absolute vacation changer for anyone who wants to spend a lot of time in Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
- Unlike the other forms of transportation around Walt Disney World, it’s only really crowded first thing in the morning. Otherwise, it’s easy, quick, relaxing, and an awesome way to get around.
- See some of the best views of the Walt Disney World property.
- All new, super cool dining, including:
- Recently renovated rooms
Cons To Staying Here:
- Similar to Port Orleans – Riverside, this resort is fairly spread out, making the bus stops at the end of the night a slightly longer wait to get back to your room.
Why Coronado Springs Is One Of The Best Disney Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort evokes both Southwestern American and “South of the Border” Spanish and Mexican influences in its stunning architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and distinctive cuisine.
Pros To Staying Here:
- Nicest rooms
- Also the biggest rooms
- Wonderful Tex-Mex and American Steakhouse foods at the Maya Grill and other great cantinas, lounges, and grills.
- Plenty of fun activities, including:
- Health club
- Volleyball court
- Playground
- Shopping
- Jogging trails
Cons To Staying Here:
- It is very, very large. It was originally built as a convention resort so the same issue of multiple bus stops and a bit of waiting at the end of the night especially holds true here.
Why Fort Wilderness Cabins Are One Of The Best Disney Moderate Resorts.
If you’re into nature at all, the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are an incredibly cool and fun way to do Walt Disney World.
Pros To Staying Here:
- Location. Proximity to Magic Kingdom
- Quiet
- Secluded space
- Large cabin with lots of room for a big family
- A full-sized kitchen for cooking your own meals
- Fun, fun, fun. All the fun you could hope for outside the amusement & water parks!
- Visit the Tri-Circle D Ranch to see all the horses that work in Magic Kingdom
- Go horseback riding
- Rent canoes or kayaks
- Hike an adventure trail
- Bike through the grounds
- Enjoy a magical good time at the Hoop-Dee-Doo musical revue & dinner show
- Sing along around the evening campfire with Chip ‘n’ Dale
- Train to be an archer
- Take a wagon ride
Cons To Staying Here:
- The cabins are really spread out, so we’d definitely recommend renting your own golf cart during your stay to get around more easily.
But don’t worry. If the great outdoors isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of other fabulous options close to Magic Kingdom.
If you’ve decided on the best Disney moderate resorts for your family or if you have more questions that need answering, use our simple Ear To There Travel contact form to get in touch with one of our expert Vacationeers (what we call travel agents) so we can help you build the Disney experience of your most magical dreams.