Overview of Moderate Resorts

The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World are the mid-point range when it comes to pricing. Each resort has its own theme and Disney is very good about really immersing you in the theme of each resort.

The price range on these rooms will vary a lot more than the Value Resorts. Costs will not only go up and down according to the peak and non-peak times of year but will also be lowered on occasion if there is construction going on at that particular resort. So the prices listed in this article are just approximate. If you’d like a fixed/true price you can book with a Certified Disney Travel Planner (which is free to you!) or you can book yourself on Disney’s website or by calling their reservations hotline.

Some but not all of the moderate resorts have rooms that will sleep five people. There is often a pull out bed that is good for small children, just make sure you understand what your specific resorts occupation capacity is before you book it.

Moderate Resorts also offer Bell Services where they can help bring your bags to and from your room at check-in/out. You also have the option to bring your bags in the morning prior to checking in and then hit the parks while the Cast Members (CMs) take care of your bags for you. This is also an option for the day you check out as well.

Each resort (except French Quarter) has multiple internal bus stops, making it easier to walk to the bus locations, but it also means it can take a while to get to the parks.

The Moderate Resorts also offer on site restaurants including some Table Service Restaurants which is something the Value Resorts don’t have. But Moderate Resorts don’t have the character meals like many of the Deluxe Resorts will have.

Like the Value and Deluxe Resorts, Moderates offer a choice of Preferred Rooms that you can book for a little bit more than the Standard Rooms. Preferred just means you’ll be closer to the amenities (main buildings, pools, bus stops, restaurants, etc.) than the standard rooms.

It’s also worth mentioning, that the Moderate Resorts (with the exception of the Port Orleans Resort) are occasionally offered with Disney’s Free Dining Promotion. This means if you book a room and park tickets during the promotion, you get the Standard Dining Plan for free. At the Value Resorts, you’ll only get the Value Dining Plan, so the Moderate Resorts offer a bigger incentive for many, whenever Disney offers their free dining promotion. If you’d like more info about Disney’s Dining Plan, click the preceding link.

Though Port Orleans isn’t a part of any free dining offers, it (and the other moderate resorts too) do count for Bounce Back Rates. So be sure to talk to the Cast Members (CMs) at the check-in/out counter about it before checking-out if you want to take advantage of that offer.

Moderate Resorts also offer Magical Express service to and from the Orlando International Airport. Click the preceding link for more info on that.

If you’d like help booking a vacation and are wondering about the free dining promotion, then we encourage you to use a Certified Disney Travel Planners. They usually get the heads up about the dining plan before the general public and they can help you book it. Email us at dolewhipandcastle@gmail.com for more info.

Which Resorts are Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World?

There are currently four resorts that Disney includes in its “Moderate” category. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Caribbean Beach Resort

This resort is located in the Epcot Resort Area.

The Caribbean Beach Resort boasts over thirty colorful, two-story buildings nestled around a large lake, Barefoot Bay. In the center of the lake is an island, Caribbean Cay, that’s connected to the mainland by footbridges. On the island is a playground and picnic area. And all around the resorts are winding paths that are great for strolling, jogging, or bicycling.

There are six “villages” with fun names like Jamaica, Barbados, and Aruba. Each village has its own pool. (There are nine heated pools total at the resort, but be sure to bring towels from your room, because most pools do not have them available.) For those with issues going up and down stairs, be sure to request a lower level room, as there are no elevators but all common rooms are wheelchair accessible. Though the views are nice, the farthest guest rooms can be a fifteen minute walk from the resort’s amenities and bus stops.

You are welcome to drive, if you have a car or you can take the internal shuttle buses if you don’t mind waiting. But if you want to save your walking for the parks, you should consider paying a bit more for a Preferred Room. The closest buildings are the in the Martinique Village, and the farthest are in the Barbados and Trinidad South Villages.

Each village has its own gorgeous, sandy beach on the lake though swimming is not allowed in the lake. There are lounge chairs and hammocks for you to enjoy though. The location is beautiful and there’s an amazing view of Illuminations from the beach each night.

It’s important to note that the check-in/out building is separate from the main building so that might be a bit confusing. This building is close to the resorts entrance and is a bit of a hike to the rooms. The central area, also called Centertown is located more in the middle of the guest room buildings. Also, this resort is currently under construction, so prices may be a bit lower, but you’ll have to deal with construction noise and certain amenities being closed for refurbishment.

Once the construction is done, there will be new waterfront dining and a more centralized retail shopping area (in Centertown). Here is also where you can rent bicycles and boats, eat at the food court, play in the arcade (Goombay Games), swim in the large pool (that has a waterslide, wading pool and hot tub), or visit the concierge.

There is limited room service and Blue Runner Pizza is also available for Delivery. The food court has quicker service, but there is also a Table Service (TS) restaurant available as well, Shutters at Old Port Royale. You will also can purchase a Refillable Resort Mug (or you get one free as a part of Disney’s Dining Plans) for more info on the mugs, click the preceding link.

Most rooms have two queen sized beds, though a few do offer king sized beds. Each room has an armoire, table and chairs, small wall safe, phone, coffee maker with free coffee packs, and a small fridge (if there isn’t you can request one). And for the bathroom area, there are two sinks that are separate from the shower and commode room, along with a hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Basic cable TV and Wi-Fi are also included in your resort price.

For traveling outside of the resort, you have the option of taking the shuttle bus to the parks, but keep in mind, the buses are notoriously slow at this resort. There are a lot of stops, so it takes them a while to get through it and if you’re one of the last stops, the bus may be full by the time it gets to you, forcing you to wait even longer for the next one. You could also drive, if you have your own vehicle but there is now a fee to park overnight at all WDW Resorts.

The cost of rooms at this resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $172/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the pool, or Preferred Rooms, King sized bed rooms, and Pirate Rooms will cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This resort is located in the Disney Springs Area.

Here you’ll be transported the beautiful and relaxing south of the Mississippi bayou. The Sassagoula River winds through the area, with boats that will take you up and down river, adding to that laidback vibe. It’s our favorite moderate resort at Walt Disney World!

There are two styles of buildings, and three types of rooms to choose from. You can stay in the plantation style mansions of Magnolia Bend, with either a Standard Room or a Royal Room (for additional cost). Magnolia Bend offers two or three story buildings and you’ll have to cross the river to get to the food court and main building from these rooms. Or you can stay in the picturesque, two-story lodges of the Alligator Bayou buildings. But note, these buildings don’t have elevators, so if you can’t do stairs, make sure you request a lower level room.

Most rooms sleep four comfortably, some have room for five with a pullout Murphy bed. Two queen sized beds are the standard, though there are some with king sized beds (for an extra fee). Each room also comes with a dresser, table and chairs, small wall safe, phone, coffee maker with free coffee packs, and a small fridge (if there isn’t you can request one). And for the bathroom area, there are two sinks that are separate from the shower and commode room, along with a hair dryer, iron, and ironing board. Basic cable TV and Wi-Fi are also included in your resort price. All rooms have exterior doors but there are no balconies, so paying more for a good view will come without a balcony to sit on to enjoy it. But there are some rooms that are pet friendly.

The resort offers shopping at Fulton’s General Store (located in the resort’s commercial center), which offers Disney and Resort souvenirs, bulk candy, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), some over-the-counter medications, and other convenience items. This store is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. though the times occasionally change so check with the front desk for any changes or if you have an urgent need outside of those hours.

As far as food options go, there is a Table Service (TS) Restaurant onsite, Boatwright’s which offers dinner from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and Advanced Dining Reservations are suggested. And there is also a food court, Riverside Mill which is open from 6:00 a.m. until midnight. It offers a variety of foods, including gluten free and healthy options. Pizza delivery is also available.

Those looking for a place to unwind and purchase some libations can head to the River Roost Lounge. This lounge provides a full bar, live entertainment (5 nights a week), is open until midnight and also serves light appetizers. Be sure to check out Ye-Haw Bob if he is playing, he is a definite crowd pleaser! There is also Muddy Rivers Pool Bar, located at Ol’ Man Island swimming area. They offer drinks and snacks from noon until early in the evening.

The Ol’ Man Island swimming area is located between Alligator Bayou and the Magnolia Bend mansions. There is a small water slide, kiddie pool, hot tub, and geyser at this pool. Lifeguards are on duty for most of the day, especially when the slide is open. There are five other “quiet pools” located throughout the rest of the resort, though they don’t have lifeguards. You may need your magic band to get into the pools, so be sure to have it on you and also be sure to bring towels from your room if you’re swimming anywhere other than the main pool.

Call housekeeping before leaving for the pool to request more towels. That way you will have them upon returning to your room and you won’t be caught without them later on!

Take advantage of Riverside’s other amenities, whether it’s renting fishing equipment or bicycles. There is also one of the largest video arcades in all of Disney, Medicine Show Arcade, you can spend some time in. For the little ones there is a playground on Ol’ Man Island along with some scheduled craft times. Kids, ages four to ten, can take part in the two hour Bayou Pirate Adventure Cruise (for an additional fee) to search for lost treasure!

Free movie nights are offered on select evenings in the courtyard of Oak Manor, weather permitting. And occasionally face painting is offered in the main lobby. You can also take a scenic carriage ride through Riverside and French Quarter Resort areas.

You can take a complementary shuttle bus to the parks or a boat to Disney Springs. There are four bus stops located at Riverside Resort, one near the commercial center and the other three along the Resort’s perimeter road. They sometimes share buses with their sister resort, the French Quarter. In the morning, you can expect longer waits and fuller buses. Or you can drive to the parks, though you will have to pay for parking and unlike with the buses, you won’t be getting out right at the front of the park (unless you pay extra for VIP parking or take an Uber/Lyft). You will also have to pay to park a car overnight at the resort.

The cost of rooms at this resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $206/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the pool and river, or Preferred Rooms, king sized bed rooms, garden view rooms and Royal Rooms will cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

This resort is located in the Disney Springs Area.

Our favorite moderate resort at Walt Disney World is known for its New Orleans/Mardi Gras ambiance. Though more geared towards adults, especially couples (the atmosphere can be quite romantic) there are activities and amenities for kids as well.

With about 1,000 rooms, the majority of which can sleep four adults. Though you will be charged more if you have three or more adults. Most offer two queen sized beds, however there are some with king sized beds, if you’re willing to pay a little more. All rooms have exterior doors but there are no balconies, so paying more for a good view will come without a balcony to sit on to enjoy it.

Each room has a dresser, table and chairs, small wall safe, phone, coffee maker with free coffee packs, and a small fridge (if there isn’t you can request one). And for the bathroom area, there are two sinks that are separate from the shower and commode room, along with a hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Basic cable TV and Wi-Fi are also included in your resort price.

There is one place to eat at French Quarter, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. This is food court with dining available from 6:00 a.m. until midnight. And their beignets are to die for, they even have gluten free ones! But if you’re wanting other dining options, Riverside (its sister resort) is a quick 7-10 minute walk and has its own food court. And they have a Table Service Restaurant (TS), Boatwright’s. This resort also offers refills for the Refillable Resort Mug program. Click the preceding link for more details about that. And we can’t forget Sassagoula Pizza Express if you want pizza delivered.

For those looking to relax with a nice drink, you can visit Scat Cat’s Lounge located in the main lobby. Or you can hit up the pool bar located by the heated Doubloon Lagoon pool. For the kids, the pool has a huge dragon-shaped water slide (that shuts off and is locked up at 10:00 p.m. which is also when the lifeguards go off duty. There is also a splash area for the kids and a hot tub for the adults, though there is only one hot tub and it is typically pretty busy.

Other amenities offered are bike and fishing equipment rentals. Watercraft rentals at the Marina. For fishing excursion options, email us at dolewhipandcastle@gmail.com. There is also an arcade. And for lovebirds (or princesses in training) there are evening carriage rides.

There is one store at the French Quarter, Jackson Square. The store is located in the main lobby. It sells Disney and hotel souvenirs, snacks, soda, beer, wine, hard liquor, and some over-the-counter medication. Open daily from 6:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. you can get much of what you need here.

You can take the complimentary shuttle buses to the parks or other resorts. Although, there is only one bus stop at French Quarter (in front of the main lobby). And they occasionally share buses with the Riverside section of the resort. There are also boats that will take you to Disney Springs. If you bring a car, there is now a charge to park overnight. And you will have to pay for parking at the parks.

The cost of rooms at this resort will depend on what time of year you go. And also what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $206/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the pool and river, or Preferred Rooms, king sized bed rooms, and garden view will cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Coronado Springs Resort

This resort is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area.

Coronado Resort includes three villages around a charming lake, Lago Dorado. There are nearly 2,000 rooms and suites available to guests. It carries a southwest theme throughout the resort. Guests can stay in Casitas, which are three or four story buildings. Ranchos which are two-three story, pueblo-type villas. Or Cabanas which are two story buildings along the sandy coast of the Lago Dorado. All the resort buildings are nestled among cozy fountains, elaborate topiaries, and smalls streams or in view of the river.

This moderate resort at Walt Disney World is rather massive. But the views are nothing short of breathtaking. And you’ll find Cast Members (CMs) driving around in their carts and they are usually willing to give you rides to most places around the resort. There is also a new internal shuttle system of marked golf carts that can transport you around the resort. These are designated stops at each of the villages and the main building, El Centro.

Most rooms sleep up to four adults. The rooms typically come with two queen sized beds. Although, there are a couple hundred rooms with king sized beds (that will cost extra). Also, Club Level rooms (to learn more about Club Level rooms, email us at dolewhipandcastle@gmail.com) will have either two queen sized beds or one king sized bed. In each room there is a dresser, table and chairs, small wall safe, phone, coffee maker with free coffee packs. They also have a small fridge (if there isn’t you can request one). In the bathroom area, there is only one sink (unlike the other moderate resorts). Although there is a sliding wooden door across the sink area. And a separate room for the shower and commode. Not to mention the hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Basic cable TV and Wi-Fi are also included in your resort price.

What makes this resort so different from any of the other resorts at Disney is the large convention center located here. The center includes both a larger and smaller ballroom. Along with a full service business center. So as you might imagine, this resort caters to the business convention types.

Other amenities include the La Vida Health Club, the Casa de Belleza Hairstyling Salon. And the Niki Bryan Spa all located in the main building. There is a Marina where you can rent bicycles, small boats, and fishing poles.

Iguana Arcade and a playground are located near the pool, The Dig Site. It is enormous and has its own water slide. A sand volleyball court and the largest hot tub at Walt Disney World are close by. All of which sits in the shadow of a Mayan pyramid. There are three quiet pools as well located in each of the three villages. Towels are available at the main pool but not at the quiet pools.

For those who love to shop, you can do so at Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries. Here they have Mestizo and Indian crafts, along with Disney and resort souvenirs.

Resort dining options include Pepper Market which is the open-air food court. It serves standard food court fare but also Mexican cuisine. Open from 6:30 a.m – 11:00 p.m. there is also a coffee window that opens at 6:00 a.m. to serve coffee and pastries. Cafe Rix is located just off the lobby and offers refills for your Refillable Resort Mugs. Along with things like wraps, fresh baked goods and gelato. A selection of bottled beer and soft drinks are also available here. Their Table Service Restaurant is Maya Grill. Which boasts a gigantic, wood-fired grill with seating around the Mayan temple. It also serves wines from Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. It’s open from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Those looking to wet their whistle can do so either at the Rix Lounge (which serves appetizers as well) open from 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., the Siesta’s Cantina (which also offers counter service food) open from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or the Laguna Bar that also offers appetizer type options.

Room service is available starting at 7:00 a.m. (for continental breakfasts until 11:00 a.m.) and starting at 11:00 a.m. offers light meals and pizza delivery options as well until 11:00 p.m.

You can take a complementary shuttle bus to the parks. There are four bus stops located at Coronado Springs Resort. One is located near El Centro and the other three are in the three villages. Or you can drive to the parks, though you will have to pay for parking and unlike with the buses. And you won’t be getting out right at the front of the park (unless you pay extra for VIP parking or take an Uber/Lyft). You will also have to pay to park a car overnight at the resort.

The cost of rooms at this resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $185/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the water, or Preferred Rooms, king sized bed rooms, garden view rooms and suites will cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort

This resort is located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area.

The Wilderness Resort is the one resort that offers places to stay that span all three categories. Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness are included among the Value Resorts. However, the Cabins are listed here with the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World and the rest of the Wilderness Resort is considered a Deluxe Resort.

The Cabins are about twelve feet by twenty-four feet. And outside them you’ll find an outdoor deck, a picnic table and grill. Each cabin has a bedroom with a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. There’s also a dresser, nightstand, and small closet. Included in your room is a full bathroom and a kitchen with a dining table that seats up to six. (Email us if you’d like a list of what the kitchen comes stocked with.) The living area has a T.V. with basic cable and a pull out sleeper-sofa.

There are a little over four hundred cabins, including some that are handicap accessible. Each cabin is themed like a log cabin, complete with rustic furniture and decor.

This resort has buses that run internally throughout the resort (though they run at about twenty minute intervals). Other buses can take you to the parks. Golf carts are also available to rent. Bicycles are also allowed. Cars are prohibited unless you are entering or leaving the resort or if you are parking at The Meadow Trading Post.

And there are plenty of amenities offered at Fort Wilderness that you can utilize while staying in one of the Cabins. At the Bike Barn (located behind the Meadow Trading Post) you can rent bikes, kayaks, canoes, (life jackets must be worn by all guests that use the boats) fishing equipment and tennis rackets.

You can try your hand at archery. Also located at the Bike Barn, you will find guides who will offer tips and training for aspiring archers ages seven and older. The lesson lasts around 90 minutes and costs about $40/person (plus tax) but this includes equipment.

There are not one, but two arcades (Daniel Boone Arcade – near Meadow Trading Post, and Davy Crockett Arcade at Pioneer Hall – near Settlement Depot) that you can spend some time in.

They also offer a free campfire sing-a-long lead by Disney Cast Members (CMs). Followed up by a movie and a time for roasting S’mores (which can be purchased there or you can bring your own). During the sing-a-long, Chip and Dale stop by for a quick visit and to sign autographs.

A few playgrounds are scattered throughout the grounds that are free to use. As are the various courts where you can play basketball, tetherball, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, and shuffleboard.

And you can’t forget about the two outdoor, heated swimming pools that are also free for registered guests to use. Though the pools are open 24 hours, the lifeguard hours vary depending on the season. The main pool has a water slide, children’s play area, and hot tub. And there are some planned activities for kids.

There is a marina where guests can view the nightly Electrical Water Pagent (for free). Or you can pay to rent boats of various sizes, though they are restricted to a designated waterway. You can also take a (paid) guided fishing excursion on Bay Lake. Or you can fish for free in the canals.

And last, but certainly not least, at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, you can take wagon rides or book a private horse drawn carriage. They also have pony rides or trail rides near Pioneer Hall.

If you are looking for a place to eat, there are a number of restaurants to choose from when you stay at the campgrounds.

Crockett’s Tavern – offers snacks like quesadillas and pizza as well as beverages, It is located in Pioneer Hall.

Fort Wilderness Food Truck – offers salads and burgers to-go.

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – offers a character buffet that is all-you-can-eat. They also have line dancing to live country music. But this is only available on certain nights.

P and J’s Southern Take Out- offers a small number of carry out items during the day.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review – offers all the food you care to eat, family style. The meal is amazing! It consists of freshly baked bread, hand tossed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Which is followed by mouthwatering country fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs. Along with sides of corn on the cobb and baked beans. For dessert, there’s strawberry shortcake and an assortment of drinks with endless refills (including beer and wine if you’re over 21). All while watching an entertaining show that’s offered three times a night.

Hoop Dee Doo and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ both book up fast so make sure you get your reservations asap. Click the following link for more about Advanced Dining Reservations.

If it’s shopping you want, you can do so at one of the Trading Posts at Fort Wilderness. The first is Settlement Trading Post and the second is Meadows Trading Post. These stores offer basic grocery items along with Disney gifts and apparel. If you need camping supplies, you can also get these items at the Meadows Trading Post, which also has a deli, video rentals and a lot more souvenirs that are Fort Wilderness specific.

The cost for a Cabin will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. Typically during a non-peak times, prices start around $334/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. And if it’s during a peak season, the Cabins will cost more per night.

Thus wraps up our overview of the Moderate Resorts at Disney. If you’d like to learn more about Disney’s Value Resorts or Deluxe Resorts, just follow the links. And if you aren’t sure whether to stay On Property or not, we’ve got some Pros and Cons of Staying On Property that can help you decide!

Want help booking your stay at Walt Disney World? You can get your free, no obligation quote by clicking HERE and connecting with a Certified Disney Travel Planner.

Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World