A Walt Disney World vacation is packed with magic and excitement, and selecting the right Disney Resort can significantly enhance your experience. With over 20 Disney Resort hotels, the options may seem overwhelming. To help narrow down the choices, this guide focuses on Disney Moderate Resorts and offers alternatives to help you find the perfect fit.
Understanding Disney Resort Categories
Walt Disney World Resorts are grouped into three main categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.
- Value Resorts (e.g., Disney’s Pop Century Resort) are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who spend most of their time in the parks and only need a base for sleeping.
- Deluxe Resorts (e.g., Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) offer luxurious accommodations and top-tier amenities, with premium price tags to match.
- Moderate Resorts strike a balance between affordability and upgraded amenities, making them an excellent choice for families or groups seeking comfort and value.
The Disney Moderate Resorts include:
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
While all Moderate Resorts offer a blend of charm, dining, and recreation, one stands out as less ideal for most guests. Let’s explore why Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort might not be the best choice for your stay and the alternatives that could enhance your Disney vacation.
Why You Might Skip Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is known for its stunning architecture inspired by Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures. However, despite its beauty and dining options, it may not be the best fit for every guest. Here’s why:
1. Limited Transportation Options
Unlike other Moderate Resorts that provide multiple modes of transportation, Coronado Springs relies exclusively on Disney buses. Guests must take buses to access any of the parks or Disney Springs, which can be less convenient, especially during peak times.
2. Conference Crowds
As a popular venue for conventions, Coronado Springs frequently hosts business travelers and large groups. This can lead to a busier atmosphere, particularly around the convention areas and dining locations. Early morning noise and crowded common spaces may detract from the relaxing Disney experience you’re seeking.
3. Size of the Resort
Sprawling across a large area, Coronado Springs has multiple sections, including Casitas, Ranchos, Cabanas, and the Gran Destino Tower. While the layout is picturesque, it can require a significant amount of walking. After a full day in the parks, navigating the resort might feel more exhausting than magical.
4. Location
The resort’s proximity to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is ideal for fans of those parks. However, guests who plan to spend more time at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney Springs may face longer bus rides compared to other resorts.
While Coronado Springs offers great dining options and beautiful surroundings, these drawbacks might lead some guests to consider other Moderate Resorts.
Best Alternatives to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
If Coronado Springs doesn’t meet your needs, here are two excellent alternatives within the Moderate Resort category.
1. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
Port Orleans Resort offers two distinct experiences: Riverside and French Quarter.
- Port Orleans – Riverside: Known for its sprawling, picturesque grounds, this resort has a rustic charm that feels like stepping into the Deep South. Guests can enjoy full-service dining at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, fishing, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. Its lush scenery and serene atmosphere make it a favorite among families.
- Port Orleans – French Quarter: As one of the smallest Disney resorts, the French Quarter provides a cozy, romantic feel with cobblestone streets and wrought-iron details reminiscent of New Orleans. Guests can indulge in the famous beignets while enjoying the vibrant Mardi Gras-inspired theming.
Transportation Perks: Both Port Orleans resorts offer the added bonus of boat transportation to Disney Springs, providing a scenic and relaxing alternative to buses. Their central location makes them convenient for accessing Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
For guests seeking a tropical escape, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an excellent choice. This Moderate Resort immerses visitors in island vibes with colorful architecture and lush landscapes.
Key Highlights:
- Disney Skyliner Access: One of the main draws of Caribbean Beach Resort is its Skyliner station. Guests enjoy quick and scenic transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This unique transportation option is a game-changer for families wanting to maximize park time while avoiding buses.
- Dining and Amenities: The resort’s main dining area, Centertown Market, offers a variety of tropical-inspired dishes, and the Banana Cabana pool bar is perfect for unwinding. Additionally, the main pool features a fun pirate theme that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Proximity to Disney’s Riviera Resort: Guests staying in the Aruba or Martinique sections of Caribbean Beach can easily walk to Disney’s Riviera Resort. This allows access to additional dining and shopping options, enhancing the overall resort experience.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Resort
When selecting a Disney Moderate Resort, think about what matters most for your vacation. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Transportation: Do you prefer quick access to the parks via monorail, Skyliner, or boats? Or is bus transportation acceptable for your group?
- Size: Would you rather stay at a smaller, more intimate resort, or are you okay with larger resorts that require more walking?
- Amenities: Consider the pools, dining options, and recreational activities that are important to your family.
- Location: Decide which parks you plan to visit most and choose a resort that minimizes travel time.
Final Thoughts
Every Disney Moderate Resort offers its own unique charm and magic. While Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort may not be the best fit for all guests due to its size, transportation limitations, and convention atmosphere, other Moderate Resorts like Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach provide fantastic alternatives. By considering your family’s preferences and vacation priorities, you can choose a Disney resort that sets the stage for an unforgettable trip.
Which Moderate Resort is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts and share your tips for choosing the perfect Disney resort in the comments below!
