Choosing a Disney Resort for your Walt Disney World vacation is an essential first step and one of the most significant decisions Guests make. Disney offers three main categories of Disney Resorts: value resort, moderate resort, and deluxe resort. Each offers different room styles, amenities, and price points.
We are going to spend time helping you compare Disney’s moderate Resorts. There are four main Resorts that we are going to focus on: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Frech Quarter, and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. What should you look at when comparing these four Resorts? We are here to help you with that process.
Transportation
One of the first things that we recommend comparing when it comes to moderate Resorts is the transportation offered. Disney provides Guests with free transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort Property. Each of these four moderate Resorts has bus transportation; however, some provide a little more.
Regarding transportation options, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers the most guests. Being the hub of the Disney Skyliner, it gives Guests staying at this moderate Resort quick and easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. This is a huge bonus when it comes to navigating around Walt Disney World.
Over Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Guests can enjoy boat transportation to and from Disney Springs. This opens up many dining options for those who want a great meal.
Except for Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, it is essential to know that internal bus transportation is also offered. The other three Resorts are large and spread out. Because of this, Guests might be further away from the main lobby, dining, and feature pools. These internal buses make it easier to get around.
Pools
Each of the four moderate Resorts provides Guests with well-themed feature pools with slides for all to enjoy together.
Those staying at Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter can swim at either Resort’s pool. This is a fun bonus that not many Guests get to experience.
Along with the feature pools, there are quiet pools throughout the Resorts. These are smaller pools found throughout the Resort between different themed areas. Because the Resorts are so big, sometimes these smaller, quiet pools are easier to get to. Although there aren’t slides or entertainment, little ones will enjoy splashing around just the same.
Speaking of little ones, kiddie play areas are found at each of the Resorts. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort hosts one of the more complex and interactive kiddie pool areas of all the Resorts.
Dining
Having food available at your Resort is essential. Each moderate Resort on Disney Property offers a food court area, a sit-down option, and a bar. When looking at the dining options provided at each, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort would be our top recommendation for dining.
At Disney’s Coronado Springs, Guests have numerous options when it comes to dining. They can enjoy the food court option at El Mercado de Coronado for a quick meal. For table service options, Guests can enjoy Maya Grill, Rix Sports Bar & Grill, and the beautiful Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Toledo- Tapas, Steak & Seafood is a signature restaurant located at the top of the Gran Destino Tower. It provides excellent dining and beautiful views. Two lounges are available as well for small plates and quick drinks. Dahlia Lounge and Barcelona Lounge are both stunning and perfect for a late-night drink.
Although all the moderate Resorts provide various dining options throughout the Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs has the most extensive variety for Guests to choose from. If having a variety of dining options easily accessible is essential, then staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs would be a top option.
Rooms
Most of the rooms at the moderate resorts are very similar in style and size. There are, however, a few differences we wanted to point out.
Over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Guests can book what Disney refers to as a 5th sleeper. This room style includes two queen beds and an additional pull-down sleeper. This is an excellent option for families of five or those who need separate sleeping areas for little ones.
At Disney’s Coronado Springs, Guests can choose to stay in the Gran Destino Tower or standard rooms around the Resort property. If you prefer indoor access to your room, then the Gran Destino Tower is a good option at a moderate price. Guests can also find suites at Disney’s Coronado Springs if they need more extensive accommodations.
Coronado Springs is also the only moderate Resort that offers club access. This gives Guests who book this level access to the Club Level lounge. Here Guests have drinks and small food items throughout the day easily accessible. This can be an excellent way to supplement your eating in the Parks throughout the day.
Most moderate Resort rooms are very similar except for these few options. There are specific themes, such as the royal rooms over at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and the soon-to-be mermaid-themed rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach.
Although room layout is essential, being comfortable with the transportation and dining options is more important when choosing a moderate Resort.
We love the moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World. They provide superb dining, pools, and transportation at a reasonable price. We enjoy staying at these Resorts, and we hope breaking down these more significant areas will help you determine where you might want to stay during your next Disney vacation.
