Yesterday, we gave you a rundown of our favorite Value Resorts, so this morning we thought we’d upgrade a notch and go over our top picks in Walt Disney World’s Moderate Category. These properties are perfect for those with a little wiggle room in your budget but who don’t want to splurge for on the more expensive Deluxe properties. Rooms in this category typically come in at the $200 – $300 a night range with the resorts themselves offering slightly more amenities including large central pool areas and both food court and table service dining options. In the hopes that this may help you with your travel plans. Here’s our ranking of Disney’s Moderate Properties.
5. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – This resort sits at the lowest in our Moderate list just now for one reason only – Construction! This property is currently undergoing a lengthy refurbishment seeing major changes to its eateries and buildings housing central amenities. Caribbean Beach will also be a central station for Disney’s Skyliner gondola system which is resulting in additional building work being carried out on the property. That being said, when all of the work is completed, Caribbean Beach Resort will be a mighty impressive property with water views, alfresco dining and speedy transportation to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In the meantime its a bit of a construction zone which may put a damper on your stay. The upside is that rates are currently the most affordable in the moderate category for those willing to put up with the work making it an affordable Moderate option.
4. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – This is probably one of Disney’s most underrated properties with some Disney regulars considering it a bit of a hidden gem. The beautiful Southwestern theming and lush landscapes make Coronado Springs a beautiful resort that at times can feel slightly more like a Deluxe than a moderate. Because it is a convention resort, Disney has stepped up the amenities with slightly more dining options, a fun Pyramid-themed central pool area that the kids will love and lots of cozy places to sit and watch the world pass by. The guest rooms are also recently refurbished and feel more modern compared to some of the other Moderates. However, this resort is huge which should be a factor for those with mobility concerns. During my last stay here it was about a 15-minute walk from our guest room to the central pool area meaning some amenities didn’t feel as accessible as at other properties. This is also another resort currently under construction with changes being made to the central amenities as well as the construction of a tower which when completed will house more guest rooms and dining options. The resort is big but construction is clearly visible so it will have somewhat of an impact on your stay.
3. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Though this perhaps isn’t the best option for first time visitors wanting to get a real flavor for staying onsite- we would gladly sing our love of Fort Wilderness from the rooftops, my family enjoys this property so much. This massive sprawling site offers both campsites as well as Wilderness Cabins which offer a nice space for slightly larger families as well as full kitchens and livings rooms. This is perfect option for families that love the great outdoors and the rustic flare you’ll find here. But what makes Fort Wilderness one of our favorite places to be are the incredible range of activities to enjoy while here. Here you can take in a dinner show, go horseback riding, have a BBQ with Mickey and Minnie, make S’mores with Chip ‘N Dale, go on a Segway tour of the Cyprus forests and so much more! The property also sits across the waterway from Magic Kingdom and offers water taxi transportation to and from the theme park. With its spread out layout its not the best option for those that don’t want to do a lot of walking but for a dose of the great outdoors its tops in our book!
For more information on Fort Wilderness check out this article.
2. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter – This property consistently ranks as the favorite with my adult clients. Guests love the serene and tranquil layout but also appreciate the small size of this property which makes it much easier to get around in than some of the other Moderates. From the beautiful ironwork on the buildings to the beignets you’ll find at the food court, Port Orleans French Quarter really does conjure up the feeling of being in the Big Easy. Fun extras like horsedrawn carriage rides really lend to the feel and kids will love the central pool area featuring a sea serpent slide and water play area. There’s also water taxi service to and from Disney Springs making it perfect for guests eager for a night on the town. The real downsides of this property are that the rooms are dated and in need of a refurbishment. In addition, because of its popularity, this property has been known to be excluded from some Disney discounts maybe not making it the best option for bargain hunters.
1. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside – This resort typically ranks as the fan-favourite in the Moderate category and we can see why. The property offers a fun array of guest rooms including Royal Rooms filled with princess-themed touches and the Alligator Bayou section which offers two queens and a daybed making it perfect for families of five. The large central pool area sits on an island and offers hours of fun for those travelling with small children. Guests can indulge in the flavors of the Deep South with both food court and table service dining options. Guest can go cane pole fishing or indulge in a toe-tapping family singalong in the local lounge. The property also offers carriage rides through its Spanish moss covered lanes and a water taxi to Disney Springs. Rooms feel more updated than at French Quarter and rates can be reasonable. However, and again due to popularity, this property may not be eligible for some of Disney’s discount offers. Yet, all of the amenities still make it a property worth considering for those with room in your budget.
We hope we’ve given you some helpful insights into Disney’s Moderate Resort options. Please remember that this article is meant to provide a quick point of reference. Guests will always have different options and we always encourage you to go with the resort that feels right for your family.
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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect itinerary and stateroom to nabbing the best rates. I also love sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Sea. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.
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