Exploring Disney World Resorts: Moderate Resorts

Moderate resorts are the second category up for discussion in this series. When you are picking a resort to stay in you want to make sure that it is somewhere that fits what you are looking for and what you can afford. Disney can be very expensive, but you may want a room that is more than just somewhere to sleep. If that is the case then this category might be for you.

Moderate Resorts

In the first part we discussed the Deluxe resorts and how they are good for those that aren’t as concerned about the cost as they are about having a little more space and more amenities. However, if you want to stay somewhere that still has more sophisticated theming than the Value resorts but doesn’t have the big price tag of the Deluxe resorts, I would look at the moderates. The rooms are a little bigger than the Values and some Moderates have another form of transportation other than buses. The resorts in this category are: Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort (including Gran Destino Tower), Port Orleans-French Quarter, and Port Orleans-Riverside.

Themes

All of the Moderates are themed, but they are not as in-your-face as the Values might feel. Port Orleans-French Quarter brings you to New Orleans with Mardi Gras decorations, Caribbean Beach Resort will take you to the tropics with six villages at the resort (each themed after a different island), Port Orleans-Riverside offers beautiful grounds with elegant mansions, and Coronado Springs Resort (including the Gran Destino Tower) is a blend of Spanish, Mexican and American Southwest.

Recreation

The Moderate Resorts have playgrounds for the kids, a jogging trail, and an arcade. In addition they also offer activities like campfires, volleyball, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides , bike rentals, and boat rentals.

Please note that all of these activities might not be offered at all the moderate resorts. To be sure of the activities offered at the resort of your choice just check under the “Recreation” tab.

In addition to the activities offered, each Moderate has a fun gift store to find fun Disney products and also everyday items you might need.

Pools

The main pools at the Moderate Resorts are all designed to the theme of the resort. The main pool at Port Orleans-Riverside is designed to be like an old fashioned swimmin’ hole, Port Orleans-French Quarter keeps the Mardi Gras theme going at the main pool, Caribbean Beach Resort is themed after a old Spanish fortress, and Coronado Springs Resort has a 50 foot replica of a Mayan Pyramid.

Plus, each of the Moderate main pools has a fun water slide and hot tubs. The water slide tends to be a big plus for kids and adults. Also, there are pool bars by the main pools at the Moderates. In addition to the main, themed pool, each of the moderates will have quiet pools scattered around the resort.

Dining

The Disney Moderate Resorts have more dining options than the Values, as well. They have a food court and a table service restaurant. If you like to have table service meals at your resort then you might want to consider the moderates. It is nice to have both dining options available at your resort, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time there.

The table service restaurants are: Maya Grill and Toledo – Tapas, Steak, and Seafood (Gran Destino Tower)  at Coronado Springs, Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort, and Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans-Riverside (French Quarter does not have a table service, but they can use Riverside’s restaurant). In addition to the food court and table service restaurant, there are also lounges at Moderates.

Transportation

All of the Moderate Resorts have bus transportation available, but Port Orleans-Riverside and Port Orleans-French Quarter have boat transportation to Disney Springs available. In addition to bus service, Caribbean Beach Resort also has a station for the Disney Skyliner, which takes guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (this resort is actually the hub for the whole Skyliner system). So, if you don’t like having to take the buses everywhere then you a few options to choose from.

Another point about the transportation is that since the Moderates are spread out so much, there are internal bus stops at the resorts. So that means even if you are far from the lobby, there will still be a bus stop closer to your room to pick you up.

Rooms

The rooms at the Moderates are a little bigger than the rooms at the Values. There is a dresser, television, table with 2 chairs, and a closet area. The sink and vanity are separate from the tub/shower and toilet.

At Port Orleans-Riverside you can surprise your prince or princess with a stay in a Royal Guest Room. These rooms have items in them that have been left behind as magical touches in the room. For instance, the faucets are shaped like Genie’s lamp in Aladdin. There are also fiber optic lights on the headboards that give you a fireworks show. Like all the Disney hotels, there are different views available for different costs and the special rooms will cost you more, but they are a fun place to stay!

If you are looking for a good view, then I suggest booking a room at Disney’s Gran Destino Tower. Since this building is taller than other Disney Moderate Resorts, some of the higher floors have views of Expedition Everest and the Tree of Life (both in Animal Kingdom) from your room window. You can also see fireworks when dining at the rooftop restaurant, Toledo – Tapas, Steak, and Seafood. Gran Destino Tower is also the only Moderate that gives guests the option to book Club Level rooms.

If you like a more toned down theme, table service restaurants at your resort, multiple transportation options, and water slides for the pool, while not spending a fortune, then the Moderate category is the way to go for you. Now you just have to pick which Disney Moderate Resort is right for you. Let the fun begin!

Thanks for reading!

Liz

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