This article and video published February 2021 and information about resorts are current as of original posting date
Last week, we introduced a new series focusing on the 3 different categories of resorts at Walt Disney World. We mentioned that Value Resorts were lower on amenities but higher on theming. But what are our thoughts when we go up to our next level of resorts?
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where today, we continue a 3-week series looking at the different category levels for resorts at Walt Disney World. For each article, we are coupling the answers with a fun interview video featuring me (Brian Pavlick) and one of the talented agents within the Believe Vacations family. Today, we will look at Moderate Resorts and Brian has invited Amanda Wheeling (Huntersville, NC) to share her experiences. The full interview is in the video above but highlights and answers of the more commonly asked questions are below:
The Basics
Moderate Resorts are the middle of the three categories of Disney Resorts. They feature Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Families of four can sleep comfortably for around $250 to 450 per night and most standard rooms feature two standard queen-sized beds, a bathroom and limited living space. Moderates are the most cost-efficient option for families of 5 as some rooms in this category can feature a pull down bed. The average size of these rooms is around 315 sq. ft.
Will kids enjoy Moderate Resorts?
Value Resorts featured incredible theming perfect for kids with large statues of their favorite characters. Kids will love Moderate Resorts because the pools feature water slides and splash areas. Every Moderate has a main pool with a slide that is a focal point of the resort. Moderates are perfect choices to return mid-day during a day at the parks to get in a quick swim and then return to the parks later at night. The main pools at Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs in particular rank highly on many lists of Best Themed Pools at Disney. Don’t want the crowds at the main pools? Try taking a dip in the smaller, basic pools that may be located right outside your door.
How would you do a “day-off” at a Moderate Resort?
With Moderates, you are making more of an investment to stay on that property. You’ll want to enjoy some time there. What do we recommend? There are arcades and gift shops but the grounds compliment the overall theme of your resort. Strolls or runs around the property transport you to another part of the world just outside your room. You truly will feel in the Caribbean or the Southwest United States or on the Bayou in New Orleans. Don’t forget the playgrounds as well as it is a convenient way to keep kids having fun while Mom may be getting ready for dinner. Sometimes it’s nice to simply escape from the “Disney-in-your-face” magic and Moderates are a great choice to do that.
Themed Rooms
We mentioned that Art of Animation had Little Mermaid themed room and Cars/Finding Nemo/Lion King family suites. There are two other themed rooms located at two very popular resorts. At Port Orleans-Riverside, live like royalty in the Royal Guest rooms. Your prince or princess will enjoy being in the middle of some of your favorite Disney stories, brought to life by celebrated Disney Characters, complete with magnificent touches and magical surprises, including custom drapes and linens, ornately decorated beds and headboards that glitter with fiber optic lights, and creating your own personal “fireworks” display. At Caribbean Beach, hoist the main sails and channel your inner “matey” as you sail the high seas in a Pirate room. With beds that look like ships, crates and barrels and nautical themes throughout the room and a curtain featuring a famous Captain, you’ll be amazed how a pirate’s life can be for you!
Transportation Options
Transportation at Moderate Resorts vary depending on the resort. For Coronado and the Port Orleans Resorts, complimentary buses will take you to the parks and Disney Springs. There are a few buses stations all throughout these properties and buses run on a pretty reliable schedule. For Caribbean Beach, you have the bus options for Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom (7 stops!) but the game-changer here is the Central Hub for the Skyliner transportation system. At Caribbean Beach, you can fly over to the station that showcases both Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts. You can fly a total of 3 minutes over to Hollywood Studios or you can fly to or through Riviera Resort and on your way to EPCOT. In these COVID times, the Skyliner is a perfect choice to travel separate from other families and because of the size of each gondola, there is a good chance you will not have to fold up your stroller to enter. Ask anyone who has boarded a bus with multiple kids and a stroller and watch the sigh of relief when they realize they can simply roll the stroller on.
Anything good to eat?
Value resorts contain food court options that will satisfy all family appetites but Moderate resorts have quick-service and sit-down menus featuring dishes complimenting the theme of the resort. Need a taste of the southwest? You’ll enjoy Rix and Mercado de Coronado and it’s spices. Looking for a taste of the islands? Check out the Caribbean flavors at Centertown Market and the seafood dishes at Sebastian’s Bistro. For a taste of southern home cooking on the bayou, check out Boatwrights at Port Orleans! Making a reservation at the restaurant at your Moderate resort and taking your time walking back to your room is the perfect way to end many Disney evenings.
Ultimately, why a Moderate Resort?
Disney is doable, it does not have to be stressful and trying to get your money’s worth. It can be fun and this truly is the perfect middle ground. You’re getting the feel of a deluxe resort without the same price; you get the theming of value resorts with more room. Moderates give you a change to escape the cartoons, princesses, fairy tales and fantasies. It is all about moments you’ll never forget outside of the parks. Moderates allow you to “unpack” and actually live when you are at Disney. We highly recommend any moderate resort and know you will be a #believer!
