Staying at a Disney resort comes with plenty of great perks you miss out on staying off property. Luckily there are some affordable options in Disney moderate resorts and value resorts. We love the Disney moderate resorts because they hit the perfect mark in between the detailed themed environments of deluxe resorts with so many magical extras and more affordable layouts similar to the value resorts.
There are moderate resorts near Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Moderate resorts also offer a variety of affordable dining with table service restaurants such as Toledo, Boatwrights and Sebastian’s. At Instant Impressions Travel Services, your travel concierge specializes in finding the ideal accommodations for your Disney trip. Of all the categories, we find the moderate super unique with each one being perfect for specific different family needs.
One bonus to all moderate resorts, unlike the value resorts is the main theme pool always features a slide. The one down side we often find to these resorts is they are sprawling….it makes for great landscapes but you can sometimes be far from the lobby/food court or ride the bus for a while heading to and from the parks.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The first moderate resort in Walt Disney World was Caribbean Beach. It’s a sprawling resort that surrounds a lagoon that affords it the island feel it possesses. All of the guests come in through Port Royale, but the rooms are divided into islands such as Jamaica, Aruba, and Martinique. The Caribbean theme includes some pirate references as well, with a fun Spanish fort inspired swimming pool and pirate-themed rooms for an extra special stay. You can even take part in a mermaid swim class, several early mornings a week. Many of the rooms also have a banquette bed which allows for a fifth guest under age 7. (Not available in the pirate room). What we love about Caribbean Beach are the island vibes it evokes along with the new table service restaurant Sebastian’s. It’s also conveniently located near Epcot and Hollywood Studios along the Disney Skyliner.
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
In the French Quarter, Disney jazzes things up with cobblestone streets and an evergreen Mardi Gras vibe. Stop into Skat Cat’s for some amazing beignets – we aren’t sure if its they recipe or the classic Mickey shape that makes them out of this world (and super reasonably priced)! Both Port Orleans resorts rest along the sleepy banks of the Sassagoula River, which flows out to Disney Springs. water taxis and walking trails provide convenient access to nightlife, dining, and entertainment.
The resort is often loved for anyone with mobility concerns as it is super small. You can stand in the middle of the resort and see to all 4 perimeters. One thing to keep in mind because of it’s popularity and small size, it is often excluded from promotional discounts.
We think this resort features the most amazing kids water splash zone!
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
Port Orleans Riverside as it’s been known since it’s name change in 2001 from Dixie Landings has the charmingly rustic, feel of a turn of the century steamboat company and rural surroundings where Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer would feel at home. Mansions line the property with cozy rooms and beautiful garden views. There is also an option to book wonderful Royal Guest rooms which have extra magical touches of a princess party. These resorts offer recreation, such as fishing, bike rentals, and carriage rides.
Coronado Springs
This Animal Kingdom area hotel is the last of Disney’s moderate resorts. The Spanish influence here echoes the Pirate Plaza in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom. Do you think the theming connection of the Disney moderate resorts to Pirates of the Caribbean is a coincidence? Leave a comment below. Coronado Springs is a terrific moderate resort for getting away from everything in a spacious tropical environment. The resort is perfect for families as well as business people as the resort has a large convention center and is frequently hosting various company events. This resort boasts seven restaurants options including Toledo for roof top dining and 3 Bridges found in the Center of the lake. Bonus resort activity – sign up for 3 Bridges, Sangria University (for a fee) held on weekend afternoon!
We love the newest addition to this resort – The Gran Destino Tower. It has so many unique features including it is hotel style – all interior corridors! Check out these rooms. We were thrilled to have opening day coverage of this resort in July 2019. One other unique feature here…it is the only moderate resort to have a Club Level option! Ask us about everything extra you gain with this service.
The main resort was also recently refurbished and the rooms are beautiful!
No matter what resort you pick, you will enjoy so many extras by staying onsite. Everything from Magical Express (courtesy transportation to and from the Orlando airport), complimentary magic bands, extra magic hours, fastpass select at 60 days prior to check in and so much more! Let your travel concierge help you plan the perfect vacation, all for no fee, as they are commissioned by Disney.
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