Value, Moderate or Deluxe?? It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning a Disney vacation (hint hint that’s where we come in). But in all seriousness, a little research will go a long way. When looking into resorts, you are going to want to answer a few of these questions. How much do I want to spend? How much time will I be spending at the resort? Is there a particular theme of interest? Answering these questions will at the very least, narrow down your search result. We’ve already discussed the value of staying at a Value Resort so let’s chat about being mindful of Moderate Resorts.
Walt Disney World® Moderate Resort Hotels
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Theme: Moderate Resorts are subtle in the way they portray their theme. There is a story behind each element that come together in the overall environment that transports you to a place other than a Walt Disney World® Resort. Port Orleans French Quarter will have the theme of New Orleans while The Caribbean Resort will show themes of Caribbean paradise. No over sized hockey pucks and Sorcerer’s hats at these resorts.
Pools: The pools at the Moderate Resorts are incredible. The Caribbean Beach Resort has 7, yes 7 magnificent pools. Pools at Moderate Resorts are also themed with slides as well as quiet pools. To some, quiet pools are important. While all Disney Destinations are family resorts, sometimes it is nice to be able to relax in the liquid sunshine without screaming and splashing. Everyone deserves to enjoy the pool so PSA – watch the splashing please!
Food: Every Moderate Resort, with the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter has a table service restaurant. French Quarter does not, but its sister resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside has a table service restaurant. The restaurants are delicious, but if you are expecting fancy schmancy, than these are not for you. In addition to the table service restaurants, each Moderate Resort has a counter service area. If you think the food court area at the Value Resorts was phenomenal, then wait until you try the food court area at the Moderate Resorts. Will you find similar items? Absolutely! However, the Moderate Resorts offer more unique and interesting menus. The beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter are to die for. We will visit here every trip – just for the beignets!
Accommodations: Moderate Resort rooms are larger than Value Resort rooms by approximately 60 square feet. In addition to size and space, rooms are generally decorated with subtle elements of the resort theme. The bathroom and sink areas are larger as well, which means no more elbow to elbow spaces. Like the Value Resorts, you will get a coffee maker, a mini fridge and plenty of outlets and charging stations. Upgrade room opportunities are available for location and views. Again, our personal preference is not so much the view (since we are always out and in when it’s dark), but we prefer to be closer to the main building and busing area. Sure a coffee maker is wonderful in the room – but that’s not enough! It is a husbands job to get their wife coffee while she is getting ready, again another reason why it’s important for us to upgrade to a preferred room.
Activities: You will not get “bored” staying at a Moderate Resort. Aside from the pools, you will find lounges, entertainment, water sports, horse back riding and carriage rides. One of our favorite lounges can be found at Port Orleans Riverside. River Roost is an awesome place with excellent drinks and food and YeHaa Bob Jackson is a must see (show starts at 8:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday’s). The picture at the top of the blog is of us, Tammi’s dad, and YeHaa Bob at River Roost.You will also find, fitness centers, running/walking trails, arcade and play areas at Moderate Resorts. Don’t forget about the planned activities such as games at the pool, scavenger hunts and movie nights! Again, these activities are going to have more offerings and larger areas than the Value Resorts.
Transportation: Disney transportation is great, however when you are staying at a large Moderate Resort, you are going to have multiple bus stops at the resort. It is important that when you are coming back from a 2:00am Late Extra Magic Hour evening (or dare we say morning) at the Magic Kingdom – you cannot miss your stop or else you’ll be walking! Unlike Value and Deluxe Resorts, it is easy to get off at the wrong bus stop, why?Because Moderate Resorts are the only resorts with multiple bus stops. When in doubt, get off at the main building (hopefully you remember that stop name) and walk to your room from the main area. It’s much easier to locate your room from the main area, rather than get turned around at another bus stop. Keep in mind, when leaving the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs there will only be one bus stop for your resort. Oh we can’t forget, that Port Orleans offers boat transportation to Disney Springs.
You are not going to have a bad stay at any Disney Resort, if you chose the resort based on your personal preferences. Want to stay at a resort that has a pool and slide, but don’t want to break the bank? Then the Moderates are for you. If you are still not sure, that’s where we come in. We can help you with any question that you might have as well as help you narrow down your choices to find the right fit for your magical vacation. We look forward to helping you plan your magic!
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