Complete Guide to the 2023 Best Disney Moderate Resorts

Complete Guide to the 2023 Best Disney Moderate Resorts

Complete Guide to the 2023 Best Disney Moderate Resorts

This is your complete guide to the 2023 best moderate Disney resorts! Walt Disney World currently offers 25 different resort options separated into three different categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Disney moderate resorts are mid-level and offer better amenities than value resorts, while still being within a reasonable budget for most families.

Disney moderate hotels tend to be a popular choice because they can appeal to all types of guests. Being mid-range hotels, Disney moderate resorts tend to blend together the positives of both value and deluxe resorts. Families with young kids or childless adults will enjoy the stylish Disney theming, offering of amenities and overall affordability of these Disney World moderate resorts!

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages!

If you want to find out how the Disney World moderate resorts ranked, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Walt Disney World be sure to check out our Disney World crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

2023 Best Disney World Moderate Resorts Overview

Before we start our ranking of the 2023 best Disney moderate resorts, we should discuss what exactly makes a resort moderate. There are different Disney resort levels, which are most determined by price, amenities, convenience and theming. Walt Disney World currently offers 5 different options for moderate level resorts. While our very favorite best Disney moderate resort is Port Orleans – French Quarter, there is so much to love about each of them, hence why we are going to rank them!

As we go through our Disney World moderate resort ranks, we will take into consideration price, theming, transportation, rooms and space, amenities and dining.

What are the moderate resorts at Disney World?

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Coronado Springs Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
• Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

What are the Disney moderate resorts ranked?

• #5 – The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
• #4- Coronado Springs
• #3 – Caribbean Beach Resort
• #2 – Port Orleans – Riverside
• #1 – Port Orleans – French Quarter

Related post: What is the Best Disney Deluxe Resort?

Best Moderate Disney World Resorts Ranked 2023

Since we’ve spent quite a bit of time at the following resorts, we thought we would share our Disney moderate resort rankings. Please note that any of of these Disney resorts are great choices for your Walt Disney World vacation and experiences differ from stay to stay. To come up with our rankings, we compared the above categories, such as transportation, price, theming and so-on to compile this list! Next let’s do an overview of Disney World moderate resorts ranked. 

#5 The Cabins at Fort Wilderness – Best Moderate Disney Resort for Families

Overview: The Cabins at Fort Wilderness is a unique Disney resort experience that is unlike any other on property. Although set up like a deluxe villa resort stay, the Fort Wilderness cabins have come in as a Disney moderate resort. The only reason this resort ranks in at #5, is that we believe it should be in a different resort category! It is still one of the best moderate hotels Disney has!

Price: Cabins start at $429 a night

Dining options:

The Cabin’s dining options definitely fit Disney’s mid-level and would absolutely be a blast for a family meal.

The two dining options are:

• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review
• Trail’s End

Important to know: The Cabins at Fort Wilderness create a very unique camping experience allowing you and 5 other guests to share a large cabin in the woods! This experience is rustic, and outdoorsy while hiding the fact that Magic Kingdom is right around the corner from it. This resort covers over 700 acres of land, with 409 fully-furnished cabins. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness layout comes with with full kitchens, flat screen TVs and plenty of space.

We think is the best choice for moderate resorts at Disney for families, and we tend to recommend to book them if you’re needing extra space.

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Recreation

• Golf cart rentals
• Fishing
• Two pools

One of the best things that you can do at the Cabins is rent a golf cart! Since the area is so large, a fun and fast way to explore is around the rentable golf carts to take you around the resort. There is also the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, where you can splash around with the family or relax in a whirlpool spa. A smaller pool also exists and it is called the Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool. It is important to note that neither pools are themed.

Related article: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Resort Pools

#4 Coronado Springs – Best Moderate Disney Resort for Adults

Overview: Coronado Springs comes in as number 4 of Disney moderate resorts on our ranking list. Coronado Springs definitely has an upscale vibe, where plenty of business conferences are held. The resort has a unique Spanish, Mexican and American Southwest theme with familiar faces, like Panchito and Jose from the Three Caballeros. It is a massive resort with 1,917 rooms and suites dispersed in three separate villages, along with the Grand Destino Tower, which holds 545 rooms. All of these beautiful buildings are places around a 15-acre lake, Lago Dorado.

Pricing: Rooms starting at $300 per night

Dining options:

• Barcelona Longue
• Cafe Rix
• Dahlia Lounge
• El Marcado de Coronado
• Laguna Bar
• Maya Grill
• Rix Sports Bar and Grill
• Siestas Cantina
• Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago
• Toledo – Tapas, Steak and Seafood

Important to know: Coronado Springs feels like it would appeal to those who are looking for a more subtle Disney trip. Or for the traveling business person that is looking for a sophisticated stay. The architecture is gorgeous and unique, but we think it is a con due to the lack of Disney storytelling detail. The Grand Destino Tower is absolutely beautiful, and would be perfect for a romantic getaway for a Disney couple looking to save money with a moderate Disney resort.

Coronado Springs Recreation

Coronado Springs is packed with different recreation options, one of the most appealing being an onsite 24 hour gym. This resort is often referred to as Moderate Deluxe because of the amenities offers to guests. These amenities include:

• La Vida Health Club (24 hour gym)
• Lost City of Cibola Pool (Huge Mayan pyramid replica) Main Pool
• The largest hot tub at Walt Disney World
• 3 Smaller Pools
• Children’s pool
• Volleyball Court
• Arcade
• Walking Trails

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Springs Hotels

#3 Caribbean Beach Resort – Best Disney Moderate Resort for Recreation

Overview: Disney’s Caribbean Resort comes in as number three for our ranking, but could be argued to be the best Disney moderate hotels. Theming of the Caribbean resort in Disney is extensive and immersive, where you can be placed in one of six villages: Aruba, Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad North, and Trinidad South. The buildings are colorful and have a scheme that makes you feel like you’re walking through old Caribbean architecture. Some of the recreation amenities have old Spanish influence, bringing together the total theme.

Pricing: Rooms start at $248 per night

Dining options:

• Banana Cabana
• Centertown Market
• Sebastian’s Bistro
• Spyglass Grill

Important to know: The Caribbean Resort in Disney World lays directly between Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and is within walking distance to the Riviera resort. This is one of the Disney moderate resorts that are on the Skyliner route, which makes it also one of the best Disney moderate resorts for transportation.

Caribbean Beach Resort Recreation

Caribbean Beach Resort has some of the best recreation out of all 2023 moderate Disney resorts, as it has 6 pools, which is perfect for big families!

• 6 pools – Various quiet and one main, Fuentes de Morro with a pirate ship splash pad
• Jogging trail
• Volleyball
• Fishing excursions
• Bike rentals
• Barefoot Bay – 45 acre lake with plenty of beachside chairs for sunning
• Caribbean Cay – tropical oasis perfect for picnics, swinging, play areas and walking

Related post: What are the 10 Best Hotels Around Disney World?

#2 Port Orleans – Riverside – Best Moderate Disney Resort for Couples

Overview: Both Port Orleans resorts are located in the Disney Springs area, which gives these two classically themed resorts a bit of an advantage. Port Orleans – Riverside is a “riverside” resort, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River. This resort has a charming southern style theme inspired by the bayou, but with a heavy hand of sophistication.

If you are an adult, you will fall in love with the perfectly manicured landscaping, romantic architecture and unique riverboat access to Disney Springs.

Pricing: Rooms start at $266 per night

Dining options:

• Boatwright’s Dining Hall
• Riverside Mill Food Court
• River Roost Bar Lounge
• Muddy Rivers bar

Important to know: When choosing Disney Port Orleans riverside vs Caribbean Beach Resort, we had to go with the former due to overall quality of the resort. When staying in this huge resort, you will either be placed in Magnolia Bend or Alligator Bayou. Both areas combined have 2,048 rooms placed along the sprawling 200 acres of land this resort boasts. The beauty of the grounds is one of the largest reasons this resort ranks so highly for us. There are blooming magnolia trees, with rose bushes, giant oaks, impressive azaleas and more.

Port Orleans – Riverside Recreation

Riverside rivals Caribbean Beach resort with also have 6 different pools to choose from. There is one main pool themed after an old fashioned swimming hole, and 5 other quiet pools. This is also a resort that allows boat and bike rentals to make. Which is a wonderful asset to explore the large, lush grounds. The abundance of unique amenities is one of the reasons Riverside is one of our favorite Disney moderate resorts.  Here are all of the Port Orleans – Riverside things to do!

• 6 pools in addition to a kiddie pool and hot tub
• Fishing excursions
• A Fishin’ Hole
• Bike Rentals
• Boat Rentals

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Springs Hotels

#1 Port Orleans – French Quarter – Best Disney World Moderate Resort Overall

Overview: Last but not least, we are on our number one choice for Disney moderate hotels ranking! For so many reasons, we chose Port Orleans- French Quarter as our number one Disney World moderate resort. This smaller, intimate resort is gorgeous and tranquil with some of the best theming in all of Walt Disney World. This resort is set in the lore of an outpost on the Sassagoula river. You can find plenty of Mardi Gras theming, with romantic gas lit street lamps and flowing fountains throughout.

Pricing: Room rates starting at $266

Dining Options:

• Sassagoula Floatworks and Foot Factory
• Scat Cat’s Club
• Mardi Grogs bar

Important to know: If you are a Disney foodie, you will love Disney moderate resort, as it is some of our favorite food on property! The food is one of the many reasons as to why French Quarter is one of the best moderate resorts Disney has! We love that is is one of the smaller moderate Disney resorts, which is easier for families, has incredible entertainment and recreation and more! This best moderate Disney resort 2023 has stolen our hearts on all fronts and love visiting every chance we get!

Port Orleans – French Quarter Recreation

Port Orleans – French Quarter has inventive and exciting recreation options, like a pool complex that that is a whopping size of 225,00 gallons and a 95 foot sea-serpent slide. The Doubloon Lagoon is so large, that is also has a smaller kiddie area, smaller water slide and a hot tub. We love the theming at this lagoon, with water shooting alligators that play lovely jazz music while you’re splashing around.  There are also other favorites like a paved walking or jogging trail, Movies Under the Stars and more!

• Huge pool complex with multiple slides, hot tub and kids splash area
• Arcade
• Movies Under the Stars
• Paved walking trail
• Bike Rentals
• Riverboat ferry to Disney Springs

Related article: The Best Walt Disney World Hotels: Pros & Cons Guide

What is the 2023 Disney Moderate Resort Price?

Disney moderate resort pricing at the low end, starts at about $300 per night. At peak times during the year, like Halloween or Christmas, a Disney moderate hotel could cost upward of $500 per night. While the pricing may seem expensive, comparatively, $300 a night for a Disney resort is average, and is perfect for a mid-range Disney resort.

Note: Special pricing for annual passholders or Florida residents may be lower.

The most you pay for any Disney moderate resort will be at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. The price range is from about $400 – $700 per night depending on the time of year. The price is also so much higher because the cabins can sleep up to 6 guests, come with a fully-equipped kitchen, and are very large. They make you feel like you’re in the back woods of a charming mountain town and have becoming increasingly popular over the years.

The cheapest moderate resort at Disney in 2023 is going to be Coronado Springs, which is usually starts at $280 a night. Caribbean Beach Resort would be a close second for the cheapest moderate Disney resort, with rooms starting at around $300.

Related post: Complete Guide to Disney World Payment Plans

Which Moderate Disney Resort has the Best Transportation 2023?

Disney Caribbean Beach Resort is among the best of moderate resorts Disney World has when it comes to transportation. Guests will have access to Disney busses and the Disney Skyliner, which is our favorite mode of transportation.

Each best moderate resort at Disney World offers its own transportation system to and from the Disney parks. Bus transportation

• Water boat taxis
• Skyliner

Every single moderate resort has a bus transportation option, which is Disney’s largest transportation system while getting around. Our favorite part of Disney moderate resorts is that most of them have more than one stop, making sure convenience is key when trying to get into a park.

Disney moderate resort transportation 2023

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Skyliner, Bus
• Port Orleans – French Quarter – Bus, water boat taxi
• Port Orleans – Riverside – Bus, water boat taxi
• Coronado Springs – Bus
• Cabins at Fort Wilderness – Water boat taxi, bus

Related post: What are the Best Disney World Hotels for Families?

Best Disney Moderate Resort Rooms and Space

Disney moderate resorts are wonderful for guests who are looking to escape and feel like you’re in your own little world while inside of Walt Disney World. For the most part, these resorts are sprawling with plenty of walking and relaxation space to get lost in. This can become important for guests who are looking to step away from the park life for a few days and enjoy the resort.

All Disney moderate hotels are accessible by outdoor hallways instead of indoor corridors, which is nice for recreation access. For rooms, it will be easier to understand if we use comparisons with other Disney resorts.

Disney Moderate vs Value Resorts Rooms

Overall, the largest step up from a value resort room is the size. Moderate resort rooms are larger by at least 50 sq. feet, which is nice with a larger party. The sheer amount of guests allowed in each room is also higher. Where most value resorts only allow 4 guests per room, almost all Moderate resorts allow 5 guests. Moderate Disney resort rooms are all updated, sleek unlike some  Value resorts that can be worn out and out dated.

Moderate vs Deluxe Disney resorts

One of the largest differences in rooms when it came to moderate vs deluxe Disney resorts was the size and offerings of rooms. While standard sizes of rooms barely differ, some deluxe resort rooms offer multiple bedrooms, some in-room laundry, and even a kitchen. While The Cabins at Fort Wilderness do offer some of these amenities, you have more choices when it comes to deluxe resorts.

If you’re looking for the best moderate Disney resort in terms of space, the Fort Wilderness Cabins have almost double the space of the standard rooms at the other moderate hotels. It is important to know that they are the most expensive moderate Disney hotel to book with

Related article: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Value Resorts in Each Tier

Best Disney Moderate Resort Conclusion

Port Orleans – French Quarter

French Quarter comes in at number one as the best moderate Disney Resort for many reasons. We love the intimacy of the resort, with more exclusive rooms and top to bottom theming. The wonderful perks, like beignets, a sea-serpent shaped slide and unique Mousekeeping techniques (Mickey Shaped Mardi Gras beads), we love this resort. The overall feel is just so different from any other resort, especially if you’re an adult and looking for incredible Disney storytelling.

As compared to other Disney moderate resorts, you may lose out on some aspect for kids, but that is also why we love French Quarter. It is sophisticated at a moderate price, with incredible Imagineering that will transport you to the historical real-life French Quarter.

It may not be the best moderate Disney resort for transportation, but there are plenty of busses running throughout the day to get you into the theme parks. There is also the special Sassagoula river boat that will transport you to Disney Springs to enjoy the various offerings there. We love that if you’re looking for a sit down restaurant, you can walk right over to Riverside and enjoy a night by the candlelight!

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Hotels Near EPCOT Orlando

Moderate Resorts at Disney 2023 FAQ

Q: What are the moderate resorts at Disney World?

A: The Disney World moderate resorts are:

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Q: Is Coronado Springs a moderate resort in Disney?

A: Yes, Coronado Springs is a moderate Walt Disney World and is considered mid-level.

Q: How much is parking at a moderate Disney resort?

• Beginning the evening of January 10, 2023, overnight self-parking is complimentary to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

Q: What is the best moderate Disney resort?

A: The best moderate resort at Disney World is Port Orleans – French Quarter. We that overall it has the best dining, rooms and recreation options for guests staying on property.

Q: Is Disney Riviera a moderate or deluxe?

A: The Disney Riviera is considered a deluxe. Disney Vacation Club Resort. It is in Disney’s highest tier of hotels and is priced as one of the most expensive hotels in Disney World.

Q: What is the closest moderate resort to EPCOT?

The closest moderate resort to EPCOT would be Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. It is only a few Skyliner stops away, and so close that you can hear the EPCOT nighttime spectacular fireworks in the Caribbean Beach Resort pools.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets. If you’re brand new to Disney vacation planning we recommend our Walt Disney World Planning Page! Learn more about Disney hotels by reading our Walt Disney World Hotels Review page.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!