Disney’s Moderate Resorts (2025 Guide)

Disney’s Moderate Resorts aim to hit that sweet spot between budget-friendly and lavishly expensive. Think of them as the “just right” Goldilocks option: more immersive theming than Value Resorts, larger rooms, multiple dining options, and—yes—a water slide at the main pool! Moderates give you that extra touch of upscale comfort while still keeping an eye on your budget.

Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter

Disney’s Moderate Resorts aim to hit that sweet spot between budget-friendly and lavishly expensive. Think of them as the “just right” Goldilocks option: more immersive theming than Value Resorts, larger rooms, multiple dining options, and—yes—a water slide at the main pool! Moderates give you that extra touch of upscale comfort while still keeping an eye on your budget.

What Makes a Moderate Resort?

As the name suggests, Moderate Resorts sit right between Disney’s Value and Deluxe categories in price, room size, and amenities. The theming here is a noticeable step up from the Value Resorts, transporting you into richly designed settings. While they aren’t as extravagant as the Deluxe Resorts, they do a wonderful job of whisking you away from reality:

• 🌿 The bayous of Louisiana

• 🏝️ The beaches of the Caribbean

• 🌲 The great forests of the American Northwest

• 🌵 The Spanish and Mexican-inspired Southwest

Every Moderate has:

• A food court (with standard burgers and nuggets, but also some fun themed dishes unique to each resort).

• At least one table-service restaurant (except Port Orleans French Quarter, which shares Riverside’s).

• A main feature pool with a slide (a perk not found at the Value Resorts).

• Lounges, pool bars, and lots of recreation.

Disney Caribbean Beach Resort

Who Are They Best For?

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families of 5 (select rooms at Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside sleep 5, though the 5th sleeper is intended for a child).

• ✨ Guests who want more immersive, aesthetically pleasing resorts with upgraded amenities, but still need to be budget-conscious.

Pricing

Moderate Resorts are more expensive than Values but still a step below Deluxe pricing.

• Starting rates (2025): around $295–$325 per night, depending on season and location.

Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness

Theming

Moderates tend to have a slightly more adult feel, with beautiful landscaping and immersive details.

• Caribbean Beach Resort → Island vibes with pastel colors and sandy beaches.

• Port Orleans Riverside → Antebellum mansions and rustic bayou charm.

• Port Orleans French Quarter → Mardi Gras touches in a compact, whimsical setting.

• Coronado Springs Resort → A blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest influences, plus the modern Gran Destino Tower.

• Cabins at Fort Wilderness → Rustic log cabins nestled in the woods, with a true “cabin in the wilderness” feel.

Disney's Coronado - Gran Destino tower

Rooms

• Larger than Value Resort rooms (around 314 sq. ft. vs. 260 sq. ft.).

• Most rooms have exterior hallways (exception: Gran Destino Tower).

• Recently updated with modern touches, brighter designs, and lots of outlets for devices.

• Sleeps 5 → Standard rooms at Caribbean Beach & Port Orleans Riverside (with child-sized fold-down).

• Specialty Rooms → Princess Rooms at Riverside and Little Mermaid-themed rooms at Caribbean Beach.

• Cabins at Fort Wilderness → Sleep up to 6, with a kitchenette and outdoor deck.

• Coronado Springs Suites → Casitas (1-bedroom suites) can sleep up to 6.

Disney's Fort Wilderness

Recreation

Moderate Resorts offer more to do beyond the parks:

• Pools: Every Moderate has a themed feature pool with a slide, plus quiet pools.

• Playgrounds & arcades at each resort.

• Bike & surrey bike rentals (select locations).

• Carriage rides at Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness (extra fee).

• Resort activities: Movies Under the Stars, campfires, poolside games, trivia, and more.

Mickey Beignets - Port Orleans: French Quarter

Dining

• Table-Service: At least one at each resort (French Quarter guests use Riverside’s).

• Lounges: Each has a lounge offering snacks & cocktails.

• Pool bars: With tropical drinks and light fare.

• Food Courts: Quick-service hubs with both standard Disney options and unique resort specialties.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter’s Scat Cat’s Café are a must-try treat!

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Transportation

• Caribbean Beach Resort: Direct Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios.

• Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter: Boat service to Disney Springs.

• All Moderates: Standard Disney bus service to parks and Disney Springs.

List of Disney’s Moderate Resorts (2025)

• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

• Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort

Wrapping It Up ✨

Disney’s Moderate Resorts really are the “just right” option—more theming, bigger rooms, and fun extras like pool slides and table-service dining, without stepping all the way up to Deluxe pricing. Whether you’re floating down the Sassagoula River, hopping on the Skyliner at Caribbean Beach, or soaking in the views from Gran Destino Tower, Moderates give you that perfect balance of comfort and value.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re torn between Value and Deluxe, Moderates are a fantastic middle ground that often feels like the best of both worlds!

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim