When planning your next Disney vacation, the choice of resort can greatly impact your experience. Disney Moderate Resorts strike a perfect balance between affordability and luxury, offering a blend of comfort, amenities, and themes that can make your stay truly magical.

With spacious accommodations, upgraded pools, diverse dining options, convenient transportation, and refined theming, these resorts provide an excellent option for families and travelers seeking a more immersive and enjoyable Disney experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five compelling reasons to choose a Disney Moderate Resort for your next adventure.

1. Moderate Resorts Offer Spacious and Flexible Sleeping Options for Families

Choosing a Disney Moderate Resort means enjoying extra room and comfort, perfect for families. On average, standard guest rooms at these resorts are about 60 square feet larger than those at Value Resorts, with some like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offering even more space. This additional room can make a big difference, especially when sharing with others, plus possibly a crib or stroller.

Many Moderate Resorts also offer rooms that can accommodate up to five guests, thanks to a pull-down Murphy bed. Called a 5th sleeper option, and must be booked that way, these rooms feature two queen beds and a narrower bed that folds into a storage unit when not in use, freeing up more space. This bed is ideal for younger children.

A charming feature of these rooms is the artwork when the Murphy bed is pulled down. This delightful surprise adds a touch of Disney magic, especially for children, who will love sleeping next to their favorite characters after an exciting day in the parks. This special touch often becomes a cherished part of the Disney experience right upon check-in.

Another advantage of the Moderate hotels is additional space in bathrooms. Many of these resorts offer expanded vanity areas, including double sinks. This is supremely helpful when getting ready for a full park day, with everyone trying to prepare all at the same time.

2) Upgraded Pools: Dive into Fun and Relaxation

One standout reason to choose a Disney Moderate Resort is the upgraded pool facilities. Unlike the pools at Value Resorts, every Moderate Resort pool features exciting water slides, adding an extra layer of fun for families and thrill-seekers. While Value Resorts often feature themed pools, they typically lack these exhilarating slides.

Moreover, the Moderate Resort pools come equipped with hot tubs, a luxury not found at Value Resorts. After a long day exploring the parks, sinking into a hot tub can feel like a necessity, providing much-needed relaxation.

For example, the main pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort embraces its Caribbean Island theme with colonial forts, two water slides, water cannons, and a shipwrecked play area perfect for smaller kids. This immersive environment makes every swim an adventure.

At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, the Spanish explorer and artist theme is evident throughout the property, from the lobby to the pool area. The highlight here is the 50-foot replica of a Mayan pyramid at the pool, creating an impressive backdrop. Additionally, this resort boasts the largest hot tub in the Walt Disney World ®Resort Collection, accommodating up to 22 people.

These enhanced pool features at Disney Moderate Resorts ensure that every day of your vacation includes opportunities for both excitement and relaxation, making your stay even more memorable.

3) Expanded Dining Options: Satisfy Every Craving

One of the key benefits of upgrading to a Disney Moderate Resort is the enhanced dining options available. Unlike Value Resorts, which typically feature only a quick-service food court, Moderate Resorts offer a range of dining experiences, including both table service and counter service locations.

Most Moderate Resorts, except Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, feature at least one table service restaurant alongside their quick-service options. For instance, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort each boast a table service restaurant and a lounge, providing more diverse dining choices for guests.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort goes even further, offering a variety of dining venues to explore. Here, guests can enjoy dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain at Toledo, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Meanwhile, Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside serves hearty specialties and family-friendly American fare inspired by Southern Louisiana cuisine, perfect for a taste of the bayou.

These enhanced dining options ensure that every meal can be a memorable part of your Disney vacation, providing delicious and varied culinary experiences right at your resort.

For more information about Underrated Dining at Moderate Resorts, check out this blog post!

4) Upgraded Transportation Features at Disney Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts offers unique transportation options. Guests at Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts can enjoy a scenic boat ride to Disney Springs® Marketplace, adding a touch of magic to your commute.

Another benefit of Moderate Resorts is the covered bus stop areas, providing shelter from the elements—an amenity not typically found at Value Resorts. Additionally, Moderate Resorts usually feature multiple conveniently located bus stops throughout the property, reducing the distance you need to walk to catch a bus. After a long day at the parks, those saved steps can make a big difference.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers an even more exciting transportation option: direct access to the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system provides quick and picturesque rides to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, offering a fun and efficient way to reach these parks.

These enhanced transportation options at Disney Moderate Resorts ensure that you can spend more time enjoying the magic and less time worrying about how to get there.

5) Understated Theming: A Refined Disney Experience

A standout reason to choose a Disney Moderate Resort is the subtle and sophisticated theming that sets them apart. While the theming at Moderate Resorts is more subdued than at Value Resorts, it is thoughtfully woven into the details, creating a refined ambiance perfect for those who appreciate a more understated Disney touch.

Each Disney Moderate Resort boasts its own unique theme, providing a diverse range of atmospheres to suit every taste.

If you enjoy a Caribbean flair, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s colorful buildings and island details create a relaxed, captivating island vibe.

For those drawn to cultural richness, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a blend of influences from Mexico, Spain, and the American Southwest, inviting you into a vacation full of exploration and discovery.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter brings the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to life with its lively and festive atmosphere, while Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside captures the elegance of southern manors and the charm of the Louisiana bayou, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

The theming extends into the rooms, offering specially themed accommodations that enhance the immersive experience. For instance, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort features newly refurbished Little Mermaid rooms, while Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offers regal Royal Rooms. These themed environments are designed to transport you away from Walt Disney World and into a different place and time and are sure to impress and delight.

Choosing a Disney Moderate Resort means experiencing a nuanced and subtly themed environment that enhances your stay, making it a truly magical part of your Disney vacation.

Selecting accommodations at a Disney Moderate Resort elevates your vacation with enhanced amenities, unique experiences, and a comfortable stay.

From spacious rooms that cater to families to upgraded pool facilities that promise fun and relaxation, these resorts go above and beyond to make your trip memorable. The expanded dining options ensure that every meal is a delightful experience, while convenient transportation options make navigating the vast Disney property a breeze. Lastly, the understated theming creates a sophisticated and immersive environment, transporting you to different places and times. When you decide on a Disney Moderate Resort for your trip, you’re choosing a vacation filled with magic, comfort, and unforgettable moments. Which resort sounds most inviting to you? Let me know in the comments!