Disney’s Moderate Resorts Ranked Best to Worst!
So, you have narrowed it down. You don’t want to spend too much on your Disney resort, but you don’t want to stay in a value resort either. Maybe you like the thought of a slightly larger room, or maybe you want to be in a resort that offers its guests a Table-Service Restaurant. Whatever your reasoning may be, you have decided that you want to stay in one of Disney’s Moderate Resorts on your next Disney vacation. The good news is that all of them are great in their own way, but how should you decide which one will be best for you and your family? Here are our thoughts on the five Disney Moderate resorts, and how we would rank them.
#5 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
While Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has a lot of things working to make it a better place to stay, as of today, it is at the bottom of our list of Moderate Resorts. Yes, the rooms have been recently updated and the remodeled rooms look great! Yes, they are building a beautiful new tower. Yes, they have re-worked most of the common areas and dining areas. But, yes, it also is a resort with a convention center, and because of this, will always cater more to the business convention crowd as opposed to the everyday Disney fanatic. Another thing to note, there is still some construction going on, and they are still improving every day, so give it some time and it may climb up the list a little.
#4 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a beautiful hotel, but when it comes to this one or the French Quarter, we like the French Quarter much more. First, there is absolutely nothing “wrong” with Riverside, it just doesn’t live up to the other three above it. Next, the resort is huge. You can plan on doing quite a bit of walking during your stay. On the positive side, there is a lot to see, they do offer a Table Service restaurant in Boatwright’s Dining Hall, and they do offer Royal Guest Rooms, which your little prince and princesses are sure to love.
#3 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has been under construction/remodel for like 15 years now, and for the most part, the construction is coming to an end. Like the Coronado, the rooms at the Caribbean Beach resort have been remodeled and updated. While they are not any larger than before, the layout and design look really good. I believe that all rooms have a ceiling fan, but don’t quote me on that. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort also has a Table-Service restaurant called Sebastian’s Bistro, which is themed around Sebastian from the Little Mermaid. This resort also offers Pirate Themed rooms which my daughter loved as she was really big into Jake and the Neverland Pirates. But, the cool-to-look-at Pirate Ship beds are only double beds, and we are not fans of this.
#2 – The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
What can I say about the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to let you know how much I really wanted to put this as the number one Moderate Resort? When we stayed here, we were in a recently remodeled cabin that was truly awesome. Once you pull through the gates, you will truly feel as is you have been taken out into a park in the wilderness! When you pull up to your cabin, you will see a great patio with a grill and a picnic table. Upon entering the cabin, you walk into the kitchen/dining room. To the right, you will see the living area with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a large screen TV mounted on the front wall. There is a hallway that leads to the back where you pass the nice-sized restroom and head into the bedroom. The bedroom comes equipped with a queen-size bed as well as a bunk bed with 2-twin beds.
With all that, how is it not number 1 on the list?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of time needed to get anywhere as you either drive or utilize the in-resort bus system to take you where you need to go (and this place is big). You need a bus to get to the busses to get to the parks, and you need the bussed to get to the back of the resort to get to the boat to get to the Magic Kingdom. They do host the Hoop De Do Musical Review here which is awesome. Also, you can rent a golf cart to get around, but it is going to cost you!
#1 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
We love Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. Maybe it is because our very first trip to Disney World brought us here. Maybe it is because they sell Mickey Beignets. Maybe it is because of the sheer beauty and calm that you feel as you stroll around the resort. The French Quarter is a much smaller resort, and you feel it (in a good way). The dining hall was never packed, we never had to crowd onto a bus, and you can walk around and not really see anyone. It was always so peaceful after sunset which was nice to come home to after a long day in the parks.
How would you rank Disney’s moderate resorts? Do you disagree? Do you think that Riverside is better than French Quarter? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, please like and share with all of your Disney Fanatic Friends!
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