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Disney’s Moderate Resorts Ranked

Disney’s Moderate Resorts Ranked

I consider myself a Disney Staycation Pro. Truth be told I giggle each time I say that, but I’ve stayed on Disney property over 20 times during my adult life and I’m only 34. I speak about my staycation pro level with humor, passion, and truth. I’ve stayed at all value resorts, all moderate resorts, and two Deluxe level Disney resorts. The deluxe resorts are saved for those very special moments and extreme rate deals within our family. Value resorts are fun for the littles, but my least preferred for adults only staycations/vacations. My favorite Disney resorts are the moderate level resorts and I’ve stayed at some of those multiple times, hence favorite! It can be tough to rate Disney resorts, but it’s important to know the best of each one and what they have to offer within a rating scale. Here is my favorite moderate level Disney resorts ranked. 

  1. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 
  2. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
  3. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  4. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
  5. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 

I can’t leave you with just a list, right? Here’s a better run through of Disney’s moderate resorts ranked (but mostly according to my personal opinion). 

Coronado Springs Resort

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at this resort 8 times and have trip 9 booked for this summer. There are so many reasons why I have a deep appreciation and frequently stay at this resort. Along with a love for the overall vibe, colors, and theme, I can’t get enough of the food and large pool.

The quick service offers tacos and nachos poolside. I mean, nachos poolside?! The restaurants on the property are fantastic and some of the best food I’ve had at Disney, hands down. This pool is one of our favorite pools and my boys can’t get enough of it. My oldest calls this hotel the one with the bird because there’s a large 10+ foot colorful bird in the food court area. This resort will not disappoint. 

Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Port Orleans Resort boat launch area.

Port Orleans Resort boat launch area.

If you’re looking for a resort that has a southern theme with stunning scenery and the option to be outdoors in a serene environment this is the place! This was the first resort my oldest stayed at and it will forever be a favorite because of that alone, but I was beyond impressed with the beautiful property.

We spent most of our time outdoors walking and biking around the property. You feel like you’ve been transported to the classic New Orleans from Princess and The Frog in every way. 

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

This place is a rootin’ tootin’ time! You can read all about our stay late last year here. The cabins offer a unique experience with an at home feel. The option to cook your own food in the cabin in the full kitchen or on the grill is one of our favorite things about this resort. The entertainment is unique and transportation is the best of all the moderate properties. For more on our experience here read Why Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins Make for Great Vacations.

Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

This is the sister resort to the Riverside resort but it is different in many ways. This one is smaller and has a slightly more adult vibe than the Riverside resort. The beignets are mind-blowing and my favorite thing at this resort along with the kid’s pool area. I would recommend the Riverside resort over this one but they are connected so you can see each one regardless. 

Caribbean Beach Resort

The pirate ship pool area and kids pool area are such fun with a bold unique theme. We’ve stayed at this resort twice and once in the pirate ship beds, which my toddlers love. During both of our stays, I found the transportation to run slower than the other resorts with the buses being at capacity before getting to the last stop. The property is large with fun Caribbean music and such fun. I would rank it last because the property is spread out in such a manner that it loses a bit of its charm if you’re in a room far from the pool or food court. 


Not listed is Disney’s Grand Desino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort which opens July 2019 and I can’t wait to experience it! This year we only have 2 staycations booked, one already completed in early January and one to come late summer. My preferred favorite time to stay on property is hands down during Christmas. Each resort decorates for the holiday season within the resort theme. Be sure to take advantage of the holiday decor and resort hop. Resort hopping also gives you a great look into what each resort has to offer (and each uniquely themed tree too!). 

What are your favorite Disney resorts? Would you rate the moderate level resorts the same as I did? Here’s to magical vacation!