Which Moderate is your favorite?

by Connie
(Ohio)

Which moderate hotel is your favorite? Have been enjoying your site and finding it very informative. Thank you.

And the winner is ...

Photo by Donna62

Dad’s Not An Expert Answer

Connie,

if there’s one thing Dad’s not an expert in, it’s the Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World. There, I said it. Don’t worry though, Dad can tell you all about the rooms, the pools, the restaurants, the activities and even the transportation, but Dad just doesn’t have a lot of first hand experience staying at the moderate resorts. But you’re still in good hands, so let’s take a closer look at Disney’s Moderate Resorts.

Hey Dad, what’s you’re problem with the Moderate Resorts? I hear they’re great!

I’m glad you asked. Dad simply prefers to stay at a value resort like the Pop Century Resort where he can get 2 rooms for the price of 1 at a moderate, or if he’s spending the big bucks it’ll be for the BEST hotel at Walt Disney World (in his opinion) – the Polynesian Resort.

Dads's Pop Century page

Don’t get me wrong, the Moderate Resorts certainly have their place. They were the first “affordable” resorts on property and paved the way for value resorts later on. They’re beautiful and offer lots of recreational activities, nice pools, table service restaurants, and more! And for a trip to Walt Disney World, Dad always recommends staying on-site, whether it be at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort.

To be fair, Dad hasn’t given the Moderate Resorts much of a chance. His one stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort was ruined by bad weather and a terrible night’s sleep. But on the Palooza this fall, I’ll be checking out the Coronado Springs which will put me at the halfway point for staying in each Moderate Resort!

There’s nothing wrong with the Moderate Resorts – they’ve got their pros and cons like any other hotels. What makes them unique is their themeing and locations so lets take a look at that.

Photo by afagen

The Coronado Springs Resort is arguably the most grown up of the Moderate Resorts – it’s the convention resort at Walt Disney World. Kids are welcome but it’s themed for a more mature crowd - even the quick service location has servers who bring food to your table! One great perk is the number of room layout options, including large suites, and it’s pretty close to Animal Kingdom

Dad’s Coronado Springs Resort Page

Night at the Caribbean Beach Resort

Photo by Express Monorail

The Caribbean Beach Resort is two vacations in one (if the weather cooperates). There are fabulous pools, sandy beaches, hammocks, boating, and biking – it’s a tropical paradise. It’s close to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, and it’s the only resort to feature special themed Pirate Suites.

Dad’s Caribbean Beach Resort Page

The Port Orleans at dusk

Photo by Express Monorail

The Port Orleans Resort has combined two former hotels into one mega resort! On the French Quarter side, you’ll find New Orleans influences and feel like you’re at a (family friendly) Mardi Gras. Over at the Riverside you’ll feel the warmth and comfort of plantation homes of the deep south. Pools, boating, and a fishing hole make this resort special, plus you can take a boat to Downtown Disney!

Dad’s Port Orleans Resort Page

Horseback riding at Fort Wilderness Campground

Photo by bestofwdw

The Fort Wilderness Campground being categorized as a Moderate Resort might surprise you with its tents, RVs, and cabins. If the great outdoors is your thing, you’ll love this one, only a stone’s throw from the Magic Kingdom by boat. And there’s lots to do – Hoop Dee Doo Review, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, Haunted Carriage Ride, Segways, horseback riding, Campfire Sing Along, Movies Under the Stars, biking and beaches!

Dad’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Page

Dad's Bottom Line

Connie, I’m no expert, but if I had to pick the one I’d like to try next, I’d pick the Port Orleans. Two resorts in one – it doesn’t get better than that!