Disney Moderate Resorts

Moderate resorts are a step up from vaule resorts as far as luxury. They incorporate more sophisticated themes in the style of the décor, and offer more options on rooms, dining and recreation. A standard room costs around $160 per night, but you can choose special views or amenities for an extra expense. There are 5 moderate resorts to choose from.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

This is one of the places I’d like to stay once just because it seems really neat. I mean, come on, it has its own beach! Everything here is meant to make it feel like Florida has turned into the Caribbean, even down to everyone’s favorite pirates.

In addition to views of the beach/waterfront, you can reserve special pirate-themed rooms. These rooms have pirate ships for beds, a compass tabletop and barrels and trunks to complete the look.

The main pool area is also a little pirate-y. It is designed to resemble a colonial Spanish Fort and includes 2 waterslides and water cannons. The resort also has 6 other heated pools. Other recreational activities you can enjoy are bike rentals, a walking trail, arcade, playground and more.

The dining options include a food court, two delis and a Caribbean themed restaurant.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is located near Epcot.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs is also a waterfront resort near Animal Kingdom. It is themed in beautiful Southwestern and Spanish architecture. There are three different styles of rooms to choose from: casitas (which are more urban), ranchos (which are rustic), and cabanas (which include hammocks). You can also get water view rooms or junior suites, which include one king or two queen size beds, a pull down queen bed, and two bathrooms.

There are 3 heated pools here, plus one main pool. The main pool has an archeological, ancient theme with a Lost City of Cibola waterslide. Recreational activities include volleyball, a beach, health club, watercraft rentals and more.

For dining there is a café, market, lounge and the popular Maya Grill restaurant.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney has two Port Orleans Resorts. This one is designed to resemble the French Quarter in New Orleans, even down to the funky colored doors. Rooms offer views of the Quarter or the river.

The pool at the French Quarter is Mardi Gras themed with bright colors and a sea monster waterslide. Guests here can also stroll down to the pool at the Port Orleans Riverside resort.

There’s also a golf course here, carriage rides, fishing, bike rentals and more. There is a food court and the Scat Cat Club if you fancy some jazz and a cocktail.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This is probably my favorite moderate resort. I love the historical Southern elegance of this place. You can either stay in the “mansions” of New Orleans, or the cozy cottages of the Bayou. And of course, you can reserve a view of the river.

There are 6 heated pools, plus a pool complex on Ol’ Man Island. The design is quiet and relaxing, just like the easy-going Southern way of life.

Riverside offers the same recreation as the French Quarter, plus more dining with another food court, live entertainment and drinks at the River Roost, and a Louisiana-style restaurant.

The Port Orleans resorts are near Epcot and Disney’s Boardwalk area.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

My mom really wants to try these, and we almost did for our Christmas vacation. You’ve probably rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, right? Well this is a lot like that, only better because you’re right smack in the middle of the Disney magic.

Cabins sleep up to 6 people and cost around $275 per night. They have one double bed and a bunk bed in the bedroom, plus a pull down double bed in the living area. There is a living room with a sofa and TV, plus a full kitchen and bathroom.

There is fishing, horseback riding, carriage rides, a beach and campfire sing-alongs with Chip and Dale. Dining options include Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, a rustic restaurant, full-service lounge, and a dinner show at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

The cabins are located near the Magic Kingdom.

Coming up next: Disney Deluxe Resorts Part I