With several moderate resorts to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one fits your family best. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney regular, here’s our honest ranking of the Best Disney World’s Moderate Resorts — ending with our favorite.

Picking the right resort is a big part of planning your Disney trip. This post focuses on the Best Disney World Moderate Resorts. From pool fun to transportation options and food choices, we’ve stayed at all of Disney’s moderate resorts and ranked them based on real family experience.

Types of Disney World Resorts:

Disney World breaks its hotels into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Moderate Resorts are the perfect middle ground—they offer more space and amenities than Value Resorts, without the high price tag of Deluxe Resorts.

Here’s what you can typically expect at a Moderate Resort:

• Larger rooms than Value Resorts.
• Themed pools with slides.
• Table-service dining options in addition to quick service.
• Scenic resort grounds and immersive theming.
• Multiple transportation options (some even have Skyliner access!).

They’re a great choice for families who want a bit more comfort and convenience without going full splurge. We’ve personally found that they hit the sweet spot—especially for longer stays or when traveling with kids!

Benefits of Staying at a Disney Moderate Resort:

Staying at a moderate resort means you get a mix of value, comfort, and magic. Here are some of the biggest perks:

More Space Than Value Resorts:

Moderate rooms are slightly larger than value resort rooms—perfect if you’re a family of four or more and need room to spread out after a long park day.

Themed Pools with Water Slides

All moderate resorts have at least one large, beautifully themed pool with slides, splash zones, and fun extras that kids love. It’s a step up from the simple pools at value resorts.

Better Dining Options:

Most moderates have a table-service restaurant on-site in addition to a quick-service food court. Some even have lounges and bars — great for parents wanting a little downtime.

Beautiful, Relaxing Grounds:

Moderate resorts tend to be more spread out and scenic, with walking paths, lush landscaping, and quieter areas that give you a break from the crowds.

Convenient Transportation:

While all moderate resorts have buses to the parks, some — like Caribbean Beach Resort — have direct access to the Disney Skyliner, making it quicker to get to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.

Access to Disney Perks:

As with all on-property Disney resorts, you’ll get:

• Early Park entry.
• Free transportation to all parks and Disney Springs.
• Early access to Genie+ selections and dining reservations.

Now without further ado here are our picks in order from least favorite to our favorite Moderate Resort.

5th Place: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Why we love it: The southern charm and peaceful vibes can be really relaxing. The resort is gorgeous and scenic.

Standout features: Royal guest rooms (perfect for princess fans), boat to Disney Springs, access to French Quarter’s amenities.

Best for: Families looking for a quiet, scenic atmosphere or those with young kids who love princesses.

Things to consider: The resort is large, and transportation can feel slow with multiple bus stops.

4th Place: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Non-Tower Rooms)

Why we love it: You get the beautiful theming and pool area without needing to upgrade to the tower. It’s a great value! You can enjoy all the extras from out top pick but with a smaller price tag.

Standout features: The Dig Site pool, unique dining like Three Bridges Bar & Grill, and Spanish-inspired architecture.

Best for: Families or couples looking for style and solid amenities on a budget.

Things to consider: It’s a convention resort, so it might feel less “Disney” and more businesslike at times.

3rd Place: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Why we love it: It’s small, charming, and peaceful. You can’t beat the beignets and the riverfront walks!

Standout features: Compact layout (less walking!), boat to Disney Springs, New Orleans-style theming.

Best for: Guests who want a quiet stay and love easy access to Disney Springs.

Things to consider: Fewer dining options on-site compared to other moderates.

2nd Place: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Why we love it: The Skyliner! Easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios makes this resort super convenient. The bright island vibes and large pool area are also a hit.

Standout features: Skyliner station right at the resort, themed Caribbean villages, fun main pool with slides.

Best for: Families with kids, especially if park access is a top priority.

Things to consider: It’s a large resort, so depending on your room location, walking can be a bit of a hike.

1st Place: Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort

Why we love it: It feels like a deluxe resort without the deluxe price. The rooms are sleek, modern, and comfortable—perfect for parents who like a bit more luxury while still having Disney perks.

Standout features: Tower rooms with great views, indoor air-conditioned hallways (a luxury at Disney!), access to Coronado’s main pool and restaurants.

Best for: Couples, parents of older kids, or anyone who wants a higher-end feel at a moderate price.

Things to consider: This isn’t the most “Disney” themed resort—less character décor, more modern chic.

Check Out Some of Our Other Disney Resort Reviews:

Wilderness Lodge Resort – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a resort themed after our National Forests and the American Northwest. Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge are the two main sections of this resort along with amazing cabins! Enjoy some great dining at Whispering Canyon and a day at the Copper Creek Springs Pool with a geyser going off in the background.

Saratoga Springs Resort – Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort that is made to resemble the famous New York Horse Racing Town of the same name. This quaint and relaxing resort features a full Spa and other great amenities.

Old Key West Resort – Disney’s Old Key West Resort brings the vibes and style of Florida Keys to Disney World. This Deluxe Disney Vacation Club resort has rooms from studios to a 3-bedroom Granb Villa. With 4 pools, Olivia’s Cafe and plenty of activities to do, this resort is great for the family vacation.

We hope you are enjoying sharing our Disney adventures and tips with you. We want you to have the best trip ever! Be sure to check out our other social media channels for more fun videos and posts FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, TWITTER.

Also, our Facebook Group Disney World Insider Info and Tips is a great place to meet and chat with other Disney World fans like us!