Last week, I profiled Disney's onsite deluxe resorts. This week, I'll tackle the moderate resorts. More economically-priced than their deluxe counterparts, these resorts are the perfect choice for guests who are looking for pure Disney magic at a more moderate price point. These resorts are situated on sprawling grounds, creating absolutely stunning atmospheres (but also making for potentially long walks to the main pools and lobbies, depending on your room location). Guest rooms are smaller than at the deluxe resorts, but they are still clean and comfortable. Beautifully-themed main pools, multiple quiet pools, dependable bus service, and full-service restaurants offer convenience and aesthetics at a more affordable price.
Four onsite Disney resorts fall into the moderate resort category. My absolute favorite is the Coronado Springs Resort. Quiet and peaceful, this resort is inspired by Spanish-colonial Mexico. Pepper Market, Coronado's quick-service restaurant, is easily the best quick-service location of any Disney resort. Finally, guest rooms feature queen beds and a solid wood partition between the bathroom and sleeping areas (which is a huge bonus for families with small children).
The Caribbean Beach Resort is very similar in layout to the Coronado Springs Resort but with a tropical paradise theme. A mecca of relaxation, this resort offers guests the opportunity to spend lazy days swinging in hammocks or lounging by one of its many pools. The quick-service restaurant is infinitely less inspired than Coronado's Pepper Market, however. Furthermore, many of the guest rooms feature smaller double beds, although they are slowly being replaced with queen-sized beds. If you have a little buccaneer in your family, you can opt for a "pirate ship" instead of a bed...in one of the outrageously cool pirate-themed rooms!
The last two moderate resorts are actually sister-resorts: Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter. Inspired by different facets of historic Louisiana, both resorts are intricately-themed and stunning. Which of these resorts comes out on top? The answer depends on the needs of your group. Port Orleans Riverside is the only moderate resort that sleeps five people (one of whom must be a child). If you have your own little princess, you can opt for one of Riverside's Royal Guest Rooms, decorated by Tiana herself in preparation for her royal guests--you!! Riverside's laid back vibe provides the perfect place to recover from long days in the theme parks. In contrast, guests looking for a livelier atmosphere will likely prefer the jazz-inspired French Quarter. While French Quarter does not feature a full-service restaurant, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll to Riverside's restaurant or take a short ferry ride to Downtown Disney (where the restaurant choices are seemingly endless).
So, there you have it! Disney's moderate resorts! As always, feel free to e-mail me at disneymadeeasy@yahoo.com for a no-obligation, personal resort recommendation. And check back next week for Part Three: Disney's Value Resorts!!
Meredith McCutcheon
Disney Specialist
Owner, Magic Minus the Mayhem: Rochester Hills, MI
