Ranking the Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts
- Nicki
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
How do you rank these four resorts?
If you’re booking your next resort stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, there are four options listed under the moderate resorts: Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Resort Riverside. I’ve stayed at all these resorts and here’s how they stack up for me and my travel needs.
#4 – Coronado Springs Resort
Starting at the bottom of my Moderate Resort Ranking List, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is a beautiful representation of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American culture. It almost feels like a continuation of the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT. I've stayed here both before and after the construction of Gran Destino Tower. While I haven't stayed in a Tower Room, I've enjoyed the artwork and new ambiance the Tower brings to the resort.
It's no surprise that Coronado Springs boasts some amazing food options. I regularly find myself resort hopping here, when between parks for lunch. Like most of the moderate resorts, it is large and includes bus stops all around. The Three Bridges Bar & Grill makes for the perfect center point as you walk through the resort to get from your room to the food court. Overall, you can't go wrong with a stay here.
That being said, as you leave Gran Destino Tower and make your way to the Village Rooms, the resort has a disjointed feel. While the artwork in Gran Destino Tower is beautiful, the bland hallway connecting the Tower to the original check-in counters feels out of place. It's like the construction team did not finish their work and it leaves an awkward feel as you make your way around. With these resorts being so similar in quality and amenities, it's the little things that standout and the disconnect between old and new is a prime example.
#3 - Port Orleans - Riverside
I went back and forth on making this my #2 versus #3 and it's ended up in third place on my rankings list. I have stayed here more than any other resort at Walt Disney World and it is beautiful. I love the Riverside vibes and that rustic bayou feel. What gets me at this resort is that it is so large and if you are staying way out in on the North end, it's real far from the main bus stop, food court and main pool. The bus stops also feel oddly placed at this resort with some areas feeling completely missed by the stops.
I do absolutely love the Princess Themed Rooms at this resort. It brings that Disney Magic to the room and these rooms are located at the front of the resort, near the food court and main bus stop. A nice option at this resort is the boat that takes you to Disney Springs and back. It's a slow ride, so if you're in a hurry or trying to make a dinner reservation, be sure to leave plenty of time to travel to Disney Springs.
#2 - Caribbean Beach Resort
I really appreciate Walt Disney World for keeping up on their quality and cleanliness at their resorts. My first stay here was in 1995. I didn't stay here again until 2015 and it's like nothing had changed. There was no sign of wear and tear on the resort or 20 years of aging. That's some Disney magic!
This resort is massive which is usually a turn off for me. However, internal shuttle service at Disney's Caribbean Beach makes this resort manageable. This resort has some great food options and it's wonderful to catch the bus to refuel at Centertown Market. This resort also has Sebastian's Bistro, which I only hear good things about and I hope to grab dinner here someday.
This resort edges the Port Orleans Riverside Resort thanks to the Skyliner Hub. This is one of my favorite resort transportation options. There is also the option to walk to and from Disney's Rivera Resort to experience the magic over there. Check out Dan's Vlog on walking between the resorts to grab dinner and visiting the Fuentes del Morro Pool. I cannot unsee the details Dan has pointed out about this pool.
#1 – Port Orleans French Quarter
Topping my list is the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. It's no surprise this tops my list since it is the smallest of the moderate resorts. The classic charm of New Orleans really comes to life at this resort. From the theming to the food court to the Mardi Gras style float main pool, they have just got it right. It's as smooth as the Jazz music pumping out of the speakers.
Just like it's Riverside Counterpart, the boat is available to take you to and from Disney Springs. It does not have the Skyliner access, but It will give the Skyliner up for the benefit of a smaller resort. I'll be staying here again in November of 2025. I hope to once again enjoy all this resort has to offer. A beignet from Scat Cat's Club is already calling my name!
That’s my order of the moderate resorts. Which ones have you stayed at and how do they stack up for you?
I have a sentimental attachment to Caribbean Beach Resort and keep ending up there because of the skyliner.
Out of the Moderate Resorts, this would be my ranking as well. I really do love Port Orleans French Quarter so much, so it will always be my number one. The size and only having one bus stop, plus beignets are a huge win for me. Caribbean Beach wouldn't typically be a resort for me, but the SkyLiner is a massive draw now.
Great blog. Out of the moderate resorts, I have only stayed at Caribbean Beach and really enjoyed the skyliner access. We were lucky enough to have a room right opposite it so were in the parks in no time at all. After reading this blog though, I really want to stay at French Quarter and eat beignets all day.