Deciding on where to stay during your Walt Disney World vacation in Orlando can be quite mind-boggling. There are four Resort hotel levels: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. If you plan on staying onsite in a moderate hotel, we suggest looking at the pros and cons of each resort. Of course, Disney’s moderate level resorts aren’t as pricey as deluxe accommodations!

It can definitely be a tricky decision when it comes to picking your Disney World accommodations — but we want to help. We’re ranking the Disney moderate hotels so you know which is truly the best of the best.

Now, we want our ranking to be as objective as possible. So, we’ve ranked each hotel by utilizing a previous reader ranking. Shout out to our friends over at AllEars.Net for help with this effort!

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

The favorite of the moderate resorts didn’t surprise us. Port Orleans French Quarter has received rave reviews for years and has a very strong fan following.

Many families stay here year after year. The cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and wrought iron fences steal many hearts!

Port Orleans French Quarter is absolutely charming! Families with small children really appreciate that the resort’s small size makes getting to the bus stop and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory easy. I’ve also found this to be a very accessible and family-friendly resort when traveling with multi-generations.

• Pros: Small & easy to navigate, boat to Disney Springs, Beignets
• Cons: No table service restaurant, buses can be time-consuming

And don’t forget, French Quarter is the home of Mickey Beignets! Head over to Scat Cat’s Club and pick between standard beignets, fruit-centered beignets, and even boozy beignets.

Or why not opt for my favorite — the Beignet Sundae! It’s big enough to share.

Want to see more of Port Orleans – French Quarter? Click here!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a favorite for some and a less exciting option for others. You’re on ISLAND TIME! With its centralized location and relaxing island vibe, this Resort sets a calypso tone for a vacation within a vacation!

When it comes to moderate hotels, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort arguably has the best transportation options.

Caribbean Beach is close to two Disney Skyliner stations: the main hub and the Riviera station.

• Pros: Disney Skyliner, close to Disney’s Riviera Resort and its dining options
• Cons: Super huge, limited dining

However, this is a large resort and your walk to the main lobby could be LONG.

Dining options are limited but guests can easily make use of the restaurants at Riviera Resort.

Click here to see more of Caribbean Beach!

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is great for those who want Disney theming to the max.

Riverside offers rustic Louisiana-inspired charm and terrific dining options.

You’ll find southern hospitality around every corner.

• Pros: Yehaa Bob Jackson performs at River Roost Lounge, Royal Rooms, boats to Disney Springs
• Cons: Very large with many bus stops

The walk over to French Quarter and the boat ride to Disney Springs are both relaxing.

While this resort boasts a peaceful setting, it is also sprawling.

Want to see more of Port Orleans – Riverside? Click here!

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

If you’re wanting luxury but you’re also on a budget, then Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort might be the moderate resort to book!

This resort is GORGEOUS — especially the Gran Destino Tower section of this hotel, which opened back in 2019.

Coronado Springs also has the biggest hot tub on Disney property! You can find it over at the Dig Site — a pool area themed around the Mayan ruins.

• Pros: Dining options, only Moderate with a Club Level, large hot tub/Dig Site pool area
• Cons: only Bus transportation, large resort

Coronado Springs has a LOT of dining and a lot of variety.

Despite being a bit far from everything, you can see the EPCOT AND Hollywood Studios fireworks from Gran Destino’s Dahlia Lounge.

Want to see more of Coronado Springs? Click here!

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is going to be the best option if you’re wanting some extra space without splurging for a suite. Just note that the cabins will soon be undergoing massive renovations. 

The cabins might be more expensive than the other moderate options, but you’re going to get a lot more space and a lot more privacy for the price.

• Pros: Boat to Magic Kingdom, fun camping experience and environment, recreational activities
• Cons: Large resort, limited dining options

Fort Wilderness Resort itself is located a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, but navigating the sprawling area of the resort itself can take some time.

The cabins feel more homey and rustic than swanky. So, if you’re looking for something a little more casual instead of luxurious, they could be worth considering!

Click here to learn more about Fort Wilderness Resort!

Finally, if you are still unsure as to which hotel is best for your family, be sure to read our rankings of ALL the Disney World resorts. And remember that the BEST moderate resort for your traveling party may not be the highest ranked resort. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before choosing your moderate Disney hotel.

Coronado Springs vs. Port Orleans Disney World Resort Guide 2023

How would you rank the Disney moderate resorts?