The Moderate Disney Hotels
- planmydisneyholiday
- Oct 22, 2019
- 17 min read
As mentioned in my previous blog post there is different levels of Disney hotels at Walt Disney World. The cheapest level is Value; the next level up is moderate which is what I am writing about today.
There is 5 different hotels at this level:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (10),
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (23),
Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside and French Quarter (25 and 26),
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (9).
There is numerous benefits for staying at a Moderate resort than a Value resort hotels.
1) Closer to the parks in comparison.
2) More and larger pools (the larger pools have a slide).
3) A counter service restaurant and a table service restaurant.
4) Range of transportation to the parks.
5) Larger room size.
6) Theming more subtle and less larger than life.
7) More recreation options due to the size of the resorts.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Layout
As can be seen on the map the area is a lot larger than the value resort maps.
The resort is broken up into 6 different areas (villages) each named after different Caribbean places.
The main building is Old Port Royale Center Town with the each 'village' having their own bus stop to get around the resort as well as to the parks.
As shown on the map the resort is built around a lake which is home to a lot of the recreation options.
Old Port Royale Center Town has the shops, dining options, and the main reception in the building with another food choice at Trinidad South.
The resort has had a a refurbishment recently so has amazing views around the place.
Each village has their own pool and beach in their area.
For an additional costs you can stay at a pirate themed room. The beds look like they are pirate ships with the masts as the headrests, and the base being shaped into a boat. The decorations are also pirate themed such as the table top being a compass, the drawers/ TV cabinet being storage boxes, and a barrel as a bed side table.
Transport
The resort is in the Epcot area and is near Hollywood Studios as well. The hotel is labelled as 10 on the above map, and has transportation to all parks by buses as well as the Skyliner to Studios and Epcot.
The Skyliner has has some teething problems but is up and running as I am writing. There is two points to catch the Skyliner; the hub is next to Jamaica and can go to directly to Epcot, Studios and Art of Animation/ Pop Century.
The other place to catch the Skyliner is next to Aruba and you can either go to the hub or Epcot. If you you catch the Skyliner from the hub to Epcot it will go though the other station, but you can stay seated.Using Skyliner:
Epcot - around 10 mins
Hollywood Studios - around 5 mins
Using Buses*:
Magic Kingdom - 25 mins
Epcot - 15 mins
Hollywood Studios - 20 mins
Animal Kingdom - 30 mins
Pools
Each different area has their own small pool to have a relaxing swim because most of the activities take place at the main pool at Old Port Royale Center Town. The main pool is based on an old fort with 2 slides, fountains, and water cannons. It is amazing to view and can be enjoyed by all ages because there is the shipwreck play area for younger and smaller children.
Recreation
There is many activities to be had by all the family.
1) Beach Campfires - Roast marshmallows (bring or your own or buy some from Cast members) and enjoy S'mores.
2) Movies under the Stars - Enjoy Disney films being shown on a large screen, usually it takes place in the large pool area, but check with the reception for details on the film and location.
3) Pirate Adventure Cruise - A 2 hour adventure for 4 - 12 year old costing $40 - $50. Children go with some pirates to solve clues to find the treasure.
4) The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay - This is also a scavenger hunt but for 10 to 16 year old. It takes place on a Thursday 8 - 9.30 pm it costs around $40 with snacks included.
5) Fishing - It is a guided catch and release fishing trip leaving from Caribbean Cay island (The island in the middle of the lake).
6) Bike Rentals - Enjoy the sites around the resort while having a relaxed bike ride.
7) Beach Volleyball - The Volleyball court is located at Martinique village area and equipment is available at Trinidad North.
8) Jogging Trail - There is a 0.6 mile running course which you can take at your own pace.
9) Playgrounds - There is 3 different playground locations at Jamaica, Trinidad South, and Caribbean Cay.
Dining
There is a range of dining choices throughout the resort.
Sebastian's Bistro
This table dining option is only available for dinner and offers a range of Caribbean tastes such as jerk chicken, coconut shrimp and grits, and fried cod, a child's menu is also available with choices pork shoulders, cheese burgers, and fish sticks.
Centertown Market
This is a food court inspired by Latin and Caribbean dishes.
Breakfast includes Mickey waffles, omelets, and Avocado toast.
Lunch has hot sandwiches such as burgers or pulled pork. There is also family favorites as chicken strips, chicken bowl, and pizzas. There is also Romaine and Spinach and Kale to offer a variety.
Dinner offers the same options as lunch with jerk chicken and beef stew as additional options. There is even some additional burgers and pasta choices.
There is the Grab and Go option to get a salad or a sandwich.
Spyglass Grill
Unlike the other choices this is the only place outside Old Port Royale Center Town and is located at Trinidad South. There is choices for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Breakfast offers eggs, breakfast wraps or sandwiches, and even offers Yuca Hash as an alternative.
Lunch and Dinner shares the same menu with burgers, tacos, and food bowls.
Banana Cabana Pool Bar
Located next to the main pool is this bar which offers a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. A lot of the cocktails are inspired by the Caribbean such as Mojitos, Mai Tai and other rum based drinks.
Shopping and facilities
At the main building there is Calypso Trading Post offering anything you can possible need such as snacks and medical items. There is resort branded items such as pins and towels which make good souvenirs.
I always enjoying picking something up from the hotel I am staying at even if it a small item such as a pin.
There is laundry rooms in the different pool areas around the resort if you need to do any washing.
Coronado Springs Resort
Layout
The resort is located in the Animal Kingdom area and has 4 areas to stay at (Gran Destino Tower, Cabanas, Ranchos, Casitas), there is also the convention center at El centro, The Dig Site is where the main pool is located and the whole resort is located around a lake, Lago Darado.
There is bus stops throughout the resort as well which all take you to the park, but there are bridges across the lake to link the different areas to the main reception.
Coronado Springs has recently been under a huge construction with the building of the tower which has been opened this year.
When I visited this resort in 2013, for my honeymoon, there was a huge muscle car convention which had nothing to do with Disney but they hired out the center and it was extremely busy, but after the weekend had finished it was completely different with hardly anyone there in comparison. The convention did not cause any problems with my visit and it was nice to see the cars, but be aware when you are booking at this resort.
Transport
The only transport available from the resort is buses and as said you can get picked up from the bus stop near each area.
Buses travel times*:
Magic Kingdom - 25 mins
Epcot - 20 mins
Hollywood Studios - 15 mins
Animal Kingdom - 15 mins
Pools
There is 4 pools in total, 3 pool are described as "leisure pool" which are small and usually a lot quiet than the main pool at the Dig Site.
The pool at the Dig Site has a Mayan ruin theme with a 50 foot pyramid with running water down the front steps. The 123 foot water slide is a great ride from behind the pyramid. This is also the location of the largest hot tub in Walt Disney World being able to seat 22 people. This area is also home to a range of different activities which is listed below.
Recreation
Again there is a range of things for the whole family to do when having a resort day/afternoon.
1) Campfire activities - Based at the pool area and like Caribbean Beach Resort you can enjoy marshmallows and s'mores.
2) Movies under the stars - Like the other resorts the details are available at the front desk, where, when and what film.
3) Volleyball - On the sandy beach area near the pool is a volleyball court to enjoy.
4) Jogging Trail - The 0.9 mile jogging trail is all the way around Lago Dorado and has amazing views of the resorts.
5) Playground - To fit in with the Dig site themeing the playground is archaeologically themed with climbing areas, slides and play areas.
6) Iguana Arcade - Next to the pool is Iguana Arcade which offers pinball, air hockey, and video games, but has an extra cost to them.
Dining
There is a wide range of dining choices at Coroando Springs especially since the Gran Destino tower.
Barcelona Lounge
A chilled Spanish styled gin tonic bar, but there is such a wide range of drinks available included Spanish styled side dishes.
Dahlia Lounge
Again Spanish themed but the views are amazing of this roof top bar. There is a selection of plates, Tapas, or food boards for a bite to eat. Again there is cocktails and non alcoholic drinks to enjoy with the view.
Three Bridges Bar and Grill
This Spanish-American mixed menu is only open for dinner. The view is amazing because as hinted at in the name the location is in the middle of the lake.
There is a range of food choices including shareable platters as well as tacos, burgers, chicken sliders, salads, and sandwiches.
Toledo - Tapas, Steak and Seafood
The inspiration of this Spanish restaurant is 1930's avant-garde/surrealist art. The roof top restaurant is also only open for dinner. As in the name there is tapas, steak and seafood on the menu. The tapas part of the menu is much larger than the entrees part, so this location is all about the tapas element.
Maya Grill
Like the other restaurants so far, the only option to dine here is for dinner. This was the first place my wife and I went to on our honeymoon due to us staying at the resort, and was extremely filling.
This is another Spanish/Mexican styled menu with tacos, fish, and enchiladas. There is also chef specialties with include rib eyed steak and sharer platters with steak, chicken, chorizo and veg or shrimp, scallops, fish and veg.
Cafe Rix
Looking at the menu this restaurant has gone through some changes since I stayed on my honeymoon. This location would offer quick service items and usually I picked up my warm breakfast sandwich from here, but now there is only pastries and breakfast snack items such as cereal or fruit cups.
El Mercado de Coronado
This is a quick service restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For breakfast there is many items to choose from such as scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles and even pizzas. There is even quick grab and go items such as cereal bowls, bagels, muffins and other pastries.
Lunch and dinner offers a wide range depending on the day, there is rice bowls, nachos, burgers, pizzas, panini. Items only available on certain days include chicken, ribs, stir fry, salmon and curry. Again there is items to grab and go including sandwiches and salads.
Siestas Cantina
This a pool bar in the Dig Site area, so there is quick bites and drinks on sale. You can get nachos, chicken wings as small bites but if you want something a bit larger there is also tacos, wraps and burgers.
Laguna Bar
This bar is near the main building of the resort and over looks the lake. Like many of the bars in Disney World there is a selection of drinks as well as signature cocktails based on the theme of the resort. This bar offers tequila and rum based cocktails.
Rix Sports Bar and Grill
Like many sports bar there is food and drinks to enjoy while supporting your team. there is 31 TV's to view the nightly sporting events. Here you can sit and enjoy a meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For breakfast there is many choices such as steak and eggs, omelets, pancakes, different styled eggs such as benedict or served with ham and bacon.
Lunch and dinner offers appetizers such as chicken wings, giant pretzel, ribs and nachos if you want a small snack. There is also soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and fish and chips for a larger meal.
Shopping and facilities
Near the main desk is the shop for this resort called Panchito's gifts and sundries and like the other resort shops there is items such as snacks and drinks, medical supplies, and special resort items as well as Disney merchandise.
Near the small pools is the laundry and dry cleaning services the laundry rooms are open 24 hours a day and dry cleaning can be arranged using housekeeping on your hotel phone.
La Vida Health club is located at Coronado Springs and offers fitness equipment, spa services (including massage and facials), and a salon for hair and nail treatment. The costs vary depending on the service that is chosen.
Port Orleans Resort
This resort is made up of two parts Riverside and French Quarter, so I will do information about both parts separately.
As hinted in the name this has a New Orleans themeing to it and each represent different parts of the city.
This resort is in the Disney Springs area and, there is two different choices of transportation depending on where you are going.
If you are going to Disney Springs from either area you can catch a boat on a 15/20 minute ride.
Buses are available for the other parks*:
Magic Kingdom - 25 mins
Epcot - 25 mins
Hollywood Studios - 25 mins
Animal Kingdom - 30 mins
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Layout
As shown in the above map there is two different areas (Alligator Bayou smaller building on the left and the top of the map, and Magnolia Bend the larger buildings on the right of the map) and the resort is based around a lake/river. There is bus stops at each area to take you to the parks, and there is pools in each area as well as a main one on the island in the
middle of the lake.
The theming of this part of the resort has two parts; one part is the large stately homes with the white columns and the other part is more wooden styled cottages based on the Bayou's cottages.
Pools
There is 5 small 'leisure' pools located around the resort as well as a 3.5 acre refuge swimming hole and fishing area all inspired by Tom Sawyer story. The main pool is built into an abandoned sawmill with a 95 feet rustic slide into the mill works, there is also fountains as well fitting into the theme of the entire pool area. Like the other resorts there is also a whirlpool tub to sit and relax in.
Recreations
As with the other resorts there is a range of activities for us to do at the resort.
1) Movies under the stars - A range of films to be shown once the sun has set.
2) Campfire on de' Bayou - Like the above resorts you can toast marshmallows on a campfire.
3) Jogging Trail - There is a mile trail along the side of the river in the resort.
4) Horse Drawn Carriage ride - The cost is $55 and a 25 minute ride along the river side.
5) Bike Rentals - Enjoy the views around the resort on a bike rental.
6) Surrey Bike Rentals - Enjoy the views around the resort with your family in a covered surrey bike rental can rent 2 or 4 person bikes.
7) Fishing - A guided bass catch and release excursion from the pool area.
8) Playground - For younger guests there is slides, climbing areas in the pool area.
9) Medicine Show Arcade - There is a range of different computer games and arcades based in the Colonel's Cotton Mill Building.
Dining
Boatwright's Dining Hall
It is only open for dinner but does offer a range of food such southern cuisine. Ribs, Jambalaya, and steak are all an option for a main entree as well as the chef's platter which includes chicken, ribs, brisket, and sausage.
Riverside Mill Food Court
This restaurant is inspired by Southern Louisiana style cooking. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with lunch and dinner sharing the same menu.
For breakfast this is omelets, pancakes, and waffles with a different sides such as bacon or fruit.
Lunch and dinner offer pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken and salads.
River Roast
You can watch live entertainment at this lounge in the evening there are some small bites including wings, fish and chips, burgers and even cakes. There is a range of draft beers and cocktails with rum.
Muddy Rivers
Located in the pool bar area this is the pool bar offering different drinks including mai tai, margarita, and other rum based cocktails.
Shopping and facilities
Fulton's General Store is based in the main building of this resort, and like the other stores located around Disney World they are linked to the resort they are based in.
If you need anything you will most likely find them in the resorts stores because they sell anything that you could possibly need at any point. Of course they have a range of Disney branded items and most of the time it is linked to the theme of the resort or have the resort branded on them.
Like the other resorts laundry facilities are around the resort near the small pool areas.
Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Layout
This part of the resort is smaller than Riverside, and it is made up of 7 buildings being separated into North and South quarter. This is styled in the style of New Orleans French Quarter hence the name Port Orleans French Quarter. There is the iron work throughout the area with balconies even having New Orlean's styled iron works on them, the walkways have cobblestone and gaslight styled lighting around.
Pools
Unlike the other resorts so far there is only one pool in the French Quarter, but it is hugely themed based on Mardi Gras. There is a 51 foot long slide down a water a serpent and there is jazz alligator statues throughout the pool area as well as the rest of the hotel.
Recreation
To start with French Quarter and Riverside share a lot of activities such as fishing and bike rentals, so I might repeat them again here:
1) Painting on de' Bayou - Every Wednesday there is a Disney inspired painting session led by an instructor. The cost is $35 for the session and is aimed for any painting skill level.
2) Beignet Fun Run - On most Sunday there is a fun run around a 1.5 mile track and once you complete the run you receive a medal and a beignet. The cost is $15 and ask at the main desk about signing up.
3) Movies under the stars - A range of films to be shown once the sun has set.
4) Campfire on de' Bayou - Like the above resorts you can toast marshmallows on a campfire.
5) Jogging Trail - There is a mile trail along the side of the river in the resort.
6) Horse Drawn Carriage ride - The cost is $55 and a 25 minute ride along the river side.
7) Bike Rentals - Enjoy the views around the resort on a bike rental.
8) Surrey Bike Rentals - Enjoy the views around the resort with your family in a covered surrey bike rental can rent 2 or 4 person bikes.
9) Fishing - A guided bass catch and release excursion from the pool area.
10) Playground - For younger guests there is slides, climbing areas in the pool area.
11) South Quarter Arcade - There is a range of different computer games as well as air hockey, and pinball in the Mint building.
Dining
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Like the pool theme, this restaurant is based on Mardi Gras and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is a great choice of breakfast items such as The Big Easy Breakfast, and french toast as specialties for this location. Other choices do include omelets, pancakes and waffles.
For Lunch you can pick some special items such as Shrimp and Grits, Jambalaya, and Gumbo. Other choices such burger, chicken, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and salads are available.
Later in the day, there is also dinner choices a lot of the lunch menu is still the same with some extra items being added depending on the day some items include fried chicken, ribs, rib eyed steaks, fish, and rice bowls.
If you really are hungry late into the night there is pizza and desserts still for sale.
Scat Cat's Club
If you enjoy your Jazz music this a must do for you - inspired by New Orleans this lounge offers music, drinks and quick bites all with a New Orleans twist. The food on offer is sliders, mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and beignets.
Mardi Grogs
This pool bar offers drinks and some snacks ideal for chilling at the pool during a day. The items you can pick up is sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Shopping and facilities
Jackson Square Gifts and Desires is the shop in the French Quarter area which offers most items that you could need as well as merchandise with the Port Orleans branding.
Just like all the other resorts laundry services are based at the pool areas.
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
Layout
This is based on 750 acres in a pine and cypress forest. The cabins sleeps up to 6 with 1 queen bed, 1 bunk bed, and 1 double sized sofa bed. The theme is very natural and staying in the wilderness. There is less pools and more recreation activities to do here, but this resort is very close to Magic Kingdom. A lot of the activities is shared with Fort Wilderness Resort, so on the above map you can't see a lake but there is one on the other side of the resort.
Like Port Orleans there is two types of transport from this resort 1 being a boat to Magic Kingdom and the other is buses.
The boat is on the other side of the 750 acres located on the side of Bay Lake travelling across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom it takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Bus times*
Magic Kingdom - 15 minutes
Epcot - 40 minutes
Hollywood Studios - 40 minutes
Animal Kingdom - 40 minutes
Pool
There is one pool located in The Cabins section of Fort Wilderness, and it is around the middle section.
It has a 67 foot corkscrew slide and a children's fort themed water play area with smaller slides.
Recreation
As stated before there is a huge range of recreation activities to do at Fort Wilderness Resort, and as a guest at the cabins you have access to the same activities.
1) Archery - For aged 7 upwards a 90 minute archery session every Tuesday, and can be booked up to 180 days before hand. People can watch and observe if they are not intrested.
2) Tri-Circle-D Ranch - This is where a lot of the horses from Main Street USA are cared for. You can explore the ranch and see the animals around plus a lot more (listed below).
3) Carriage Rides - A 25 minute ride through the wilderness of the resort based at Crockett's Tavern.
4) Pony rides - For smaller guests (need to be at least 2 years old, under 80 pounds, no taller than 48 inches) can visit the Tri-Circle_D Ranch and ride some of the ponys.
5) Wagon Rides - Like the Carriage rides this a horse drawn ride around the resort but for a larger amount of people.
6) Chip N Dale campfire Sing a long - enjoy roasting marshmallows on a fire and even get a chance to meet some Disney characters.
7) Movies under the stars - Based at the Meadows Recreation Area you can enjoy a range of Disney films keep an eye out for the details around the main desk and leisure areas.
8) Motor Boat rentals - Based at Fort Wilderness Marina and get to rent a boat to explore Bay Lake.
9) Fishing - A guided excursion around Bay Lake in a provided fishing boat.
10) Canoe rentals - Can be rented from the Meadow Recreation area and follow the rivers around the Wilderness Resort. The cost of the rental is $13 per hour and life vest are included.
11) Kayak Rentals - Same as above they are located in the same location and can be rented for $13 as well. The main difference is the boat a kayak is covered where as a canoe is more open.
12) Bike rentals - Enjoy the scenic views of the Wilderness Resort with a bike rental maybe even see some of the wildlife.
13) Basketball - There are many courts around the resort that can be enjoyed by guests.
14) Volleyball - There is volleyball courts at the Meadow Recreation area for guests to enjoy.
15) Jogging Trails - There is different routes for you to follow and a map is available from the front desk.
16) Playgrounds - The different playgrounds are near the pool areas and give children the chance to run, climb and slide.
17) Daniel Boone's Wilderness arcade - A range of classic and modern games are available for guests to enjoy.
18) Wilderness Back Trail Adventure - Explore the resort by using a Segway you will be given a 30 minute instructions and practice time as well as a safety helmet and an electronic ear piece.
Shopping and facilities
There isn't actually a shop in the cabins section of Fort Wilderness, but there is some on the resort. Laundry services are at comfort stations throughout the Fort Wilderness Resort. You can enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant from certain locations at Fort Wilderness with the music being played to go along with what you are seeing.
There is a range of Moderate hotels and as you can see there is a wider range of activities to do in comparison to the value hotels. The hotels are amazing as well as the food each resort has there own positives.
Caribbean Beach Resort is in a great location especially now with the Skyliner.
Coronado Springs has a great choice in food options and the new tower has some great views.
Port Orleans has a great theme throughout. Even though there is limited food options at the resort, a 10 - 20 minute journey to Disney Springs means that there is a huge amount of food options near by.
Fort Wilderness is the one with the best location being so close to Magic Kingdom and has an amazing choice of recreation activities.
*Bus times from https://magicguides.com/disney-world-transportation-map/
Comments