Why Moderate Resorts Are Worth a Bit More
One of the most challenging aspects of planning a Walt Disney World vacation is deciding where to stay.
Over time, guests learn that staying off-campus is a non-starter due to the logistics of Orlando traffic.
![Disney World military 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/POFQ-Doubloon-2013b-2366_large.jpg)
![Disney World military 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/POFQ-Doubloon-2013b-2366_large.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Also, you miss out on the greatness of Walt Disney World resorts, which is, if anything, even a bigger deal.
Still, deciding which Disney hotel to book comes with its own difficulties, as you must settle on your budget.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sassagoula-Floatworks-at-Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-2-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sassagoula-Floatworks-at-Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-2-scaled.jpg)
Quick Serve Dining
Here’s why Moderate Tier Disney resorts are worth the money.
Bang for the Buck
![Dollar](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Dollar_sign_in_circle_cleaned_PD_version.green_.svg_.png)
![Dollar](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Dollar_sign_in_circle_cleaned_PD_version.green_.svg_.png)
Photo: Wikimedia
Even though it’s not Disney, the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears applies to Moderate Tier resorts.
Some may find Value Tier resorts too basic and Deluxe Tier hotels too posh.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-7-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-7-scaled.jpg)
Port Orleans
However, many Disney fans believe they stretch their vacation budgets most effectively by staying at a Moderate Tier resort.
I understand that logic, as one of my favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-3-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-3-scaled.jpg)
Port Orleans
When I stay here, I know that I’ll spend my vacation at a gorgeous hotel, but I won’t break the bank on a nightly stay.
Since resorts in the Moderate Tier are so affordable, I’ll balance my love of Disney immersive theming with a decent price.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-5-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Port-Orleans-French-Quarter-5-scaled.jpg)
Port Orleans
So, I can spend the overwhelming majority of my vacation budget at the parks, not my hotel room.
Of course, you may wonder whether you’re better off booking a Value Tier resort if price is the primary consideration.
![dollar](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-24-at-8.32.50-AM.png)
![dollar](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-24-at-8.32.50-AM.png)
Photo: vecteezy.com
Here are a few reasons why Moderate Tier resorts are worth a bit more.
Better Dining Options
![Boatwright’s Dining Hall](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Boatwrights-9.jpg)
![Boatwright’s Dining Hall](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Boatwrights-9.jpg)
Dining Options
We all try to be polite about it, but the Value Tier resort restaurants are generally glorified mall food courts.
Yes, the food is better than what you’ll find at your local mall—assuming you still go to malls.
![Sebastian's Bistro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-3.png)
![Sebastian's Bistro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-3.png)
Pictured: Sautéed Shrimp and Crab Cake-Topped Burger
That’s because Disney’s chefs are absolute wizards at culinary preparations. So, this ain’t Sbarro’s or Hot Dog on a Stick.
Even so, you’ll still notice a difference when you step up to Moderate Tier resort dining.
![New Orleans Port](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-2.jpg)
![New Orleans Port](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-2.jpg)
Credit: Disney
For example, at both Port Orleans resorts, you expand your culinary options to include beignets!
Similarly, you can dine at a few Table Service restaurants, something that’s not an option at Value Tier resorts.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sebastian’s-Bistro-1.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sebastian’s-Bistro-1.jpg)
Disney
I speak from experience when I say that you will sometimes appreciate sitting down and enjoying a fine meal during your trip.
At Moderate Tier resorts, places like Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Sebastian’s Bistro, and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood will tantalize your tastebuds.
![Sebastian's Bistro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-1.png)
![Sebastian's Bistro](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-1.png)
Sebastian’s Bistro
You simply cannot conveniently eat at places like this when you’re staying at a Value Tier resort.
Yes, you can visit any restaurant on the Disney campus, but there’s something different about dining at your home resort.
![Sebastian's Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-2.png)
![Sebastian's Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Reservations-Now-Open-for-Sebastian’s-Bistro-at-Disney’s-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Disney-Parks-Blog-2.png)
Disney
And at Moderate Tier properties, the dining is better.
Bigger Hotel Rooms
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.01.20 PM.png)
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.01.20 PM.png)
Disney
I’m a big guy, and a tiny hotel room can make me feel a bit claustrophobic.
Even if you’re not the same way, I’m confident you’d rather have more space in your hotel room.
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.01.28 PM.png)
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.01.28 PM.png)
Disney
With that breathing room, you can spread out a bit more and unpack your luggage.
Otherwise, you’ll play an odd puzzle game during your vacation where you must move something to sit somewhere.
![Beginning of dialog contentDisney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.03.09 PM.png)
![Beginning of dialog contentDisney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.03.09 PM.png)
Disney
I’ve played this game many times over the years in hotel rooms that I wish were Disney-sized.
Using French Quarter as an example, you’ll notice that the Moderate Tier hotel rooms are substantially bigger.
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.03.59 PM.png)
![Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-19-at-8.03.59 PM.png)
Disney
In fact, French Quarter’s standard rooms include 20 percent more space than All-Star properties.
That extra space will make a world of difference during your trip, as anyone who moved out of a studio apartment into something bigger can tell you.
Nicer Pools
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/disney-s-coronado-springs.jpg)
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/disney-s-coronado-springs.jpg)
Photo: trip advisor
I’m in awe of the pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
This facility speaks to the dedication and imagination of Disney resort planners.
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pools-coronado-springs-resort-00.jpg.webp)
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pools-coronado-springs-resort-00.jpg.webp)
Photo: Disney
Disney constructed an entire abandoned temple…and guests don’t even use it.
This structure exists simply for the visual, the atmospheric vibe it creates for the pool guests swimming and sunbathing beneath it.
![Disney World Pools](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2018-10-21-15_33_27-Pools-at-Disneys-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-_-Walt-Disney-World-Resort.png)
![Disney World Pools](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2018-10-21-15_33_27-Pools-at-Disneys-Caribbean-Beach-Resort-_-Walt-Disney-World-Resort.png)
Photo: Disney
Similarly, at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’ll discover a colonial fortress complete with cannons!
Disney has created an entire backstory for many of its Moderate Tier pools.
![Doubloon Lagoon Pool Port Orleans French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Port-Orleans-Pool-Refurbishment-3-scaled.jpeg)
![Doubloon Lagoon Pool Port Orleans French Quarter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Port-Orleans-Pool-Refurbishment-3-scaled.jpeg)
Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
That’s the Disney difference on display right there.
Outstanding Logistics
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-disney-skyliner-2-2-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-disney-skyliner-2-2-scaled.jpg)
Skyliner
We mentioned this to an extent with some Value Tier resorts.
Two of them, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, share a Disney Skyliner station.
![Disney Skyliner](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-disney-skyliner-2-scaled.jpg)
![Disney Skyliner](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-disney-skyliner-2-scaled.jpg)
Disney Skyliner
However, at a Moderate Tier resort, you’ll discover the central hub for the entire Disney Skyliner transportation system.
Yes, at Caribbean Beach, the “central terminus” links all the other gondola pathways.
![Disney Skyliner 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-wdw-disney-skyliner-photo-by-bioreconstruct-on-twitter-x2-scaled.jpeg)
![Disney Skyliner 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-wdw-disney-skyliner-photo-by-bioreconstruct-on-twitter-x2-scaled.jpeg)
Photo: @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X
When you stay here, you are always a gondola ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
For the first time in Walt Disney World history, you’ll know exactly how long it’ll take to travel to and from the theme parks.
![wdw transport refurbished bus accessible](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/feb24-disney-bus-refit-wdw-accessible-1-scaled.jpg)
![wdw transport refurbished bus accessible](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/feb24-disney-bus-refit-wdw-accessible-1-scaled.jpg)
Disney Bus
Obviously, you’ll enjoy free bus transportation as well, and that’s not even the best part.
Some of these resorts include Friendship Boat transportation to and from places like Disney Springs.
![EPCOT Friendship Boat VIII New Color Scheme](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/New-EPCOT-Friendship-Boat-VIII-6-scaled.jpg)
![EPCOT Friendship Boat VIII New Color Scheme](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/New-EPCOT-Friendship-Boat-VIII-6-scaled.jpg)
Friendship Boat
In short, Moderate Tier resort logistics are exceptional, especially for the price of these hotel rooms.
Superior Theming
![New Orleans Port](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-1.jpg)
![New Orleans Port](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-1.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Finally, we have my favorite reason to stay at Moderate Tier resorts.
The theming at these properties definitely kicks things up a notch from Value Tier properties.
At Caribbean Beach, you’ll discover Barefoot Bay, a central hub that unites the island sections of Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, and Trinidad.
At French Quarter, every day is Mardi Gras as you visit The Big Easy!
![Port Orleans](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/port-orleans-resort-riverside-gallery03.jpg)
![Port Orleans](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/port-orleans-resort-riverside-gallery03.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Similarly, Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside will show you all the highlights of the Mississippi River during the late 19th century.
Then, we have Coronado Springs, which recreates Colonial Spanish and American Southwest architectural elements.
![Disney free dining](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_3053-2-scaled.jpg)
![Disney free dining](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_3053-2-scaled.jpg)
Photo: Christy Weinberg
When you stay at Moderate Tier resorts, you’ll feel immersed in lovingly detailed theming that will set the mood for your visit.
Personally, I know that I’m back at Disney the first time I enter the lobby at French Quarter and notice the unmistakable N’awlins touches.
![Port Orleans Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-5.jpg)
![Port Orleans Riverside](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-5.jpg)
Disney
You’ll find theming like this across Walt Disney World, but it’s particularly prevalent at the Moderate Tier.
So, for this and the other reasons listed here, I fervently believe that Moderate Tier resorts are worth a bit more.
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mickeyblog-logo.png)
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mickeyblog-logo.png)
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