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.
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.
Here’s why Moderate Tier Disney resorts are worth the money.
Bang for the Buck
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are a few reasons why Moderate Tier resorts are worth a bit more.
Better 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And at Moderate Tier properties, the dining is better.
Bigger Hotel Rooms
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
That’s the Disney difference on display right there.
Outstanding Logistics
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.
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.
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.
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.
In short, Moderate Tier resort logistics are exceptional, especially for the price of these hotel rooms.
Superior Theming
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!
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.
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.
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.
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