Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer some fantastic themed lodging options at Disney World, but they each come with their own set of issues.
It’s easy to see why so many folks love Disney’s Moderate Resorts. These four hotels (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter) each offer unique theming, good transportation options, and awesome amenities. However, there are some reasons you may want to avoid these popular hotels during your next Disney World visit.
Too Big
The Moderate Resorts are NOTORIOUS for how sprawled out they are.
It can be uncomfortably easy to find yourself away from the main amenities like transportation hubs and other buildings.
The Moderate Resorts also have several outdoor walkways — which not only give the older buildings a motel vibe, but also create a walking issue when the weather is bad, and you need to trek to and from your room.
No Deluxe Perks
You’re not exactly paying Deluxe rates, but you’re paying far more than you would at a Value Resort — so it’s fair to expect some elevated perks. However, one notable perk is missing with a stay at a Deluxe Resort.
Unlike Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resort stays do not offer extended evening hours.
Extended evening hours give guests the ability to stay in the parks later than regular guests on certain nights. This benefit often provides short wait times, minimal foot traffic, and — for many — an ideal theme park experience.
Unfortunately, missing out on extras like this makes the difference between Value Resort prices and Moderate Resort prices hard to swallow. It makes you wonder if you’re better off ponying up more to stay at a Deluxe Resort or saving a whole bunch of money and opting for a Value hotel.
The Swan and Dolphin Hotels Offer a Better Value
Good Neighbor Hotels like the Swan and Dolphin can straight up offer better value — as well as a prime location.
Located in the EPCOT resort area, not only do these hotels offer similar moderate pricing, but they even include Deluxe perks like extended evening hours!
A short walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin keep you within that Disney bubble while offering a twist — they’re operated by Marriott. So if you stack up Marriott Bonvoy points or rewards, it’s possible you could stay here for far less. Maybe your stay could even be comped!
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
At the end of the day, where you stay comes down to personal preference. You’ve got tons of options, and we’re always visiting the resorts and keeping up with the latest updates to help you stay informed before making that big decision. As always, continue to follow us here at AllEars to stay in the know!
8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
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Which Disney World hotels are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
That is why you pay for a preferred room. I am always right by the lobby and the busses.