Disney’s Moderate Resorts are a nice, “middle of the road” resort option on Walt Disney World property. The Moderate resorts have a more subtle Disney theming than the Values, but not quite all of the amenities or location perks of the Deluxe Resorts.
These Moderate resorts make a great option for families who would like a step up from the amenities and dining options at the Value resorts, want to stay within a budget, and who appreciate a nicer resort experience.
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Today, I am going to share some tips and information with you, in hopes that you will make either Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Coronado Springs your home for your next Disney vacation!
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Where are Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort located?
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is located in the Hollywood Studios and EPCOT area of Walt Disney World.
Caribbean Beach is the main hub of the Disney Skyliner system, as well. So it is very central to everything. Guests can also walk from the Aruba section of Caribbean Beach over to Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is located in the Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World property. This makes it very quiet, as you are away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
This Walt Disney World resort is themed after Spanish Colonial Mexico. It’s very well-styled, and has a deluxe feel to it. While it is technically in the Animal Kingdom area, it is actually a very short bus ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from here.
Who would enjoy Caribbean Beach Resort?
This resort is perfect for Disney guests who want proximity to the parks with a relaxed, Caribbean vibe. This resort is so “happy”. It brings the colors, flavors, and vibe of the islands to Central Florida!
The theming is around several Caribbean Islands, so bright colors and steel drum music give it a tropical feel. There are hammocks along the white sand beach areas, and anyone who wants good transportation options will love it here.
Guests can Skyline to two parks, motorcoach to two parks, and walk to one neighboring resort. Families with young kids will love the pool at Caribbean Beach as well!
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Caribbean Beach is also a great option for families of 5, as they have rooms that can accommodate up to 5 guests.
Who would enjoy Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort?
Coronado Springs has a deluxe feel at a moderate price tag. With the new addition of the Gran Destino Tower, Disney has really stepped up the luxury feel of this moderate resort. Personally, I feel as if it is more geared toward families with older children, or perhaps adults.
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That being said, don’t be scared to stay there with your family! The Dig Site pool is the best in the moderate category, and the dining options at Coronado Springs and Gran Destino are top notch. Plus, the Spanish colonial theming is so fun! Guests at Coronado Springs also have the luxury of a spa and fitness center on site.
Rooms at Disney’s Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has rooms that will accommodate up to 5 guests. These rooms have two queens and a pull down Murphy bed from the wall. This is nice for larger families, to have a resort option in the moderate category that will fit a family of 5. Also, Caribbean Beach is the only resort on property to offer Pirate themed guest rooms. The beds are double size, but they are literally pirate ships! So fun!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort recently finished a massive room refurbishment. All rooms have a queen size bed, hard wood floors, updated fixtures, and lighting. Coronado also offers a suite set up for guests. The Gran Destino Tower rooms sleep 4, with two queens as well. The rooms at the Gran Destino have entry into a hallway, whereas the non-tower rooms in the other area of the resort open directly to the outside.
Both resorts also offer guests Preferred Rooms which cost a little more per night. These are the same room set up, but the location is “preferred” so you are closer to the transportation, pools, and dining locations.
Dining Options at Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs Resorts
Since they are a moderate tier resort, these offer BOTH table service AND Quick Service dining options. This is a step up from Value Resorts, that offer only Quick Service. Both resorts have a plentiful quick service location.
At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you will find Latin and Caribbean inspired breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Centertown Market (the resort’s food court). You can check out Centertown Market’s full menu here.
Sebastian’s Bistro is Caribbean Beach’s Table Service (dinner only) restaurant. Check out the surf and turf menu here.
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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers quick breakfasts, lunches and dinners at El Mercado de Coronado. See the full food court menu here.
Maya Grill is Coronado Springs’ Table Service (dinner only) restaurant. The menu features American, Mexican, seafood and steakhouse dishes. You can read all about it here.
The main difference is Coronado Springs has some additional bars and lounges at the resort, due to it being a convention hotel.
With both resorts offering Quick Service, a pool bar, AND Table Service, your family will have a lot of dining options.
Pools and Other Amenities at Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs
Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs also offer guests fantastic pool options. It is so hard to choose a favorite between the pools, because they are both fantastic! The Dig Site at Coronado Springs is packed with fun things to do. This resort has an amazing water slide. Plus, there are opportunities for a playground area, ping pong, and a zero entry pool.
The pool at Caribbean Beach is a pirate themed pool. It is themed like an old Spanish fort, and houses two water slides. Also, there is a pirate themed play area for younger children. This pool area is highly themed, and my favorite of the two.
Transportation Options at Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs
Both of these resorts are somewhat large, compared to others. They each have an internal transportation system.
That being said, the transportation options at Caribbean Beach are definitely more plentiful. This is the main hub of Disney’s Skyliner system. So guests at Caribbean Beach have very easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios because of this.
Also, the proximity of Caribbean Beach on the Skyliner allows guests easy access to a lot of great dining on Walt Disney World property, as well as walking distance to Disney’s Riviera Resort. This is great for families who want to visit the other resorts and eat at their dining locations.
Guests can Skyline to the Boardwalk area, as well as Art of Animation and Pop Century.
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Caribbean Beach runs the Skyliner to two parks, and then motorcoaches to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. It also is a very large resort, so it has an internal bus system.
Coronado Springs guests access the Disney parks via motorcoach. The main pick up area for the Disney motorcoaches is right outside the Gran Destino Tower. This resort is a bit smaller than Caribbean Beach, but it also has an internal bus system.
Overall, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort have a lot to offer to Disney travelers. Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are a great option for guests who want the onsite perks of Walt Disney World and still stay within a budget.
I would highly recommend these for guests who want that Disney feel, but not an over the top theme to their resort.
Both of these are great for families, or for someone who is looking for a “staycation” at their Disney resort. These are both excellent resorts when you have young children, as well, as the pools and dining options are great for families.
