My Favorite WDW Value & Moderate Resorts

Written By Lila Grewal

Walt Disney World 

Value & Moderate Resorts Edition

Walt Disney World resorts aren’t just a place to sleep between park days — they’re an essential part of the magic, especially when it comes to Disney’s value and moderate resorts. These categories strike a sweet spot between affordability, comfort, and immersive theming.

From thoughtfully designed rooms and vibrant pools to solid dining options, convenient transportation, and activities that make resort days just as memorable as park days, my favorite value and moderate resorts deliver incredible bang for your buck. In this post, I’m sharing which ones I love most, why they stand out, and exactly what they offer. I hope this guide helps you decide which resort best fits your travel style and vacation priorities.

Value Resorts

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Official Resort Page

Pop Century is a great budget-friendly option that’s especially kid-friendly. The resort features bold, colorful theming with oversized Disney icons throughout the grounds. It’s divided into five sections, each representing a decade from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Pools & Splash Areas

  • Hippy Dippy Pool

    The main pool, featuring flower-shaped water jets and daily poolside activities.

  • Bowling Pool

    A bowling pin–shaped pool located in the quieter 1950s section.

  • Computer Pool

    Found in the 1990s area, this computer-shaped pool is also a quieter option.

  • Splash Pad Play Area

    Located next to the Hippy Dippy Pool.

Kid-Friendly Activities

  • Daily games and contests led by Cast Members, including trivia, hula hoop contests, and dance parties (usually at the Hippy Dippy Pool)

  • Crafts available during select times for an additional fee

  • Nightly outdoor Disney movies near the pool area

  • Playground with slides and climbing areas near the 1970s section

Dining Options

  • Everything Pop Shopping & Dining

    View Dining Info

     A court-style food court offering:

    • Breakfast: Mickey waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and pastries

    • Lunch & Dinner: Salmon, beef stir-fry, roasted chicken, burgers, chicken strips, chili cheese dogs, subs, soups, salads, pizza, fries, and desserts

    • Grab-and-go options including salads, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts

    • Mobile Order available

  • Refillable Resort Mug

    Available for $22.99 and valid for refills at your resort for the length of your stay.

  • Petals Pool Bar

    View Menu

     Offers salads, sandwiches, snacks, charcuterie, frozen treats, specialty drinks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Thanks to the Skyliner, Pop Century guests are just a quick ride away from Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort, making it easy to explore additional dining options.

Transportation

  • Complimentary bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs

  • Disney Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the Skyliner hub

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Official Resort Page

Art of Animation is one of Disney’s best-themed resorts. Located across the water from Pop Century, it offers similar amenities with the added benefit of family suites that sleep up to six guests.

The resort is divided into four themed sections: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

Pools

  • The Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo)

    The largest pool at any Disney resort, featuring underwater speakers, zero-entry access, and a splash zone.

  • Cozy Cone Pool (Cars)

    A medium-sized pool with cone-shaped cabanas for shaded seating.

  • Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little Mermaid)

    A smaller, quieter pool surrounded by Under the Sea characters.

Dining

  • Landscape of Flavors

    View Dining Info

    • Breakfast: Mickey waffles, pancakes, eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and pastries

    • Lunch & Dinner: Mongolian beef, roasted chicken, butter chicken, ramen bowls, fish and chips, nachos, pizza, pasta, burgers, subs, soups, salads, and desserts

    • Mobile Order and refillable mugs available

  • The Drop Off Pool Bar

    View Menu

     Offers similar poolside snacks and beverages as Pop Century.

Activities

  • Daily pool games, trivia, and dance parties

  • Righteous Reef Playground in the Finding Nemo section

  • Pixel Play Arcade inside Animation Hall

  • Nightly outdoor Disney movies

Transportation

  • Bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs

  • Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the Skyliner hub

Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Official Resort Page

Caribbean Beach Resort features a vibrant tropical theme and is divided into villages including Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, Jamaica, Trinidad North, and Trinidad South. Some rooms sleep up to five guests, and select rooms feature Little Mermaid or pirate theming.

Pools

  • Fuentes del Morro Pool

    The main pool near Old Port Royale, designed like an old Spanish fort with waterfalls, a waterslide, water cannons, a ship-themed play area, hot tubs, and a kiddie pool.

  • Leisure pools located in each village for a quieter experience

Dining

  • Sebastian’s Bistro

    View Dining Info

     A table-service restaurant offering Latin- and Caribbean-inspired family-style meals.

  • Centertown Market

    View Dining Info

     Quick-service dining with mobile ordering, grab-and-go options, and refillable mugs.

  • Spyglass Grill

    View Dining Info

     An open-air quick-service spot near the Trinidad pool.

  • Banana Cabana

    View Menu

     A tropical pool bar serving cocktails, mocktails, and island-inspired food.

Activities

  • 1.4-mile jogging trail around Barefoot Bay

  • Volleyball court, bike and surrey rentals, and fishing

  • Outdoor movies in the evenings

  • Caribbean Cay Playground located on an island in the lake

Transportation

  • Bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs

  • Skyliner hub access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Official Resort Page

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness feel like they belong in the deluxe category, even though Disney considers them moderate. These modern cabins sleep up to six guests and feature a queen bed, bunk beds, a queen pull-down sofa, full kitchens, vaulted ceilings, walk-in showers, and private decks with picnic tables and grills. Chip and Dale theming adds a fun Disney touch.

Pools

  • Meadow Swimmin’ Pool

    Heated pool with a 67-foot waterslide, kiddie splash area, and hot tub.

  • Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool

    A quieter pool with a hot tub near loops 25–27.

Dining & Lounges

Activities

  • Archery, Segway tours, tennis, basketball, volleyball, jogging trails, and bike rentals

  • Pony rides, hayrides, wagon rides, and arcades for kids

  • Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boat rentals

  • Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along with s’mores

  • Nightly outdoor movies

Transportation

  • Bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs

  • Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary Resort

  • Golf cart rentals available for getting around the resort


Lila Grewal
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