Walt Disney World has announced updates to its Moderate Resort hotel room categories starting in 2026. These changes aim to simplify the booking process and improve the check-in experience for guests staying at the following Disney Resort Hotels:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
If you’re planning a stay at one of these resorts, here’s an overview of what to expect with the new naming structure.
Details of the Room Category Changes
The updated room classifications are designed to focus on location and specific room features rather than view types. Beginning with reservations for 2026, rooms will fall under simplified categories, such as “Standard Room,” “Preferred Room,” or “King Bed.”
What These Categories Mean
- Standard Room: These rooms will generally include views such as parking areas or courtyards.
- Preferred Room: Typically located nearer to resort amenities like food courts, recreational facilities, or transportation hubs.
- King Bed Room: Rooms featuring a single king-sized bed for guests seeking additional space.
Each resort may also retain unique room categories tied to its specific theming or design. For example, the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will remain as a distinct option.
Special Requests
Guests can still submit special requests during their booking process, such as selecting a specific building, view, floor level, or even a particular room. However, these requests remain subject to availability at the time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
For those familiar with past categories emphasizing views, this change could streamline expectations while still allowing for personalization.
Why the Change is Happening
The updates seek to create a more straightforward booking process for guests, eliminating confusion around room differences. By shifting to location-based naming conventions, Disney aims to enhance the clarity of choices while still accommodating a range of budgets and preferences.
What This Means for Guests
Guests booking Moderate Resorts in 2026 and beyond should note these adjustments when making reservations. It’s advised to identify personal priorities, such as proximity to amenities, early in the planning process to align with the streamlined options. These changes do not impact the pricing structure for 2026 bookings, but they align with Disney’s focus on improving customer convenience.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
