Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World with a beautiful Southwest theme. Coronado Springs has an amazing pool, great dining options, and is closer to the theme parks than one may think! Today, I am sharing my thoughts with you on Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
For quite some time, Disney’s Coronado Springs has been known as a “moderate resort with a deluxe feel”. Sometimes, it is labeled as “more for grown ups than families”. And, you may have heard it referred to as a “convention resort”. While these may seem true, I find Coronado Springs to be a “hidden gem” amongst the resorts. Having stayed here with my family, as well as having stayed in the Gran Destino Tower, I can tell you that this is a resort you should consider for an upcoming Disney vacation!
What is the Set up of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort?
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is set up in different “sections”. They are labeled as Ranchos, Casitas, and Cabanas. These are spread out around Lago Dorado, a 22 acre lake, right in the center of the resort.
The Ranchos have a more neutral color scheme, and are inspired by the “cattle ranchers” of the Southwest. The Casitas are a more “urban” architecture, modeled after the cities of the Southwest. Finally, the Cabanas are more colorful. Similar to what you might find at a beach resort. All of these areas house “standard rooms”, in a moderate resort style. They sleep parties of 4, and the doors open to the outside. They do not open to an interior hall.
Transportation at Coronado Springs
Guests of Coronado Springs access the Disney theme parks via motorcoaches. However, the bus rides are not long to the parks. You can actually see Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the Skyliner from the higher floor rooms in the Gran Destino Tower. So in theory, you are not that far! The bus rides to Magic Kingdom are probably the “longest”, at about 12 minutes. I will say, the bus queue at Magic Kingdom is far from the park entrance. It does make a long walk back to the bus queue after a day in the park!
Coronado Springs houses multiple bus stops. Guests at the Gran Destino Tower stop are the first on the motorcoach to the park, but the last ones dropped off.
What are my dining options and amenities at Coronado Springs?
Coronado Springs offers guests quite a few great dining options and amenities. Coronado Springs has everything from poolside food, to multiple table service and lounge options, as well as a large quick service dining location.
The central area of Coronado Springs is known as “El Centro”. This is where you will find most dining options. El Mercado is the Quick Service location. As of now, they do not participate in Mobile Order. However, in my experience, they are very quick to fill your order upon request. This is also where you will find the resort refillable mugs, and the drink stations. El Mercado has a GREAT menu, and offers guests many options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. There is also quite a bit of seating.
Cafe Rix is a “sports bar”, just across from El Mercado. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer walk up options, as well as dining reservations. I took time to eat breakfast here one day during my stay, to get a break from the quick service options. The breakfast was GREAT, and the wait staff was wonderful.
Another great dining option is the Three Bridges Bar and Grill. This location is relatively new to Coronado Springs, and is located over the water in the center of the resort. Guests can actually see fireworks from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from Three Bridges!
As far as pools go, Coronado Springs boasts the best pool of the moderate resorts, in my opinion. The Dig Site is where you will find the recreation and pool area. The giant Mayan pyramid themed water slide is so much fun for kids! This area also has a hot tub area, as well as plenty of seating and an easily accessible pool bar that serves drinks and light food.
Not only is the pool fantastic, but you will also find sand volleyball courts, ping pong tables, and an amazing playground area for children! All of this is nicely situated in one area, making it easy to let the kids run and play!
Guest Rooms at Coronado Springs
The guest rooms at Coronado Springs have undergone a nice refurbishment, in line with the other Walt Disney World resorts. For the most part, guest rooms have two queen beds, or perhaps a King. They sleep up to 4 guests, and offer guests lots of storage and nice wood floors with under bed storage.
The guest rooms have quite a bit of work space, and the space is used efficiently. While they are not the largest rooms in terms of square footage, they definitely feel rather large and the storage space is great. The bathrooms have been updated with a sliding pocket door. The toilet and shower are a separate room, and the sinks and decor of the bathroom are nicely updated and beautiful.
Overall Opinion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Overall, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is underrated, in my opinion. Guests who may have slightly older children, or want a more deluxe feel for the grown ups with amenities and pools to please the kiddos will enjoy Coronado Springs. Even more so, for a Deluxe feel, the Gran Destino Tower is really the way to go. Disney’s Coronado Springs is very spread out. Guests who want to be close to the main areas should consider the Gran Destino Tower or a preferred room at the resort.
While it may not be the “first choice” of guests who want a moderate resort at Walt Disney World, it certainly should not be at the bottom of the list!
