Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a sprawling Moderate Resort that combines Southwestern American and Mexican influences with modern accommodations. Its main highlight is the Gran Destino Tower, which elevates the resort’s appeal with more luxurious rooms and a touch of grandeur at a more affordable price compared to Disney’s Deluxe resorts. While it may lack the strong theming found in other Disney resorts, Coronado Springs still offers a range of dining options, large pools, and proximity to all the Disney parks, making it an attractive choice for those who want comfort and value without breaking the bank.
Key Highlights of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1. Gran Destino Tower – Luxurious and Affordable
The Gran Destino Tower, added in 2019, has significantly raised the profile of Coronado Springs. With its sleek design and stunning lobby, the tower is often compared to Disney’s Deluxe resorts in terms of style and comfort, yet it remains far more affordable.
- Modern and Stylish Accommodations: The tower features modern decor, larger rooms, and breathtaking views of Walt Disney World’s property. The rooms in Gran Destino are some of the most luxurious in the Moderate Resort category, offering smart TVs, elegant furnishings, and spacious bathrooms.
- Elegant Lobby: The lobby of Gran Destino is one of the most impressive among Disney’s resorts, featuring intricate Spanish tile work, Moorish architectural influences, and stunning lighting fixtures.
Key Tip: If you want a more upscale experience at a Moderate Resort price, booking a room in the Gran Destino Tower is a great option. The tower also offers Club Level rooms, a rare feature for a Moderate resort.
2. Sprawling Resort Grounds
Coronado Springs is known for its vast and spread-out layout. The resort is divided into three main sections outside of Gran Destino Tower: Ranchos, Cabanas, and Casitas. Each area has its own distinct style, ranging from rustic ranch houses to charming waterfront cabanas, but the sheer size of the resort can make it feel a bit overwhelming at times.
- Lakeside Setting: The resort is centred around Lago Dorado, a beautiful lake that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Walking around the lake is peaceful but can take time, especially if you’re staying far from the tower or main dining areas.
- Internal Bus Service: Due to the size of the resort, Coronado Springs offers an internal bus service that helps guests get around more easily. However, the resort’s sprawling layout means you may still have to walk quite a bit, particularly if your room is far from the main amenities.
Key Tip: If you prefer to be closer to the dining options and amenities, request a room in one of the buildings near El Centro, the main hub of the resort.
3. Dining Options
Coronado Springs offers a wide variety of dining options, making it easy to find something for every palate. The addition of Gran Destino Tower brought with it several new dining experiences that have elevated the resort’s food scene.
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: Located at the top of Gran Destino Tower, Toledo offers a sophisticated dining experience with incredible views of the surrounding property. The menu is inspired by Spanish cuisine, offering dishes like tapas, seafood, and steaks. The ambiance and views make it feel like a Deluxe dining option at a more affordable resort.
- Three Bridges Bar & Grill: A newer addition located on a floating platform in the middle of Lago Dorado, this open-air restaurant offers casual dining with a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and shared plates. The location in the centre of the lake provides a relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
- El Mercado de Coronado: This is the resort’s quick-service location, offering a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a convenient option for families or guests on the go.
Key Tip: Make a reservation for Toledo if you want a more upscale experience, and head to Three Bridges Bar & Grill for a more relaxed meal with great views.
4. The Pool and Recreation
The resort features The Lost City of Cibola Pool, also known as the Dig Site, which is themed after a Mayan ruins archaeological dig. This large feature pool includes a 123-foot water slide, a Mayan pyramid, and a large hot tub, making it one of the most popular pools in Disney’s Moderate Resorts.
- Dig Site Pool: With a huge pool and fun features, this is the main recreation area at Coronado Springs. The large hot tub is one of the biggest on Disney property, and the children’s playground makes it a family-friendly spot to unwind.
- Leisure Pools: In addition to the main pool, there are three leisure pools located throughout the resort, providing quieter options for those seeking a more relaxed swim.
Key Tip: While the pool area is excellent for families, it can get crowded during peak times. If you’re looking for a quieter swim, head to one of the leisure pools located near the room sections.
5. Central Location, but Bus-Only Transportation
Coronado Springs is centrally located on Walt Disney World property, meaning it’s relatively close to all the major parks. However, unlike resorts that offer boat, Skyliner, or monorail transportation, Coronado Springs relies solely on bus transportation to get to the parks.
- Proximity to All Parks: While not as close to any single park as the resorts on the monorail loop or near EPCOT, Coronado Springs is a fairly short ride away from all the parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
- Bus-Only Access: The main downside is that buses are the only form of transportation to and from the parks, which can be inconvenient during busy times or when trying to get to early dining reservations. The resort’s large size also means that internal buses can take time to loop through the various stops before heading to the parks.
Key Tip: If you’re staying at Coronado Springs, build extra time into your schedule for bus transportation, especially in the mornings and after park closing.
Downsides of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1. Weaker Theming Compared to Other Resorts
While Coronado Springs has a distinctive Southwestern and Mexican theme, some guests feel that it doesn’t offer the same level of immersive theming as other Disney resorts. The resort is often geared toward business travellers due to its large convention centre, which can make it feel less Disney-centric and more like a luxury hotel that happens to be on Disney property.
- Convention Atmosphere: Because of its convention centre, you may encounter large groups of business travellers, especially during conferences, which can detract from the Disney magic some guests expect.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for heavy Disney theming, Coronado Springs might not be the best fit. However, it offers a more refined and luxurious feel than other Moderate Resorts, especially in the Gran Destino Tower.
2. Large Size
As mentioned earlier, Coronado Springs is a huge resort, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While the sprawling grounds are beautiful and offer a sense of tranquility, they also mean that getting from one place to another can require a lot of walking, especially if your room is far from the main lobby or restaurants.
Key Tip: If walking long distances isn’t your thing, request a room near El Centro or Gran Destino Tower for easier access to dining, transportation, and amenities.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Worth It?
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a unique balance between luxury, affordability, and modern amenities. With the addition of Gran Destino Tower, the resort now offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Moderate Resort category, making it a great option for those who want a deluxe experience without paying Deluxe Resort prices.
While the theming may not be as immersive as other Disney resorts, the dining options, beautiful pool area, and central location make it an attractive option for families, couples, or business travellers. The reliance on bus-only transportation and the resort’s size can be drawbacks, but for those who appreciate value, comfort, and a more refined atmosphere, Coronado Springs is definitely worth considering for your next Disney World holiday.
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