Coronado Springs Resort: 5 Interesting Reasons It’s Worth Checking Out
My mom, the girls, and I stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort for one night in early June 2024. Now you’re getting my opinion on the overall resort and our stay in Tower 3. I will give the hotel a chance again at some point and ask for a room in the Grand Destino Tower.
Overview of Coronado Springs Resort
Built in 1997, this moderate resort can be considered a hybrid, which is why I wanted it to be the first moderate resort I stayed in. Many people have said that it is the cost of a moderate resort but has the details of a deluxe resort. The hotel features a conference area on-site and is very family-friendly.
They have approximately 2,400 guest rooms spread across several themed areas, making it the second-largest hotel complex on Disney World property, with only Pop Century surpassing it. That said, it feels larger due to the lake that surrounds the rooms and the convention center.
Another reason I chose the Coronado Springs resort is its pool, which is considered one of the best due to its theming, featuring a Mayan pyramid, splash pad, and large waterslide. Additionally, there are several quiet pools available for you to visit.
This hotel is located in the Animal Kingdom resort area and is approximately ten to fifteen minutes away by bus from all major parks. It’s perfect for families who want a moderate price but a bit of luxury, or adults attending a conference.
Coronado Springs Resort Guest Rooms
We can categorize the guest rooms into two categories, with some additional features that we’ll discuss towards the end of this section.
We stayed in Casitas 3, which is a standard room similar to the ranchos and cabanas. It has 314 square feet and twin beds, which felt spacious enough for the four of us. The space featured hardwood-like floors, a mini-fridge, and a higher-end coffee maker. Naturally, there were plenty of USB charging areas, which we appreciated. Additionally, having a double sink outside the shower area made it easier for all of us to get ready. The Southwest style themeing was nice inside the room, but made it feel a bit cheap on the outside area.
I did a pre-check-in and should have checked in when I arrived to request a room in the Gran Destino Tower, which is newer and more upscale (aren’t you glad you’re doing your research here?). Many of the rooms have views of Lago Dorado, and you can see the fireworks from both Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Some of the upgrades to this area, which was built in 2019, include sliding glass shower doors, upgraded vanities, and larger televisions – not that we watch much TV on a Disney vacation!
You have the options of getting a standard view or a water view of either a lake or a pool. Additionally, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers preferred rooms that are closer to the main lobby, dining, and transportation facilities. This would be an upgrade worth considering due to the resort’s vastness.
The last thing to note is that they do have suites and a club level inside the Gran Destino, which is supposed to be some of the best within Walt Disney World.
Amenities and Recreation at Coronado Springs Resort
Pool and splash areas
As I mentioned earlier, this was one of the reasons I chose Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The Dig Site pool is the star of the show, themed like a Mayan ruins with a 50-foot pyramid, a 123-foot waterslide, and a kids’ splash area. The girls and I didn’t get much time in there, but we really appreciated it. I liked the hot tub, which was probably the largest one I’ve ever been in. There are also three leisure pools, tucked into each village (Casita, Ranchos, and Cabanas), if you’re looking for something a bit quieter.
Fitness and wellness
A full-size fitness center with cardio and weight equipment is located inside the lobby. It’s tucked away on the left-hand side of the entrance- so be careful, you might miss it. If you’re looking for some pampering, they also offer beauty salon and spa services. For people who like to get out in nature and run, there is jogging trails around Lago Dorado, the central lake.
Recreation
Coronado Springs Resort has plenty of things to do in addition to the pools. The dig site features a playground, volleyball courts, an arcade area connected to the site, Movies Under the Stars, and Spanish-themed campfire activities in the evening.
Dining at Coronado Springs Resort
Quick Service
Both the meals we had while we were there were at El Mercado de Coronado. It’s a quick-service spot similar to a large food court with multiple station. I loved that we had options though, those who wanted more traditional American food could have that and there were Latin-inspired options as well.
Nevaeh and I had a mishap with our order at lunch the first day. We wanted a veggie burger and they gave us a buffalo chicken sandwich. When I went to the manager on duty she got it taken care of quickly, apologized multiple times, and offered us a free desert. Super sweet staff!
If you’re looking for a quick, less crowded breakfast in the morning or a cocktail lounge in the evening, there is the Barcelona Lounge within the Coronado Springs Resort Grand Destino Tower lobby as well. It’s very sleek and I think it would be perfect for people watching!
Lounges and bars
The Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa Del Largo is built on its own island in the middle of Lago Dorado. It has a casual lounge-y atmostphere with open air dining. I’ve been told they have sharable plates and wonderful cocktails and sangrias. A perfect place to unwind and watch the sunset.
The Dahlia Lounge is inside Coronado Springs Resort Grand Destino Tower as well and is known for its swanky rooftop vibes with craft cocktails. Inspired by Salvador Dali, this lounge is a great spot to unwind and people watch from high above.
Table service restuarants
Toledo is the other rooftop restaurant and it is well-loved. Located on top of the Coronado Springs Resort Grand Destino Tower, this restaurant features upscale Spanish-inspired dishes including charred octopus, melt-in-you-mouth filets, and the classic tapas. From high above you have a stunning view of the fireworks from Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Toledo is a perfect spot for a date night or when you’re celebrating something special.
Across from El Mercado de Coronado is Maya Grill which features Tex-Mex classics such as fajitas, tacos, and house-made guacamole. The live guitar music give it a festive, fun vibe.
Transportation at Coronado Springs Resort
Bussing is your only option, sadly. I will say, we never had any problems with this.
Our Final Thoughts on the Coronado Springs Resort
I want to like this resort and I’m willing to give it another chance but not for a while. Only because there is so much more to see and for the price (I paid $400 for one night) I could opt for a value resort and have more money to spend in the parks or pay just a little bit more to be at a deluxe resort- like the Polynesan!
