Disney Coronado Springs Resort Guide and Review

Wondering if Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a good hotel choice for your next stay at Disney World? As one of Disney’s largest resorts, this resort offers top notch dining, rooftop views, Disney bus transportation and lots and lots of room options. Featuring the Gran Destino Tower at the main entrance, you can settle into the Barcelona Lounge for a coffee or take a stroll along the lake. Honoring all things South America, this moderate Disney Resort takes you a little south of the border with classic cuisine, decor and theming. Here is our complete guide to the Disney Coronado Springs Resort.

Coronado Springs is a Disney moderate resort; the same category as Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. So you may be wondering, how does this compare? Well, it’s better in some ways, and worse in others. Let’s dive in to all the details.

Atmosphere

Coronado Springs Resort is set up similarly to other moderate resorts. There are multiple buildings separated into themed areas. There are many relaxing areas with beautiful palm trees, lush greenery, fountains and some areas that are more reminiscent to desert landscapes. Overall, it’s a really fun resort to explore! And Disney has recently even added in some fun lawn games around the resort that you’d find at deluxe resorts. Large chess and checkers boards, cushioned hammocks, a fire pit and plenty of seating around outside makes this resort easy to enjoy in your downtime. 

Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort

Gran Destino Tower is the crown jewel at Coronado Springs Resort. Built in 2019, the rooms at the tower will make you feel like you’re staying at deluxe resort, but with a moderate price tag. The rooms at Gran Destino tend to be a little pricier, though not by much, and they do fill up faster. If you plan to stay here, you’ll want to try to reserve a tower room well ahead of time. Conventioneers also tend to stay here more often than in the surrounding buildings. Which may lead you to feel this is not as family friendly. So, again if you prefer to stay away from that, the buildings might be a better bet for you than the tower. 

The Gran Destino tower is absolutely stunning, and we’ve stayed here a couple of times now. We just love it! It’s really beautiful resort, and we think it’s well worth a visit if you have the time in your schedule. If you’re able to visit during the holiday season, it’s a gorgeous resort at Christmastime! 

Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center

First of all, you should know that Coronado Springs Resort has a convention center. Which means you can often find plenty of businesspeople staying here. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, if you’re someone who might feel a little self-conscious walking around in Mickey t-shirts and Minnie ears around businessmen and women, well don’t say we didn’t warn you.

It might also not feel as family friendly due to this. And while it wouldn’t be my first choice if I were staying with a young child, it’s perfectly fine for families. Take a look at our Disney Coronado Springs Resort Tour to get a feel for the resort before you book. 

Is Coronado Springs good for families?

We think so! But as mentioned, you may feel a little out of place during conventions, but it is still a family friendly resort.  With a fun main pool and lots of family friendly activities, this resort is great for families. Other than Gran Destino, much of the resort feels similar to other moderate resorts! The theme is more South American and less Disney, so younger children may not be all that impressed.

Rooms

The rooms at Coronado Springs have undergone renovation in the last few years. So, you can be sure that your room is pretty much up to standard of most moderate rooms regardless of where you are staying. With double sinks at the vanity, and a sliding door to separate the room and bathroom area, getting ready in the morning is a breeze. You can also find some fun artwork of the Three Caballeros sprinkled throughout your rooms outside the tower. Check out our Coronado Springs Resort Rooms Tour  Video for a walkthrough of what you can find here. 

The shower comes fully stocked with built in shampoo, conditioner and body wash so there is less waste. Plus you don’t need to bring your own, which is always a bonus. The linens are a clean white and really give the whole room a chill vibe. They also come with a Keurig, which we love for our morning coffee.

Family Suites and Executive Suites

One thing that’s very unique to Coronado Springs as a moderate resort is that it houses a variety of rooms that you usually can’t find at moderate resorts. Room types like 1-bedroom suites and executive suites are available for larger parties, or for those who just want some extra space. 

Gran Destino Tower Rooms

The Gran Destino Tower provides 545 rooms, 50 suites and a 2-story lobby. The rooms are very modern and on trend with faux hardwood laminate flooring, sliding barn doors for the bathroom and vanity area and raised beds. They also have double sinks which makes traveling with a few people all the easier.

Gran Destino Tower Suites

There are a variety of room types in the tower, including both standard rooms with and without a view, deluxe suites, 1-bedroom suites and even a presidential suite. the Tower is also where Club Level Rooms are located.

Club Level Rooms at Coronado Springs

Coronado Springs is the ONLY moderate resort that has a club level lounge and concierge services at Disney. Usually reserved for Deluxe Resorts, this is another thing that makes this resort unique as a moderate resort. Chronos Club Level at Coronado Springs, is located on the 15th floor of Gran Destino Tower. Rooms booked at club level here will always be in the tower, making it easy to access. 

Club Level at Gran Destino Tower has quickly become one of our favorite concierge clubs at Disney World and we are always on the lookout for a deal! As the only moderate resort with a club level, this one has impressed us most at a much cheaper cost. Check out our Club Level at Coronado Springs Resort Video for a walkthrough and everything to know before you go. 

Restaurants

Whether you’re looking for easy grab and go options, a casual sit-down restaurant or a night out, they have you covered with a lot of great options. Coronado Springs can be a bit of pain to get to if you’re not staying here; but for those staying here, it’s a really nice perk. 

El Mercado de Coronado

El Mercado is the resort’s main food court. Here you can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner. And refill your resort mug as well. It has basic menu options that you’d normally find at other resort food courts, but with a few extra items that add a little flair. They have made to order flatbreads at lunch, which we think is the real star.  You can find the full menu for El Mercado de Coronado here.  El Mercado is located on the main floor near the gift shop Panchitos and many of the other quick serve and fast casual restaurants at this resort. 

Cafe Rix 

Cafe Rix is the resort’s cafe serving up specialty coffees, pastries, grab and go options and gelato. This cafe is only open until around noon each day, so it’s a great stop on your way to the Parks. You can find the menu for Cafe Rix here. 

Rix Sports Bar and Grill

Rix Sports and Grill is located right next to El Mercado. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a great alternative to El Mercado if you’re looking for something less rushed and with more unique options. Reservations are accepted for all meal periods, but there is usually availability if you need something last minute.

Toledo at Gran Destino Tower

Located on the 16th floor of Gran Destino Tower, this Spanish Tapas, Steak and Seafood Restaurant gives you a signature rooftop dining experience. Stunning views can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this restaurant and the ambiance is incredible here. See the Toledo menu to decide if this place has what you’re looking for. We absolutely loved this eclectic restaurant with Spanish flair. Toledo has quickly become one of our favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World. And we think it’s well worth the trip. With unique options and high quality ingredients, the service and food here are real standouts. You can see our review of Toledo here.  

Dahlia Lounge – Rooftop Bar

Dahlia Lounge is located directly across from Toledo on the 16th floor and is a great spot to grab before or after dinner drinks or appetizers. Guests can find beautiful views from its terrace and fireworks can be seen in the distance. You can see the full menu for Dahlia Lounge here. 

Barcelona Lounge – Coffee and Cocktails

Barcelona Lounge is located on the very lower level of Gran Destino Tower. With coffee service and pastries in the morning and appetizers and drinks in the evening, this is a beautiful spot to begin or end your day. You can see the menu for Barcelona Lounge here. 

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago

Three Bridges at Coronado Springs is available via walkways at the resort and offers sandwiches, shared plates, salads and more. Seeming to combine a little luxury with some casual, this is a restaurant that actually “sits” on the lake, so you’ll have great views with your next meal.  You don’t need a reservation for this restaurant, but we do recommend joining the walk-up list from your My Disney Experience app during busier times to avoid long waits.  Read our Three Bridges Bar and Grill Review.

Amenities

Coronado Springs has many of the usual amenities that can be found at other moderate resorts. You have access to laundry facilities, a gym, and a business center in the convention center. Which also provides a full range of office supplies and services. 

Fitness Center

For those looking for some pampering, they’ve got you covered. Look no further than La Vida Health Club. This is also unique to Coronado Springs.  La Vida is located in Casitas 4. And is a little easy to miss! Guest can relax and rejuvenate here. And take advantage of a variety of services. This is one thing that really makes Coronado Springs stand out. 

Recreation

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers up all sorts of options when it comes to recreations. From a leisurely stroll around the lake, to playgrounds, and classes, there are a ton of reasons to skip the parks and just spend a day at your resort instead!

Pools at Coronado Springs Resort

The main pool, which many people say is one of their favorites on WDW property, is called the Dig Site Pool. It is a 50 ft replica of a Mayan Pyramid. We didn’t have the opportunity to try out the pool, but the whole dig site area looks like a blast! Complete with sand volleyball, an arcade and playground, I imagine this section of the resort gets quite busy during peak times. There are also3 quiet pools around the resort if you prefer a less busy pool experience. Or if you prefer to be closer to your room. 

Movies Under the Stars

Most nights, Disney resorts offer Movies Under the Stars. They are a great way to wind down at the end of a long day! At Coronado Springs, you can watch these fun movies right on the lawn of the Gran Destino Tower. Shown 8 PM Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.

Campfire Activities

Just like all Disney Resorts you can count on cast members hosting an evening with s’mores over the campfire. At Coronado Springs you can head to the Dig Site Pool fire pit from 6-7PM to get in on the action. Bring your own s’more fixings or buy a s’mores kit when you get there.

Colors of Coronado Painting Experience

Just like some of the other Disney Resorts you can expect loads of fun things to do at the resort on your non-park day. This Painting Class activity is $45 per person and offers you the chance to paint your own masterpiece. Located inside the Toledo restaurant, this is a 2 hour class, offered every Friday, from 1-3PM. Reserve your spot for Colors of Coronado.

Spanish Mosaic Art

Learn more about Spanish art styles in this art mosaic class. Perfect for tweens, teens and adults, this class is $30 per person. Offered at the Dahlia Lounge with rooftop views, this class is 2 hours long and offered 1-3 PM, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Reserve your spot for to make your own Spanish Mosaic Art.

Volleyball Courts

Near the dig Site Pool Complex you can check out a volleyball at Siesta’s Pool Bar and head to the sandy court for some free game play!

Iguana Arcade

Located in the center of the resort, near the Dig site pool, kids can settle in for hours of game play at the Arcade. Check the door for posted times. You can simply load an arcade card with points, and let them have their fun.

Jogging Trail

We love the walking paths at the Disney resorts, and at Coronado Springs you can take almost a full mile trail around the Lago Dorado lake for your morning jog or walk.

Resort Map

As one of Disney’s largest resorts, Coronado Springs includes 4 bus stops, 1 main pool and 3 leisure pools, and four themed areas that could have you wondering where you are if you wander. Check out the Coronado Springs Resort map for all the places across the resort.

Transportation

Transportation at Coronado Springs is not our favorite, with bussing really only being your only option. Coronado has its own bussing, so at least you’re not sharing with any other resort. There are 4 stops throughout the resort, with each section of the resort having its own designated bus stop so that you don’t have to walk too far to get to the bus stop. Keep in mind, if you’re the last stop to be picked up, this could mean longer waits for you. If the bus fills up before arriving at your stop, you’ll have to wait for the next one.  The last stop is at Gran Destino Tower which is both good and bad. You may have to wait longer for a bus, but this sometimes means you’ll also have a completely empty bus with more options for seats. 

Busses are supposed to come every 20-30 minutes. However, if you’re familiar with Disney busses, this can vary wildly depending on how busy it is. We have waited as long as an hour for busses to get us from the Parks, so if you plan to use Disney’s transportation, just be aware that it is not as timely as they would like you to believe. While we love Coronado Springs Resort, we don’t love Disney bussing. So, we tend to stay here a little less than we’d like as result of that and go for resorts with more convenient transportation options like Pop Century and Caribbean Beach. 

The Parks are anywhere from 7-20 minutes from the resort, with Hollywood Studios being the closest and Epcot being the farthest. We really enjoyed the fast bus ride to Hollywood Studios since we were visiting most recently during the holiday season and it was nice to be able to go back and forth pretty easily. 

Cost

As one of the lowest price moderate resorts, we think that Coronado Springs is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget. Rooms here typically range from $200-$500 per night for standard view, depending on time of year. ( Of course, suites and club level rooms can be upwards of $700 a night). As a result, we always recommend checking for special deals when you can. And even though Gran Destino Tower is more expensive, it feels like a deluxe resort without the high price tag. Overall, we do feel like this resort is worth the price. Especially if you can find it at a discount!

Disney Coronado Springs Resort Review

Overall, Coronado Springs is a surprising resort. It may not be for everyone. But for us, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and fun. Would we recommend Disney Coronado Springs Resort? Yes. We love all that it has to offer. We loved that it was big enough to avoid some of that chaotic feeling some of the Disney resorts can sometimes have. And it never felt crowded, even during the morning rush. We still generally tend to prefer Skyliner resorts for their convenience. But if you’re looking for more amenities that are generally found at moderate resorts, we think Coronado Springs is a pretty good bang for your buck. Definitely another wonderful Disney moderate resort to consider for your next vacation!