A Complete Guide to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

in Hotel, Walt Disney World

Guide to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Choosing where to stay when you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort can be a daunting task. There are so many options! But, fear not! In this complete guide, we are going to tackle a fan favorite resort that won’t break the bank and at the same time offers all the Disney magic you’ll want to experience during your vacation!

In this complete guide, we’re going to provide you with all the details for one of Disney’s Moderate resorts on property, Disney’s Coronado Springs. A celebration of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures, this resort feels like an oasis in the middle of central Florida with all the amenities and comforts you can expect from Disney.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has recently undergone a massive transformation. This resort went from being just another moderate resort at Disney to becoming a stunning destination with a gorgeous new tower, craveable dining, magnificent views, and so much more to offer!

Centrally located within the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be in close proximity to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT when you choose this resort hotel.

Coronado Springs
Credit: Disney

It’s important to keep in mind that this resort is also a convention center, so it has a different feel than other Disney resorts. However, don’t let that cross this one off your list just yet! The Gran Destino Tower rooms have a Deluxe feel to them, and the views are amazing. Don’t forget about the delicious dining we mentioned earlier! One of our favorite rooftop restaurants, Toledo: Tapas, Steak & Seafood, is located in the Gran Destino Tower.

Still with us? Great! Then let’s dive in and learn more about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and why this resort might be the perfect choice for your next magical visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.

In this complete guide we will cover:


Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Pros and Cons

 PROS

  • Recently Reimagined
  • New and plentiful Dining options
  • Pool with slide and cool theming
  • Gorgeous views when you stay in the new tower
  • Pricing is fair for a Moderate resort on property

 CONS

  • The resort is big; rooms are spread out
  • Multiple bus stops within the resort can make it slow to get around
  • Convention guests can make it busy and noisy
  • Theming is not as immersive as other Disney resorts

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Rooms and Accommodations

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is home to over 2050 guest rooms in addition to 64 suites. Looking for a more luxurious experience? Choose a Club Level room so you can enjoy all the added amenities during your stay!

This resort is divided into 9-different sections. This gives you an idea of the grand landscape it covers. Below you can also see a map with all the different areas.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Credit: Disney
  1. El Centro
  2. Convention Center
  3. Dining
  4. Casitas
  5. Ranchos
  6. Cabanas
  7. Dig Site Pool Complex
  8. Gran Destino Tower
  9. Villa del Lago

Standard Rooms

Standard rooms are located further away from the El Centro main building. These rooms are the least pricey choice for your stay. The views will vary but will likely be unmemorable of parking lots or other buildings. However, you won’t be spending that much time in your room during your Disney vacation, so if you need to cut some corners, this is a great option to do so!

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Rooms
Credit: Disney

Standard rooms offer 2 Queen-sized beds and sleep up to 4-guests plus a child under 3 in a crib.

Preferred Rooms

Preferred Rooms are located in the Casitas Buildings 1, 2, and 3. These are all closer to the main building and will likely have better views. However, you can still end up with a Preferred Room that has parking lot views. So, if your heart is set on a room with a view, be sure to request it when you do your online check-in! Although not guaranteed, you’ll be more likely to get one.

Here are the room categories you can choose from:

  • Standard View
  • Water View
  • Preferred Room

Suites

  • One-Bedroom Suite Casitas Building
    • These suites sleep up to 6-guests, have views of the courtyard, and are close to El Centro, Dining, Shopping, and Transportation.
    • Each one-bedroom suite has 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • 1 Bedroom Suite – King
    • One-bedroom suites with a king bed sleep up to 4-guests and have views of Garden or Lake. These suites offer 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa.
    • Choose the Preferred King suites to be close to El Centro and Transportation.
  • Casitas – Executive Suite
    • The Casitas Executive Suites sleep up to 8-adults in 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa. With views of Courtyard and preferred location near El Centro, Dining, Shopping and Transportation, you’ll have all the room and amenities you need during your stay!

Room Amenities:

  • Hairdryer
  • Internet – Free WiFi Service
  • Coffee Maker
  • Telephone with voicemail
  • In-Room Safe
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Mini-refrigerator
  • Iron & Ironing Board

Gran Destino Tower – Rooms and Suites

Gran Destino Tower
Credit: Disney
  • Tower – Water View – King Bed
    • The Tower Water View rooms with King bed sleep up to 2-adults and have views of the pool or lake.
    • Also available with Standard Views
  • Tower- Water View
    • Tower / Water View rooms sleep up to 4-adults in 2 queen beds.
    • Also available with Standard Views

Related: New Gran Destino Tower offers elegant re-imagination at Coronado Springs Resort

Club Level

When you choose to stay at the upgraded club level rooms, you get the white-glove service with many added benefits!

Enjoy personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials and desserts at the Chronos Club.

A dedicated Cast member will be available for personalized vacation planning assistance for exclusive club-access reservations.

Gran Destino Tower – Club Access Rooms and Suites

Tower – Deluxe Suite – Club Access

  • The Deluxe Suites Sleep up to 4 Adults in 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa And offer views of Lake, Courtyard or Parking Areas.

Tower – One Bedroom Suite with Club Access

  • These One-Bedroom suites sleep up to 4-adults in 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and offer views of Courtyard, Landscaping or Parking Areas.
  • Also offered with Standard views.

Tower – Presidential Suite – Club Access

  • These elegant suites sleep up to 6-adults in 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and offer views of Courtyard, Landscaping or Parking Areas


Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Dining

 Another perk about this resort is the many wonderful dining options. Because of the number of rooms and guests and the convention facilities, the dining options are good and plentiful!

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when you and your crew get hungry at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: 

Casual Table-Service Dining

Maya Grill

Enjoy Mexican, American, Seafood, and Steakhouse Cuisine favorites like Queso Fundido, Guacamole, tacos, carnitas, and more familiar kids meals for dinner daily.

Rix Sports Bar & Grill

Rix Sports Bar
Credit: Kurt / ITM

If you have a sports fan in your party and they’re dying to catch a game during your visit, this is the place to be! Enjoy the game and classic bar food during your visit, like draft beers and handcrafted cocktails in this upscale sports lounge.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

One of Walt Disney World Resort’s newest rooftop dining locations, Toledo has been a hit with fans. The restaurant is as gorgeous as the food is delectable! Offering traditional Spanish tapas, Seafood, Steak and more, you’ll forget you’re at Disney! That is until you look out the window at the magical resort views. This one is perfect for that romantic Disney date night!

Three Bridges Bar & Grill

Serving up sandwiches, salads, shared plates and more, this lakefront restaurant is the perfect place to take a break and relax in the middle of your magical but busy vacation!

Quick-Service Dining

Café Rix

Needs a quick bite on the go? Grab some pastries, yogurts, fruits, and more on your way out or to take to your room. Maybe you’re more of a smoothie for breakfast type? They got you! Coffee? Yup! Even specialty ones. Also available is some yummy Gelato for that sweet tooth and beer and wine for guests over 21.

El Mercado de Coronado

El Mercado
Credit: Kurt/ITM

This food court-style eatery has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that will please your entire crew. Offering an array of American and International dishes, including some to-go options, you’ll find what you’re craving here! Pancakes? Pizza? Rice Bowls? Yup! All here!

Lounges

Need some laid back, grown up time? Head on over to one of the three lounges and enjoy some tasty cocktails. You are on vacation after all!

Take your pick; Laguna Bar, Dahlia Lounge, Siestas Cantina, or Barcelona Lounge. Serving Margaritas, Sangria, Frozen libations, small plates, and more! ChEARs!

Related: Date Night In Disney: Check Out Sangria University In Disney World

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Amenities and Activities

Pools

The Lost City of Cibola Pool

Coronado Springs Pool
Credit: Disney

This impressive pool is themed to look like Mayan Ruins complete with a dig site where you can unwind or have a sun-filled adventure in the water!

Complete with an epic123-foot-long waterslide featuring a spitting Jaguar spirit animal slide, this 50-foot pyramid will have your curious explorers engaged and having a magical time.

Leisure Pools

Need a more serene pool zone to relax? No worries. There are three additional Leisure Pools located at the Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas. So, sit back, relax, and reenergize. You’ll need it for your pixie-dusted theme park days!

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

Coronado Springs Campfire Activities and Movies Under the Stars

Enjoy an evening by the fire roasting delicious marshmallows and turning them into smores. Then, kick back and enjoy a Disney classic movie under the stars. Sometimes, it’s the small moments like these that make the best memories. We highly recommend these experiences!

Health & Fitness at Coronado Springs

Enjoy not one, but two state-of-the-art fitness centers that will help you stay up with your routine! Choose from La Vida Health Club Fitness Center or the Fitness Center at Gran Destino.

Need some pampering? Who doesn’t? Enjoy the La Vida Salon, a full-service Salon & Spa that offers all the services you might want or need during your vacation.

Learn more about all the services available including pricing here. 

Volleyball

Enjoy a friendly game of sand volleyball by the pool. Request a complimentary volleyball from Siesta’s Pool Bar. Resort guests only. Must show a valid resort ID.

Jogging

Keep up your workout routine while you explore the resort grounds during your morning, or evening run. Loop around the 22-acre Lago Dorado for a 0.9-mile run or walk and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

In the mood for a Fun Run? Head out early on Sundays for a quick dash around Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Below are additional details from Disney’s website. 

After completing this scenic, 1.7-mile course, you’ll receive a finisher’s collector pin—along with a delicious Magdalena!

 Event Details

  • Dates:Most Sundays (
  • Time:Registration begins at 6:45 AM; the run begins at 7:00 AM
  • Location:Registration is located in the Gran Destino Plaza, just outside of the Gran Destino Tower
  • Entry Fee:$15 per person, plus tax

How to Book
Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 to register in advance. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. You may also register in person beginning at 6:45 AM on the day of the event, space permitting.

Important Information

  • Cancellations must be done 24 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the entry fee.
  • Experience may be canceled due to inclement weather.
  • In the event of a weather-related cancellation, Guests who registered in advance will be refunded the entry fee.

Fitness Classes

Need a little more activity during your vacation? Enjoy these complimentary Fitness Classes during your stay!

Aqua Fitness Blast – Coming in April 2020

When: Tuesdays at 7:00 AM

Where: Casitas Pool

Please note that class space is limited to 20 Guests. 

Outdoor Fitness Blast

When: Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:00 AM

Where: Explorer’s Playground at the Dig Site

Please note that Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate. 

Pilates – Now through March 31, 2020

When: Tuesdays at 7:00 AM

Where: Gran Destino Plaza

Yoga

When: Mondays and Fridays at 7:00 AM; Wednesdays at 7:00 PM

Where: Gran Destino Plaza

Please note that class space is limited to 20 Guests.

Playgrounds and Arcades

Kids love the magic of Disney! They also really enjoy some free play after scheduled theme park days. Let them get the wiggles out at the playground near the Dig Site complex or at the Iguana Arcade.

Colors of Coronado Painting Experience

Feeling artistic and inspired? Let those creative juices flow as you explore the Colors of Coronado—a master-led painting class.

Guests 12-years and older can enjoy a complimentary drink and snacks while they create a masterpiece.

Event Details

  • Dates:Every Monday
  • Time:Registration begins at 1:45 PM; the class begins at 2:00 PM
  • Location:Dahlia Lounge
  • Price:$50 per person, plus tax

How to Book
Reservations are recommended. Call (407) WDW- PLAY or (407) 939-7529 up to 180 days in advance to register. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Transportation

Disney Buses

This classic mode of transportation can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go within the Walt Disney World Resort.

Pro-Tip! The My Disney Experience app has current wait times so you can plan your bus trips more easily and get to your destination as quickly as possible!

Disney’s Minnie Van

Disney’s version of a ride-sharing service is adorable and convenient. Use the Lyft app to request a Minnie Van and see cost estimates for your desired ride.

Disney Extras

Guests at Disney Resorts, you can enjoy some extra pixie dust to make your stay even more magical!

Extra Magic Hours

Resort Hotel Guests exclusive playtime at the theme parks! Check the times on your My Disney Experience app so you can plan these times during your stay.

Early Access to FastPass+

Resort guests can make their FastPass+ reservations up to 60-days before they arrive.

PRO-TIP! Your FP+ booking window will open 60-days before you arrive plus the days you are staying (up to 10). So, lock in those popular attractions for your last days first to ensure you score those coveted FastPass+ for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Avatar Flight of Passage!

Complimentary MagicBands

Customize your MagicBand color before you arrive through your My Disney Experience. NEW options are now available to upgrade your complimentary MagicBand for a small fee. Availability is limited, so check back often.

Related: Resort Exclusive MagicBands Revealed for Grand Floridian and Riviera Guests

Enchanting Extras

Celebrate a birthday with an in-room celebration, order a customizable cake, book a VIP tour to peek inside the magic, limited-time events, nature tours, and more! Visit the Enchanting Extras site to learn more about the magic you can add to your stay!

We hope this complete guide helped you learn if Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the right choice for you. If you’re still on the fence, check out our other complete guides for deluxe and value resorts to see if maybe those are a better fit for your upcoming vacation to the most magical place on earth!

Here are a few to get you started:

Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort:  Your Guide to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Walt Disney World Value Resort: Your Guide to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

If you need assistance planning that enchanted and unforgettable getaway, be sure to reach out to our friends at Academy Travel for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on your magical vacation.

See ya real soon!

in Hotel, Walt Disney World

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