Welcome to the Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort, the ultimate getaway destination for families and Disney enthusiasts alike. Nestled in a prime location in the heart of Disney World in Orlando, Florida, this Spanish-colonial inspired haven offers comfortable amenities, stellar grounds and some of the best food choices you’ll find at a Disney moderate resort.
The interesting thing about this Disney World resort hotel is the fact that both Ali and I have stayed here separately at different times, providing us with 2 unique perspectives. So, with Kat and Ali as your guide, come explore Disney’s Coronado Springs Orlando and see if this resort is right for you.
Overview of Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Theme and Amenities
I know it sounds cliché, but the Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort really is a hidden gem at Disney World. It isn’t often that you can find the expansive themed grounds more common to a Disney Deluxe resort, at the rack rate of a moderate, but at Disney Coronado springs, you can.
The resort’s theme is heavily inspired by the rich history and culture of Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest, creating a truly immersive experience for guests. One of the standout features of Coronado Springs Resort is its stunning architecture. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this elevated grandeur as you step into the main building, El Centro.
This is where the action is if you’re hungry for a bite to eat or attending an event at the Coronado Springs conference center. In fact, El Centro was once the epicenter of everything at the Wald Disney Coronado Springs Resort, housing the lobby and guest registration as well as several fine restaurants.
Registration privileges have now been usurped by the brighter and more beautiful Gran Destino Tower. This 15-story high rise was constructed in 2019 and features a 24-seat board room, and 3,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as bold and beautiful accommodations offering new and exciting options not found across the original buildings. If you’re looking for upscale rooms and more space to spread out at a price point that’s a little more manageable than some of the deluxe resorts, you might want to look into these rooms.
Getting to Know Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort
As you set out to explore Walt Disney Coronado Springs resort, it’s wise to wear your walking shoes. This village is large, with 12 buildings spread out over xx acres. To make it easier to orient yourself, each building is included as part of a grouping, containing a leisure pool, interconnected walkways and a bus stop.
The Casitas is the first grouping, offering the closest rooms to El Centro and the restaurants. You’ll pay extra for the convenience of proximity, but it may be worth it after several days in the park, to save yourself some steps when grabbing your morning coffee.
The Ranchos buildings are the farthest from El Centro at the northern most edge of the property. You can walk to El Centro, but definitely plan on it taking you 10-15 minutes to get there. The Cabanas are a little closer, but you do have a few advantages here that you won’t find in the Ranchos sector.
For one thing, this section of the resort is located right next to Gran Destino Tower, making rooms close to check in as well as the hotel’s premier restaurant, Toledo—Tapas, Steak and Seafood. Here, you can enjoy Spanish cuisine in a rooftop setting overlooking Durado Lago, the lake at the center of the resort.
Last, is Gran Destino Tower. As previously mentioned, rooms here are a little more upscale than you’ll find at the rest of the resort and offer some unique configurations, such as 1-bedroom villas. The tower is also within close walking distance to El Centro.
At either the Cabanas or Gran Destino Tower, you’ll also be close to the Dig Site Pool. Each of Disney’s resorts offers one main feature pool and this is where you’ll find the best amenities. At Dig Site, look for a Mayan themed slide as well as the poolside bar, Siestas Cantina.
We particularly enjoyed this resort at night, when shimmering fountains and the fabulous architecture sparkled in fabulous light. Day or night, however, you’ll discover lush gardens, scenic walkways, and picturesque courtyards, all adding to the resort’s charm and beauty.
Disney Coronado Springs Room Options
As mentioned, rooms at Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort, are divided into four distinct areas: the Casitas, the Ranchos, and the Cabanas.
The Original Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort Rooms
All rooms in The Casitas, The Ranchos and The Cabanas are original to the resort. The design is inspired by the grandeur of Spanish colonial architecture, though you may not recognize the inspiration once you enter your room.
Accommodations in these sections offer a bit of contemporary flair combined with a nod here and there to the resort’s Spanish heritage. Most importantly, rooms are comfortable and feature modern amenities, such as USB outlets and Hey Disney!, an Amazon Alexa powered device designed to answer common questions about the resort and parks. If you’re worried about privacy, the listening feature is typically turned off upon arrival and can be switched on and off throughout your stay.
Rooms in these sections include 2 queen beds or one king bed, a desk with chair and a single bathroom with shower, vanity and toilet. While the toilet area can be closed off separately, the vanity is located in the same room as the shower.
This isn’t the most ideal setting, since it makes it harder for multiple guests to get ready when someone is showering. However, rooms do offer mirrors in the main living/sleeping area for this very reason.
While Ali stayed at the Cabanas and I stayed in the Casitas, we both agreed that the rooms were amply sized, well-appointed and comfortable. It was nice after getting drizzled upon to come back to the room and brew up a nice cup of coffee in the Keurig. We also enjoyed stashing a good selection of bottled water in the mini-fridge.
Additional Advantages of Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort Casitas Section
One advantage to staying in the Casitas is the recent addition of one-bedroom suites, available in certain buildings. These rooms offer a king bed in a separate bedroom and a living area with pullout sofa. You won’t necessarily sleep more guests, but it is nice to have the space to spread out if you’re settling in for a longer stay at Disney World.
However, the biggest advantage to a stay in the Casitas is the option to reserve a preferred room. With these accommodations, you’ll have close proximity to El Centro. That easy distance can be covered in a few minutes, making dining, shopping at Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries or visiting the conference center a more pleasant experience.
Additional Advantages of Staying In the Cabanas at Disney Coronado Springs Orlando
Rooms in the Cabanas section at Disney Coronado Springs Resort are equally as pleasant as the standard rooms found in the Casitas, but you’ll find your location a little closer to the main Dig Site pool. If you have little ones or adults who will be enjoying the slide through a Mayan ruin, this could be an advantageous location. It’s also a a few-minute stroll to Gran Destino Towers to visit the Barcelona Lounge for a cocktail and bite or the rooftop Toledo Restaurant.
You’ll also find beach access from the Casitas. Here, you can relax on loungers on a sandy beach while watching the peaceful water lap the shores of Lago Durado. Just remember, there is no swimming in Disney’s waterways, lakes and ponds.
Room Options at Gran Destino Tower at Disney Coronado Springs Orlando
Gran Destino Tower is the newest addition to Disney’s Coronado Springs resort and carries across the Spanish inspiration but with a more modern appeal. Inside the tower, you’ll find a two-story lobby with beautiful views of Lago Durado, the center point of the resort.
Rooms in the Gran Destino Tower are similar in design to the rooms in the other sectors, but do give off a little more upscale vibe, though it’s hard to say why. While the larger elements, such as the beds and the flooring are the same, some of the smaller details do give a light whisper of luxury accommodations. Overall, you will find the standard rooms very similar in layout and amenities as rooms in the other sectors.
Standard rooms offer 2 queen beds or one king bed, a desk with chair, closet and bath. Rooms come in in resort or water views, and you can expect to pay more for the opportunity to gaze out on Lago Durado instead of the parking areas or gardens.
You can also book tower suites at Gran Destino. These rooms offer separate bedroom and living room areas as well as prime views.
When it comes to stepping up from the typical Disney moderate resort, Gran Destino has one more trick up its sleeve, and it’s big. You can book a room here with club access, a privilege usually reserved for guests of Disney’s deluxe resorts.
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What Is Club Level at Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort?
If you aren’t familiar with club level rooms at Disney World resorts, here’s the scoop. Club level rooms have traditionally been reserved for deluxe resorts, so finding this option at a moderate resort is quite exciting.
A stay in a Club Level room comes with some added perks, such private secured entry to your room block, lounge access and concierge planning services. Let’s start with the concierge service.
In short, your concierge team will generally do everything in their power to ensure you have a better visit. On our recent stay at a club level room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, we received a call from the concierge team a few weeks before our trip to see what planning help we needed. Concierge services will do things like book your dining reservations and answer any questions before your trip, but you’ll find the biggest benefits once you’re onsite.
During your vacation, the concierge team is there to help with just about anything and everything. During my stay, I had an uncommon question about luggage transfers. When I asked our concierge desk agent, he wasn’t certain of the answer. If I had posed the same question at the front desk, I would have been sent to bell services to ask the question again and get the answer.
In a club level room, I was sent off to enjoy my day with a promise that he’d have the answer to my question when I returned. Sure enough, when I passed the desk later that day on my way back to the room, he had the information I needed as well as some additional tips. Service like this can be a tremendous time saver as well as a convenience that quickly removes any headaches you encounter during your vacation.
However, one of the biggest advantages of a club level stay is access to the lounge. Gran Destino’s club lounge is called The Chronos and offers all of the same amenities you’d find at a deluxe resort club lounge:
- Early morning coffee and beverage service begins at 6:30 am and continues throughout the day.
- Contintental breakfast begins at 7:00 am and continues through 11:00 am, but don’t let the name fool you. We’ve found menu items to include a number of specialty treats, such as quiche and other egg dishes or Mickey waffles. You shouldn’t leave hungry after your club level breakfast.
- Light snacks are provided from noon until 4:00 pm. These will likely not serve as a full lunch for most people, but if you’re ducking into the hotel in the afternoon, it’s enough to tide you over until your next meal.
- Hors D’oeuvres are served from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Again, the name is deceiving. We typically find enough variety and substance at a club level appetizer spread to count as our dinner for the night.
- Desserts and cordials are offered from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We enjoy munching on a cookie or dessert or sipping a coffee laced with Bailey’s while the EPCOT fireworks show carries on right outside the lounge windows, and that brings us to another perk.
- EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fireworks shows can be watched directly from the Chronos Club lounge, though you will receive a much better view by hoofing it out to the parks.
- Cookies, snacks and candy are offered freely throughout the day.
- Soda, juices, sparkling water and other assorted beverages are also offered self serve from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
- Assorted beers and wine are available for self-service from noon until 10:00 pm.
Overall, we find the club level rooms to be a nice splurge. We often book a few days at one of the rooms during the end of our trip, when we know we won’t be spending as much time in the parks. That way, we have ample time to enjoy the club amenities.
While club level rooms at Gran Destino Tower provide all of the perks of the same room category booked at a Deluxe resort, you’ll also pay close to the same price. We did a quick check when writing this article and for a one-night arrival on March 31, the standard club level room priced out at a nightly rate of $763. Compare that to a nightly rate of $468 for a standard tower view room or $381 for a water view room in one of the other buildings.
On the other hand, a club level room at Gran Destino does pack a bargain when compared to the same amenities at a deluxe resort. Arriving on March 31 for one nigt at a resort like the Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn is over $1,000 a night.
Dining Options and Experiences at Coronado Springs Resort
When it comes to dining, Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort offers a wide array of culinary experiences that will delight even the most discerning palate. From casual dining to fun table service experience, there’s something to satisfy most cravings.
At Maya Grill, you can take a tour of the flavors of Mexico. The menu is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes such as sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and fresh ceviche. The lively atmosphere and warm hospitality will transport you to the streets of Mexico City.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. Located on the rooftop of Gran Destino Tower, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the resort as it serves up a menu of Spanish-inspired dishes, from savory tapas to tasty steaks.
If you’re looking for something quick and convenient, the El Mercado de Coronado—located inside El Centro—is the perfect choice. This bustling food court offers a variety of options, including made-to-order sandwiches, pizzas, and international cuisine. With its lively atmosphere and extensive menu, El Mercado is a favorite among families and groups for all-day dining and grabbing a quick snack.
Also located inside El Centro is the Rix Sports Bar and Grill. We stopped here on our last visit on a whim. Due to late flights, we had missed our earlier reservation at EPCOT’s Spice Road Table, so we decided to see what the resort had to offer. We were happy with the bar and grill menu, while other guests were enjoying the opportunity to watch their favorite college football team from the many screens throughout the space.
We had high hopes to dine at Three Rivers Bar & Grill. The location of the restaurant, right in the middle of Lago Durado at the junction of the 3 boardwalk bridges, promised a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. We were also intrigued by the Mexican-inspired menu of light appetizer-type meals and drinks. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed on the 2 separate nights we planned to visit due to private events.
Other alcoholic libations and quick eats can be found at Siestas Cantina, the Dig Site pool bar. The Laguna Bar, located outside on the shore of the lake, specializes in Tequila and Mezcal specialty drinks.
Activities and Recreation at Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort
At Coronado Springs Resort, there’s never a dull moment. The resort offers a range of activities and recreational opportunities for guests of all ages. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
For water lovers, the Lost City of Cibola Pool is a must-visit. This Mayan-inspired pool features a 50-foot pyramid with a thrilling water slide. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, the three tranquil leisure pools scattered throughout the resort offer a peaceful retreat.
If you’re looking to stay active during your visit, Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort has you covered. The resort features a fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing you to maintain your workout routine even while on vacation. You can also take advantage of the jogging trails that wind through the resort’s picturesque grounds, offering a scenic way to stay fit.
Enrichment activities are also offered at Disney Coronado Springs resort, including the following:
- Colors of Coronado Painting Experience: During this engaging and creative activity, guests can paint their own masterpiece, inspired by the vibrant and colorful ambiance of the resort. This experience offers a relaxing and artistic escape, is 2 hours long and is led by a local artist.
- The Spanish Mosaic Art activity at Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort is a unique, 2-hour workshop where guests can create their own Disney-themed mosaic artwork. Drawing inspiration from the vivid mosaics of Barcelona, Spain, this artistic experience blends seasonal elements with iconic Disney characters, culminating in a personalized 12” x 12” keepsake to take home.
- At Sangria University, guests immerse themselves in the history and variety of sangria, guided by professionals. This 90-minute experience includes a lesson, a tasting of four in-house sangrias, a light appetizer, and the opportunity to craft a personal glass of sangria, all held on weekends at the Three Bridges Bar and Grill.
In addition, guests can watch movies under that stars on select nights or join round the campfire.
Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort FAQs
While we covered a lot in our review of Disney Coronado Springs in Orlando, guests who are considering this hotel might have a few additional questions. That’s why we’re answering some of the more frequently asked questions below.
Where is Disney Coronado Springs Located?
While writers at Wikipedia consider the Walt Disney Coronado Springs resort to be an Animal Kingdom area hotel, it is eaually as close to both EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios, making it a prime location for any Disney trip.
Is Coronado Springs a Disney Resort?
Yes, Coronado Springs resort in Orlando is one of Disney’s owned and operated hotels at Disney World. As such, it is eligible for a Disney World resort package booking and perks such as Early Theme Park Entry.
How much is parking at Disney Coronado Springs resort?
As of this writing, overnight parking at all Disney World resorts is free for resort guests. Guests arriving with a dinner reservation are also able to park free of charge.
How big is Disney Coronado Springs Resort?
According to the architect responsible for the design of the resort, Disney Coronado Springs in Orlando encompasses 142 acres, with over 95,000 square feet of meeting space, a 15-acre lake and a 46-foot Mayan inspired pyramid waterslide.
Does Disney Coronado Springs have room service?
Room service is not available at Disney Coronado Springs resort, though club level guests may take advantage of all day food and snack options available in the Chronos Lounge.
Is Disney Coronado Springs a deluxe resort?
While looks may be deceiving, Disney Coronado Springs Resort is not one of Disney’s deluxe resort properties. It is considered and priced in the moderate resort category, though many people consider the Gran Destino Tower rooms to be on par with some of Disney’s deluxe resorts.
How far is Disney Coronado Springs from Magic Kingdom?
Disney Coronado Springs is less than 4 miles from the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. That equates to less than a 10 minute drive under average travel conditions.
Does Disney Coronado Springs have an airport shuttle?
Since Disney ceased the operation of its popular Magical Express transportation to and from the airport, there is no ground transportation options included with a booking at this resort. However, there are a number of airport transfer options available for guests. Be sure to hope over to our blog on airport transportation to learn more.
Does Disney Coronado Springs have breakfast?
Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando offers a variety of onsite restaurants for breakfast lunch and dinner. Most guests enjoy the variety available at El Mercado de Coronado and the potential for grab and go items.
Does Disney Coronado Springs have a hot tub?
Yes! Disney Coronado Springs in Orlando does have a hot tub at the main Dig Site Pool. In fact, it is the largest hot tub at any Disney World resort.
