From the moment you arrive at Disney, you are immersed in stories and intricately spun worlds. In the theme parks, there are the usual suspects, of course: fairytales and rollicking adventures set in jungles, outer space, and the Wild West. The resorts, however, are no less transporting, with colorful, larger-than-life elements in the value resorts and restrained but immersive theming with an elevated twist at the deluxe resorts.
Disney Coronado Springs Resort, and the other moderate resorts, land somewhere in between – sending guests to Mexico and the American Southwest, as well as New Orleans and its famed French Quarter, or the islands of the Caribbean, all for a pretty reasonable rate. So, how does the resort stack up to the other Walt Disney World resorts? And who is the Coronado hotel best for? Keep reading, as we go over everything you need to know about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. (Updated August 22, 2023)
In general, the Disney World Coronado Springs Resort takes its inspiration from the cultures of Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Through much of the resort, the theming – a collection of manicured courtyards and plazas dotted by pueblo-style villas – though subtle, makes you feel as if you’ve been plucked from humidity-drenched Orlando and plopped into a picturesque village in Mexico. Meanwhile, the resort’s newest addition, the Gran Destino Tower, takes guests to Spain with its Moorish lanterns, glittering Spanish tiles, and Salvador Dali-inspired stylings.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is considered an Animal Kingdom-area resort. However, it is also just a short drive from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and nearby Epcot. As we previously mentioned, it is also considered a moderate Disney World resort. Moderate resorts are some of the biggest on property, with sprawling complexes of many buildings, and, as you’ve probably guessed, largely offer moderate rates and amenities when compared to other Disney resorts.
However, just because these resorts are middle-of-the-road doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a stay. In fact, with the relatively recent opening of its Gran Destino Tower and a complete renovation to match, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort actually boasts some of the freshest rooms of all the Walt Disney World resorts.
Additionally, when the NBA finals came to Walt Disney World, Coronado was even part of the quarantine bubble, playing host to the best teams of the season. And truly, what’s good enough for LeBron is good enough for us.
Not just a hotel, Coronado Springs is also home to one of Walt Disney World’s largest convention centers with an exhibition hall, two ballrooms, and 45 breakout rooms totaling over 220,000 square feet of meeting space. As you can imagine, this can have an interesting effect on the resort’s atmosphere depending on how many corporate events are in-house (more on that later).
Overall, thanks to its recent reimagining and renovations, this Walt Disney World resort is an excellent value, and the perfect choice for your Disney vacation if you prefer your pixie dust in measured doses.
Disney Coronado Springs Rooms
When deciding on a hotel for your Walt Disney World vacation, there are a few things you’ll likely consider, like how many people the room can fit, whether there’s a restaurant the whole family will enjoy, and how far it is from the theme parks. Some may be ok with just the basics, while others might expect nothing but Disney luxury. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is definitely in the sweet spot, with its unique blend of family-friendly offerings, business-friendly amenities, wallet-friendly rates, and social media-friendly design.
On the outside, Coronado Springs feels a bit like a tale of two hotels, with the elegant Spanish architecture of the Coronado tower and the quaint village-like atmosphere throughout the rest of the resort. Does it feel a bit disjointed? Sure. But, we also appreciate the upscale sophistication the Gran Destino Tower brings that can’t be found at the other moderate resorts.
In contrast, the rooms, all burnt oranges and rusty reds accented by warm and dark woods, are spicy through and through. Of course, this is a Disney resort, so along with the other room decor, the classic characters from The Three Caballeros make an appearance too, in the form of graphic silhouette art. Those of you who appreciate a beautiful bathroom will also not be disappointed, as each comes comfortably appointed with a sleek shower, double sinks, and some lighting that we’re sure makes everyone look ready for their close-up.
Currently, the Coronado Springs hotel has a 4.0 on TripAdvisor, and also received the website’s Travelers’ Choice Award for 2020. If you do decide to stay at Disney’s Coronado, you’ll have a few choices to make, namely what view you’d prefer (there’s nothing like a pastoral view of the parking lot), how much space you need, and whether you’d like to stay in the Coronado tower or in one of the original sections of the resort. If you stay in the Gran Destino Tower, you can also choose to upgrade your room to club level for access to the Chronos Club lounge and personalized concierge services.
Standard View Room
- Looks out over parking lots, courtyard, or landscaping (in Gran Destino Tower)
- Available with 2 queen beds (sleeps 4) or 1 king bed (sleeps 2)
- Club access available for upgrade in Gran Destino Tower
- Located in Gran Destino Tower and throughout the rest of the resort
Water View Room
- Looks out over the lake or pool
- Available with 2 queen beds (sleeps 4) or 1 king bed (sleeps 2)
- Located in Gran Destino Tower and throughout the rest of the resort
Preferred Room
- Looks out over courtyard, lake, or parking lots
- Available with 2 queen beds (sleeps 4) or 1 king bed (sleeps 2)
- Not available in the Tower
- Features a prime location near the El Centro Lobby, dining, shopping, and transportation
One-Bedroom Suite – King
- Looks out over lake or gardens
- Sleeps 4 – 1 king-size bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Not available in the Gran Destino Tower
Casitas – One-Bedroom Suite
- Looks out over the courtyard
- Sleeps 6 – 2 queen beds and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Not available in the Gran Destino Tower
- Features a prime location near the El Centro Lobby, dining, shopping, and transportation
Casitas – Executive Suite
- Looks out over the courtyard
- Sleeps 8 – 1 king bed and 2 queen beds plus 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Not available in the Tower
- Features a prime location near the El Centro Lobby, dining, shopping, and transportation
Tower – Deluxe Suite
- Looks out over courtyard, lake, or parking lots
- Sleeps 4 – 1 king-size bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Only available in the Gran Destino Tower
Tower – One-Bedroom Suite
- Looks out over landscaping, courtyard, or parking lots
- Sleeps 4 – 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Only available in the Gran Destino Tower
Tower – Presidential Suite
- Looks out over landscaping, courtyard, or parking lots
- Sleeps 6 – 1 king bed and 2 queen beds
- Only available in the Gran Destino Tower
In general, all of the rooms and suites at the Coronado hotel also come with a TV, iron, ironing board, mini-fridge, coffee maker, hair dryer, in-room safe, and a lighted mirror for doing makeup.
Disney Coronado Springs Resort Prices
As we mentioned previously, Coronado Springs is a moderate Disney resort. As you might assume, that puts the resort in the middle of the pack in terms of room rates. Disney Coronado Springs Resort prices do vary depending on the view and how big the room is, along with when you decide to travel. In the high season, such as during the summer months and over holidays, you can definitely expect rates to climb.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for each room type at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in 2023 (plan for slightly cheaper rates in 2022):
- Standard View: $250 to $497
- Water View: $298 to $557
- Preferred Room: $340 to $511
- Standard View Tower Room: $303 to $608
- Water View Tower Room: $352 to $627
- Club-Level Standard View Tower Room: $428 to $975
- Club-Level Deluxe Tower Room: $672 to $1,322
- Casitas 1-Bedroom Suite: $1,034 to $1,572
- 1-Bedroom Suite with King Bed: $1,050 to $1,577
- Tower 1-Bedroom Suite: $1,236 to $1,875
- Casitas Executive Suite: $1,473 to $2,259
- Tower Presidential Suite: $1,732 to $3,520
Disney Coronado Resort Amenities
As a moderate resort, Coronado Springs is blessed with a little bit of everything – a pool with fun theming, Disney World’s biggest hot tub, many dining outlets (including a rooftop restaurant), a spa and fitness center, a 220,000 square foot convention center, and more all call this resort home. So, just because it has a smaller price tag doesn’t mean that it’s short on amenities. Now let’s dig into everything that’s on offer.
Disney Coronado Springs Resort Restaurants
Thanks to the attached convention center, Disney’s Coronado Springs is blessed with a wealth of dining options, namely numerous quick-service and table-service restaurants (including a food court and one that’s good enough to be a signature restaurant), multiple bars and lounges, and even a sports bar. As you might expect, Latin American and Spanish flavors and ingredients are the stars here, although American food is also plentiful throughout.
Barcelona Lounge
Get your caffeine fix at Barcelona Lounge, a coffee bar nestled at the base of the Gran Destino Tower. Here, guests can sip on caffeinated Spanish favorites like the Cortado as they gaze out over Lago Dorado and the rest of the resort. The lounge’s stunning stained-glass wall – its organic curves and vivid colors reminiscent of the works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect – is the perfect backdrop for your Barcelona Lounge Disney food photoshoot.
Minimal snacks are available, just pastries and fruit, but Spanish-inspired coffee options are plentiful, as are basic favorites like cold brews, hot brewed coffee, tea, and juice.
Café Rix
Café Rix is one of the Coronado Springs hotel’s quick-service restaurants. Both hot and cold grab-and-go items are available for breakfast and dinner, making it a great option if you want to fuel up fast before heading to or after returning from the theme parks.
Don’t expect to find any Spanish-inspired flavors here – this is American cuisine all the way, with breakfast sandwiches and French toast sticks in the morning and subs and salads in the evening. Pastries and a sizeable gelato selection (Dulce De Leche, anyone?) also make this the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. Coffee drinks, smoothies, teas, and hot cocoa are also available.
Dahlia Lounge
The surrealist stylings of Antoni Gaudí and Salvador Dalí make their reappearance at a rooftop lounge crowning the Gran Destino Tower, the Dahlia Lounge. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot fireworks can both be seen from the lounge, albeit at a bit of a distance and without the accompanying soundtracks. However, it’s still a fantastic view and a fun place to enjoy a drink and something small to eat thanks to its prime spot on the 16th floor of the Coronado tower.
Spanish flavors and ingredients are the highlights here, popping up throughout the menu including classic tapas like tortilla and croquettes and some tempting charcuterie and cheese options. The drink menu takes a trip to Spain as well, with an extensive list of Spanish wines, specialty coffees, aperitives, beer, and cider.
El Mercado de Coronado
El Mercado de Coronado is another of the Coronado hotel’s quick-service dining options. As with Café Rix, grab-and-go selections for breakfast and dinner are the focus here. And don’t let the name of this food court or the Mexican-cuisine designation on the Walt Disney World Resort app fool you – aside from a breakfast burrito and a few margaritas, this is American food through and through. Expect the same sandwiches, salads, and chicken strips that are at Café Rix, along with a couple of pizzas.
Laguna Bar
Laguna Bar is a small but mighty open-air lounge overlooking the lake – small because this is basically a drink stand with chairs, and mighty because of its mighty big cocktail menu. Mezcal and tequila are key players in the Latin and Spanish-inspired craft cocktails, as are tropical favorites like margaritas, sangria, and piña colada. Don’t plan on getting any food here, however; this place is exclusively for toasting to the day’s adventures and resting your theme park-weary feet.
Maya Grill
Maya Grill is one of Coronado’s table-service restaurants. Typically open for dinner, Maya Grill is basically a Mexican-inspired steakhouse and features traditional Latino favorites with a modern twist. If you’re not sure what that means, picture fresh guacamole upgraded with grilled pineapple or chicharrones or meaty entrees with flavorful accompaniments like Oaxacan mole, guajillo butter, or poblano gratin potatoes.
While the flavors here celebrate new-school Mexican cuisine, the restaurant’s design has decidedly old-school influences, with pillars and artwork inspired by ancient Mexico and the Mayan symbols of fire, water, and the sun.
Rix Sports Bar and Grill
Catch up on the game on one of 31 TVs, and enjoy some hearty bar food favorites, at Rix Sports Bar and Grill. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this casual, table-service restaurant offers guests a variety of sports bar classics like burgers and sandwiches, along with lighter options like soup and salad.
Breakfast is also considerably better here than what you’ll find at the resort’s quick-service restaurants, offering up tasty entrees such as breakfast bruschetta, brioche French toast, and an omelet with all the fixings. At the end of your meal, wash it all down with a beverage from the extensive drink menu.
Siestas Cantina
Neighboring the Lost City of Cibola pool, the Siestas Cantina pool bar serves up simple bar snacks like burgers and grouper tacos, as well as a variety of refreshing beverages that are perfect for sipping as you soak up the sun. As at Coronado’s other lounges, tequila is definitely the star here, so expect an array of margaritas alongside beachy favorites like mojitos, sangria, and daquiris.
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago
Sitting in the middle of Lago Dorado lake, Three Bridges Bar and Grill is at the crossroads of three bridges that span the lake. This convergence is echoed in the playful intersection of familiar favorites with unexpected flavors. Following in the Spanish tradition of tapas, many of the options are meant to be shared, meaning you’ll never have to worry about FOMO here. Of course, if you’d rather keep all the deliciousness to yourself, there are also some tempting entrees to choose from.
As you’d expect, Three Bridges Bar and Grill also offers a sizeable drink menu including cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, cider, and even a sangria flight.
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, while not officially a signature restaurant, probably should be. In fact, it’s even been recognized in the latest Michelin guide. One of Walt Disney World’s rooftop restaurants, Toledo offers guests sweeping views of the resort from its loft perch atop Gran Destino Tower and artsy design inspired by Spanish surrealism with a tasty side of Spanish steakhouse cuisine. There’s even an on-stage tapas kitchen, so you can watch the culinary artistry before devouring their delicious handiwork.
Complement your meal with one of over 75 wines from Spain and California expertly selected by Toledo’s master sommelier, a craft cocktail, or a bottle of Spanish beer.
Disney World Coronado Springs Pools
Of all the resort pools at Walt Disney World, Coronado Springs is home to what we think is one of the best: the Lost City of Cibola pool at the Dig Site recreation area, featuring a 50-foot-tall Mayan pyramid as its centerpiece, a 123-foot-long water slide, and a jaguar spirit animal that may or may not spit water on you. How cool is that?! In fact, the whole Dig Site complex is themed to look like ancient Mayan ruins.
And that’s not all – the Dig Site has even more fun to uncover including a 22-person hot tub (the largest at Walt Disney World), a pool bar, arcade, kiddie pool, and white-sand volleyball court. Outside the Dig Site, there are also three slower-paced pools located at the various resort settlements, or neighborhoods, that are perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day at the theme parks or escaping from the organized chaos of the Lost City of Cibola Pool.
Disney Coronado Resort Merchandise Locations
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has one gift shop, Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries, where you can pick up a souvenir or stock up on that thing you forget from home. Panchito’s stocks a variety of Disney merchandise, some even inspired by Coronado, as well as snacks and essentials. The Coronado Springs gift shop is located next door to Cafe Rix and Rix Lounge.
Other Recreation at Coronado Springs
As a moderate resort with a convention center, Coronado Springs is blessed with lots to do. Aside from its four pools, guests can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Kids staying at Coronado will love the regular Movies Under the Stars and campfire activities. An archaeological-themed playground is also available at the Dig Site recreation area, as is the Iguana Arcade.
Adults, meanwhile, can get in a run on the jogging trail that loops Lago Dorado, catch a workout in one of Coronado Springs’ two fitness centers, the La Vida Health Club or the gym in Gran Destino Tower, or challenge their group to a volleyball game on the resort’s white-sand court.
For something completely different, be sure to check out the Colors of Coronado Painting Experience. This master-led class includes a snack and a complimentary beverage, as well as a unique Disney memory you won’t soon forget. Alternatively, a Spanish Mosaic Art workshop offers a similarly artsy activity with Mickey Mouse-inspired flair.
Coronado Springs FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
What park is Coronado Springs near?
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is technically in the Animal Kingdom area. However, it is also a short car or bus ride away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Alternatively, getting to Magic Kingdom will require slightly more time in the car or if using bus transportation. For those heading to one of the water parks, meanwhile, Blizzard Beach is the closest.
Can you walk from Coronado Springs to Disney Springs?
Their names may be similar, but no, you are not able to walk from Coronado Springs to Disney Springs. Not to fear, though – you can easily grab one of the complimentary shuttles at the bus stop if driving isn’t an option. Sadly, the Disney Skyliner is not accessible from Coronado Springs.
Is Coronado Springs kid-friendly?
This is a bit of a tricky question. Disney, by definition, is incredibly family-friendly. Although, given the attached convention center, hotel guests tend to be decidedly more adult. As a result, much of the resort is catered to the needs of convention guests, with elevated dining options, several lounges, and multiple leisure pools.
All that being said, this is still Walt Disney World, just with a little less pixie dust than what you might find at the likes of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. If lack of over-the-top theming is a concern, this is definitely not the resort for you. Adult groups or families with older children, however, will find Coronado Springs just magical enough.
Can you see fireworks from Coronado Springs Resort?
Yes! Thanks to its central location near both Hollywood Studios and Epcot and the new Coronado tower, you are able to see both nighttime spectaculars from parts of the resort. Keep in mind that Coronado Springs isn’t exactly what you’d call next door, so your view will be from a distance and without accompanying music to go along with. In general, fireworks viewing spots include the Dahlia Lounge and Toledo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood, as well as parts of the Casitas area and even some of the standard-view rooms higher up in the Gran Destino Tower.
Are all rooms at Coronado Springs renovated?
Yup! As of the opening of the Gran Destino Tower, all guest rooms at Coronado Springs have been renovated.
Which rooms are preferred at Coronado Springs?
As with the other moderate resorts, Coronado Springs is a sprawling resort. In other words, depending on where your room is, you could be walking for quite some time. Not exactly ideal when all you want to do is get back to your room and take a load off at the end of a long day at the theme parks.
So, the resort’s casitas rooms are a great option because of their central location. As one of the newest resort buildings on property, guest rooms in the Gran Destino Tower are another great option, and can offer standout views of the Walt Disney World if your room is on a higher floor.
Is Coronado Springs a good resort?
With its recent reimagining and the completion of the Gran Destino Tower, Coronado Springs offers some deluxe-level perks and comfortable luxury that you can’t find at Disney’s other moderate resorts. So, while it may not be the most family-friendly stay on Disney property, it does offer upscale amenities at an affordable price, making this feel like a splurge at a great value.
And that caps off our review of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Overall, we think that while this isn’t the most kid-friendly at Disney World, there is a lot to like about this resort, and we think it’s a great choice for groups of adults or families with older children. With the beautiful (though somewhat out-of-place) Coronado tower, its relaxed Latin and Spanish-inspired vibes, great dining, some standout amenities, and newly reimagined rooms, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers many of the perks of a deluxe resort at a moderate price.
If you decide to visit, maximize your time at Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios with one of our one-day plans. If you’d rather maximize your money, save some cash with our discounted Walt Disney World tickets. If you’re interested in learning more about other Disney resort hotels be sure to see our Resort Hotel Reviews guide which gives you a great idea of all property hotels.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Coronado Springs hotel or tried out one of their restaurants? If you have, we want to know about it! Any tips or tricks we forgot? Let us know in the comments.
