Many guests see Coronado Springs as a ‘deluxe’ Disney World resort with a ‘moderate’ price tag - there are a few reasons for that, and the large hotel’s high-quality food options is one of them.
Coronado Springs is home to a conference centre, and the ‘business hotel’ vibe found in a few corners of the resort isn’t to the tastes of all guests, but, it means that it caters to some excellent dining.
Here, we take a look at Coronado Springs food spots.
Rix Sports Bar and Grill
Rix Sports Bar and Grill is a well-established fixture at Coronado Springs, which blends a sports bar atmosphere with table-service dining.
Whatever sport you follow, if it is on the TV, you’ve got a shot at catching it here along with a bite to eat. Like any sports bar, the atmosphere can often be vibrant and sometimes lively - especially during the big events.
It serves up classic bar food, ideal for a casual meal eaten with an eye on the sports.
Browsing the menus and guest reviews, a favourite starter is the fried green beans, golden and crispy with a slight kick from the batter, paired with Cajun aioli and sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Another standout is the Cuban sandwich which boasts layers of mojo pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on a pressed roll.
The ‘Rick’s steak sandwich’ meanwhile features tenderloin steak, chimichurri, and horseradish aioli on a soft basil focaccia.
The dining experience at Rix proves it’s a solid option for casual eats, especially during big sports events.
It is moderately priced, with dishes between $15 and $25, and, a popular spot.
El Mercado de Coronado
For a budget-friendly option, El Mercado de Coronado is Coronado Springs’ quick-service restaurant - serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a range of bites to go.
It’s a solid example of a Disney World resort quick-service with multiple food stations, a good range of desserts, snacks and fountain drinks for guests’ refillable mugs.
Maya Grill
In keeping with Coronado Springs theming - which is described as “a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American culture” - the resort has a large Mexican restaurant of its own.
Maya Grill is a popular dining spot at the resort, although if you ask the internet it will tell you that there may be better Mexican restaurants elsewhere on Disney world property.
The restaurant is located in the original section of Coronado Springs. It’s well-themed, including live music and Mayan interior.
Guests enjoy the house guacamole which is made up of crushed avocado, charred jalapeño, and cucumber salsa, along with crisp tortilla chips.
Also popular are Maya Grill’s chicken enchiladas and chicken fajitas.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago
One of Coronado Springs’ two iconic restaurants is the ‘The Three Bridges’, which sits on the water - on Coronado’s lake, known as Lago Dorado - on a deck, where the resort’s three footbridges meet.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago is a tranquil, open-air dining experience right in the middle of Lago Dorado. With panoramic water views and a laid-back lounge vibe, it’s the perfect spot for both resort guests and Disney visitors looking to unwind with cocktails and classy small plates.
Guest favourites include Warm Manchego Cheese & Oaxaca Dip, the Braised Pork Tacos, and, the Three Bridges Signature Burger.
Besides the food, signature cocktails (and mock-tails) are ‘must try’ menu items, as well as the Sangría ‘flight’.
Toledo
On the top floor of Coronado’s modern, luxury Grand Destino Tower, the Toledo restaurant is the resort’s flagship dining location - along with the Dahlia Lounge next door.
Toledo is seen as a refined experience, complemented by the breathtaking views across the Coronado Springs resort and much of the Disney World resort beyond. It specialises in tapas, steak and seafood.
Menu highlights include ‘The Spaniard for Two’, a charcuterie board with a spread of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments like fig jam and dried apricots.
Another popular choice is the fillet of beef with whipped potatoes and charred Brussels sprouts.
It is a high-end dining experience, and it has a price tag to match - a regular entree will cost between $35 and $40, whilst the chef’s signature set menu for two will set you back $155.
Siestas Cantina
The poolside ‘Cantina’ has the typical pool-bar fare - with easy-going favourites including fries, burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders - as well as refreshing drinks.
It is located beside Coronado’s main pool, the Mayan ‘Digsite’, and the beach volleyball pitch.
Cafe Rix
On the walkway near Rix Sports Bar and the Mercado quick service foodcourt is Cafe Rix, which sells patisserie and bakery items, plus some classic Disney snacks.
Laguna Bar and Barcelona Bar
There are two main bars on-site at Coronado Springs - plus the Dahlia Lounge on the top floor of Grand Destino Tower.
The Barcelona Bar, on the ground floor of Grand Destino, underneath the main lobby and guest services desk, has a spacious, colourful and artistic setting inspired by the work of Spanish artist Salvadore Dali (whose work was the inspiration for the tower itself).
It has a well-stocked bar with beers, wines and cocktails, as well as coffees, snacks and bakery items.
The Laguna Bar, meanwhile, is lakeside near the original resort buildings and near the entrance to El Mercado.
It’s an outdoor margarita and cocktail bar, overlooking the lake and the ‘three bridges’ walkway. It is a fairly small, but it can be a lively spot in what is still at the heart of the Coronado Springs resort.
Disney Springs
As well as the onsite dining options at the Coronado resort, Disney Springs, Disney World's shopping and dining district, is just a short, complimentary bus ride away.
Disney Springs is a destination of its own for food enthusiasts with close to 70 outlets, a mix of quick-service bites, and mid-range and high-end table service dining. Here are just a few of the established favourites.
Known for its stunning waterfront views and fresh seafood, The BOATHOUSE is a must-visit for those seeking a relaxed yet upscale dining experience. Don’t miss their signature lobster roll or mouthwatering filet mignon sliders.
Wine Bar George is a charming wine bar that pairs a global wine list with small plates, entrees and sharing platters. Favourites include the crispy mac and cheese bites and the indulgent charcuterie boards.
A celebration of Southern comfort food, Homecomin' by Chef Art Smith is famous for its fried chicken and moonshine cocktails. The warm, welcoming vibe makes it ideal for families or a casual date night.
Blaze Pizza, a quick-service favourite, serves customized pizzas to order at the counter, and baked to perfection in minutes. It’s an affordable, fast, and delicious spot - perfect when you’re on the go.
Gideon’s Bakehouse is an extremely popular outlet - don’t believe me? wait till you see the queue - thanks to its massive, gooey and Instagrammable cookies and cakes.
