Coronado Springs Resort has plenty to offer guests who choose to stay here, but among Disney World hotels, it is quite unique, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.
The resort’s on-site conference centre brings a different vibe, and in some parts, different clientele, and this is something that divides opinion among Disney World fans.
Of course, when planning a trip to Disney World, ultimately choosing the right hotel comes down to priorities.
Here, we take a closer look at what guests love about Coronado Springs, and also at some of the drawbacks that some guests find offputting.
What guests love about Coronado Springs resort
Affordable quality.
Quality is one of the big draws here. Or, to put it more accurately, the resort has a high level of quality for its price point.
As many people say, “it's almost a deluxe hotel, for the price of a moderate”.
Nowhere is that truer than the Gran Destino Tower, which opened in 2019 and brought an elevated, upscale hotel experience to the rest of Coronado, which otherwise has more sprawling resort areas (across three ‘villages’ - Casitas, Cabanas, and Ranchos).
Basically, Gran Destino Tower adds an upscale, modern vibe with stunning architecture, while the rest of the resort keeps a laid-back, tranquil atmosphere.
Gran Destino, which joins onto the business and conference centre, is very much an upscale business hotel. Quite a lot of guests booked into Gran Destino at any time are not there for the theme park and are instead there for work.
Down in the villages, which essentially circle Lago Dorado, the resort’s lake, there’s much more of a family vibe.
Couples and families alike enjoy the large Lost City of Cibola Pool, aka ‘The Dig Site’, with its Mayan pyramid centerpiece and 123-foot-long waterslide, which is a big hit for kids.
For those who enjoy a variety of dining options, Coronado Springs doesn’t disappoint.
The resort features everything from casual dining at El Mercado de Coronado to upscale meals at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, located at the top of the Grand Destino Tower.
Plus, there’s a wide range of recreational activities like campfire marshmallow roasting and Movies Under the Stars, which, like at other Disney World resorts, are great for families looking to unwind after a day at the parks.
Who Is Coronado Springs Resort Best For?
Coronado Springs is a fantastic option for families with young children, thanks to its kid-friendly pool and playground areas, as well as the variety of activities on-site.
However, the Grand Destino Tower is a more refined experience that appeals more to couples and small groups of adults.
The resort balances being both a family-friendly vacation spot and a business-friendly hotel, which is a unique combination that appeals to diverse guest types.
What Makes Coronado Springs Unique?
What sets Coronado Springs apart from other moderate Disney resorts is the addition of Grand Destino Tower.
This newer section elevates the resort to a higher standard, offering rooms with more modern decor and breathtaking views over Lago Dorado.
The combination of a relaxed resort atmosphere with the elegance of the Tower makes it appealing for guests seeking a luxurious experience without the deluxe price tag.
Another unique feature is the resort’s size - it’s a sprawling property that feels like its own little world. With so many pools, dining options, and activities, you could spend days here without needing to leave the resort (if world class theme parks weren’t also on the doorstep!).
The Cons of Staying at Coronado Springs
The unique composition of Coronado Springs isn’t to everyone’s liking.
Guests looking to be deeply immersed in Disney theming might find this Disney World hotel somewhat underwhelming.
The Disney characters and the Disney references in this hotel are much more subtle than in many of the other Disney World hotels. You can tell that this resort is designed to appeal as much to conference goers as it does to theme park guests.
Guests looking for a more immersive Disney-themed experience might prefer resorts like the Port Orleans, Art of Animation, Pop-Century or All-Star Resorts, which cater more directly to kids with larger-than-life Disney character decor and themes.
Another complaint that’s common among some guests is that, because the property is large, some room allocations are located quite far from the resorts main building and amenities.
The addition of the three bridges across Lago Dorado, installed alongside the construction of Gran Destino, has eased this possible pain-point for guests - nevertheless, the back-side of the Rancho area in particular is quite far away from the main part of the resort.
There are multiple theme-park bus stops, but still, the sprawling nature of the resort can mean extra walking time to get to dining areas or the bus stop. It can be a hassle for families with small children or guests with mobility issues.
Is Coronado Springs Right for You?
To be honest, you’ll either love Coronado or you’ll hate it.
On one hand, guests may find that the resort to be too ‘business-like’ and ‘not a real Disney hotel’. But, on the other, the toned down theming will also feel like a luxury respite compared to the full-on nature of the parks and other parts of Disney World.
Guests who love Coronado do so, in part, because the high quality finish and high standard of food options across the resort do give a sense that you’re getting a much higher level of luxury for the price - compared to the other ‘moderate’ level Disney World resorts like Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans.
That said, the sweeping series of room upgrades across Disney World in recent years means every resort in this bracket offers a very good quality experience.
Our thoughts …
So, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is an excellent choice for families, couples, and business guests looking for a versatile and beautiful place to stay.
With its mix of affordable quality, great dining options, family-friendly pools, along with comfortable and modern rooms, it’s an ideal choice for a stay at Disney World - albeit, a toned down one when it comes to theming.
But, if you like your Disney World hotel to be larger-than-life and deeply themed, then there’s probably better choices for you elsewhere.
