Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: something for everyone!

January 26, 2024 by Abby Rom

At Walt Disney World Resort, visitors have a wide range of hotel and resort accommodations from which to choose. Over the past year, my family has chosen Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as our home away from home for a runDisney weekend, spring break getaway, all-star cheerleading competition, and adults-only getaway! Regardless of your reasons for visiting Walt Disney World, the sprawling and stunning Coronado Springs Resort is a great choice for families, friend groups, convention-goers, or adults.

Each Walt Disney World Resort hotel features unique theming and designs. Coronado Springs blends elements of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American design and architecture in its hotel rooms, lobby, eating establishments, and grounds. It is one of Disney’s largest resorts, and most rooms sleep a maximum of four guests.

Gran Destino Tower

The Gran Destino Tower anchors the property, housing the stunning lobby, Barcelona Lounge and coffee bar, a fitness center, and on the top floor, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge. These top floor venues offer stunning views of the Walt Disney World property and delicious, upscale cuisine perfect for couples or friends. The Gran Destino Tower is a centrally located option for a Coronado Springs Resort stay, with several room options available, including a Club Level lounge. The higher floors in particular offer stunning views! The Tower offers Standard Rooms, Water View Rooms, King Rooms, and Suites.

My family adored our stay in the Gran Destino Tower Deluxe Suite with Club Level access over spring break. Outside, we enjoyed the large open area with life-size chess or checkers, lounge chairs, and we were lucky to run into some of our favorite Disney friends! The Dig Site pool complex featuring The Lost City of Cibola Pool, Mayan-themed waterslide, playground, kiddie pool area, and ping pong table kept our family entertained all day. Thanks to Siestas Cantina, we enjoyed lunch and fun drinks poolside. In the evening, we roasted marshmallows and watched a movie under the stars, organized by Cast Members nightly. More recently, my husband and I enjoyed a night away in a Gran Destino Tower King Room over the holiday season. Between the décor, luxurious furnishings, and adult-focused lounges, it was the perfect choice for a grown-up stay.

Resort Layout

Coronado Springs is a large resort surrounding Villa del Lago, with resort buildings nestled within immersive landscaping. In addition to the Gran Destino Tower, it has a large convention center and three additional resort sections: Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas; each drawing inspiration from a different architectural style. Cabanas is frequently requested by guests with kids due to its location near the Dig Site pool complex. Casitas is home to the “preferred” room type, thanks to its ideal location near El Centro and Gran Destino Tower amenities. Ranchos are more secluded and a farther walk from the main amenities. Despite the size, there are multiple bus stops around the resort where theme park bus transportation and a resort-only bus makes rounds. There is also ample parking around the resort for guests who are driving their own vehicle. Guests who don’t want to walk to the Dig Site pool complex can enjoy the “quiet” pools located within each section of the resort instead!

My family and I enjoyed both Casitas and Cabanas for runDisney and all-star cheer weekends. As long as we factored in extra time for walking, the size of the resort was a non-issue! The rooms are nicely appointed with double sinks in the bathrooms. At the time of our visits, our youngest was 2 years old and slept in a pack-n-play. In the future, we will require two connecting rooms to accommodate our family of 5.

Dining Delights

One of my favorite parts of Coronado Springs Resort is the myriad of dining options, starting with Three Bridges Bar & Grill, which cannot be missed! Open in the evenings only, and by walk-up only, this very popular spot is situated on Villa del Lago, an island in the middle of the resort’s lake. Its picturesque setting and dishes inspired by the Americas make it a perfect venue for families or friends to gather. Additionally, in El Centro area of the resort, El Mercado de Coronado offers quick service food items, as well as a large grab-and-go section. I enjoy the Maya Grill, serving Nuevo Latino cuisines. For sports lovers, the Rix Sports Bar & Grill is an additional table service option offering casual food and games on its multiple screens. As you can see, the many dining options at Coronado Springs cater to different tastes, both kids and adults alike!

Home away from Home

While Coronado Springs Resort is not the most popular hotel choice at Walt Disney World, it remains my personal favorite in the Moderate resort category. I first toured this resort back in 2017 and instantly connected to its immersive theme and relaxing vibe. I enjoy walking the grounds with lush landscaping, swinging hammocks, and tranquility of the Lago Dorado lake at the center of the resort. Over the past seven years, Coronado Springs has only improved, and my family will continue to choose this resort for future visits! Be sure to tell your Be Our Guest Vacations travel advisor if you want to stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, too!