Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, 2023

Gran Destino Tower, Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, 2023

Resort Layout & Rooms

From Coronado it is a short bus ride to Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom sometimes feels like a bit of a hike by bus. One downside to the resort is that bus transportation is the only option to the parks, outside of driving a personal car or using a ride share service.

When booking a stay at Coronado Resort, guests can opt for “Rooms & Suites” or “Rooms & Suites- Gran Destino Tower.” Staying in the tower guarantees a room close to the main section of the resort and a more upscale stay with interior room hallways.

The property is large, with each section subtly unique in its theming. We like desert landscaped Ranchos section, although it can be a bit of a hike to the lobby areas.

The layout of the resort is easy to navigate, with all sections connected by a bridge across the lake. Buses to the parks run around the exterior. When we stay at Coronado we prefer to have a car to drive to all of the parks except Magic Kingdom (parking at The Transportation Center is always more inconvenient than any wait for a bus).

El Centro was the original check-in area of the resort, with space that was once filled with Cast Members and guests with luggage now a large relaxing lounge. It is still a central area for shopping and dining. Next to the lounge is the Panchito’s Gifts & Sundries store, and much of the merchandise during our 2023 stay was Coco and Encanto themed. The El Centro restaurants and the convention center are found just down the hallway from the store lobby area.

Our Ranchos section room during our 2023 trip had The Three Caballeros themed decor. Like many other moderate-level updated rooms, the beds were lifted for storage. The sliding wall allowed for additional privacy. One benefit to the room for families with young children is that there was a bathtub, unlike many of the newer resorts.

Gran Destino Tower

While the original Coronado resort area has an American southwest and Mexican theme, the newer (opened in 2019) Gran Destino Tower is like a trip to Spain. The Barcelona bar backdrop and columns are Antoni Gaudí meets Disney, hidden Mickeys and all.
Some families may feel like the resort lacks some of the Disney magic you find at other more classic resorts. Depending on when you visit, conferences attendees in business attire may outnumber families wearing Mickey Ears. For that reason, families with very young children may prefer a different resort. However, we found the tower to be similar to a deluxe resort style stay at moderate resort pricing.

Dining

Three Bridges, Coronado Resort at WALT DISNEY WORLD in Orlando, 2019

There are so many dining options to choose from at Coronado that, even after multiple stays, we have yet to try them all. Three Bridges restaurant is a fantastic location in the center of the lake, with great food, drinks and views.
Most dining is located in the El Centro Section, part of the original Coronado Resort, including the El Mercado (Quick Service), the Rix Sports Bar & Grill (Table Service), The Rix express (a popular grab & go for morning pastries), and the Maya Grill (Table Service).

Gran Destino Tower: Signature Dining is offered on the 16th floor at Toledo Restaurant and the same view was available with light tapas at Dahlia. The bar was ideal for an evening nightcap for me and a “zero proof cocktail” for Alice while we watched the fireworks at Hollywood Studios. For breakfast we enjoyed European-style coffee and breakfast options in the Barcelona Lounge.

Dahlia, Coronado Resort at WALT DISNEY WORLD in Orlando, 2019

Recreation

“The Dig Site” is a Mayan ruins themed recreation area with a playground, volleyball court, large pool with a waterslide, game room, changing rooms and a bar/restaurant. Because of its size and wide range of activities, I consider it to be the best moderate-level recreation option for families with a big age range in their party.

Additional options to play and relax were scattered throughout the resort during our stays; a pickleball court was set up in an El Centro courtyard, hammocks lined the water next to The Cabanas rooms, and movies were shown behind Gran Destino Tower. Smaller pools were also located in each section of the resort, so guest could swim without having to trek to The Dig Site.