For those who’d take great rooms and food over Mickey Mouse all day
Coronado Springs is the kind of resort that you’ll either love or just not care much about.
It’s a Disney World resort that doesn’t really feel like Disney World. That’s not a jab at Coronado Springs, by the way. This resort is often associated with business centers and conventions, and it’s a great option for those who want a moderate hotel that offers a touch of luxury and some amazing dining options.
On the other hand, the Disney touch is minimal, the hotel is pretty spread out, and it doesn’t offer any special way to reach the theme parks.
So, are you prioritizing amazing rooms, lots of pools, and great restaurants over Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Mickey Mouse? Then you might have a great time at this adult-friendly resort. But if your idea of a Disney vacation is waking up at 6 a.m. and heading straight to Hollywood Studios, you might want to look elsewhere.
What we like about Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs looks great, and it might feel like the most luxurious hotel among all the moderate resorts. That’s largely thanks to the Gran Destino Tower, a newer area of Coronado Springs that opened in 2019 and now serves as the resort’s main lobby. Gran Destino Tower is stunning, with a touch of luxury that’s often compared to Disney’s Deluxe Resorts.
Coronado is often associated with business conventions and investors, and it’s clear that Disney has stepped up its game to make the entire area feel high-end, especially around Gran Destino.
Even the rooms have been upgraded and are widely regarded as the best among all moderate resorts. They’re modern, the beds are comfortable, and everything feels higher quality compared to other hotels in the same price range. The Gran Destino Tower rooms are 375 square feet - larger than some Deluxe rooms - and even the TVs are bigger and more impressive.
The main downside? The rooms don’t offer balconies, which can be a letdown, especially for families with children. When kids go to bed early, parents don’t have a balcony to relax on and are stuck inside the room. Hey, that’s another reason why Coronado Springs tends to be seen as a more adult-friendly resort.
Another great advantage of Coronado Springs? It offers some of the best restaurants among all Moderate Resorts, and even across Disney World in general. Great dining options include Toledo, Rix, Three Bridges, and the Dahlia Lounge. It’s hard to find a bad place to eat at Coronado Springs, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy some truly great food.
What we don’t like about Coronado Springs
The main reason guests tend to skip Coronado Springs? It doesn’t feel much like a Disney resort. That’s a common critique of Moderate Resorts in general, but it’s more noticeable here, especially since the Gran Destino Tower has a reputation for attracting business travelers and convention guests.
Coronado Springs is also huge, and depending on where you’re staying, it can feel pretty spread out. If you want the best location, aim for the Gran Destino Tower. It serves as the main lobby and houses the top dining options.
Each area of the resort has its own bus stop and parking lot, and guests can park for free. I’d definitely recommend this hotel for adults - especially if you have your own car - since it makes getting around much easier. Keep in mind, this resort doesn’t have access to the monorail, Skyliner, or boats, which is a bit of a bummer. If you are driving that’s not a big deal, but otherwise you depend on Minnie Vans, Uber or the complimentary buses.
Coronado Springs FAQ
How much is a room at Coronado Springs?
Prices vary depending on the date and room type, but standard rooms start at around $310 per night, while rooms in the Gran Destino Tower start at approximately $400.
What is the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs?
The Gran Destino Tower is a newer section of Coronado Springs, introduced in 2019. It features modern (and luxurious) rooms, several new dining options, and now serves as the resort’s main lobby.
Is there a Skyliner or Monorail at Coronado Springs?
No, Coronado Springs does not have access to the Skyliner or Monorail. Guests need to rely on their own car or use Disney’s complimentary bus transportation.
Is Coronado Springs good for children?
While families are welcome, there are other Disney World resorts that are more kid-friendly. The Disney theming here is minimal, and the resort tends to cater more to adults, especially those attending conventions or looking for good dining options.
