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I’ve reviewed Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort a number of times over the years, but I am thrilled to be back with an update on Gran Destino Tower! Overall, I like this resort a lot and it has inched into my top choice in the moderate category, especially for an adult only trip. I enjoy the Southwestern-themed haven of rustic Ranchos and beachfront Cabanas encircling a lovely lake. The Gran Destino Tower and amenities are more in line with that you’d expect from a deluxe resort. The property beautifully landscaped and renovations over the past two years give the resort a more sophisticated feel overall.
You will arrive at the resort via the Gran Destino porte cochere. The Christmas decorations throughout the resort are fun, festive and very well done. We’ve stayed here twice during Christmas time and one additional time. It really is a lovely place.
Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs is a convention resort with a large contingent of its guests being adult convention-goers. For this reason, the resort does have more of an “adult” feel than most on property. There is an interesting mix of families decked out in Mickey ears surrounded by people in business attire tapping away at the laptops at every available table.
Regardless of whether you are staying in the tower or outer buildings, you will check-in and have access to all of the amenities at Gran Destino. I was completely “wowed” by how beautiful this space is. You will not find this stunning look in any other moderate resort.
They do Christmas decor as well as any deluxe resort! There were festive touches everywhere we looked.
The new Gran Destino Tower connects to the original resort “hub” via a interior walkway. Between the two areas, you have plenty of dining, lounging and shopping options.
The outdoor spaces at Coronado Springs remain among some of my favorites. While the resort is sprawling, there are so many different pockets along the lake to enjoy a drink, relax or take a break from meetings.
Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower Rooms
A key difference in the tower rooms is that they are hotel resort style, with elevators and guest rooms that open to interior walkways. Gran Destino Tower is the only option for this in the moderate category. All others are motels.
Our room on all of our stays has been spacious for a moderate and very well appointed. Again, it felt like a deluxe even down to the upgraded mattresses and thicker walls between rooms. Inside the room, the main difference from a deluxe is that there is no patio or balcony. I personally do think this is a big drawback and was something I missed. I know many of my clients would miss it too – we always enjoy a cup of coffee out on the balcony in the morning or a drink at the end of the day while the kids sleep. Other than that, the room is top notch!
For comparison, here is a peek at another room. This was a standard view that faces the front entry. I definitely preferred the water view!
Presidentail Alcazar Suite at Gran Destino Tower
Many people are surprised to find that Gran Destino Tower is home to an absolutely stunning 2-bedroom Presidential Suite! Compared to other suites of the size and caliber, the price point is amazingly affordable. Take an exclusive tour here:
Coronado Springs Outer Building Rooms
There are a number of older, original outer building rooms as well. These rooms are motel style, and open to the outside. Like the tower rooms, they do not have patios or balconies. All outer building rooms were renovated in the last couple of rooms and are very well done. In the update, they added modern conveniences like USB outlets, reading lights, Keurig coffee makers, huge flat screen TVs and more. They also have removed all of the carpet, which I find to be much cleaner. All rooms continue to have a mini-fridge. (I love bringing my own favorite coffee pods and buying creamer in the lobby shop to enjoy my coffee just the way I like it.)
Another great update is the addition of the sliding barn door for the bathroom and a second pocket door for the potty and shower space. At most value resorts, this bathroom area is just open to the room. At most other moderate resorts, there is a curtain that you pull to divide the space. This is SO much nicer and more practical, not to mention aesthetically pleasing. They have also much improved the lighting and done away with the shower curtain in favor of glass shower doors. There are double sinks and a closet hanging rod here in this space as well.
Coronado Springs Transportation
The property is large, but it is a scenic 10-15 minute walk to get anywhere you need to go. Of course, staying in the tower puts you steps away from everything and is highly recommended. Another thing to discuss is the bus service. The buses all do an internal loop inside of the resort before ever even leaving to hit the parks. This can add a significant amount of transit time to your coming and going. This is the one major downside of Coronado Springs, and most other moderates, in my opinion. Again, staying at the tower made for much easier bus transportation throughout our week long stay!
Coronado Springs Pools & Activities
Coronado Springs has a fantastic feature pool with a slide, dining and pool bar in a central location called The Dig Site. There are also a few additional quiet pools located closer to the guest rooms. The feature pool will have activities every afternoon.
You will also find quick serve dining, a sand volleyball court, ping pong tables and an arcade and playground at The Dig Site.
Another favorite spot at Coronado are the hammocks! They are located in pockets around the lake and I logged a few relaxing hours here during our week reading my book!
The resort offers movies under the stars at night and a variety of activities. Here’s a snapshot of what was happening on Thanksgiving!
In the evenings, the resort is quite beautiful and feels pretty festive.
Coronado Springs Dining
With the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, dining was vastly improved!!
Barcelona Lounge
You will savor espresso drinks, pastries and light fare for breakfast at this lounge inspired by Spain’s coffee culture. It is located on the lower level of the tower lobby and you would find me here each morning with my iced coffee!
Three Bridges
Three Bridges offers sweeping views and delicious dishes in an open air, lake front setting between three converging bridges. We absolutely loved the ambiance and enjoyed multiple meals here.
My boys loved the wings and I drooled over the sangria flight and tacos! This is a quick serve dining location and does not require a reservation. You can, however, virtually set up a wait and notification for your table through the Disney app!
Dahlia Lounge
Dahila Lounge is the stunning rooftop lounge space offering a full bar, impressive list of Spanish wines, and a fantastic menu.
Kids are welcome, and tables are first come first serve. The lounge is light, bright and airy inside.
We’ve enjoyed both apps and a full meal here on a couple of occasions. We liked everything on the menu. Their gin drinks are the best on property, in my opinion.
The views are spectacular, offering a vantage point of everything from Epcot to Hollywood Studios to Blizzard Beach!
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Toledo is a wonderful, roof top restaurant at Coronado Springs. The restaurant is absolutely stunning – a Spanish haven inspired by surrealist art and the 1930s avant-garde. A large pair of olive trees form a canopy under shimmering vaulted ceilings. It just feels special to be here!
Read a full review:
Rix Sports Bar & Grill
Rix is very underrated at Disney and has pretty delicious food in a casual atmosphere. This is a table serve restaurant and reservations are needed but easy to come by. They have a full bar and fun menu. I am a huge fan of their breakfast burrito, and my husband and kids enjoyed a late lunch here while I was in the parks. Most importantly, this is currently the ONLY option at Disney to catch live sports. Rix has 31 state-of-the-art TVs to view nightly sporting events! In normal times, the only other option is ESPN at the BoardWalk but it is nearly impossible to get in!
Cafe Rix
Cafe Rix is a grab and go option for breakfast and dinner. It was convenient but nothing so spectacular that you must add it to your itinerary.
Christmas at Coronado Springs Resort
It probably comes as no surprise that I have a LOT of clients traveling during the Christmas season. And they want to know… what is a great resort for Christmas. I can assure you that Coronado Springs knocks the other moderates and values out of the water with festive decor, touches, ambiance and music! It isn’t my very favorite for Christmas (Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge top that list), but it is wonderful for the price point!
Overall, we absolutely loved our stay here and I have no hesitation at all booking clients here. I still think it has a more adult feel than many other resorts, and recommend it primarily for adult couples, families with teens, and families traveling along with a convention attendee!
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