UPDATED 2020 RESORT REVIEW, INCLUDING GRAN DESTINO TOWER, HERE
I’ve reviewed Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort a couple of times already, but things change so quickly at Disney that I think it is worth revisiting! Overall, I like this resort a lot and consider it my second 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.
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.
The resort “hub” contains the lobby, dining and convention facilities. The rooms spread out in a circle around the lake behind the lobby. I do like the look and feel of the lobby and think this area is quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset. There are also a few hidden Mickey’s for the keen eye. :-)
Coronado Springs Updated Guest Rooms
One thing I love about Coronado right now is that they are in the midst of a complete renovation of the guest rooms! The new rooms are fantastic and nicely appointed and, overall, have a much more current and upscale look than any other moderate. These rooms all have two queen beds and sleep four. 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.
Now, not all guest rooms have been renovated, and this is the look of the old room. I always, always, always request renovated rooms for my clients.
Coronado Springs Transportation
The property is large, but it is a scenic 10-15 minute walk to get anywhere you need to go. That being said, if you have a lot of long days planned, this is one resort where I do think paying for a preferred location is worth it to keep you close to the lobby. 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. It also means that the buses can be full (standing room only) before they ever get to you. This is the one major downside of Coronado Springs, and most other moderates, in my opinion. (All construction aside… more later on that.)
Coronado Springs Pools
Coronado Springs has a fantastic feature pool with a slide, dining and pool bar in a central location. There are also a few additional quiet pools located closer to the guest rooms. The feature pool will have activities every afternoon.
Another favorite spot at Coronado are the hammocks!
And the sunsets are just lovely!
In the evenings, the resort is quite beautiful and feels pretty festive. All of those convention-goers are out on the patio having a margarita and dinner.
Coronado Springs Dining
The Pepper Market quick serve dining is good. Not amazing, but a variety of American and Mexican foods that are good. I particularly love their breakfast platter. It is one of my faves on property, along with Animal Kingdom Lodge. In addition to quick serve dining, there is also a table serve restaurant here, but I have not tried it.
Coronado Springs Construction
My only caution at this time is that there is already quite a bit of construction going on at the resort so if you envision a quiet afternoon at the pool or napping in your room, this one may not be a great choice in the immediate future. Here’s what is going on:
- Addition of a 15-story tower of guest rooms
- Landscape updates including floating gardens and an island that connects the resort through a series of bridges
- An over-the-water restaurant
In acknowledgement of all of the construction, you will likely find this cute pin set in your room. Current plans call for completion in Summer 2019.
Overall, I would definitely stay here again, especially with an adult crew. It comes into my number 2 slot after Port Orleans French Quarter in the moderate category. That being said, I would not choose this resort until the construction is complete next summer. There are too many other good options without cranes, construction walls and hammers to mar the Disney bubble, as I like to call it.
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