Coronado Springs Resort at Disney

Inspired by the explorer who searched for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrates the character and traditions of the American Southwest and northern Mexico.  Coronado Springs Resort is a large sprawling resort and it is also the only Moderate Resort to be used as a convention resort .You will see guests walking around in business suits and ties, but most of the time they have on polo shirts with khakis.  Surrounded by Lago Dorado (Lake of Gold); the resort is divided into three “villages”.  The Casitas, The Ranchos; and The Cabanas. All of the rooms here have 2 queen beds or 1 king bed.  Dark Mahogany finishes, private vanity area, flat panel TV’s and mini refrigerators.

The Casita village is set among colorful plazas, fountains and palm-shaded courtyards. The casitas (translation: Little Houses) resemble three and four story buildings in a village setting. This area was themed after urban areas of the American Southwestern and Mexico. The casitas are home to many of the convention accommodations.  This area is closest to the main lobby and dining areas.

The Ranchos have a more rustic, rural flavor to them. These two and three story villas are themed after the dry, rural desert ranchland regions of the Southwest United States. This area comes complete with an Arroyo (translation: a small stream that tumbles over a rocky streambed).

Biergarten at Epcot

Located at the Germany Pavilion in Epcot, Biergarten is one of the most entertaing dining spot in the theme parks.  Upon entering the restaurant you are taken to a Bavarian Village celebrating Oktoberfest in the evening.  The tables are set up as large family-style seating.  If you have a small party you will be seated with other guests.  This all lends to the fun party atmosphere of the restaurant.  German oompah music is playing in the background and once an hour, the guests are entertained by a trio of German musicians.  The guests are encouranged to join in, by singing and dancing during the show.

Biergarten is open for lunch and dinner. Food service is all you can eat buffet.  Items on the menu include; salads, German Potato Salads, Pork Schnitzel, German sausages (Bratwurst, knockwurst, and Weiswurst) and spaetzel.  Dinner includes sauerbraten and German Roulade.  Desserts consist of Black Forest Cake, Bavarian Cheesecake and German cookies.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Food

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Food is amazing!  The resort features two quick service restaurants, Tide Me Over at the resort and Signals at the beach house pool, but there is not a table service option available on property. The two quick service restaurants serve Mickey waffles and other breakfast items in the morning and basic sandwiches, burgers and salads in the afternoon and evening. At the beach house pool, there is also a bar that makes fabulous frozen alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At the resort gift shop, you can also purchase Mickey ice cream bars and other ice cream treats, basic snacks like cookies and pretzels and drinks. If you eat all your meals on the resort property, you won’t ever go hungry, but you might get a bit bored.

Thankfully, the resort is in the middle of an island full of great restaurants and Disney has even arranged discounts with several. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is right next to Shelter Cove Marina. You walk or ride your bike across a small foot bridge at the front of the resort and you are in Shelter Cove. There are several restaurants in the marina and many of them offer Disney guests a 10% discount, you just need to show your resort room key.

We personally tried Kingfisher, which is a steak and seafood restaurant, and San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe. Both restaurants had great offerings. Kingfisher is right next to the resort and featured a variety of seafood options, including several daily specials. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. San Miguel’s was one of the best Mexican restaurants I have been to (and that includes several in Mexico). The menu boasts that the margaritas are the best in the state and I would have to agree. In fact, I think the margarita at San Miguel’s ruined other margaritas for me. The restaurant has indoor seating as well as outdoor. The outdoor seating is close to the bar, which often features live music. It is a very laid back atmosphere and a great location to end a day.