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 Resortis 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).
Our trip to Disney’s Hilton Head Island in South Carolina was billed as a low key vacation. We thought we’d have lots of time to sit by the pool and walk on the beach. What we didn’t realize is how much the recreation staff at the resort had planned for every day. Just like any other Disney vacation, there was always lots going on and we could pick and choose the things that appealed to us. In the middle of the week, during an incredible pirate pool party, my husband turned to me and said “this place is like summer camp on steroids.” I find that an apt description.
When you first check-in, you will receive an activities calendar for your stay. Each day, there are different activities that appeal to a variety of ages. My mother and mother-in-law spent hours attending events with the resort’s naturalist. They were able to learn about the loggerhead sea turtle, go on a bird watching tour and take a 3-hour hike around a nearby island. As a family, we also took a walking tour of the marsh (a must-do just for the fun boots everyone gets to wear) and made a shark tooth necklace with the naturalist.
There are tons of crafts that happen throughout the week. Both of my boys decided to make a Mickey tie-dye t-shirt and my oldest son made a lanyard and button, but otherwise, they couldn’t be pulled out of the pool for other craft options. I wanted to make a vacation pillow, but ran out of time.
Want to make a visit to the far reaches of the African savannah while still being on the east coast without having to take a long flight? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge takes you on the African safari that rivals Adventure Land. In this case, however, the Animal Kingdom Lodge does not have audio animatronic animals. This hotel has brought you ”live” animals for you to experience the magic of being personally up and close to them.
Put on that safari hat because you are now in Africa – at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! This amazing hotel has become famous for having this special exhibit of encountering these beautiful animals. From giraffes to zebras, animals of different species greet you in the morning as you drink your warm cup of coffee out on the balcony of your room.
Each hotel room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is styled to the African theme. Woven baskets serve as the ”portraits” on the walls; colorful patterns are sewn onto bed sheets and chairs. From noticing your room, you will see that brown plays a dominant role in color since many items such as the headboards and tables are in that color. The attention to African art in detail is amazing which makes craftsmanship a unique trait.
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