Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was one of those hotels that I overlooked year after year.  It seemed bland and out of the way.  It has a convention center, so I assumed the place was crawling with business people who weren’t on vacation.  I pictured the dining hall filled with suits and briefcases.  I didn’t even want to think about work, let alone watch people networking and conducting business while I lay by the pool.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.  Coronado Springs is both a delightful and relaxing moderate resort.

The Location:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is considered an Animal Kingdom area resort, although it is just around the corner from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  It is also the closest resort to Blizzard Beach. It is generally quiet in and around this resort, which is refreshing.  There is also direct access to Rt. 429, which will lead you to tourist free shopping and dining (there is a $1.25 toll each way, but totally worth it!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rooms

The rooms in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort are spacious and clean.  They’ve recently changed the decor to capture the earth tones seen around the    resort.  The beds are super comfy too!  There are lots of options in terms of bed size, accessibility, and view.   Beds range from Standard with 2 Queen beds to Executive Suite with 2 Queen beds and 1 King (bar, dining room, living room, separate bedrooms…the works!).  You can even stay in a wheelchair accessible room complete with roll-in shower.   All rooms come with FREE WiFi and a small refrigerator, which are both must haves when it comes to visiting Walt Disney World!  Privacy is always important when you’re staying in a hotel.  We have never had an issue of hearing noise from the abutting rooms, which is nice.

The Food

The Pepper Market has gone through several changes over the years.  It used to house several stations of overpriced Mexican dishes (Think $14 for a tortilla, 4 tiny chunks of chicken and cheese).  You would order your food at the station(s) of your choice, eat, then pay upon exit.   We were less than thrilled with our experience and vowed never to eat there again.  We weren’t alone.  Disney heard the cries of their displeased guests and overhauled the Pepper Market.  In 2011, they introduced the always popular buffet and never ending burrito bar.  A fan favorite, but short-lived.  Disney has now unveiled their A la Carte menu, which features standard staples and omelet options for breakfast  and nachos, burritos, fajitas, salads, pasta, and burgers for lunch and dinner.  If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, the Pepper Market counts as a Quick Service location.  Pepper Market hours:  Breakfast 7am-11am Lunch 11:30am-2pm Dinner 4:30pm-11pm.

The Mayan Grill is a great Dining Plan option (not Quick Service) during your stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  According to WDW, you’ll find ”such steakhouse selections as ribeye steak atop parmesan potatoes, breaded pork chops with mango chutney, sautéed beef tips, chicken breast with avocado salsa and slow-roasted prime rib. Children can delight in pan-seared salmon, beef tenderloin tips, chicken parmesan and more”.

Cafe Rix is a grab-and-go option.  There are breakfast sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and even beer and wine.  Breakfast is served until 11am and Lunch and Dinner until midnight.   If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you may use a Quick Service meal here!

The Fun

For Romance:  Visit the Laguna Bar (lakeside) or Siestas Cantina (poolside) for adult beverages and appetizers.  There are hammocks surrounding the lake, so kick back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet!  A stroll around the resort at dusk, will not only make room for a romantic dinner, it will give you and your family time to catch up on the day’s events! What’s a romantic night without fireworks?  You can catch a glimpse of the fireworks from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  If you look just above the trees, you may be able to see them from certain areas of the resort.  You may also be able to see them from just outside your room depending on how high up you are.

For Kids:  Nothing beats the Dig Site, a large complex featuring Mayan ruins, a huge pool, water slide, and the largest hot tub on Disney property.  There are always events going on around the pool.  Kids can also visit the Iguana Arcade!  Folks may want to take advantage of the recreational rentals within the resort.  You can kayak, fish, pedal boat, bike, and play volleyball too!  Enjoy a nice campfire complete with storytelling and complimentary marshmallows for roasting.  There’s days worth of fun here without even having to leave your resort!

For Sunbathers:  The pool options are always important to me because when you live in the Northeast, it is far too cold to swim 3/4 of the year.  I want to soak up the sun and swim as much as I want.  I have to admit, I like me a quiet pool!  There are three quiet pools here.  They are gorgeous and indeed quiet…for the most part.  As I mentioned before, the Dig Site houses a humongous pool with stunning scenery and hot tubs.  It can be quite busy here, so if you’re looking for fun and excitement, you’ll want to swim at the Dig Site.

Bottom line:  Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is our favorite moderate resort on property.  It is large enough that you still feel like you’re alone most of the time.  During some times of the year, you just might be!  The pools are fantastic and the hammocks are mighty comfortable.  It’s tempting to skip the parks and relax the day away.  You might want to stay an extra day to do just that! J

Contact me for more information about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and for ALL my FREE Disney vacation planning services!

Stephanie Madrigal
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
(407) 403-0831
1-866-700-5858
smadrigal@mickeytravels.com
www.facebook.com/magicalsteph

Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…

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).