Review of Coronado Springs Resort (Newly Remodeled)
We stayed at Coronado Springs in November of 2019 for the Wine and Dine half marathon weekend. Coronado Springs is a moderate resort in the Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World. Construction of the new Gran Destino Tower was completed in the first half of 2019, so we got to experience the resort with all the new features.
Overview
The Magical Express bus dropped us off at the new tower, and we went to check in at the front desk. Upon entering, I was amazed at the wall to our left. It was backlit purple with a pretty geometric design.
We checked in and were offering the option to opt out of housekeeping for a gift card, so we chose to do that. (This was a promotion that ran in 2019 for moderate and value resorts).
The front desk area and the floor that you walk in from the main entrance is actually the second story of the lobby. There are stairs that go down to the first floor, in addition to the elevators. The second story overlooks the first and there are large chandeliers that add to the sophisticated style of the new tower.
Downstairs is the Barcelona Lounge, it has a bar and seating space. There is also access to the hall that leads to the rest of the hotel.
From there you can take a door outside to walk along the lake, or if the weather is bad, there is a hallway that’s covered the entire way to the old main lobby of the hotel.
The Room
We were in the Casitas area of the hotel, which are the apartment looking buildings on the left side of the lake. We paid extra to get a water view room, and it was worth it. Our view was gorgeous.
*I have heard other reviews where a water view room was just of a fountain, so unfortunately, no guarantees it will be a view of the lake*
Our room was two queen beds, and all of the rooms are newly renovated, so they’re nice and modern.
The TV in the room was updated so it had our information on the screen.
The bathroom had sliding doors, with another sliding door off the sink area that had the toilet and tub/shower. The beds were raised off the floor, which is nice so that suitcases can be pushed under them to make more room. There was artwork around the room featuring the Three Caballeros, adding to the Latin feel of the resort.
Coronado Springs is very spread out, but there are four bus stops around the perimeter, so we didn’t have any further of a walk than the other resorts. I did notice that the last stop for the buses was the new main tower, and sometimes if the bus was full in the mornings, it would skip the tower stop all together, so just something to be aware of if you’re thinking of staying in a tower room.
Another note about Coronado Springs: It has a convention center as part of the resort, so there tend to be more business minded people there if there happens to be a convention. The resort is so spread out though that you might not even notice.
Dining
On this particular trip, we didn’t eat at any of the restaurants at Coronado, but on other trips I have been able to. Maya Grill is the table service restaurant in the El Centro section of the resort and it features Mexican cuisine. I was able to find many options could be made gluten free when I was there in 2014 and 2015.
El Mercado de Coronado (formerly Pepper’s Market) is a quick service restaurant in the El Centro building of the resort. It is laid out like a “Food court” where there are multiple stations and you pick your food (from multiple stations if you want) and then pay for them all at one place. Breakfast options include omelettes, grab-and-go, pancakes, Mickey waffles (I have been able to get gluten free Mickey waffles here!), and even breakfast pizzas. Lunch/Dinner options include rice bowls, nachos, burgers, pizza, paninis, sandwiches, and salads. For all meals, if you have an allergy, you can request the chef at the station you want your meal from and they’ll make it for you in the back!
Toledo is now open on top of the Gran Destino Tower, but I have not checked it out. Additionally, there are multiple lounges and bars throughout the property. I’ve heard Three Bridges Bar and Grill has gluten free churros, but I have yet to try them.
Pools and Ameneties
Coronado Springs has three pools. The main one, The Lost City of Cibola Pool is in an area called the Dig Site, and it features a tall Mayan pyramid (that you cannot climb!). There is also a slide as with most moderate resort pools. Additionally, there is a playground and sand volleyball court nearby. The arcade is located in a building near the playground.
There are three other smaller leisure pools located near the Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas. These pools tend to be quieter and more adult friendly.
Coronado Springs also has a health club (fitness center) and hair salon. There is a 3/4 mile running/walking trail that circles the resort.
Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries is the gift shop for Coronado Springs, where you can find Coronado Resort themed souvenirs as well as other Disney souvenirs. You may also have your souvenirs bought in the parks shipped to the hotel for free, and this is where you would pick them up.
Overall
I highly recommend Coronado Springs to anyone visiting Walt Disney World. The theming on this resort is some of the best of all the resorts that I’ve stayed at. The location is not bad either, it’s about equal distant from Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is the furthest, but it’s no more than a 15 minute bus ride. The only mode of Disney transportation is bus (of course Minnie Van/Lyft or Uber is certainly an option), but it never takes too long to get to any park from the resort.
See you on Main Street!
Erin
