Our DIS Unlimited team had a recent resort stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort which gave us the opportunity to explore the resort including dining, the pools, transportation, and a full room tour. I want to first give a disclaimer that this review is purely based on Coronado Springs and not the addition of Gran Destino Tower or any of its restaurants and unique offerings.
Let’s explore the reasons you shouldn’t stay at Coronado Springs and maybe some reasons you should!
1. The Resort Is Too Large
Like many of the Value and Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World, Coronado Springs is HUGE! With over 1,900 rooms, you can often find availability and great rates. However, this means long walks to some of the amenities and having a bus route that includes multiple stops before heading to the parks. Our tip here would be to pay for the “Preferred Room” category to hopefully minimize your walking time. It also depends on what’s a priority, like being close to the pool or dining locations. Since the resort surrounds the lake, Lago Dorado, the lobby area and pools are very spread out. Utilizing the Three Bridges connection can also save you time.
2. The Rooms Need Updating
In recent years, many Disney Resorts have been updated to more understated theming. This includes white bedding and minimal artwork. The difference at Coronado is the room lacks warmth and character. The Disney touches are very limited and feel like an afterthought. This could be because Coronado is a large conference resort, however, more art and refreshing the paint would be a huge improvement. Ryno also commented that some of the exterior buildings looked washed out by the Florida sun.
3. Dining Also Needs a Refresh
Since we were only reviewing Coronado, we ate at the very large quick-service El Mercado de Coronado and table-service Three Bridges Bar and Grill. The DIS Unlimited team also recently reviewed Rix Sports Bar and Grill prior to this stay. The biggest takeaway was the lack of unique offerings at the quick-service. Aside from nachos and two southwest bowls, the rest are standard burgers, pasta, and chicken. The atmosphere is also large, and it feels like you’re in a convention hotel. One positive here is the pastry counter is maybe the best one at a Disney resort. This would be a great option for a grab-and-go breakfast!
Three Bridges is always a winner and one I sometimes visit even when not staying at Coronado! This restaurant only serves dinner but offers great water-front views or you can mobile order to-go. The menu has changed recently and despite offering somewhat random dishes, the food is great as always. You can also get many of the same cocktails served at the Barcelona Lounge inside Gran Destino here.
4. Lack of Unique Transportation Options
Coronado Springs is the only Moderate Resort that has bus transportation only. Whereas Caribbean Beach has the Skyliner and both Port Orleans Resorts have access to a boat to Disney Springs. On top of that, the resort is so large that you must make multiple stops throughout it. This definitely adds time getting to and from the parks.
Watch our full review here, and be sure to let us know in the comments if you agree or if Coronado Springs is your favorite resort!
Hannah Anderson is a Dreams Unlimited Travel Agent, DIS Contributor, former Disney Cast Member, and Orlando local. Mostly importantly, she is a mom and loves spending time in the Disney Parks each week with her family.
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