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As budget-friendly “Disney adults” we typically stay in good neighbor hotels or value resorts when we visit Disney. However, we have been fortunate enough to stay in some of the moderate resorts, especially during the cheaper months of Summer (which is lucky for me because it’s usually for my birthday, lol!).
We recently shared our love for Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter Resort, and now I’d love to share our even deeper love for the beautiful Coronado Springs Resort!
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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: A Guide for Adults
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is an enchanting blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern American cultures, offering a unique experience within the Walt Disney World Resort “bubble.” Perfect for Disney adults seeking a mix of relaxation, luxury, and a little Disney magic. This sprawling moderate resort has nine restaurants and bars/lounges, offering many amenities and activities without ever leaving it’s beautiful property. It’s a real treat even if you don’t go to the parks. Here’s a detailed guide to the themes, room types, restaurants, pools, transportation, bars, lounges, and tips for booking and staying as Disney adults.
Coronado Springs Resort Themes
The resort’s design is inspired by the grand haciendas and historic missions of the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. The vibrant colors, intricate mosaics, and lush landscaping transport guests to a world of Spanish colonial elegance. The resort’s centerpiece is the stunning Gran Destino Tower, which adds a modern touch to the classic theme.
Coronado Springs Restaurants
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: Located in the Gran Destino Tower, this rooftop restaurant offers a delectable menu of Spanish-inspired dishes, including tapas, seafood, steaks, and an extensive wine list.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill: Nestled on an island in the middle of the resort’s lake, this open-air restaurant serves Latin-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.
El Mercado de Coronado is a quick-service spot with a variety of food stations, offering everything from Mexican dishes to American classics.
Maya Grill: A table-service restaurant featuring Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, perfect for a relaxing dinner.
Coronado Springs Bars and Lounges
Dahlia Lounge: Located in the Gran Destino Tower, this elegant rooftop lounge offers stunning views, creative cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Barcelona Lounge: Situated in the lower lobby of the Gran Destino Tower, this lounge serves specialty coffee and pastries in the morning and transforms into a chic bar in the evening.
Rix Sports Bar & Grill is a lively spot to catch a game, enjoy a cold beer, and savor pub-style fare.
Laguna Bar is a casual outdoor lakeside bar.
Siestas Cantina is a Poolside bar offering drinks and light snacks.
Rix Sports Bar & Grill
While we waited for our room we visited Rix Sports Bar for mimosa’s and pretzel bites. With numerous large-screen TVs strategically placed throughout the bar, Rix Sports Bar & Grill is an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts to watch live games and events, or to kill time while waiting to check-in.
I was wearing my BIRTHDAY button so everywhere we went I was greeted with Happy Birthday and our first sprinkle of pixie dust was a decadent cheesecake slice -on the house! Many of the other restaurants and lounges don’t open until 3 or 5 at Coronado so Rix was our best option other than quick service meals. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food and service was great.
Around 1 PM we were able to check into our room so we moved our car from the check-in parking lot outside of Destino Tower (sadly we didn’t get a room in the tower, but maybe next time!) around to the Ranchos area.
Room Types at Coronado Springs Resort
Standard Rooms: These rooms offer views of the resort, courtyard, or parking area and are equipped with two queen beds or one king bed.
Water View Rooms: These rooms are similar in layout to the standard rooms but have picturesque views of the lake or one of the resort’s pools.
Preferred Rooms: Located closer to the main amenities, these rooms are ideal for those who want easy access to dining, shopping, and transportation. Great for race weekends!
Suites: The one-bedroom and presidential suites in the Gran Destino Tower offer spacious living areas, upgraded amenities, and breathtaking views.
Coronado Springs Resort Layout
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique charm and theme. These areas include:
Gran Destino Tower:
- The newest addition to the resort, this 15-story tower offers modern accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and club-level rooms.
- It houses the Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood restaurant, the Dahlia Lounge, and the Barcelona Lounge.
The Casitas:
- Inspired by urban centers in Northern Mexico, this area features colorful buildings and beautiful courtyards.
- It includes both standard rooms and suites and is located close to the convention center, making it a popular choice for business travelers.
The Ranchos:
- Reflecting the rustic charm of Southwestern cattle ranches, this area is characterized by rugged landscaping and desert-themed decor.
- It offers standard rooms in a quieter, more secluded part of the resort.
The Cabanas:
- This area has a beachy, laid-back vibe, reminiscent of coastal Mexico.
- It features standard rooms and is situated near the Dig Site pool complex, making it convenient for families.
The Dig Site:
- The central recreation area of the resort, themed around a Mayan ruin.
- It includes the Lost City of Cibola Pool with its iconic pyramid and water slide, a hot tub, a kiddie pool, and the Siestas Cantina pool bar.
El Centro:
- The main hub of the resort, where guests will find the main lobby, the convention center, and several dining options.
- It houses the El Mercado de Coronado food court and the Maya Grill restaurant.
Rancho Area at Coronado Springs
We were located in the Rancho area of the resort which is themed like the American southwest and we were in building 6B on the first floor. Our room was very close to our quiet pool and the main pool plus our sections bus stop. We loved the room – it was simple and modern, clean and comfortable and definitely larger than a typical value resort that we have gotten used to. It was perfect for two nights and had a subtle Three Caballeros design.
Our Room Features
-Two Queen beds
-Desk and work space
-Mini-fridge
-Complimentary Wi-Fi
-Flat-screen TV with Disney programming
-In-room safe
-Hairdryer
-Iron and ironing board
-Shower (NO tub) with Shampoo, Conditioner, and my favorite sea salt body wash
In my opinion, these rooms are ideal for couples, or a couple with one or two very young kids. However, accommodating anything more than that would feel cramped. Connecting rooms are available upon request for larger groups, another great option for race weekends.
Barcelona Lounge
We stopped by the Barcelona Lounge, which opened at 3 PM and enjoyed drinks with a view. The Barcelona Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort transitions seamlessly from a coffee bar in the morning to a stylish cocktail lounge in the evening. The lounge features a sophisticated and contemporary design inspired by the Spanish city of Barcelona.
In the mornings, Barcelona Lounge serves specialty coffees and pastries, making it a perfect spot for guests to grab breakfast or a quick snack before heading to the parks. In the evening, the lounge transforms into a chic bar offering a variety of craft cocktails, wines, and beers. The lounge is known for its creative cocktail menu, featuring drinks inspired by Spanish flavors and ingredients. We requested the bartender’s recommendation and loved the Spanish Margarita and a Santa Maria Collins.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill
Villa del Lago is situated on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado, the resort’s picturesque lake. It is accessible via three bridges that connect it to different areas of the resort. The main attraction at Villa del Lago is the Three Bridges Bar & Grill. This open-air, over-the-water restaurant offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience with a menu of Latin-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.
This is also where we reserved a spot for Sangria University. Sangria University is a unique and interactive experience that allows guests to learn about the history and art of making sangria while enjoying hands-on instruction and tastings. I will write a full blog post on this soon!
Pools at Coronado Springs Resort
The Lost City of Cibola Pool: The main pool, themed around a Mayan ruin, features a 50-foot pyramid, a water slide, and a hot tub. It’s a lively spot for guests of all ages.
Quiet Pools: Three additional pools are scattered throughout the resort, offering a more tranquil setting for adults looking to unwind.
Amenities at Coronado Springs Resort
Dig Site: Central recreation area featuring the main pool, a kiddie pool, an arcade, and a playground.
Fitness Centers: Two fitness centers—one in Gran Destino Tower and another near the Casitas area.
Meeting and Event Spaces: Large convention center with flexible meeting spaces, ideal for business travelers and conventions.
Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries: Resort gift shop offering Disney merchandise, souvenirs, and essentials.
Transportation at Coronado Springs Resort
The resort offers complimentary bus transportation to all Disney theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The bus stops are conveniently located throughout the resort, making it easy to get around. Even though Coronado Springs Resort is huge, we never waited very long for a bus.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has four bus stops:
Gran Destino Tower (Bus Stop 1): Located near the Gran Destino Tower and the main entrance of the resort.
Casitas (Bus Stop 2): Servicing the Casitas section of the resort.
Ranchos (Bus Stop 3): Serving the Ranchos area.
Cabanas (Bus Stop 4): Providing access to the Cabanas section.
Tips for Disney Adults
Book Early: Coronado Springs is a popular choice for both families and convention-goers, so it’s wise to book your stay well in advance.
Consider Upgrading: For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a room in the Gran Destino Tower or one of the suites.
Make Dining Reservations: Popular restaurants like Toledo and Three Bridges can fill up quickly, so make your dining reservations as early as possible.
Explore the Bars and Lounges: Take advantage of the resort’s diverse selection of bars and lounges for a relaxing evening after a day at the parks.
Enjoy the Quiet Pools: For a more peaceful experience, spend some time at one of the resort’s quiet pools, perfect for relaxation without the crowds.
Overall Experience
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a delightful blend of culture, luxury, and Disney magic, making it an excellent choice for Disney adults (or families) looking to enjoy a sophisticated Disney vacation. Its diverse dining options, beautiful theming, and convenient amenities and location promise a memorable stay full of magic. We can’t recommend this resort enough!
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If you ever have the opportunity to go to a convention held here. DO IT! The room rate usually has a discount. Even if the event doesn’t give you times to go to any of the parks, the resort itself is worth it.