Escape to the Border: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers stunning American Southwest and Mexican architecture. Named after Francisco de Coronado, the Spanish explorer that traveled Mexico and the American Southwest, Disney’s Coronado Springs resort is located very close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

El Centro……

Upon arriving at Coronado Springs Resort the southwest theme is in full swing. From the music to the décor one truly gets the impression that they are a world away from home.  El Centro is the main building at Coronado Springs, not only will you check in here but you will also find that Panchito’s Gift Shop, Café Rix, The Pepper Market, Rix Lounge and The Maya Grill are all conveniently  located in this one building.

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Once you are checked in you can expect to have a spectacular view of the resort as you make your way to your resort room.  Beware of exactly where you are staying as the walks on this resort can be very lengthy. Coronado Springs conveniently offers free rides on a golf cart around the resort. While this service is free, gratuities are accepted.

Deluxe accommodations at a moderate price…..

If you have been looking for deluxe accommodations at a moderate price you may want to consider Disney’s Coronado Springs resort for your next Walt Disney World vacation!!  This resort is the only Disney moderate resort that offers queen size beds,  a spa, health club, and a substantial room service menu.  It is the only resort that offers true business support, one of those features being wireless internet in resort rooms.   As a result Coronado Springs being a convention center, to some it loses its Disney ambiance, and the food court and bar area can become very crowded with conventioneers.

Coronado Springs Villages….

Like all Disney World resorts, rooms are broken down into sections. At Coronado Springs, the theme lends itself to villages.

Casitas-This area is the closest to El Centro and is themed after more urban areas such as Santa Fe and Monterrey. Here you will find fountains, palm trees and colorful plazas. Being that this area is closest to the main building El Centro, it houses most of the convention guests.

Ranchos– This area is located the furthest from El Centro and offers a more rustic setting. The theme here gives you the feel that you have entered a small western town. Buildings are brightly painted with tones of maroon and blue.

Cabanas-If you are looking for a Mexico retreat on a beautiful island you may want to request to stay in Cabanas. This area of the resort is beautifully themed after Mexico’s coastal region. From palm trees to a white sandy beach, you will find peace and tranquility on your stay.

The accommodations….

The rooms at Coronado Springs hold up to 4 guests and a pack in play if needed.  All of the Coronado rooms are the exact same in size and furniture.

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Rooms include:

• Two queen beds or one king bed
• Flat screen LCD TV
• A work desk and chair
• In room safe
• Ceiling fan
• Hair dryer and iron with ironing board
• 1 Sink
• Vanity area with sliding privacy door
• Mini fridge
• I-home docking station
• Coffee maker

The Eats….

There are four restaurants on property. They range from counter service at Pepper Market to fine dining at The Maya Grill. While the Pepper Market is a counter service location, you can expect to have some yummy eats like steak!! Pepper Market makes for a really nice counter service option, especially if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. Check out the Walt Disney World website for detailed restaurant information.

Let’s go swimming!!!!

Each village at Coronado offers a quiet pool. No worries though, you do not have to be “quiet” while you are swimming. Are you ready to be swept away on a Mexico vacation?  The best pool on Coronado property is the Dig Site Pool!!? Not only is this pool huge, but it is fun!!  In addition, The Dig Site offers the largest hot tub on Disney property…what a way to relax.  The 46 foot tall Mayan pyramid is the focal point of the Dig Site pool area. Water cascades down the side of the pyramid as many relax on the steps.  Kids and adults alike will enjoy taking the plunge down the resort water slide.  For younger children there is a splash pool for them to enjoy!!  While relaxing at the Dig Site stroll over to Siestas pool bar where you can get snacks, refill your refillable mug or enjoy an adult beverage….yummy!!

Transportation…

Because of its size, Coronado Springs has 4 bus stops around the property.  Coronado Springs does not share busses with any other resort.

The Pros and the Cons……

Personally, I have very mixed feelings about how my stay at Coronado went. While it truly was a beautiful resort I am just not sure I can call it my Disney home. Here are my Coronado pros and cons:

Pros:

• Great rooms and décor
• VERY comfortable beds!!!(and pillows)
• Wonderful pool area
• Beautiful grounds
• Resort does not share a bus with other resorts

Cons:

• Resort is way too peaceful and quiet (I know, I know…I am looking for Disney fun!!)
• For some reason it lacks Disney magic
• The resort is very spread out, which made me feel way too far from El Centro
• Check in took VERY long as well as any services I needed while on property

Even with the pros and cons list, there is no doubt that Disney has done it again, and created a world within a world. When staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort you can expect to be whisked away on a dream vacation to Mexico. This resort offers beautiful grounds and extremely comfortable accommodations all at a moderate price range.

Kelly, her husband, and three children live in the Chicagoland area. Kelly has been traveling to Walt Disney World since the age of two. She considers Walt Disney World to be her primary vacation destination.  With 20 plus trips under her belt she still enjoys researching and learning new things about the most magical place on earth! Kelly began Disney Guru in August of 2010 with the vision of sharing fun vacation tips and magic with all fans of Disney World.