Coronado Springs is the Best Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World

Get ready to take in the captivating beauty of Coronado Springs and the Gran Destino Tower. Will you be booking your next stay at this grand Disney Resort?

Coronado Springs Rooms

Prepare to be transported to a beautiful oasis at Coronado Springs and the breathtaking Gran Destino Tower. Walt Disney World describes this resort as, “Celebrate the unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This beautiful lakeside oasis offers classic influences, Disney touches and modern comforts to energize and inspire.“

My family stayed at Coronado Springs back in 2018 as the Gran Destino Towers were being constructed. We greatly enjoyed the subtle Disney touches in the rooms and the beautiful resort. Guests staying at both Gran Destino Tower and Coronado Springs can enjoy all of the great amenities listed in this article.

Coronado Springs is quite expansive while immersing guests in Spanish architecture and lush landscape. Rooms located in Coronado Springs offer pops of our favorite “Three Caballeros” (Donald Duck, Panchito, and Jose). As a family, this theming was quite important for our children. This differs greatly from the Gran Destino Tower Rooms.

Gran Destino Tower Rooms

One of the great benefits of staying in the Gran Destino Tower is convenience. All resort rooms are located in the tower with amenities such as a fitness center, lounge, and dining all conveniently located in the tower as well. Of course, guests can also enjoy the many great amenities found throughout the Coronado Springs Resort as well.

The big difference between rooms in Coronado Springs and those in the Gran Destino Tower is character theming. The Gran Destino Room is very modern but somewhat basic in comparison to similar Walt Disney World resorts. There were fun Mickey Mouse heads on the mural, but this was the only distinguishing mark that you were in a Disney resort.

One of the great benefits of staying in the Gran Destino Tower is convenience.

The room was very spacious, but it was just lacking that magical touch of Disney. The bathroom was large with a glass door shower with beautiful tile work. The double sinks and toilet were all located in this bathroom. This may or may not be an ideal bathroom configuration for a family trying to get ready in the bathroom for a fun day in the parks.

The big difference between rooms in Coronado Springs and those in the Gran Destino Tower is character theming.

Recently, I was traveling by myself and greatly enjoyed the open concept bathroom. However, if I were with my family of 5 this would have caused a few hiccups as we tried to all prepare for the park opening in the morning.

Gran Destino Ameninites

Although this is a moderate-priced resort, the Gran Destino Tower truly feels like a deluxe resort. Although the rooms may have felt ordinary, the lobby of the resort was anything but.

Truly the highlight of the lower lounge of the Gran Destino Tower is this large mural of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

Guests can enjoy a beverage at the Barcelona Lounge. The Barcelona Lounge opens daily at 6:30 am until 2:00 pm and offers a wide variety of coffees and teas while also offering a few breakfast options.

The lounge reopens at 3:00 pm offering coffees and a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages opens until 12:00 am. During this time they also offer a few appetizers.

Gran Destino Fitness Center

Do you enjoy working out while on vacation? There are 2 fitness centers located at Coronado Springs. Both fitness centers are available for guests 24 hours a day. With the Fitness Center at Gran Destino conveniently located in the tower, it is a great space to stay in shape during your vacation.

Guests can use complimentary towels and water service at the entrance of the fitness center. There are a variety of elliptical machines, treadmills, bicycles, and weight equipment in this fitness center. Please note that this fitness center is only for guests staying at Coronado Springs and in the Gran Destino Tower.

There are also showers available in the fitness center. The bathroom is for single occupancy and offers a full shower with towels for guests to enjoy after an intense workout.

Guests can also enjoy the La Vida Fitness Center. The La Vida Spa offers a full line of spa services including massage and facials. There are fitness classes available for resort guests.

Pools

One of the most unique amenities of this resort is the Dig Site. The centerpiece of this pool is the 50-foot replica of a Mayan pyramid at the Lost City of Cibola Pool. Both kids and the kids at heart will love the 123-foot water slide at this pool.

This is conveniently located near a large white sand volleyball court. Guests can check out volleyballs from the Siesta’s Pool Bar.

Also, conveniently located here is the largest outdoor hot tub at Walt Disney World. How big is it? This hot tub can comfortably fit 22 guests at once. The hot tub and a large splash pad are all located in the Dig Site. This is a great location for families to enjoy a variety of activities in close proximity to one another.

The Dig Site is a short walk from Gran Destino Tower, but a bit of a longer walk walk depending on where you are staying at Coronado Springs. Guests can also enjoy 3 great leisure pools at each settlement—the Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas.

These pools were less crowded than the large Dig Site feature pool. This may be more convenient for guests hoping to relax while also being conveniently located to each settlement.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of dining options at Coronado Springs. Rix Sports Bar & Grill; Toledo- Tapas, Steak & Seafood; El Mercado de Coronado; Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago; Cafe´Rix; and Maya Grill. Specialty beverages are found at Laguna Bar, Dahlia Lounge, Siestas Cantina, and the Barcelona Lounge.

Be sure to check out Susan’s review of Sangria University at Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago. This is such a fun and informative event located in a breathtaking location.

Fun Resort Activities

What makes a Disney Resort truly special is the many fun activities offered at the resort. Many of these activities are free such as the Movie Under the Stars showing great Disney films every night on the Gran Destino lawn.

Guests can also enjoy a self-led nature walk. Be sure to pick up your trail map at Panchito’s Gifts & Sundries or Concierge. There are also fun outdoor games that can be enjoyed on the lawn near Gran Destino Tower.

Some activities are available for a small fee. Guests can make fun Mickey Mouse tye dye tee shirts at the Dig Site Pool. Relax under the stars at the Explorer’s Campfire by simply purchasing your individual s’mores kit. Adventurous guests can enjoy a 30-minute and 60-minute bike rental.

Shoreside fishing is also available at the Dig Site rental location. Budding artists can enjoy a fun Spanish Mosaic Art class Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00-3:00. Every Friday from 1:00-3:00, guests can enjoy a “Colors of Coronado Painting Experience.”

There are so many great activities to enjoy at this resort even after leaving the Disney Parks.

Review

The big question is, would I (Donna) stay here again. The answer is a resounding yes. This Disney Resort offers so many great amenities while also offering a moderate price point. This is a very easy yes from me overall. Personally, I enjoyed the convenience of the Gran Destino Tower, but for a future stay, I would prefer the Coronado Springs rooms.

In this case, the theming is more important than convenience. Also, the bathroom configuration in the Gran Destino Tower is somewhat inconvenient. As Disney Resorts go, Coronado Springs and Gran Destino Tower are among the best at Walt Disney World. We hope to enjoy future stays at this beautiful resort.

Personally, I enjoyed the convenience of the Gran Destino Tower, but for a future stay, I would prefer the Coronado Springs rooms. In this case, the theming is more important than convenience.

Have you stayed at Coronado Springs or Gran Destino Tower? What was your experience? Do you hope to stay at this resort in the future? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.

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