Why Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Works for Families

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, SheBuysTravel may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

The recently updated Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a Walt Disney World Resort located in Orlando, Florida. Read on to learn all the details about the new renovations and whether or not it’s a family-friendly resort.

Disclosure: SheBuysTravel posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and buy, SheBuysTravel will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Why Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Works for Families

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a moderate resort known for its unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest culture. It also has an on-site convention center which has led many families to ask, “Is it kid-friendly?” I stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort with my family prior to their big renovation and then again after the opening of the new Gran Destino Tower.

There are many reasons why I think families will enjoy staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista Orlando, Florida. There are also a few things we think you should know before booking your stay.

Should You Stay at the Coronado Springs Resort with Kids?

This is a valid question. This Walt Disney World Resort is very large and hosts many business travelers throughout the year. For this reason, many families have opted not to stay at the Coronado Resort Hotel. It wouldn’t be my first choice if traveling with little ones, but certainly it would be a good option for those traveling with older kids.

If you’re hoping to be completely immersed in princesses and pixie dust during your vacation, then this might not be the right resort for you. They do not have Disney-themed rooms; instead, it has more of a festive business casual atmosphere. I do love the space and views that the Coronado offers. Depending on where your room is located, you may have to walk a distance for food and shopping at the resort. This wasn’t an issue for me because I really enjoyed my stroll around the lake each day, but this might not be ideal for those traveling with kids under 5.

Like other Walt Disney World Resorts, there is complimentary transportation to and from the parks. The main bus stop at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is located in front of the El Centro building. There are also three additional bus stops between the Casitas, Ranchos and Cabanas suites.

The standard rooms are spacious, there is a large selection of on-property restaurants and they have one of the coolest pools of any resort. These are the reasons why I would call the Coronado “kid-friendly”.

Read More: Most Affordable Times of the Year to Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Renovations 

When you arrive at the Coronado Springs Resort (located at 1000 West Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida) you will check-in at the all new Gran Destino Tower. The front desk/lobby area is pretty impressive for a moderate resort. This is also where you will find the resort concierge.

Once you check in, depending on where you are staying, you will have either a short ride up the elevator or possibly a long walk to your guest room. When booking, be sure you know which part of the resort you’re staying in. The tower nightly rates are higher than other rooms at the resort, and the Tower does offer Deluxe rooms.

Although the tower rooms are very nice, if traveling with smaller kids, I would recommend reserving a room outside of the tower. The tower has a business/Vegas feel to it and seems better suited for adult guests.

All the rooms have been completely updated throughout the resort. There is also a new floating restaurant in the middle of Lake Lago Dorado. This new restaurant is called Villa del Lago. This bar and grill can be reached by three different boardwalks, which allows for easy access to the restaurant regardless of where you’re staying on property.

Even if you do not stay in the Gran Destino Tower, I recommend making a visit to the top floor where you will find a pretty spectacular view which is especially impressive at night.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to request a water view if you’re interested in a view of the lake.

The Rooms

Outside of the Tower, there are 3 sections of rooms at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Casitas, Ranchos and Cabanas. You can choose between a standard room king bed, 2 queen beds, 1-bedroom suits or executive suites (sleeps 8).

I was very pleased with the updated guest rooms and I noticed several features that made these room kid-friendly.

There are doors that slide shut to separate the double sink area from the bedroom area. Another door separates the toilet and shower. I love being able to close doors so that I can shower and get dressed without waking the kids.

You can fit your suitcases under the beds which gives your family more space inside the room. I also loved the long desk under the TV. It really seems like a good use of space and allows us a place to organize our backpacks or lay out our clothes for the next day.

There are now USB charging outlets near the bed which is very handy. The rooms also come with a Keurig coffee maker and a mini fridge. I also didn’t have any issues with the WiFi during my stay.

Disney’s Coronado Resort is a moderate resort, but the amenities make it feel like an upgrade.

The Swimming Pools

The #1 reason to stay at the Coronado Springs Resort with kids is the Dig Site swimming pool. I personally think it’s one of the most impressive pools at Walt Disney World. A large 50-foot Mayan pyramid towers over this pool. and it’s a stunning must-see when staying at the resort. There is also a 123-foot-long water slide, which is a lot of fun for kids of all ages! There are other pools located throughout the resort, but this is by far the best one on-site. They also have a splash pads for the younger kids, so they won’t be left out!

Hang poolside and enjoy other activities like ping-pong and volleyball. The Dig Site is also home to the largest hot tub on Walt Disney World Resort property. The Mayan theme is consistent throughout the resort and pool areas.

Read More: Walt Disney World Resorts – Value vs. Moderate vs. Deluxe

The Restaurants & Lounges

No need for room service when you have such a large selection of restaurants and lounges at the Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

• Barcelona Lounge: day-to-night espresso and drinks bar (enjoy wine, beer, cider, specialty cocktails, appetizers and more)
• Dahlia Lounge: Premium wines, signature cocktails and delicious Tapas (roof top lounge).
• Three Bridges Bar and Grill: Spanish-American cuisine.
• Toledo: Tapas, Steak and Salads.
• Maya Grill: Dining room serving full dinner menu.
• Cafe Rix: Smoothies, coffee, pastries, yogurts, fruits and more.
• El Mercado de Coronado: American and International Dishes, food court.
• Siestas Cantina: Pool side specialty cocktails, nachos, sandwiches and burgers.
• Laguna Bar: Lakeside bar (drinks only)
• Rix Sports Bar & Grill: Classic bar foods.

Coronado Springs Resort Pros & Cons

Pros

• It’s the only moderate hotel with a fitness center (in the rare event that you didn’t get enough exercise walking around the parks all day, you can jump on a treadmill).
• A large selection of dining options.
• Centrally located to all the theme parks. It takes about 10 minutes to arrive at Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs and Blizzard Beach Water Park.
• Complimentary WiFi
• Largest hot tub at Walt Disney World
• 123-foot-long water slide
• Campfires and movies under the stars at night for kids.
• Specious and recently updated guest rooms.
• You can save time and check-in with the My Disney Experience app.
• You can use the business center at this resort hotel to ship and receive packages if needed during your stay, just be aware that there is a handling fee for this service.
• Use your Magic Bands to unlock your resort room.

Cons

• This Disney resort is the second largest at Walt Disney World. Depending on where your room is located, it can be a long walk to the main dining area, gift shops and the bus stops.
• There is nothing Disney related inside the rooms except towels shaped to look like Mickey.
• Parking is $20 per night in 2020
•  The resort hosts many business travelers and at night the bar areas have some pretty loud crowds. Not necessarily a family-friendly atmosphere.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay with my family. My personal recommendation is to stay at this resort with older kids not younger ones because there are other Disney resorts that are better suited for young princes and princesses.

Where to Buy Discounted Disney Tickets

Traveling Mom recommends Get Away Today for discounted Disney theme park tickets and vacation packages. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, it offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price. The company will beat it!

Even better, save $10 on a two or more nights trip to Disneyland with code SheBuysTravel– just for Traveling Mom Readers! After purchasing your tickets from Get Away Today, someone will reach out to you to answer any of your Disney vacation questions or help you create an itinerary for your visit.