Big resort energy, moderate resort price — here's why Disney's Coronado Springs deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Looking up at the stunning Gran Destino Tower lobby from Barcelona Lounge.

Planning Your Walt Disney World Resort Stay

Choosing your Walt Disney World resort can be one of the most time-consuming — and yes, nuanced — parts of planning your trip. I almost said “difficult,” but let’s be honest: for those of us who love stretching out the magic, planning a Disney vacation isn’t exactly hardship. That said, if any part of the process does feel overwhelming (Disney or otherwise), there’s a whole crew of professionals — myself included — who would love to take that stress off your plate.

Why We’re Starting with Coronado Springs

With Disney’s 2026 vacation packages now available — and exciting perks like free dining for kids on the table — it’s the perfect time to kick off a new series exploring Disney’s hotel options in detail. We’ll cover everything: rooms, pools, food, transportation, and those little touches that turn a good stay into a magical one.

Our grand circle tour of Walt Disney World resorts starts with a pick that’s a little unconventional — and yet, at certain times, incredibly smart. For one week in January 2026 (January 25–31, to be exact), Coronado Springs will rise to near the top of the rankings. Why? Because the Disney Skyliner gondola system will be closed for refurbishment. Resorts that usually enjoy easy Skyliner access will lose a major transportation perk — but Coronado Springs? Well, it’s been thriving without the Skyliner all along.

Getting Around: What You Need to Know About Transportation

Right now, Coronado Springs is in what we’ll generously call a Disney transportation desert. No Skyliner. No monorail. No boats. Just trusty buses. They get the job done, but if Disney ever extends the Skyliner to this resort — and we can dream — Coronado would immediately become a heavyweight contender in the moderate category.

The resort is officially part of the Animal Kingdom Resort Area but sits fairly central: close to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot, with Blizzard Beach just to the south. It’s a great location if you don’t mind hopping a bus to get where you’re going.

Southwest Charm with a Disney Twist

Disney describes the theming of Coronado Springs as a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures. Speaking as a Pittsburgh kid whose only frame of reference is an all-inclusive in Riviera Maya (and who’s never set foot in the Southwest), the theming feels consistent — if a little nebulous — but in the best way.

Think Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, complete with Three Caballeros nods and a majestic Mayan pyramid anchoring the main pool. The Gran Destino Tower, meanwhile, takes heavier inspiration from Spain and Salvador Dalí. (For a deeper dive, Disney historian Todd James Pierce covers the Walt and Dalí connection beautifully on his DHI podcast.)

The vibe across the resort feels Americanized and Disneyfied — designed to be immersive without being overwhelming. Like much of Disney, you can engage with the theming as deeply (or as casually) as you want.

The striking Gran Destino Tower, standing tall at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Spacious, Stylish Rooms — and a Tower Like No Other

Coronado Springs is big — really big.

There are approximately 1,839 rooms spread across three "village" sections (Ranchos, Cabanas, and Casitas) and another 545 rooms in the 15-story Gran Destino Tower, which opened in 2019. (Room count sources vary slightly based on how suites are classified, but availability is rarely an issue outside of peak times.)

Room types fall into two broad categories:

Village Rooms: Two queen beds, motel-style exterior corridors (like most Disney moderates), fountains and courtyards between buildings, fully refurbished in 2018.
Tower Rooms: Two queen beds, sleek interior hallways, and about 20% larger than standard moderate rooms — the largest standard rooms at any Disney moderate resort.

And here’s a standout: Gran Destino Tower offers Club Level access at the Chronos Club — something no other moderate resort can boast. Club perks include a private lounge, continental breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a separate check-in experience. If you plan to take full advantage, Club Level can add real value to your stay (and your snacking game).

Dining at Coronado Springs: Hidden Gems and Michelin Recognition

Coronado Springs isn’t just about a comfy bed — it’s a low-key paradise for foodies.

Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood is perched at the top of Gran Destino Tower and is one of only four restaurants on Disney property to receive Michelin recognition. That’s rarified air:

Two Michelin-starred: Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, and Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando (a.k.a. where you stay when the Grand Floridian just isn’t quite deluxe enough)
Two Michelin-recommended: Citricos at Grand Floridian, and Toledo at Coronado Springs

During our family stay in 2019, we dined at Toledo in its early days (and paid for it using Disney Dining Plan credits!). I still remember Ashley’s vegan seafood dish — a culinary magic trick involving mushrooms that had us both marveling. Beyond the food, the rooftop views are stellar: with a little luck, you can even catch nighttime fireworks from Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

The food scene doesn’t stop there:

Maya Grill (Mexican cuisine in a Mayan-inspired setting)
Rix Sports Bar & Grill (31 TVs and real sports bar energy, a rarity on property)
El Mercado de Coronado (food court standards)
Three Bridges Bar & Grill (casual lakeside dining at Villa del Lago — plus Sangria University on weekends!)
Barcelona Lounge (Spanish-style coffee and pastries)
Café Rix, Laguna Bar, and Siestas Cantina round out a seriously robust lineup.

At Coronado, it’s entirely possible to spend a day resort-hopping your way from meal to meal — no park tickets required.

A galaxy not so far away — the view into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from Gran Destino Tower.

Pools, Fitness, and Fun: Amenities That Impress

The Dig Site pool complex is a standout, featuring the Lost City of Cibola pool with a Mayan pyramid waterslide centerpiece. (And yes, Nick — we found it, no Declaration of Independence heist required.)

If you want something quieter, there are three leisure pools scattered around the resort, often blissfully uncrowded even during busier seasons.

Additional amenities include:

Health Club and Fitness Center (the only moderate resort to offer one!)
Volleyball courts
A jogging trail around the Lago Dorado
Playground, arcade, campfire activities, outdoor movies, and Spanish art experiences like the Colors of Coronado Painting Experience

In short: it’s a deluxe lineup of amenities in a moderate-priced package.

Found it: the Lost City of Cibola — centerpiece of Coronado Springs’ Dig Site pool.

A Quick Word About Convention Traffic

Yes, Coronado Springs hosts conventions and large groups. During the pandemic, the NBA even transformed the ballrooms here into practice courts during the bubble season.

If spotting someone in business casual while you’re rocking your park gear is going to ruin your day — “Mommy, why is that man wearing dress shoes with no socks?!” — you might prefer somewhere like Port Orleans Riverside.

For most guests, though, the convention traffic is hardly noticeable — and maybe even a smug reminder that you’re vacationing while others are working.

Final Thoughts: Is Coronado Springs Right for You?

In short: Disney’s Coronado Springs is a deluxe experience hiding in moderate clothing.
Incredible dining, beautiful rooms, hidden-gem amenities — all without the deluxe price tag.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifteenth, Lubinski Family Travel would love to help you find the perfect fit for your next Walt Disney World adventure.

Message us today — and let’s start making magic happen!

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: A Deluxe Experience in Disguise