Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Deluxe Vibes at a Discount

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is not the same hotel I stayed at a decade ago.

Back then, I was fresh out of college, embarking on my first Walt Disney World trip on a shoestring budget. I had researched obsessively, reading every blog and forum post I could find, and ultimately decided to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs because most Disney veterans agreed it offered the best bang for your buck. My stay was in one of the motel-style bungalow rooms scattered around a lake, which felt affordable, convenient and perfectly adequate for a young traveler.

Fast forward more than 10 years, and Disney invited me back for a hosted stay as part of a series of media events. This time, I checked into the resort’s newer Gran Destino Tower (which opened in 2019) and the contrast was so striking it felt like I was at a completely different property.

Coronado Springs now offers two distinct experiences: the original sprawling bungalow-style accommodations and the Gran Destino Tower, which feels like a separate standalone, high-end hotel. Regardless of where you stay, though, you’ll share access to the same, top-tier resort-wide amenities, including a wide variety of restaurants and a show-stopping pool.

The drawback? Location. With no monorail, Skyliner gondola or walking paths to the parks, you’ll need to drive or take the bus to the parks.

A tale of two Coronados: Gran Destino Tower versus the bungalows

Disney organizes its resorts into three tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe. Coronado Springs sits in the Moderate category, but it’s an outlier. That’s because its accommodations span two very different styles. The bungalows fit the classic Moderate profile: spread out, affordable and functional. The Gran Destino Tower, however, feels far more in line with Disney’s high-end Deluxe properties.

The Gran Destino Tower has 15 floors. Its soaring lobby, chic, Spanish-influenced artwork and sophisticated design aesthetic bring to mind a boutique hotel in a major city.

The lobby features artwork inspired by Walt Disney’s collaboration with artist Salvador Dalí on an animated short called “Destino.” The art adds an intellectual, almost gallery-like atmosphere. Yes, you’ll still spot Mickey, but he’s woven in through clever, modern details rather than cartoonish wallpaper.

Guest rooms here come with thoughtful touches like plentiful USB ports. The overall vibe skews elegant and quiet, making it appealing not only for families who prefer a calmer atmosphere, but also for business travelers. (Coronado Springs is Disney’s primary convention resort.)

Travelers seeking heavier Disney theming (like the Moana rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or the Incredibles rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort) might be disappointed.

Staying in the Tower is also noticeably more expensive than the resort’s bungalow rooms, with rates generally starting just under $400 per night, about double the cost of the nearby bungalows. That said, it’s still far below the Deluxe tier, where resorts like BoardWalk Inn or Yacht Club start well over $600, and Disney’s flagship Grand Floridian often nears $800. In that sense, the Gran Destino Tower delivers many of the perks and polish of a Deluxe experience at a relative discount.

On the other hand, the bungalows are motel-style buildings with room doors directly accessible from outside. When you book a bungalow, you’ll end up in one of three sections: Casitas, Ranchos or Cabanas. They’re all largely similar, spread around the lake and built with Spanish and Southwest touches.

These rooms tend to appeal to travelers who prioritize charm, quiet, and greenery over modern finishes. After a crowded day in the parks, the open-air corridors and lakeside views are wonderfully refreshing.

But there are trade-offs to staying in the bungalows. Depending on your assigned building, you might face a long trek back from the pool, restaurant, or bus stop — not exactly ideal after 20,000 steps at Magic Kingdom.

Pricing reflects the simpler accommodations. Rooms here typically start at a little over $200 per night, putting them much closer in cost to Disney’s Value hotels, which hover between $150 and $200 during low season. For families who want the perks of staying on Disney property without breaking the bank, the bungalows are an attractive compromise.

Dining and drinks: Better than expected

Where Coronado Springs shines brightest is in its dining scene. With 10 different eateries across the property, the variety and quality are a cut above most Disney Moderate resorts.

Barcelona Lounge: This lobby bar serves up some of the best coffee drinks I’ve ever had at Disney — far from the standard drip you’ll find at most resorts. Many are Spanish-inspired, including a café bombon, which is espresso and sweetened condensed milk. There are also boozy coffee drinks, including a carajillo (an espresso drink with brandy) and barraquito (a sweet coffee drink with vanilla liquor, lemon zest and condensed milk). With its stained glass panels and high ceilings, it’s one of the best places to relax at Walt Disney World, period.

El Mercado de Coronado: This is the resort’s quick-service hub, but with fresher and more varied offerings than the average Disney food court. Build-your-own bowls with options like chicken tinga, barbacoa beef and cauliflower rice make it easy to eat healthy, though there are still kid-friendly pizzas and pastas for picky eaters.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: This trendy spot is perched at the top of the Gran Destino Tower. It’s stylish, romantic and date-night ready, with sweeping views across Walt Disney World.

Entrees start at about $30, but with tapas, sides and drinks (including an extensive list of Spanish wines), it’s easy to spend considerably more.

Dahlia Lounge: Adjacent to Toledo, Dahlia offers the same panoramic views but in a more casual lounge setting. It’s an excellent option if you want a relaxed night of tapas and cocktails without committing to a full meal.

Coronado Springs’ main pool complex, the Lost City of Cibola Pool, is one of the most elaborate outside of Disney’s water parks. Anchored by a 50-foot Mayan pyramid with cascading water, it’s equal parts kitsch and spectacle. A 123-foot-long Jaguar waterslide curls down the side, while a massive hot tub — the largest on Disney property — can fit an entire extended family reunion.

For kids, there’s the Explorer’s Playground, complete with dig-site theming. Adults will appreciate the ample loungers and poolside bar.

If you’d rather avoid crowds, the resort also has three quiet pools interspersed throughout each set of bungalow complexes.

Beyond the pools, Coronado offers a fitness center, arcade, volleyball court and jogging trails.

There are also all sorts of relaxation spots, including seating near an oversized chess board.

Like all Disney-owned hotels, Coronado Springs guests get perks that off-site hotels can’t match. These include:

There’s also complimentary shuttle service from the resort to the parks. Bus service has improved in recent years with predicted arrival times posted at the stops, but it’s still a mixed bag. Sometimes it’s a seamless hop on, sometimes you’re waiting 15 minutes for a bus. More than once, I just called an Uber.

So is Coronado Springs worth it?

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is part convention hub, part family retreat. The Gran Destino Tower delivers a boutique-style experience with enough Disney magic to feel special, while the bungalows offer an affordable, peaceful option for those who don’t mind some walking.

For travelers who value style, space, and excellent food over proximity, Coronado Springs is a stellar choice. If you’re in town for a convention, you may even feel downright spoiled. But for park-goers who crave convenient access to the parks above all, other resorts may be a better fit. For me, I’d trade the rooftop steak dinner for the simple freedom of strolling straight into a park.

Featured photo by Sally French.