Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower
Planning a trip to the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World? This blog will help you narrow down your resort options and decide if Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the right fit for your trip. While Walt Disney World offers a wide range of hotels and resorts, Coronado Springs stands out as a fantastic family-friendly option located in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area. It features a variety of dining experiences, multiple pools for both relaxation and fun, and a unique blend of Southwestern and Spanish colonial architecture. This blog will explore the stylish Gran Destino Tower rooms, the resort’s convention-friendly atmosphere, incredible dining options like Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, and its convenient central location. We'll also cover transportation, recreation, and pool amenities. No matter what time of year you visit, Coronado Springs offers a vibrant, well-rounded Disney resort experience worth considering.
Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower Buildings
Gran Destino Tower
One of the biggest factors when choosing a Walt Disney World resort is the room vibe—it sets the tone for your entire trip. Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort brings a sleek, elevated experience to the moderate resort category. The rooms are modern and thoughtfully designed with plush bedding, rainfall showers, smart TVs, and a boutique-style feel. Whether you’re visiting for vacation or business, this tower offers both comfort and sophistication.
Gran Destino Tower also serves as the resort’s main entry point. It includes the front desk, a dramatic two-story lobby, and direct access to the rooftop restaurant, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, and the stylish Dahlia Lounge. The design is inspired by Spanish surrealist art and blends bold visuals with elegant touches. It feels more like a deluxe resort in terms of finishes and amenities, making it one of the most unique offerings in Disney’s moderate category.
Casitas
The Casitas section is located closest to Gran Destino Tower and the convention center. These buildings are styled with influences from urban areas of the American Southwest, featuring fountains, courtyards, and neatly manicured landscaping. This section has a more elegant and formal vibe. It’s also near the resort’s fitness center, spa, and salon, which makes it a great option for adults traveling without kids or for guests attending conferences.
Ranchos
The Ranchos section has a quieter and more rustic feel. Inspired by rural desert ranch homes, this area features natural stone accents, desert landscaping, and pathways lined with cacti and palm trees. It’s a peaceful part of the resort with a more secluded atmosphere, perfect for guests who enjoy nature and don’t mind a longer walk to the main lobby and restaurants.
Cabanas
The Cabanas section offers a laid-back, beachy feel with tropical landscaping and colorful buildings. These rooms are located along the shore of Lago Dorado and are closest to the Dig Site pool area, which includes the Lost City of Cibola pool, waterslide, hot tub, playground, and arcade. This is a popular area for families who plan to spend a lot of time swimming and enjoying outdoor recreation.
Each area Gran Destino Tower, Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas offers standard room types with different views and proximity to amenities. Together, they make Coronado Springs one of the most versatile and appealing resorts in the moderate category, with something to offer every type of Disney traveler.
Let me know if you want the next section on dining or pools!
A Convention-Friendly Vibe
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features a spacious convention center located just steps from Gran Destino Tower, on the opposite side of the El Centro main hub. This strategic placement ensures easy access for both business and leisure guests. As the only moderate resort at Walt Disney World that also functions as a full-scale convention hotel, Coronado Springs offers a unique combination of professional amenities and Disney resort charm. The atmosphere is calm and refined, making it a favorite among couples, solo travelers, and conference attendees.
The convention center includes over 220,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including ballrooms, breakout rooms, and a large exhibit hall. The resort also offers boardrooms, lounge areas, and a full-service business center. All of these are conveniently connected by covered walkways from Gran Destino Tower and El Centro, allowing guests to move easily between their rooms, dining locations, and meeting spaces.
With high-capacity room options, strong Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a polished, professional environment, Coronado Springs is well-suited for both large-scale events and guests who prefer a quieter, more adult-friendly Disney resort experience.
Dining at Coronado Springs
When it comes to dining, no other moderate resort even comes close. Coronado Springs feels like a little vacation town tucked inside Walt Disney World. There are so many options, you could stay for days and never eat at the same place twice. Whether you're looking for rooftop fine dining, casual lakeside bites, or a poolside snack, this resort truly has it all.
Here’s a look at the restaurants and lounges around the resort and what makes each one special.
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Located at the top of Gran Destino Tower, this rooftop restaurant serves up Spanish-inspired cuisine with sweeping views of Walt Disney World. The menu is elevated and flavorful, making it a great option for a date night or special dinner.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago
Set right in the middle of Lago Dorado, this open-air restaurant is perfect for a laid-back meal with serious flavor. The warm manchego cheese dip is a favorite, and the sangria is top-tier. It feels like a hidden gem in the middle of the resort.
Dahlia Lounge
This stylish rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails, small bites, and an atmosphere that feels peaceful and refined. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a long park day with a drink in hand and a view in sight.
Rix Sports Bar & Grill
With 31 TVs and a menu full of sports bar classics, Rix is a great spot to watch the game while enjoying burgers, wings, draft beer, and cocktails. It’s lively, casual, and perfect for families or groups.
Barcelona Lounge
Found in the lower lobby of Gran Destino Tower, this lounge celebrates Spanish coffee culture in the morning and craft cocktails in the evening. Start your day with espresso and a pastry, or wind down with a creative drink later on.
Siestas Cantina
This is your go-to poolside quick-service option. Grab nachos, a burger, or a sandwich along with a specialty cocktail. Whether you're lounging at the Dig Site or just passing through, it’s easy and convenient.
Maya Grill
For a sit-down dinner with bold flavors, Maya Grill offers traditional Mexican dishes in a beautifully themed dining room. The atmosphere is warm and festive, and the menu includes a mix of classics and chef’s specialties.
Café Rix
Need a snack or something quick to take on the go? Café Rix has smoothies, gelato, pastries, yogurt, and more. It’s ideal for a light breakfast or an afternoon treat before heading to the parks.
El Mercado de Coronado
This is the resort’s main quick-service dining area, with separate menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find a variety of American favorites, international options, and grab-and-go meals in a bright and open setting.
Laguna Bar
Located lakeside near the Cabanas section, this breezy outdoor bar is perfect for relaxing with a tequila cocktail or something tropical. It’s quiet, scenic, and a great place to recharge after a busy day.
Transportation
Getting around Walt Disney World easily is a big part of planning a successful trip. The resort you choose can make a huge difference in how quickly and comfortably you get from one place to another.
One of the best perks of staying at Coronado Springs is its central location. The resort is just a short ride to all four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While this resort doesn’t have access to the monorail or Skyliner, it is fully connected through Disney’s complimentary bus system. Buses run regularly to the parks, Disney Springs, and both water parks. You can check you My Disney Experience App for Bus Times.
Guests staying in Gran Destino Tower have quick access to the main bus stop, which is located just outside the tower lobby. Other bus stops are spread out across the resort in the Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas sections, so you’re never too far from transportation no matter where your room is. Make sure you check the resort map to know exactly which bus stop is closest to your room. Coronado Springs has four bus stops: Stop 1 – Gran Destino Tower, Stop 2 – Casitas, Stop 3 – Ranchos, and Stop 4 – Cabanas. Even though the resort is technically part of the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, its central location makes getting anywhere on property easy and efficient.
The Pools
Pool Options for Every Mood
After a long day walking the parks, sitting through conference sessions, or spending the evening at Disney Springs, there’s nothing better than a refreshing swim. Coronado Springs has pool options for every kind of guest, with one feature pool and three quiet leisure pools spread throughout the resort.
The Lost City of Cibola Pool
This is the resort’s main feature pool, located in the Dig Site area near the Ranchos section. It’s known for its 50-foot Mayan pyramid centerpiece and a 123-foot-long waterslide that makes a splash with kids and adults alike. The Dig Site also includes the largest hot tub on Disney World property, a kids’ splash zone, a sand volleyball court, and the Iguana Arcade. During the day, Cast Members host family-friendly activities like pool games, trivia, and relay races, making this area lively and fun.
Leisure Pools at Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas
For a more peaceful vibe, each settlement has its own quiet pool. These leisure pools are perfect for unwinding without the crowds. The Casitas quiet pool is located near Building 4 and is closest to the fitness center. The Ranchos quiet pool is tucked away between Buildings 6A and 7B, surrounded by natural landscaping. The Cabanas quiet pool sits near Building 9B and offers shaded lounge chairs with views of Lago Dorado. These pools are ideal for early morning swims, reading poolside, or simply relaxing away from the energy of the main pool area.
Amenities and Extras at Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs offers far more than just beautiful rooms and great dining. It’s one of the most well-rounded moderate resorts at Walt Disney World, with extra amenities that add both convenience and a touch of luxury to your stay. Whether you’re looking to unwind, stay active, or pick up something special, the resort has everything you need in one place.
Located near the El Centro hub, Panchito’s Gifts & Sundries is the main retail location on property. With over 6,000 square feet of space, it’s one of the largest resort gift shops at Walt Disney World. The shop carries everything from Disney souvenirs and resort-branded merchandise to snacks, drinks, and travel essentials. It’s open daily and is a great stop for families who forgot something or want to grab a gift without heading into the parks.
If you’re visiting Coronado Springs for a conference or need to stay connected while on vacation, the Business Center is conveniently located near the convention center entrance. This full-service center offers printing, copying, faxing, shipping, and computer access. It’s open during the day and available to all resort guests. For those attending events at the Gran Destino Tower or the convention center, this service makes it easy to balance work and play. I have hd to ship items there and here is the address: Address: 1001 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Phone: (407) 939‑5277.
Guests also have access to self-service laundry facilities in each of the resort’s three village sections—Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas as well as dry cleaning and valet laundry options through Bell Services. Whether you're traveling with kids or extending your stay, having on-site laundry can be a lifesaver.
For recreation, there are some hidden gems worth exploring. The Iguana Arcade, located next to Siestas Cantina and the Dig Site pool, offers a variety of video games, air hockey, and arcade favorites. Just a few steps away is the Explorer’s Playground, a themed play area designed for kids ages 2–12 with climbing structures, slides, and shaded seating for parents. Both are close enough to the pool area that families can easily transition between activities without ever leaving the Dig Site.
Coronado Springs also hosts a full calendar of resort activities. Each month, a printed activity guide is available at the front desk, concierge, or Panchito’s. Daily events include pool games, trivia contests, evening movies under the stars, glow parties, and seasonal offerings like crafts or fitness classes. Be sure to grab the schedule when you check in so you don’t miss out on the fun.
If you enjoy starting your day with movement or just want a peaceful stroll, the jogging and nature trail loops around the entire Lago Dorado lake. The trail is just under a mile and offers scenic views of the water, bridges, and beautifully landscaped resort grounds. It’s a quiet place to recharge before heading to the parks.
The resort’s fitness center, La Vida Health Club, is located in the Casitas section near El Centro, with an additional gym inside Gran Destino Tower. It features cardio equipment, strength training machines, and free weights. Guests ages 14 and up have complimentary access. Spa services, including massages and personal treatments, are also available at La Vida for an added touch of relaxation.
Right next door is the Casa de Belleza Beauty Salon, offering full salon services such as hair styling, nail care, and facials. It’s perfect for guests celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat themselves.
For those wanting to spend time outdoors, La Marina offers seasonal equipment rentals including bikes, surrey bikes, fishing poles, and more. Located near El Centro along the lake, it’s a fun and quiet way to enjoy the resort grounds at your own pace.
These thoughtful extras help elevate your stay, giving Coronado Springs a resort-like feel without stepping into the deluxe price range. Whether you’re there for business, family fun, or a relaxing getaway, the amenities here make it easy to settle in and enjoy your vacation.
Coronado Springs is ideal for guests who want a deluxe-style experience at a moderate price. With exceptional dining, a peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to all four theme parks, this resort truly has it all. Whether you're visiting for a convention, a romantic getaway, or a more relaxed Disney vacation, Coronado Springs strikes the perfect balance between Disney magic and grown-up comfort. The architecture and theming blend Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American influences, which are also reflected in the resort’s diverse dining options. The serene setting and central location make it a great choice for just about any occasion.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
Ratings:
Resort Classification:
Restaurants/Food Options: /10
Hotel Theme: /10
Disney Theming: /10
Cleanliness: /10
Space: /10
Pool: /10
Kids Activities: /10
Transportation: /10
Size of Resort: /10
Location: /10
