Copyright ©  1999 by S.M. Moore
 

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Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

As you approach the entrance to Disney’s newest moderately priced resort, you will feel transported back in time. The time of Spanish conquistador, Franciso de Coronado, is revealed in every detail of this exquisitely themed resort and convention center.   Set on 125 acres this magnificent resort showcases the feel of Mexico and the American Southwest.

Three distinct villages reflect the housing of city like dwellings, rustic ranchos, and beach side cabanas. These three villages are located around beautiful 16 acre Lago Dorado, where the architecture is reflected in its shimmering waters. You enter this delightful resort under a Spanish themed port cochere, where appropriately attired bellmen assist your every need. El
Centro, as this main building is called, houses guest services, the front desk, the main lobby, Panchito’s Gift Shop, and the arcade. In this area you will find public telephones, restrooms and postal boxes, and just out front, bus stop 1.

As you leave the main lobby area, and travel past the magnificent tiled fountain you will approach the main eating areas of Coronado Springs. First you will find the Pepper Market. This is a very new approach to the food courts of other moderate resorts. Basically you find an indoor Mexican marketplace of different vendors offering their cooked wares. Prices are somewhat higher than the food courts and a 10% gratuity is added to your bill for your host assisted meal. If you carry out your order you bypass the host and tip. You will find tacos, tostados, pizza, pasta and made to order omelets among the foods offered here.

The full service dining area is just down the walkway, and features upscale Mexican dining. The Mayan Grill is open for breakfast and dinner and serves seafood, steaks, and various offerings cooked over an open-pit wood fired grill. In addition to these two dining options, a limited room service menu is offered for breakfast and dinner. This is an option only Coronado Springs offers in the moderate price range resorts. Francisco’s and La Tienda Convenience Store are located near the Pepper Market. Franciso’s offers your favorite beverages amide an inviting atmosphere with evening entertainment. The Convenience store is your one stop shopping area for the necessary snack or sundries.

As you leave the Main Building and venture out along the walkway surrounding Lago Dorado you encounter the Casitas room areas. This village consists of 5 buildings with building 1 being the closest to the food court area. This area is adjacent to the Convention Center. As in each village you will find a lovely quiet pool and laundry area. These 3 and 4 storied buildings reflect the city like architecture of old Spanish cities. Most of the convention crowd frequents this location due to its close proximity to the convention center. Bus stop 2 is located nearest to building 4. Adjacent to building 4 you find a rarity in moderate resorts, a health club and salon.

All rooms at Coronado Springs offer 314 square feet of room space. With 2 double beds, double sinks, coffee makers, iron and board, and hair dryers, amenities not necessarily found at other moderates. The color scheme in the Casitas is based upon variations of turquoise and salmon. A Mayan theme is prevalent in the bedding, window treatments and furnishings.
Also in the Casistas area a small number of suites are offered that cater to the convention crowd. Some king beds are offered in each area of the resort.

As we continue around the lake we encounter the more rustic, Ranchos areas. Landscaping here reflects the more dry arid, desert areas of the Southwest. Room amenities are the same as the Casitas, the outside architecture and inside decor being the only difference. Here you will find a decor that reflects an Indian motif using the colors of blue, gold and markings of Native American designs. 

In this area we find 4 buildings with 7B being adjacent to the quiet pool and closest to bus stop 3. The Nature Trail is located near building 6B and the quiet pool in the Ranchos areas is one of the nicest on property. This is the area most removed from the main building and food court, but very near the main themed pool and playground. The next area, the Cabanas completes the circle around Lago Dorado, and brings us back to El Centro. Four buildings comprise this area, with 8A being closest to the main pool. Both 8a and 8B are very close to bus stop 3. With 9A very centrally located between the food courts and recreation areas, and 9B being adjacent to the food courts. Landscaping in the Cabanas include a small beach area on the lake, palms, cactus and beautiful blooming plants. The buildings are 2 story bungalows and half offer lovely water views. The room decor is styled in an old Mexico decor of lovely reds and golds.

Recreation possibilities are numerous at this resort and focus on the use of the lake. Boats of different varieties are available to rent at the marina located near the rear of El Centro. Bicycles and bike surreys are also available. Other possibilities include the use of 2 arcades one inside El Centro and one near the main pool. There is a nature walk and jogging/walking path of 1 mile. The beautifully themed pool at the Dig Site recreation area is certainly a huge draw for this resort. A large Mayan pyramid is the focal point of the resort and provides the slide for the pool. The themeing in this area is extremely detailed and provides a wonderful backdrop for the many recreational activities based here. The children’s small pool, play area, volleyball court, poolside bar, and large hot tub are intermingled in and around the large pyramid. This is definitely where the action is at Coronado Springs.

Transportation to all major parks, and other areas of WDW and the Boardwalk are offered by bus. Also in resort transportation to each building is provided from bus stop 1(El Centro). This resort is definitely one of Disney best themed and offers allot of amenities in the moderate price range. I have enjoyed two visits to Coronado Springs and looking forward to another visit soon.

Special Thanks to Radina and Linda at Coronado Springs for their assistance with information. Recommended reading for additional information on Coronado Springs: “Walt Disney World for Couples by Rick & Gayle Perimutter, Birnbaum’s WDW Official Guide, and Rita Aero’s WDW for Adults and families, too.”

Copyright ©  1999, 2000, 2001 by S.M. Moore - Please do not copy this material, or use it on another website, or printed material without prior written permission.

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