Our stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was a dream come true. After months of planning, my partner and I were finally on our way to experience the magic of Walt Disney World together. This trip was extra special as we were celebrating our recent engagement, and Coronado Springs provided the perfect backdrop for our romantic getaway. We opted for a Preferred Room with a King bed and added the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan to our package. This is our first-hand experience, from the moment we stepped off Disney’s Magical Express to our final evening under the fireworks.

Getting There on Disney’s Magical Express from Orlando Airport

After our direct flight from London, we landed at Orlando International Airport, buzzing with excitement. As soon as we cleared customs, we made our way to the Disney’s Magical Express check-in area. The Magical Express is a complimentary shuttle service for Disney resort guests, and it couldn’t have been easier to find—there were signs guiding us all the way through the airport.

Once we checked in, we were directed to the waiting area. The Magical Express is a great start to any Disney vacation because it’s convenient and free. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and decked out with Disney theming, which really sets the mood for the adventure ahead. During the 30-minute ride, we were treated to a fun video introducing us to all the magic that awaited us at Walt Disney World. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to the grand entrance of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Accommodation: Preferred Room King

Upon arrival at Coronado Springs, we were immediately struck by the resort’s stunning architecture and lush landscaping. The resort is themed around Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, and it truly feels like an escape to another world. Check-in was smooth, and the staff at the front desk were incredibly welcoming. As we were celebrating our engagement, they gave us “Just Engaged” buttons, which we proudly wore during our stay.

Our room was located in the Casitas section of the resort, one of the three distinct areas at Coronado Springs, the others being Ranchos and Cabanas. The Casitas are closest to the main building, El Centro, which houses dining, shopping, and other amenities. This made our Preferred Room, with its King bed, a great choice as it put us within a short walking distance of all the resort’s main features.

When we stepped into our room, we were immediately impressed. The décor was elegant, with a subtle blend of modern and traditional styles that matched the resort’s overall theme. The room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed, featuring a comfortable King-sized bed, a large flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and plenty of storage space. The bathroom was sleek and modern, with a large walk-in shower and a double vanity, perfect for couples. We especially appreciated the little touches, like the towel Mickey Mouse on the bed and the Disney-themed toiletries.

After settling in, we took a moment to relax on the comfortable bed, marveling at the fact that we were finally at Disney. The room’s location was perfect—quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to the action that we never felt far from the resort’s amenities.

Dining: Quick Service Disney Dining Plan

One of the perks of our package was the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan, which allowed us to enjoy quick and convenient meals throughout our stay. This plan was perfect for us, as we wanted to spend as much time as possible exploring the parks without the need for lengthy sit-down meals.

While we dined mostly at the parks, we did take advantage of Coronado Springs’ dining options for breakfast and a couple of dinners. The main quick service location at the resort is El Mercado de Coronado, a food court-style restaurant offering a wide variety of options. For breakfast, we loved the convenience of grabbing something quick before heading out for the day. The Mickey-shaped waffles were a daily treat, and we appreciated the selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee to start our mornings.

One evening, after a long day at the parks, we decided to have dinner at El Mercado de Coronado. The menu offered something for everyone, from Mexican-inspired dishes to classic American fare. We both opted for the roasted chicken with vegetables, which was hearty and delicious. The portion sizes were generous, and the quality of the food was excellent for a quick service restaurant.

Another night, we tried Siestas Cantina, the poolside bar and grill. We ordered the fish tacos and nachos, which were both tasty and satisfying. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the parks, with a relaxed atmosphere and views of the beautiful pool area. However, one small disappointment was that, as we were celebrating our engagement, I was offered a complimentary drink—but since I was 20 and not yet of legal drinking age in the U.S., I couldn’t accept it. Nonetheless, the staff were understanding and made us feel special regardless.

Things to Do on Resort

Coronado Springs is a sprawling resort with plenty to do, making it easy to spend a full day—or more—enjoying all the amenities on offer. The centerpiece of the resort is the Lost City of Cibola Pool, located in the Dig Site, which is themed around a Mayan ruin. The pool is massive, with a Mayan pyramid as the focal point and a 123-foot-long waterslide for added fun. We spent an afternoon lounging by the pool, enjoying the sun, and cooling off in the water. The pool area also has a large hot tub, one of the largest at any Disney resort, which was a perfect spot to relax.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, the resort also offers three smaller leisure pools, one in each section of the resort. These pools are more secluded and ideal for a peaceful swim or sunbathing.

Another feature of the resort is La Vida Health Club, a fitness center offering a range of equipment for those who want to keep up with their workout routine while on vacation. We visited the gym a couple of times and found it to be well-equipped and never too crowded.

Coronado Springs also offers a variety of recreational activities, including bike rentals, jogging trails, and guided fishing excursions. While we didn’t have time to try everything, we did take a leisurely walk around the resort’s 22-acre lake, Lago Dorado. The pathways are beautifully landscaped and offer stunning views of the resort, especially at sunset.

Proximity from the Resort to Disney’s Theme Parks via the Free Shuttle

One of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney resort is the complimentary transportation to the theme parks. Coronado Springs is centrally located, making it easy to get to all four parks using Disney’s bus system.

The buses run frequently, typically every 20 minutes, and the ride times were reasonable:

• Magic Kingdom: About 20 minutes
• Epcot: About 15 minutes
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: About 10 minutes
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: About 10 minutes

We found the bus system to be incredibly convenient. The buses were clean, air-conditioned, and always on time. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping off a Disney bus and walking into one of the parks, knowing that your magical day is about to begin.

Kids Club

While we didn’t have kids with us, it’s worth mentioning that Coronado Springs offers a kids club known as Explorer’s Club, which is perfect for families traveling with young children. The club provides supervised activities for kids, allowing parents some time to relax and enjoy the resort or have a date night. From what we observed, the kids seemed to be having a blast with the themed crafts, games, and movie nights.

Bars & Entertainment

Coronado Springs offers several options for bars and entertainment, catering to a variety of tastes. Rix Sports Bar & Grill is a lively spot where you can catch a game on one of the many TVs while enjoying a drink and some pub-style food. The atmosphere is fun and energetic, making it a great place to unwind after a day at the parks.

For a more relaxed experience, we visited Dahlia Lounge, located on the rooftop of the Gran Destino Tower. The lounge offers stunning views of the resort and the surrounding area, and it’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening. While my partner enjoyed a handcrafted cocktail, I sipped on a refreshing mocktail, and we both enjoyed the sophisticated ambiance.

We also spent some time at Laguna Bar, an outdoor bar located by the lake. The bar offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, and it’s a great place to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. Despite being underage, I was still able to enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and the bartenders were more than happy to create something special for me.

Summary

Our stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was everything we hoped it would be and more. The resort’s beautiful theming, comfortable accommodations, and convenient location made it the perfect choice for our Disney World vacation. The Preferred Room with a King bed was ideal for us as a couple, providing a cozy and romantic retreat after our days at the parks. The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan offered flexibility and convenience, allowing us to enjoy delicious meals without taking too much time away from the magic.

While there were a few minor hiccups—like not being able to enjoy a complimentary drink due to my age—they didn’t detract from our overall experience. The resort’s amenities, including the stunning pool area, dining options, and proximity to the parks, made our stay truly memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a magical getaway, Coronado Springs offers something for everyone. We left with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the Disney magic that made our engagement celebration so special.