Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort emanates colonial Mexico with the resort’s Southwest-inspired theme. The resort is named after sixteenth-century explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer who sailed for the New World in 1540. He had a keen eye out for gold treasure rumored to be within the Seven Cities of Cibola. Coronado’s theme revolves sharply around this history, and with a glistening, 22-acre lake as the crown jewel of the complex, history is brought to life.

The resort is centered on its own, massive piece of property between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The location is ideal for the Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center, away from the distractions of Walt Disney World, offering a quiet backdrop for business. An 86,000-square-foot hall, more than 60,000-square-foot ballroom featuring wireless and high-speed Internet, and an assigned business center are part of the center. There are more than forty break-out rooms in Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center, offering a total of 220,000 square feet of convention space.

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Rooms

Standard rooms have all the amenities basic rooms within most Disney resorts have: queen beds, chairs and a table, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker. A full bath, ceiling fan, and in-room safe are also included. Guest rooms also feature basic amenities such as a hair dryer and iron with a board. Nonsmoking rooms can be arranged with a water (lake or pool), courtyard, or parking area view. High-speed Internet incurs and extra charge. Note that Preferred King Rooms are closest than any room to the Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center.

Suites

Options in suites at the Coronado Resort include Juniors and Junior Kings, One Bedroom Casitas, and the Executive Room Casitas. Juniors and Junior Kings equal two adjoining standard rooms in space, accommodating four to six people and equipped with basic amenities. They have two full baths and feature courtyard views. One Bedroom Casitas are VIP suites with separate living rooms, stocked wet bars, fridges, full baths, and a dining area for six. They are most often used for entertaining clients. Executive suites feature a master bedroom with a jet tub, a second bedroom and bath, a parlor area, and a third bathroom. An entertainment center and free high-speed Internet are included. Dining tables for four are part of the design.

Pools

Even if they are up against Disney World attractions like Typhoon Lagoon, the pools at Coronado are appealing. Three large heated pools create abundant sun-lounging and swimming space for guests within the Ranchos, Casitas, and Cananas resort areas. The Dig Site, officially named The Lost City of Cibola Pool, is a massive pool with a 190-person capacity flanked by the biggest hot tub in any Disney resort. There are pyramids, water slides, and plenty of other features creating a genuine Mexican vibe open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. There is a pool bar and grill adjacent and a kids playground nearby carrying the same theme.

Dining

Dining at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is evidently inspired by traditional Southwest fare. The main, full-service restaurant features a Mayan theme and offers both Latin and American dishes. Quick service choices are provided in an alfresco-style area designed after an open-air market where classic American dishes are served. There are baked goods, fresh salads, and sandwiches to choose from as the resort’s café while the lounge, set beside the lake, fills the social needs of guests.