Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has an interesting list of facts!
Before and during our stays on Disney property, we enjoy learning new information about our resort. We appreciate all the little details even more when we’re there!
From its history to its designs to its themes, Coronado Springs Resort has a lot of things to learn. Below, you will discover these facts and some activities to enjoy around the resort.
19 Facts About Coronado Springs Resort:
Fact #1: Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures influence Coronado Springs Resort’s theme.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is modeled after a blend of cultures. The resort’s cultural themes are evident throughout, from the architecture of each section to its dining options.
Fact #2: Coronado Springs Resort opened on August 1, 1997.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort officially opened as an Animal Kingdom Area Resort on August 1, 1997.
Fact #3: Gran Destino Tower opened in July of 2019.
In July of 2019, Coronado Springs Resort opened its 15-story addition, Gran Destino Tower. The building has influences from the Salvador Dalí short film, “Destino.” This addition added 545 guest rooms to the resort, bringing its guest room total to 1,951.
Fact #4: Coronado Springs Resort is one of four Moderate resorts on Walt Disney World property.
Disney has four resort categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Coronado Springs Resort is a Moderate resort, a great middle-ground between the Value and Deluxe options.
Fact #5: This resort has the biggest convention center on Walt Disney World property.
The Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center has 200,000 sq ft (18,581 sq m) of meeting space and the biggest ballroom in the southeastern United States. This resort was also Disney World’s first Moderate resort with a convention center.
Fact #6: There are at least 12 hidden Mickeys on Coronado Springs Resort property.
This is one of the most FUN facts about Coronado Springs Resort!
From the main entrance to the lobby to the hallways and more, this resort is chock-full of hidden Mickeys.
Fact #7: Coronado Springs Resort is one of five Animal Kingdom area Disney resorts.
If you are planning on spending a lot of time in Animal Kingdom, this area is a convenient place to stay. The resorts offer direct bus service to Animal Kingdom. It is also worth mentioning that out of the five Disney Animal Kingdom area resorts, Coronado Springs Resort is the only Moderate resort option.
Fact #8: There are four pools scattered throughout the resort.
Coronado Springs Resort guests can enjoy four different pools during their stay. The Dig Site pool complex houses the Lost City of Cibola Pool, which is themed after Mayan ruins. It features a waterslide, a hot tub, and a kiddie pool nearby. The other three pools are leisure pools that offer a quieter experience without water slides or hot tubs.
Fact #9: A 50-foot-tall Mayan pyramid is the centerpiece of the Lost City of Cibola Pool
The crown jewel of The Dig Site’s Mayan ruins theme is a 50-foot-tall Mayan pyramid. The pyramid is decorated with vines and greenery wrapped around it. Water flows down the steps of this impressive structure.
Fact #10: The Lost City of Cibola Pool has a thrilling 123 ft (37.5 m) long water slide.
The long water slide, also known as the Jaguar slide, takes its riders on a thrilling journey around the area’s Mayan pyramid before depositing them into the pool.
Fact #11: Coronado Springs Resort is home to the largest hot tub on Disney World property.
The humongous hot tub is located in the Dig Site, the Lost City of Cibola pool area, and can accommodate up to 22 people at one time.
Fact #12: The resort offers a Spanish-inspired rooftop dining experience at Toledo.
Coronado Springs Resort has a rooftop dining experience in Toledo, located in Gran Destino Tower. The restaurant is a luxurious option that serves Spanish tapas, steaks, and seafood. During your dinner, take in the gorgeous décor, like olive trees and a mesmerizing ceiling, as well as views of Hollywood Studios.
- It is highly recommended that you make a reservation for this experience.
Fact #13: Dahlia Lounge offers a view of Epcot’s fireworks show.
Dahlia Lounge is a rooftop lounge located next to Toledo in Gran Destino Tower. Guests can enjoy a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a selection of Spanish tapas. Though it is not advertised, the tower’s proximity to Epcot provides some convenient viewing of the fireworks show.
- If you wish to catch the fireworks show, try to arrive about 60 to 90 minutes before the show starts.
Fact #14: Sangria University at Three Bridges Bar & Grill teaches guests about sangria.
Sangria University is a paid activity at Coronado Springs Resort. This afternoon course takes place on weekends at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The experience lasts about 90 minutes and teaches guests about the history of sangria while also being able to sample four different in-house varieties of sangria and a light appetizer.
- Advanced reservations are required for this experience.
- Guests under 21 are welcome to attend and are served a nonalcoholic flight of sangria.
- Learn more HERE.
Fact #15: Coronado Springs Resort hosts complimentary campfire activities.
The resort offers nightly free campfire activities at the Dig Site. Roast marshmallows near the iconic Mayan pyramid and swap stories during this fun outdoor experience. Afterward, on select nights, you can enjoy Movies Under the Stars, a nighttime program of outdoor Disney movie screenings.
Fact #16: The theming of the resort’s four lodging sections takes inspiration from a different place.
Salvador Dalí’s Disney animated film Destino has inspired Gran Destino Tower.
Casitas Village resembles residential areas of colonial Mexican cities.
Cabanas Village captures the essence of coastal Mexican villages.
Ranchos Village takes inspiration from ranch houses in the southwestern US and northern Mexico.
Fact #17: Guests can embrace their inner artists at one of Coronado Springs Resort’s art classes.
Coronado Springs Resort offers two paid art experiences that guests can book during their stay. The Colors of Colorado Painting Experience is a 2-hour painting class led by local artists held once a week. At the end of the experience, you will have painted your own masterpiece to take home with you!
In addition to painting, the resort offers a Spanish Mosaic Art class on select days. During this class, you can create your own Disney-inspired mosaic—another perfect keepsake and souvenir to remember your trip by!
Fact #18: Coronado Springs Resort has a jogging trail that loops around Lago Dorado.
Lago Dorado is a huge body of water located at the center of Coronado Springs Resort. If you are looking for a scenic place to walk or jog, the path that loops around Lago Dorado is a fantastic option. The trail is about 0.75 miles long and offers views of different resort sections and a wetlands area.
Fact #19: Coronado Springs Resort has two fitness centers.
The resort has two fitness centers: La Vida Health Club Fitness Center in Casitas Village and the Fitness Center at Gran Destino. Both fitness centers are open 24 hours a day and are accessible to guests staying in any section of Coronado Springs Resort.
Do you know any more facts about Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort?
Please let us know if we missed any of your favorite facts. In addition, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, and we will answer! 🙂
