The good and bad of Coronado Springs

[IndyRnRfan]

In my opinion Coronado is definitely not "a deluxe resort at a mod price". We returned from a trip there in April and the place needs a refresh. Our room was not up to par, the staff was less than friendly, and the food at the Pepper Market was no better than your standard cafeteria fare. Seeing as though CB just updated their rooms within the last few years, I'd pick that place in a heartbeat over Coronado.

That's too bad your trip was not what you expected. We were there in July and everything was very nice for us. The only part of our room that needed any work was the shower/tub as some of the caulking was starting to come off. The staff was more than friendly as we were asked more than once if we needed a ride somewhere while we were walking. The front desk went out of their way to fix a problem with my MB as it wasn't working correctly. The young lady spent about 15 minutes solving the problem and we were given extra FP's for the issue. As for Pepper Market, you are correct, it is only cafeteria style food much like all the other resorts and I don't expect high quality TS food. Did you try the other two QS places on property or the two other TS restaurants they have or are you basing all the food quality on one QS restaurant? The spa and fitness center will be nice when all is said and done as will all the rooms once the renovations are all completed. Did you try the two lounges in El Centro or the two bars outside? Now, we have never stayed at any deluxe resorts but two years ago we had friends staying at The Poly. They paid somewhere in the vicinity of $400/night and I would take our CSR room over their room any day of the week. They had stains and tears which we did not although their room looked a little bigger. We all commented on how that place needed a renovation as well and their room wasn't the only one. They heard more than one couple commenting on repairs that were needed. Yes, the resort in on the monorail and the lobby is nicer but that's about it. For what you get at any other deluxe and what you get at CSR, there is no way deluxe is worth almost twice as much per night. And of course if you were looking at a newly renovated place compared to one being renovated you would probably pick the newly renovated one. However, we have never felt CSR was run down or had bad service unlike you. But, saying you don't get deluxe style amenities at this place for mod prices is just not correct IMO. Hopefully you have a nicer experience if you ever go back to CSR.

 

[kirstenb1]

We loved CSR!! Great pool/playground/sand area. We also liked the Pepper Market. Everyone in our family likes different foods, so it was nice to order a quesadilla, pasta, sandwiches and salads all in one area. We thought the food tasted really good. Lots of conventioneers, but that worked well for us. They tended to eat at different hours (maybe in a restaurant set aside for them?), didn't use the busses to go to parks, so we found the busses uncrowded. We've stayed at lots of WDW resorts, and the kids really liked the pool, as one of their favorites.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Stayed at CSR for a conference in April and really liked it! I have only stayed at deluxe prior, so I was not sure what I was in for. I was very happy with the resort.
Pros:
1- Great bus transportation. Internal bus stops were quick and efficient. Never waited for a bus to come for more than 10min, usually 5min. Does not share with another resort, took 6min to get to EPCOT, DS and 10 to MK. The stop was very close to our room.
2-Room was lovely and large enough for a family of 4. Great theme and plenty of space. My fridge did not work and a new one was brought immediately and I had no problems.
3-Gorgeous theme of the whole resort, really enjoyed walking around the resort. It is large, but we found our walk to our YC room to be just as long.
4-Pools, fantastic! Loved our small pool in Castias and the themed pool was great.

Cons:
1-Food. I would not say it was terrible, but it was not that great. Pepper market was crowded and complicated for a food court. The quality of the food was just ok.
2-Air conditioner in the room- this is probably just my room, but it did not seem to work that well. Carpet needed updating, just a general update of the room. Nothing terrible, just sprucing.

 

[Huff]

Only negative, the food. It sucked.

What didn't you like about the food there? We've made the Pepper Market food court a regular visit on most of our trips. The food has always been very good although we didn't make it on our last trip 2 years go. So its been about 4 years since we've been.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

The breakfast was ok. Standard food. But the rest was just bad, lunch/dinner. It's no longer ran by Disney. My husband was more digusted than I was, even though I could tell it wasn't good. One night we went over to the AOA food court and it was awesome.

 

[aprincessatlast]

I should not really reply as it is the only mod we have not tried. Family stayed there and we visited, ate at the market, etc. They were not fans and we were not digging the vibe as there were loads of conference people around.

I would say though when it comes to this resort there does not seem to be a lot of middle ground. It is either love or hate it (ok hate is too strong, but never going back types)

SIDE NOTE: I remember reading here years ago (10 years ago) and there were several members who got kicked off for seeming to be on a PR campaign for the resort. As in constantly posting and making up user names etc all to sway people to CSR. Not sure why but anytime anyone had anything negative to say (which at the time were many) they came out with the fake names and loads of pictures and why it was so great. It was rather comical. I did not care but it made me ask why? It was strange. It seems on these boards resorts really do go through almost popularity ratings. I remember when POR was looked at very negatively but now is the best to many. CBR same way. I find it interesting. I do think the grounds at all the mods really are lovely. Just go with the theme that interest you with the amenities you want and enjoy!

 

[cmph]

I should not really reply as it is the only mod we have not tried. Family stayed there and we visited, ate at the market, etc. They were not fans and we were not digging the vibe as there were loads of conference people around.

I would say though when it comes to this resort there does not seem to be a lot of middle ground. It is either love or hate it (ok hate is too strong, but never going back types)

SIDE NOTE: I remember reading here years ago (10 years ago) and there were several members who got kicked off for seeming to be on a PR campaign for the resort. As in constantly posting and making up user names etc all to sway people to CSR. Not sure why but anytime anyone had anything negative to say (which at the time were many) they came out with the fake names and loads of pictures and why it was so great. It was rather comical. I did not care but it made me ask why? It was strange. It seems on these boards resorts really do go through almost popularity ratings. I remember when POR was looked at very negatively but now is the best to many. CBR same way. I find it interesting. I do think the grounds at all the mods really are lovely. Just go with the theme that interest you with the amenities you want and enjoy!

That cracks me up about the PR folks!! I haven't been on the boards nearly long enough, clearly.

My opinion: many of us are truly happy anywhere when we're at Disney! One day I will have a bad experience, I'm sure, but until then I will make my way from one resort to the next and aim to find the best in all of them. But I would still quite happily go back to CSR.

OP - I forgot to mention that even though there is no water playground, there is a really neat themed regular playground next to the pool. It's pretty awesome looking. Google it and you'll see what I mean. I doubt your 5yo misses the water playground too much once she sees it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have to say that I did not like CSR, but if you ask me why, I cannot find a reason other than theme.

We stayed in December when my DDIL and I booked a last minute trip to see the Lights one last time. A friend joined us so there were three women.
This resort was decorated beautifully, understated elegance is how I would describe it. This resort was lovely! From the moment we arrived we were treated graciously, CM's were very nice.

Our room was immaculate, and the beds comfortable. We used all the towels so the Mousekeeper left more after that. SHe also left plenty of toiletries for the three of us. WE had coffee by the pool most mornings which was really relaxing way to begin the day, but I the days we went to the food court were nice as well. WE did enjoy Pepper Market. We did not try Maya Grill or stop by the lounges.

One of the best things about this resort was the walk anywhere. The grounds were gorgeous and even as the grounds keepers were trimming back foliage gone by, it was pretty. The lake offered stunning photos.

We never went swimming but that pool was pretty darn sweet.

We only waited one day for the bus, and I have no idea why. It was pretty busy that week in Disney.

As others have pointed out, this is a convention resort so you will not see a lot of DISNEY SCREAMING THEME> It is understated, I think. I do not think it is as sprawling as CBR, but it is a large resort. I do think that people like what they like, and you cannot know unless you go yourself. I should have loved that resort, and disliked CBR, but no....the opposite was thue, yet my family refuses to stay at CBR ever again.

I would say if this resort is in your price range give it a try.

 

[GPC0321]

It's the only Disney resort I've ever stayed at, and that's only been twice in my life (17 years between visits), but I enjoyed it both times. We were just there over Easter, and it was lovely. I don't ask much of my resort/hotel, just a nice place to sleep and shower and grab a bite. The Dig Site pool is great, and I like that the Cantina at the pool has hot meals. Pepper Market is fine. Cafe Rix is nice for grab-n-go stuff. Haven't tried the table service restaurants, but hear good things.
It's a very pretty and laid back resort. I like the atmosphere there.
We're going to rent DVC and go deluxe next year for Christmastime, and I'm sure that will be amazing, but I will always be fond of my first (and second!) WDW resort experience at CSR.

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

I have stayed at POR, CBR, and CSR. I prefer CSR and POR over CBR. I loved this resort and will definitely go back. The buses at CSR were the best I've ever encountered which was a huge plus to me. Little to no wait and I don't think I had to stand on the bus the entire trip (I always give up my seat if there is someone elderly or very young in need of a seat). The cast here were great and we were even sprinkled with pixie dust twice. It was nicely themed and had a relaxing feel. The rooms were slightly in need of refurbishment, but nothing too bad and it may be completed by the time you travel. I didn't eat at the resort, so I can't speak to the food, but the food court looked nice and was never chaotic when I went in to fill my mug.

 

[Aurora0427]

In comparison, we paid $500/night to stay at the Grand Californian in Disneyland last month, saying it would be our one big blow-out there... and the rooms were MUCH more in need of a refurb. And the pool was pretty pathetic for the resort cost. I'm slightly embarrassed at the amount we paid. POR and CSR were honestly much nicer for less than half the cost.

I don't understand the Grand Californian. From traveler photos on Trip Advisor, the rooms look dark and dumpy- in badly need of a full refurb. We may do DL next summer and I think we'll stay at the DL Hotel instead.

 

[nilla]

But that being said the only thing I didn't like was the lack of selection in the foodcourt.

Depending on when you were there, the Pepper Market may have been "in flux" at that time. We were there in May of 2014 and were not impressed by the PM, but loved it in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. From what I've read, it's back to how it was before.

 

[nilla]

Now as for the negatives I can only think of one, but it is a big one for my family. Because its a convention center you see suits and name tags all over the place. It feels I am at work the whole time that we stay there, so I can never really fully relax. When we vacation, part of the reason we stay somewhere is to get away from that work feeling. I simply cannot do that at CSR.

LOL, I actually like that. I see the suits and name tags and think, "have fun working - I'm off to ride Space Mountain!"

 

[nilla]

In my opinion Coronado is definitely not "a deluxe resort at a mod price". We returned from a trip there in April and the place needs a refresh. Our room was not up to par, the staff was less than friendly, and the food at the Pepper Market was no better than your standard cafeteria fare. Seeing as though CB just updated their rooms within the last few years, I'd pick that place in a heartbeat over Coronado.

We stayed at CBR last year. I loved it, but prefer CSR, but only slightly. My wife, on the other hand, did not really like CBR at all. That was because she kept comparing it to Coronado, which she likes MUCH more.

 

[cmph]

I don't understand the Grand Californian. From traveler photos on Trip Advisor, the rooms look dark and dumpy- in badly need of a full refurb. We may do DL next summer and I think we'll stay at the DL Hotel instead.

It is SO convenient, and that is what drew me in initially. It's hard to imagine (when you're used to WDW) taking the elevator downstairs and having a less-than one minute walk to the California Adventure Park entrance. The lobby is gorgeous and impressed us the last time we stayed at DLH and walked through it, the staff is known to be amazing, and Napa Rose is popular. But yeah, those rooms need a refurb. We also wanted the bunk beds, which aren't avail at the DLH, and enjoyed the balcony. My kids absolutely LOVED it there though, b/c they were completely oblivious to the need for a refurb and were so happy to cut out buses and long walks. I would prefer to go back to DLH the next time, but the reality is we're most likely to stay off-site for the bulk of the trip b/c neither is worth the cost (DLH isn't *that* much cheaper than GCH)... with maybe one night at either for CA extra magic hour. I mean, we could have stayed for 6 or 7 nights at the WDW moderates for the cost of 3 nights at GCH!! It's so dumb, really, b/c we have never stayed deluxe at WDW out of cheapness, so I'm not sure what I was thinking for this DL trip; no regrets anyway since the kids were so very happy.

Sorry OP, that's totally off-topic! My initial point was really just that I thought CSR (pre-refurb) was just fine, and that yes, I do notice when a refurb seems necessary. I wouldn't be surprised at all to learn that the Ranchos are far less worn b/c they are never booked for conventions and thus don't get the use and turnover. That's the section to stay in if you want to be away from the convention folks anyway, so it's something to consider.

 

[wdw4rfam]

The breakfast was ok. Standard food. But the rest was just bad, lunch/dinner. It's no longer ran by Disney. My husband was more digusted than I was, even though I could tell it wasn't good. One night we went over to the AOA food court and it was awesome.

We agreed. Unless you like nachos, hamburgers for dinner. I literally remember maybe 5 choices. To me, it didn't even compare to POR, or any of the value resorts actually. Even POFQ had more selection. I don't get why everyone is so Impressed by the "real" plates and silverware either. The bus tubs with everyone's dirty dishes sitting there was actually kind of gross to me. But not a big deal- just didn't see it as a plus. We found ourselves driving to POR and even hit the all stars to eat dinner.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Depending on when you were there, the Pepper Market may have been "in flux" at that time. We were there in May of 2014 and were not impressed by the PM, but loved it in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. From what I've read, it's back to how it was before.

It was 2014. It was terrible. It's bad when you pay for moderate, and have to go down the street to all stars for dinner. But we did ove Maya grill.

 

[Bree]

My DD and I are not fans of Pepper Market either. We were there October 2015 so it's still pretty fresh in my mind. The menu is very limited IMO, the workers were rude and the head chef was useless. I'm very lactose intolerant. I avoid dairy as much as possible because those little lactaid pills I can take don't always work. I asked the chef for a few different items off the food court menu and he insisted they couldn't be made dairy free and all he kept offering me was chicken tenders. My DD turkey sandwich was inedible. The meat was some sort of slimey turkey product with a slice of plastic cheese food and they refused to sub the stale chips for french fries. We enjoyed every other aspect of the resort, and I would definitely book there again for a short stay with plans to eat elsewhere.

 

[Robyonkers]

Hey I have stayed there in May and this is my pro's and cons. Pro's : amazing pool, breathtaking landscaping, and architecture, Buses came fast and were empty, room was clean, Nice relaxing areas around the resort such as hammocks and benches to watch the abundant wild life such as turtles, gators, and fish, Las Ventanas makes great breakfast . Cons: terrible food at the pepper market, and Maya grill, sub par service at the front desk (kind of nod and smile but cannot help you) one example is looking for smoking areas and asked several cast members who all said we have to just look around. Lacking Disney themed motifs. Had a real business mans feel to it. Lots of people at the hotel for convention, Created kind of a gloomy atmosphere (Think traveling salesman) I would not stay there again. Hope this helps. Sorry for grammar was speed typing.

 

[CuseWazowski]

Stayed at CSR last month and liked it very much. First experience with mods, but liked it as well as CR. We can't comment on the food because we only ate pastry breakfast at the resort. We liked the atmosphere, amenities and the quiet style. Transportation to parks was great. The main room that we had in Casitas 3 was very nice and not outdated, but the bathroom (the inner part with toilet and tub) could use an update. We'd stay there again for sure.