This past February, my husband and I spent several nights at Disney's Corondao Springs Resort which was a host resort for runDisney's Princess Half Marathon.
This was my second time to stay at Coronado Springs and my husband's first. It was during my first stay at Coronado Springs back in January of 2009 where I was introduced to the world of running and Marathons (not yet named runDisney).
A few fun facts about Coronado Springs:
- Moderate category
- American Southwest/Northern Mexico theme
- Convention Center on property
- Internal Shuttle system with four bus stops for park buses and Expo/Race transportation
The fountain at the entrance was one of my favorite parts of the resort!
I love how Burrito (from The Flying Gauchito/ The Three Caballeros) stands at the entrance of the gift shop!
A special congratulatory board was created for those who completed races during the Princess Half Marathon weekend and stood on display at the entrance of the gift shop! I loved this extra touch! :)
Several dining options are available for guests at Coronado Springs Resort including:
- Cafe Rix (Quick Service)
- The Peppermarket (Quick Service)
- Siestas Cantina (Quick Service)
- Las Ventanas (Table Service)
- Maya Grill (Table Service)
Cafe Rix above....Peppermarket below.
As a Donald Duck fan, I knew my husband's favorite part of the resort would be just outside the doors of the Peppermarket...
...and I was right! These guys were completely covered the first few days of our trip due to freezing and crazy cold temperatures. Thankfully, it warmed up by the end of our trip and they were allowed to come out of hiding!
This resort is so large, plenty of maps and signage exist throughout the walking paths.
For runners there's even a Running Trail (sponsored by New Balance) located throughout the grounds of the resort!
Had we stayed a bit longer (and not been involved in a race weekend), I would have tried them out!
The only downside to our resort was the location to the lobby/restaurants. When I say this resort is HUGE, I mean it. Even though I requested a building close to the lobby and a first floor room during online check-in, we somehow managed a room in the very back corner of the resort and on the third floor at that! Had we been on the dining plan (like we usually are but weren't for this trip), I would not have been happy at all - the lobby/restaurants were a good 20 minute walk away. The refillable mugs included with the dining plan would have been a waste.
The only thing that made up for the crazy location of our room was the proximity to a bus stop - it was literally right outside our room. Also, runDisney race/expo transportation picked up at all four bus stops throughout the resort, so we never had to walk a crazy far distance to catch a bus!
Our room was the perfect size for two and we had a king bed!
Love the hidden Mickeys! :)
Another favorite part of this resort was the grounds and the overall theming. I love how Disney puts so much detail behind everything they do!
Coronado Springs is broken up into three sections - Casitas, Cabanas, and Ranchos (we were in Ranchos).
The pool area is a definite fan favortie of this resort!
As we were checking out of the resort, we saw this guy!
Sure wish I would have been around to see the Cast Member create this! It's a real shame these creations are gone so quickly, especially with the Florida heat/sun!
**It's important to note: Not all Disney resorts are hosts for every single race weekend. It's important to stay tuned to the runDisney website for further information on each individual race weekend and resort hosts.
What's your favorite resort to stay at during runDisney race weekends? Do you like to stay on or off property?
I've stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Grand Floridian and I love all the theming involved with all the hotels.
ReplyDeleteI've stayed at WL and the Grand also and I agree, the theming is awesome!!
DeleteCoronado is SO big! If people book that resort I always suggest springing for the preferred rooms so they don't have to walk as far. The pool area is def. fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good suggestion!
DeleteI've only done Princess where all resorts are hosts. I used to love Port Orleans Riverside but stayed and Port Orleans French Quarter this year and that is my new favorite. It's so compact it's great for race weekends. Not a lot of walking. It's also a moderate.
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE POR, too!! We stayed there for our Honeymoon and Princess 2014. FQ is definitely on my list of places I want to stay!
DeleteSo glad you posted this! My friends and I are debating between Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Riverside for Princess weekend 2016. You definitely pointed out some excellent things for consideration. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! So glad I could help! Stay tuned for a review of POR next week - that's my favorite mod! :)
DeleteWe have stayed there before and enjoyed it. I always say I will stay again ( love the Pepper Market) but some how other resorts we love win out! What can I say, we love all the resorts!
ReplyDeleteHow many New Balance running paths are around Disney?
I agree, it's so hard to choose when there's so many favorites on property! I do believe all resorts now have a NB running trail. I've seen it at many of the deluxe resorts and all of the moderates I've stayed at so far!
DeleteThe Coronado has a special place in my heart. It was the first Disney hotel we stayed at for a family vacation and it also was where I took my AP English test on my senior trip in high school : )
ReplyDelete