Since my first trip to Disney World almost 20 year ago, Disney Resorts have always been ranked above average in terms on comfort. Every Disney resort, even value resorts offers something unique to guests. While comfort, space and amenities are major keys to booking any resort sometimes a resort offers guests much more.

During my recent visit to Walt Disney World, I had booked a stay at Coranado Springs Resort which is where the 2014 Niche Parent Conference was taking place. Staying at this resort gave me the opportunity to stay at Disney an extra day or two at a conference rate. After sitting in a seat for 12 hours I was ready to unwind and enjoy my resort accommodations.

Coranado Springs Resort has American colonial Spanish and southwestern American structure and decor theme. Having visited Mexico twice in the past 6 months, it felt like home! The moderate level resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and offers a convention center, 1 large pool and 3 “quite” pools. The resort also boosts a salon, 3,000 square foot fitness center, dance club and indoor arcade.

The layout of the resort offers 3 main accommodation areas: The Casitas, The Ranchos and the Cabanas. Renovated in 2009, most rooms feature two queen beds or one king bed, a flat screen TV, and new furnishings. The rooms were spacious and well decorated but for me, the ambiance of the resort made guests feel like they were stepping into a resort in Cancun or Cozumel.

During my four day stay, I took a short walk to the convention center where I noticed ducks swimming in the lake Lago Dorado, young children building sand castles, runners utilizing the jogging trail and couples resting in the comfortable hammocks by the lake. At night Coranado Resort lights up and highlights the Spanish-colonial Mexican backdrop. Although this is a family resort, I can sense the romance and luxury at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at a moderate price.

While I did purchase items at several Disney World parks, I bought my larger souvenirs at Panchito’s Gifts & Sundries. Not only can you purchase items there but you can also have your souvenirs purchased at any Disney Park delivered to your hotel OR ship your Disney Souvenirs directly to your home via the resort gift shop or the resort business center.

Since I was allowed minimal luggage to check-in an carry-on, I utilized the business shipping center for a nominal fee. For $27 I shipped a 16″ by 20″ piece of art, a large glass vase, tote bag and other souvenirs I purchased during my visit to Disney World. Also note-worthy, my large box arrived 3 days after I returned home!

Several Restaurants are available to guests of Coranado Springs Resort: Maya Grill, Café Rix, Pepper Market, Siestas Cantina, Las Ventanas. All offer traditional Mexican as well as American dishes. In-room dining is also available at designated times. Oh, don’t forget to purchase a resort travel mug. With the purchase of a resort travel mug you are entitled free soft drink, tea, coffee etc refills at ANY Disney resort.

One thing many guests are not aware of is that you can visit any of the resorts on Disney property free of charge. Disney’s complimentary bus transportation is available to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks but you can also hop on the bus to visit any resort. You can not ride “resort to resort” solely resort to park to resort. This is a great way to plan an upcoming trip and also utilize downtime at no added cost.

Tip: All resorts have planned complimentary resort activities. Although we stayed at Coranado Springs Resort we visited Animal Kingdom Lodge which is a deluxe resort. While we visited Animal Kingdom Lodge we roasted marshmallows during a planned activity, saw the wildlife at their lush savannas and traded pins at the Children’s Activity Center.

For me, the Southwestern-theme of Disney’s Coranado Springs Resort gave me the sense of a deluxe resort while maintaining the moderate pricing. The 22 acre lake, 50-foot replica of a Mayan pyramid waterslide and family activities like complimentary outdoor movie screenings gives families a great value at a moderate price.

Have you stayed at Disney’s Coranado Springs Resort? What is your favorite Walt Disney World Resort Option?

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