
DISNEY CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT
Guests aren't required to wear sombreros, serapes and
silver spurs at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, but
they certainly wouldn't be out of place.
This Walt Disney World resort features 1,921
moderate-price guestrooms encircling a 15-acre golden
lagoon -- Lago Dorado. Based on explorations of what is
now regions of Mexico and the American Southwest, the
resort features a five-story Mayan pyramid, which is the
resort's dominant icon. The pyramid is also the splashy
centerpiece of a family fun pool, complete with waterslide.
Coronado Springs caters to families, with a festive food
court, playground, volleyball court and all the amenities
that come with staying at a Walt Disney World resort.
Coronado Springs is also Disney's most value-priced
convention resort, with a 95,000-square-foot convention
center, including a full-service business center and a
60,000-square-foot ballroom.
Architecturally, the rambling resort gains inspiration from
the grand haciendas and elegant mission cities of the
Spanish Colonial era in Latin America. Its main themes
come from regions of Mexico and the great American
Southwest -- tile roofs and mosaic accents, arched
windows and doorways, shady courtyards and patios.
The lobby, reception area and restaurants are themed to
the rich tradition of life on the wealthiest haciendas of the
past or at today's finest guest ranchos of New Mexico or
Arizona.
Connected to the lobby are the three- and four-story
Casitas, one of three major guest room areas.
Architecturally, the Casitas represent urban centers like
Santa Fe or Monterey.
Epitomizing arid rural regions of the Southwest are the
Ranchos -- two- and three-story villas with sagebrush and
cactus landscaping along a narrow "arroyo" where a small
stream of water tumbles quietly over rounded river rocks.
On the northern shore of Lago Dorado are the Cabanas,
inspired by beachside resorts along the Gulf Coast.
Cabana buildings are two stories high with many of the
rooms looking out across the lake to a watercraft marina.
Between the Ranchos and Cabanas is the 46-foot Mayan
pyramid with water rushing down its ceremonial stone
steps. On one side, a twisting waterslide provides extra
fun for guests as its rushing water pushes them into the
resort's feature pool. The area represents the imaginary
discovery of a lost Mayan kingdom during a present-day
archaeological dig.
There also are three "quiet" pools, one for each of the
resort's guest areas. Encircling the lagoon and linking
those areas, the Esplanade provides a broad walkway for
leisurely strolls. La Marina offers boat and bike rentals.
Merchandise of all kinds can be found at Panchito's Gifts
and Sundries -- a 6,000-square-foot shop decorated with
colorful piatas and sombreros and filled with Indian and
Mestizo handicrafts and unique Disney character items.
The 420-seat Pepper Market features Mexican delicacies
plus fresh baked goods, international coffees, pizzas,
pastas, Chinese fare and a multi-purpose grill. Nearby is
Francisco's, a 200-seat lounge offering specialty drinks
and snacks.
For fine dining, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
presents Maya Grill, operated by one of the premier
restaurateur-families of Mexico. Soft-leather chairs and
mission-style furnishings complete the themed decor.
Decorative designs recall the elegant and geometrically
sophisticated stone carvings used by Mayan artisans in
their temples and palaces.
Other facilities include La Vida Health Club with a full
range of fitness equipment, a hair-styling salon, two
exciting game arcades, a poolside bar, kiddie pool,
playground and sand volleyball court.
Guestroom amenities include coffee makers and in-room
ironing equipment plus limited room service for breakfast
and dinner. Accessible rooms are available. Also
available on request are cribs, refrigerators, wheelchairs,
hair dryers, etc.
Standard rooms will accommodate up to four guests with
room rates beginning at $145, based on season. Suites
are also available. The resort is located near
Disney-MGM Studios and Blizzard Beach water park.
For reservations, call Walt Disney World Resort at
407/W-DISNEY.
WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATIONS