Disney's CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT Information & Questions

[GADisneyDad14]

The recent Dis article concerning GDT transportation has me rethinking my reservation. Is it really that bad?

I personally don’t let a single blog post or post around here impact my thinking in any way. It’s just too easy to write things about the couple of bad experiences meanwhile the hundreds of positive/normal experiences that happen each day go unreported.

If I see post after post after post of real life reports that indicate a systemic problem, that’s one thing. But a sound bite or two here or there, I personally don’t think much of it.

As for my personal experience, we were at GDT over Thanksgiving week and there wasn’t anything particularly bad or problematic with our bus experiences. Frankly pretty boring/normal if you ask me. Full disclosure we did mix busing and driving depending on our mood.

 

[Farro]

I personally don’t let a single blog post or post around here impact my thinking in any way. It’s just too easy to write things about the couple of bad experiences meanwhile the hundreds of positive/normal experiences that happen each day go unreported.

If I see post after post after post of real life reports that indicate a systemic problem, that’s one thing. But a sound bite or two here or there, I personally don’t think much of it.

As for my personal experience, we were at GDT over Thanksgiving week and there wasn’t anything particularly bad or problematic with our bus experiences. Frankly pretty boring/normal if you ask me. Full disclosure we did mix busing and driving depending on our mood.

To piggyback on this, I don't think it's exactly fair to review a resort's dining options during this pandemic as everything is closed!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I've read that you have to get on a "wait list" to eat at Three Bridges. No ADRs and not QS. Is this a walk up wait list? How long do you typically have to wait? We'll be there President's Day weekend.

I'd like to know that too!

Anyone who's been recently can answer about the process for getting into Three Bridges? I'd like to do at least one dinner there whilke we stay at CS the end of February.

PHXscuba

Three Bridges has two options - walk-up sit-down dining or to go orders. If you search "Three Bridges" in the app it'll show them as separate options.

There are no ADRs.

You can check wait times and join the walk-up list for sit down dining in the app. Eg, right now it says there's a 5 minute wait (which probably really means there is no wait to be seated).

Of course you can also just walk right up and you'll be seated if space is available, or they'll add you to the waiting list (will probably make you scan a QR code which will take you to the app to do it).

Given Three Bridges is out there in the middle of the lake, the join the walk-up list feature in the app is super convenient as you can do it from your room, or wherever you are at CSR.

 

[BK2014]

To piggyback on this, I don't think it's exactly fair to review a resort's dining options during this pandemic as everything is closed!

Of course it is fair to review the resort's dining options during the pandemic. It would be one thing if the restaurants were closed by mandate, but they're not. Disney could reopen all of them if they wanted, they have (had) the staff. So when there are not enough options to adequately serve the number of guests any given meal period, criticism is perfectly fair. It is not like the have made any alternative arrangements available or discounted the room rates as a result.

 

[Farro]

Of course it is fair to review the resort's dining options during the pandemic. It would be one thing if the restaurants were closed by mandate, but they're not. Disney could reopen all of them if they wanted, they have (had) the staff. So when there are not enough options to adequately serve the number of guests any given meal period, criticism is perfectly fair. It is not like the have made any alternative arrangements available or discounted the room rates as a result.

Okay! I disagree but thats the beauty of choice!

 

[kengquist]

Three Bridges has two options - walk-up sit-down dining or to go orders. If you search "Three Bridges" in the app it'll show them as separate options.

There are no ADRs.

You can check wait times and join the walk-up list for sit down dining in the app. Eg, right now it says there's a 5 minute wait (which probably really means there is no wait to be seated).

Of course you can also just walk right up and you'll be seated if space is available, or they'll add you to the waiting list (will probably make you scan a QR code which will take you to the app to do it).

Given Three Bridges is out there in the middle of the lake, the join the walk-up list feature in the app is super convenient as you can do it from your room, or wherever you are at CSR.

thanks!! That’s great info

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I just read that article. With due respect to the author and of course we’re all entitled to our opinions, it seems to be written from the perspective of someone who did little to no research about their stay prior to arrival. I mean, sure, plenty of people travel that way I guess. But I would suggest in this “open during a pandemic” phase at WDW that research and proper expectations are more important than ever. Not all dining options are available, many menus have changed, social distancing on transportation can sometimes create challenges. All of these are well discussed topics around here. Dining info and menus are a few simple clicks away on the app. Rope drop bus strategy is probably one of the most discussed topics on threads like this and others.

I normally don’t think one needs to do DIS level research to enjoy at WDW trip, but things are just different right now and I’d suggest guests really should spend some time reading up on wherever you plan to stay and any modifications to the experience that may be in place.

Just my opinion.

 

[babydoll65]

Of course it is fair to review the resort's dining options during the pandemic. It would be one thing if the restaurants were closed by mandate, but they're not. Disney could reopen all of them if they wanted, they have (had) the staff. So when there are not enough options to adequately serve the number of guests any given meal period, criticism is perfectly fair. It is not like the have made any alternative arrangements available or discounted the room rates as a result.

I booked a water view room in the tower knowing full well the dining options available. But I was able to get a 45% room discount (Disney visa) that was too good to pass up. Not a fan of what El Mercado is offering at this time but I know I can definitely find some great options at Three bridges, Rix sports bar and grill or Siestas pool bar. If I get bored with those, it only take a few minutes to grab a Lyft and go elsewhere. To be honest, most of the Deluxe resorts have very few quick service options that's why we switched to the Riviera from Yacht club on the second portion of our split stay.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

If we wanted to be able to see parks from GDT, I know we should request a high floor, but would we want standard view or water view? Thanks

From most of the water view side you can see parts of DAK (eg, Everest, the very top of the tree). From many you can also see MK/CR/BLT in the far distance (but it’s not a particularly “worthy” view given the distance). There are subtle differences in views given the angled layout of the building so my description isn’t exactly a one size fits all answer, but it’s directionally close. The view from this side is really more about the lake/CSR grounds than other things you can see in the distance.

The better park views (in my opinion) are on the standard view side as DHS and (for some rooms) Epcot are in view. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looks like it rises from the treetops in an almost natural setting. Nighttime fireworks (when applicable) from both parks are visible (mainly Epcot, since DHS’s show is more low level pyro). Maybe not the most high quality entertainment value given the distance and no audio, but it’s close enough to be interesting (IMO). I also think the daytime view is more interesting/intriguing. It makes you ‘feel’ like you’re at Disney since you can see the parks and other structures.

DHS is generally visible from much of the Tower, but to get more of an Epcot view you want to be on the “north” end of the building - eg, xx61-xx71. The ‘center’ section is ‘ok’ for the view but Epcot is more at an angle. The ‘south’ section is angled away from Epcot so you pretty much only see DHS and lots of trees. I consider the windows in the tower sort of medium-sized and with no balconies to go out/look around it makes the views a little one dimensional. The definition of a “good park view” relative to anything I said above is probably very subjective!

And of course the higher the better! The lower you get the more most of my observations above become n/a.

Hope that helps!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Can I get everyone's thoughts on buses. ME and to the parks. We have always used Disney transportation, but I am considering renting a car for our 2/12-17 trip. Partially due to covid concerns being on a bus with other people and I will have my 75 yo mom and brother with Down Syndrome with me. Are DT buses quicker to the parks than driving/parking and then getting to the gate? How crowded have the busses been? I'm thinking the car would be good to give us more dining options.

TIA

I rented a car for MDE. Some people are fine on it but there were multiple reports of masks not being enforced on return trips to the airport and I’m not willing to risk that. As for to WDW- they use the same bus so if those before you weren’t wearing a mask...

In your shoes given your family I would rent the car for peace of mind.

 

[Leigh L]

I just booked a last minute Presidents Day weekend last night. I've stayed at Coronado before. The last time being May of 2019 before the tower was completed. I want to make a room request via touringplans. We have a standard room booked. I was thinking 8C- Cabanas to be close to El Centro and walking to the tower bus stop.

I recommend the Cabanas stop. Unless something changes, you'll get picked up sooner. This week several busses full by the time arrived at tower.

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

I know everyone always asks about room upgrades. Husband is on the way there for his golf trip. I originally had him just a standard room, once I heard about the G League I upgraded to standard tower for an additional $160 for 4 nights.

He was assigned a room facing out the end of the tower, 7th floor so I called just to see about surprising him with a suite. To upgrade the 4 nts to a water view was an additional $360 and to a deluxe suite was an additional $1,360.

He's staying in the original room , I'll find some other surprise for him.

BTW, He's at ME and it's been almost an hour wait already so I think he's grabbing a Lyft. Said the lines were packed and they're back by rental car counters.

 

[Orion Nebula]

I know everyone always asks about room upgrades. Husband is on the way there for his golf trip. I originally had him just a standard room, once I heard about the G League I upgraded to standard tower for an additional $160 for 4 nights.

He was assigned a room facing out the end of the tower, 7th floor so I called just to see about surprising him with a suite. To upgrade the 4 nts to a water view was an additional $360 and to a deluxe suite was an additional $1,360.

He's staying in the original room , I'll find some other surprise for him.

BTW, He's at ME and it's been almost an hour wait already so I think he's grabbing a Lyft. Said the lines were packed and they're back by rental car counters.

Ya I don't know if I would spend an extra 340 a night for the suit either. At that point you might as well switch resorts. lol

 

[Lsdolphin]

I know everyone always asks about room upgrades. Husband is on the way there for his golf trip. I originally had him just a standard room, once I heard about the G League I upgraded to standard tower for an additional $160 for 4 nights.

He was assigned a room facing out the end of the tower, 7th floor so I called just to see about surprising him with a suite. To upgrade the 4 nts to a water view was an additional $360 and to a deluxe suite was an additional $1,360.

He's staying in the original room , I'll find some other surprise for him.

BTW, He's at ME and it's been almost an hour wait already so I think he's grabbing a Lyft. Said the lines were packed and they're back by rental car counters.

I had a standard view room on 9th floor at the very end of the tower and i liked the view. The view is looking toward the Cabanas and lake

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Ya I don't know if I would spend an extra 340 a night for the suit either. At that point you might as well switch resorts. lol

While I agree that math is steep/doesn't make sense.... the bad Disney devil side of me just wants to point out that the suites at GDT are awfully nice!

(And if CL were open that would make things interesting since the suites normally have CL access)

 

[wdw4rfam]

Can someone tell me if there are keurig machines in the standard rooms? Need to know what kind of coffee to bring.

 

[Tink3815]

Can someone tell me if there are keurig machines in the standard rooms? Need to know what kind of coffee to bring.

I would also be interested in this information.
Thanks

 

[BGinCali]

Can someone tell me if there are keurig machines in the standard rooms? Need to know what kind of coffee to bring.

Yes...enjoyed my favorite k-cups in the room In December!

 

[mmouse37]

Is there a place on property to get eggs in the morning?

MJ

 

[DCLMP]

I personally don’t let a single blog post or post around here impact my thinking in any way. It’s just too easy to write things about the couple of bad experiences meanwhile the hundreds of positive/normal experiences that happen each day go unreported.

If I see post after post after post of real life reports that indicate a systemic problem, that’s one thing. But a sound bite or two here or there, I personally don’t think much of it.

As for my personal experience, we were at GDT over Thanksgiving week and there wasn’t anything particularly bad or problematic with our bus experiences. Frankly pretty boring/normal if you ask me. Full disclosure we did mix busing and driving depending on our mood.

We just spent seven nights at saratoga springs. On four of the mornings we waited less than 30 seconds for a bus, one morning 20 minutes, and two mornings about 40 minutes. It really is all about luck. It wasn't until the 6th day I realized that the bus arrival time was on the app.

We did spend one night in the tower at CSR. It is a beautiful resort. CSR has always been my go-to resort before a cruise or when a deluxe isn't in the budget. I've never had an issue with the bus service there. I set my expectations for a 20-minute wait and plan accordingly. There is always Lyft or Uber if you're in a hurry.