Cyndal BenulloSo, you’ve narrowed your Disney World hotel choices down to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort vs Coronado Springs Resort. But, which one is better? These two hotels may fall within the Moderate Resort category at Walt Disney World, but there are some key differences that can make a big impact in your overall stay. So, we’re putting them head to head so you can finally click book on your stay!
What is a Disney Moderate Resort?
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a moderate resort and why should you stay at one?
Disney currently offers three main resort categories that are broken down by price point: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Value resorts are the cheapest and “no frills,” deluxe resorts are the most expensive and offer the most amenities, and moderate resorts fall somewhere in between.
Moderate resorts are a great middle ground if you’re not sure you want to pay deluxe resort pricing but still want some extra dining options and recreational offerings. They feature well-sized rooms that often include a 5th sleeper, multiple dining locations, extra recreation offerings, and more convenient transportation options (usually, at least).
Now let’s explore these two popular resorts!
Grounds and Accommodations: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs
Though all Disney resorts have great theming, some atmospheres suit some families better than others. Both resorts are extremely large, housing around 2,000 rooms per resort, and have recently gone through extensive room renovations, making them some of the newest rooms at Walt Disney World.
Caribbean Beach
Head down to the islands and immerse yourself in island vibes at Caribbean Beach Resort! The resort has five sections of room buildings, all themed after different Caribbean Islands. Laid-back yet colorful and vibrant vibes radiate throughout the resort, one of the largest on Disney World property, with white sandy beaches lining many of the walkways along Barefoot Bay.
Caribbean Beach is located in the EPCOT Resort Area, close to many major attractions. However, the resort only has rooms that sleep up to five guests, and at least one of those guests must be a child. All room buildings are set up “motel style,” with doors and hallways located on the exterior of the building. Any fans of Disney’s The Little Mermaid can stay in the newly remodeled rooms themed after the movie!
Because the resort is so spread out, some buildings require a good amount of walking to get to and from the main dining and recreation area, Old Port Royale. This can be a downfall of the resort unless you choose to reserve a Preferred Room category, as these rooms will be closest to the action.
Coronado Springs
Themed after Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, Coronado Springs combines relaxation and recreation with a touch of professionalism. The Three Caballeros join guests around the resort for a fun twist on a southwest theme. Rooms are separated into three sections, all themed with dark wood and maybe even an appearance by Donald Duck. The resort is in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, away from the hustle and bustle of the main entertainment options.
Coronado Springs is unique compared to many other Disney resorts as it doubles as a convention center. This means that its property has more dining and recreation options than any other moderate resort!
Another unique feature is its recent addition of the Gran Destino Tower. While there are three main guest buildings that house rooms, those three buildings are motel-style, just like Caribbean Beach. The Gran Destino Tower is a fully interior building housing all walkways and doors on the interior of the building. This is the only moderate resort to offer this room feature!
In addition to the Gran Destino Tower, Coronado Springs offers one-bedroom suites and a club-level option – Chronos Club. Similar to Caribbean Beach, though, this is a large resort. If you are not in a preferred room, you will need to walk to and from the main areas.
Transportation: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs
You’ve made it to Disney World – yay! But, you’ll now need a way to get to and from the theme parks! As a perk of being a resort guest, Disney offers complimentary transportation options to and from all theme parks and Disney Springs from its resorts. But, your options can differ greatly based on where you stay. Here are the main transportation differences between Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs.
Caribbean Beach
One of the main perks of Caribbean Beach is its transportation options! If you plan to spend most of your time at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this resort should be at the top of your list as it is the hub for the Disney Skyliner. This gondola-style transportation system transports guests between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and several other resorts along the way.
The Disney Bus System takes guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and both Disney Water Parks.
Coronado Springs
One of Coronado Springs’s major downfalls is its transportation options. The only option for transportation is the Disney Bus System, which takes guests to and from all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and water parks.
There is nothing wrong with the Disney Bus System, but it’s not as efficient as the Disney Skyliner or Monorail systems. If you want to utilize those transportation options, we recommend looking to stay somewhere else.
Dining: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs
Dining is an essential part of any trip – everyone has to eat! Both Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resorts offer a variety of dining options for their guests, but if having more variety is important to you, one hotel clearly takes the lead.
Caribbean Beach
Caribbean Beach features four different restaurants with both table service and quick-service dining options.
Quick Service:
- Centertown Market
- Spyglass Grill
Table Service:
- Banana Cabana
- Sebastian’s Bistro
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Banana Cabana is open for lunch and dinner, and Sebastian’s Bistro is only open for dinner. All of these restaurants play heavily into the Caribbean theme, and while the food is good, the selections (especially at Sebastian’s Bistro) may not be the best for picky eaters.
Coronado Springs
Due to the resort’s status as a convention center that houses many guests who never step foot in a theme park, there are more dining options here than at any other resort, including quick service, table service, and bars and lounges.
Quick Service:
- El Mercado de Coronado
- Cafe Rix
- Siestas Cantina
Table Service:
- Maya Grill
- Rix Sports Bar & Grill
- Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Bars and Lounges:
- The Laguna Bar
- Barcelona Lounge
- Dahlia Lounge
El Mercado de Coronado, Cafe Rix, and Rix Sports Bar & Grill are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Siestas Cantina is open for lunch, and all other table service restaurants are open for dinner only. The bar and lounge hours vary, but they are mostly open only in the evening.
With the number of dining options available, everyone will surely find something they’ll enjoy at this resort. This gives Coronado Springs the edge in the dining category.
Recreation: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs
Of course, you are heading to the theme parks during your vacation, but a rest day is important, too! Recreation options at either resort will impress guests, but is there one that’s better?
Caribbean Beach
Recreation options at Caribbean Beach have something for everyone. Options include:
- White sand beaches
- Five pools – including the Fuentes del Morro Pool
- Two waterslides
- Kid’s aquatic play area
- Movies Under the Stars
- Playground
- Shopping
- Nightly campfire
- Fishing
- Volleyball courts
- Jogging trail
- Outdoor games
- Poolside activities
Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs offers many of the same recreational options and some enhanced ones. It is the only moderate resort with spa and gym options and art and beverage classes. Options include:
- Lost City of Cibola Pool with waterslide
- Kids splash pad
- Three quiet pools
- Sand volleyball court
- Poolside activities
- Playground
- Arcade
- Outdoor games
- Nightly campfire
- Movies Under The Stars
- Shopping
- Jogging Trail
- Art Classes ($)
- Sangria University ($)
- Spa services
- Two full-service gyms
While both resorts offer great activities and could keep families entertained for days, guests have more options at Coronado Springs making it the better option if you plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel during your stay.
Costs: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs
Price is the number one factor for most people when planning a vacation, so it’s important to pick the right Disney resort for your budget! Though both resorts are in the moderate category, the prices vary a lot depending on your room preference.
It’s worth remembering that Disney operates on dynamic pricing, so these numbers will go up during busy seasons such as the holidays, festivals, or events. We recommend checking Disney’s website for exact costs per night on your travel dates.
Caribbean Beach
Since most room layouts are the same at Caribbean Beach, so the price difference really depends on where you want your room to be. The standard rooms are the cheapest option, starting at around $275 per night. However, the preferred rooms are more expensive since they are located closer to the central Old Port Royale. Preferred rooms average $360 per night.
Coronado Springs
Like Caribbean Beach, most rooms here are the same and vary in price only based on location. Standard view rooms within Cabanas or Ranchos hover around $300 per night, while preferred rooms in the Casitas section start around $350 per night.
Rooms inside the Gran Destino Tower is where prices differ the most in the resort. Standard View Tower rooms within Gran Destino Tower start at $375 per night, and standard rooms with Club Access begin at $600 per night. One-bedroom suites hover around $1,000 per night. Comparatively, a standard room with Club Access at a deluxe resort such as Disney’s Polynesian Resort starts at $950 per night. So, while the price tag is high, Club Level Access at Coronado Springs is an affordable option for anyone interested in luxury on a budget.
Budget plays a significant factor here in which one “is better.” If you are looking to save money, Caribbean Beach is the winner. However, Coronado Springs may be a better fit if you are looking for luxury amenities at a more affordable rate than a deluxe resort.
Which is Better? Caribbean Beach Resort vs Coronado Springs
So, is there a “best” moderate resort? Is one resort better than the other? There are a few ways to decide!
You Should Stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort If:
- You want access to the Disney Skyliner
- You want the cheaper option
- You plan to spend most of your time at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios
- You enjoy the beach and island vibes
You Should Stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort If:
- You want a secluded resort
- You enjoy having a variety of dining options
- You want deluxe offerings at an affordable rate
- You plan to spend more time at your resort
Comments
Have you stayed at either of these moderate resorts? Is there a different moderate resort you prefer? Let us know your pick in the comments: Caribbean Beach vs Coronado Springs!
