Walt Disney World Resort is certainly not short of hotels – but not all of its lodgings are built equal.
Value Resorts, such as Disney’s All-Star Movies and Pop Century, provide budget-friendly accommodations with fun themes and essential amenities. These options are perfect for families looking to maximize their park experience without breaking the bank. Moderate Resorts, including Disney’s Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach, strike a balance between affordability and comfort, featuring enhanced dining options, beautiful landscapes, and larger rooms.
Meanwhile, Deluxe Hotels, such as Disney’s Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resort, cater to those seeking a luxurious experience, complete with top-tier dining, spacious rooms, and prime locations near the theme parks. As of October 2024, those staying at Deluxe Resorts will also be able to purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, providing one-time access to every Lightning Lane attraction without the need for reservations—costing up to $400 for the honor.
Just because a hotel costs more, however, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s superior. We were recently shocked to discover which hotel is the lowest-rated at Walt Disney World – and it’s probably not what you expect.
The Worst Disney World Hotel
As per Yelp, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is Disney’s worst hotel in Central Florida.
With just three stars on the rating website, the Moderate Resort sits below All-Star Movies and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, both of which are considerably cheaper than Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Inspired by Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, the hotel is described by Disney as a “beautiful lakeside oasis,” complete with the usual Disney touches and modern comforts. It’s home to restaurants such as Toledo and Rix Sports Bar & Grill and sits near Disney’s Blizzard Beach, between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom (although it’s considered to reside in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area).
Why Do Guests Hate Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort?
Negative reviews have been all too common for Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in recent years. First opened in 1997, guests have complained that the Disney resort and its rooms are showing their age and feel “run down and super plain.” As one Yelp reviewer put it, “Rooms are closer to Motel 6 quality. It’s clean but dingy and small.”
It doesn’t help that, like all Disney hotels, it’s not exactly cheap. One guest noted that they paid $350 for their night at the hotel – which, notably, is far higher than the starting prices unveiled for Universal Orlando Resort’s newest deluxe resort, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – and didn’t exactly get much for their money. “I’d never been disappointed with my stay on property,” they said. “That run ended with this trip.”
Some of the other key issues highlighted by guests include the fact that the rooms are not well soundproofed and are so spread out that it requires a lengthy walk to get to anywhere you may need – something that’s especially frustrating when you consider that the hotel doesn’t offer room service. “If you don’t stay in [Gran Destino Tower, added in 2019] you are isolated, have to walk at least 10 minutes to get a snack,” one guest said. The bus stop to the park is another 10-minute walk … If it’s raining, you can’t go anywhere without getting soaked.”
Is It Really the Worst Disney World Hotel?
We’ll be honest: our own stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs wasn’t the best experience we’ve had in a Disney hotel. However, we’ve also had much worse experiences, with the pool standing out as a real highlight.
More than anything, it’s the fact that you really can get much more for your money at Disney World that makes this resort not worth the effort. A Value Resort is typically much cheaper and, most commonly, provides a better Disney experience. Other Moderate Resorts, such as Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, also offer better value, and just feel much more Disney.
One thing we’ll stress is that Disney’s Coronado Springs serves a lot of guests who are staying on property for conventions. For that, the hotel serves its purpose. However, if you’re looking for a magical, immersive Disney vacation, this probably isn’t the hotel for you.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort? Do you agree that it’s the worst hotel on property?