The resorts at Walt Disney World get all dressed up for the holidays. They’re really something to behold! We love seeing the Disney resorts decorated for Christmas. And we think Coronado Springs is highly underrated when it comes to Christmas decor. Whether you’re staying at Coronado Springs during the holidays, or just visiting, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what you need to know about Christmastime at Coronado Springs.
Christmas at Coronado Springs
Upon arriving, guests are greeted with red and green lighting in the lobby, automatically making you notice the festive touches on display here. There are smaller Christmas trees throughout the lobby as well as all over the resort really. These give you a little bit of holiday cheer pretty much anywhere you go. And while the El Centro portion of the resort is not as heavily noticed as it once was, even that area is filled with festive touches.
While all of Coronado Springs is dressed up for the holiday season, the 2-story lobby at Gran Destino Tower is the real showstopper. The tree there is not quite large enough to be considered an icon tree, but it comes pretty close. And we love that you can see it so beautifully from outside at night too! It definitely makes this resort feel quite grand.
You can also find decorations throughout the resort, with poinsettias and miniature trees lining the hallways near El Mercado and beautiful garlands hanging in front where the old entrance of the resort used to be. There are even huge bells out in front of the Gran Destino Lobby!
Holiday merch can be found at Panchito’s, the resort’s gift shop. And all around the resort, Christmas music can be heard playing. I really enjoyed this on my morning walks around the resort. It made for a very peaceful and festive way to start the morning!
The Christmas Tree at Coronado Springs
The Christmas Tree at Coronado Springs is incredible. Even if you’re not staying here, I recommend taking the time to visit! Decorated in beautiful decorations that match the aesthetic and theme of the resort itself, this tree is really spectacular. It creates the perfect atmosphere to grab a coffee or cocktail and just sit and enjoy the ambiance of the space.
There are many other trees throughout the entire resort. Really everywhere you look, you can find smaller trees around! We love that it creates a festive and welcoming feeling in the lobby as well as any of the other indoor areas at the resort.
Christmas Crafts at Coronado Springs
Did you know that the resorts at Walt Disney World offer different arts and crafts throughout the week? These do cost extra, but it’s a great way to make time for creativity! At Coronado Springs, they have a few options. You can make a mosaic ornament, or you can join a painting class. Usually, they’re a $25-$40 upcharge. But we love this idea for those who have downtime at the resort. Advance reservation is usually required. And you can do this in the My Disney Experience app.
These offerings are usually available most of the year. But during the holiday season, they just make them into festive versions of the same craft. So even if you’re not visiting during the holidays, be sure to check out what activities they have available if this is something you’d like to incorporate during your vacation!
Holiday treats at Coronado Springs
Holiday treats can be found throughout the resort at Coronado Springs. Look for fun drinks at the pool bars, Barcelona Lounge and Dahlia Lounge. Or indulge in an amazing meal at Toledo. Toledo even serves Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. So, if you happen to be there on Christmas, this is a great option. Just make sure you make a reservation beforehand, as holiday meal reservations sometimes tend to go quickly.
We haven’t really noticed El Mercado taking part in holiday treat offerings, but it never hurts to check. You might get lucky and find something festive in the snack case.
Other Christmas activities at Coronado Springs
We are big fans of Movies Under the Stars. We love being able to come back to the resort, grab a cocoa and relax while watching some of our favorite Disney movies. And depending on when your trip is, you might just get lucky enough to see a Christmas movie during this offering! Home Alone, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and The Santa Clause are a few that they show during the holiday season. And, best of all, it’s free! You can find the movie schedule near where it is shown by Gran Destino Tower.
If you have little ones, you may even spot some holiday crafts put on during the day by the activities staff. These are usually found by the main pool. But if don’t see them, just ask! Kids were making red and green tie-dye Mickey tees while we were there, and it looked like a lot of fun.
How to get to Coronado Springs if you’re not staying there
Coronado Springs can be a bit out of the way for many guests. If you’re not staying there, and have the time, we highly recommend making the trip! Make a reservation at Toledo for date night. Stop by for a coffee or drinks at Barcelona Lounge. Or grab a casual dinner at Three Bridges. There are plenty of options! Or of course, you can always just visit with no plans.
If you have a car, you can obviously drive there. You are generally limited to how long you can stay when you park here though. But if you don’t have a car, you can take a bus from any Disney Park. Or you can Uber or Minnie Van there for a fee. If you take the bus, Gran Destino Tower is the 5th and last stop. They’ll announce this on the bus as well, but it’s good to be prepared.
Overall, we think Coronado Springs is well worth the trip at Christmastime! With so much to see and do, it’s a great way to escape the crowds for a little bit and slow down to enjoy the season. Happy Holidays!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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