Coronado Springs or Hilton?

[conorsmom2000]

Hi everyone - as I posted a while ago, we are finally going back to Disney after an 11 year hiatus. My son Conor is a junior in HS and he is performing with the HS Orchestra <during Easter week - that is the only negative...> Because the next 6 months are really dedicated to college trips, we've been on the fence about this trip, mainly for financial reasons. But, I can't miss him performing at Epcot.

So, especially due to $ and the crowds that week, we decided to stay offsite in a Disney Springs Hotel - the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. We figured less parks, more pool bar. Butttttt, while making some dining reservations, I found out that the Coronado Springs is the same price as the hotel we booked <thanks to the discount>. Had we done the moderate route, I would have gone with POR, but they are booked.

So, we're not sure if we'll see about changing but I'm curious about some input - I know everyone says the Coronado is large, far away everything - but given it's onsite, would you switch? Pro's/Con's?

Any help would be appreciated - it's been so long since I've planned a Disney trip, I don't even know what a Magic band is!

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

In my experience it is always more magical staying on site and we loved Coronado Springs when we stayed there although its been 10 years ago. You have EMH, Disney transportation plus you are always in the Disney atmosphere.

[Strmchsr]

I've found Coronado Springs to be excellent. Love the pool and the dining options, which are very unique compared to other moderate and value resorts. It's big, but no bigger than Caribbean Beach and I really didn't feel it was more spread out than POR. There's nothing like being on site for Disney magic.

[conorsmom2000]

Thanks for the responses! We booked it, though we haven't cancelled the Hilton BVP yet. But I have to say - my excitement level has tripled, I've made a few ADR's and it's finally hit me that we're going back!!! So I'm thinking I really wanted to stay on-site all along!

[lawgirl]

We just got back from a week long stay at the DoubleTree down the street from the Hilton. We really enjoyed it, and would definitely stay there again, especially for the price and value. We walked to DS at least once a day, and the DS resorts have busses that run to the parks every 30 minutes- we never had any issues getting around. I was hesitant about staying off-property (well, technically its still a "Disney Springs" resort, but not what I consider to be WDW resort"...but we all really enjoyed it. I think the convenience to DS was a big positive for us to be able to walk. I have not stayed at CS but have stayed at other moderates, and honestly, for the money the Hilton properties seem so much nicer, and a much better value. But I did somewhat miss all of the Disney touches. Either way I think you have 2 great options.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Another thing to consider is the possibility of the parks being closed due to being filled to capacity. There are years where WDW enters phased closures during Eater week, and there is a pecking order to who gets in and who doesn't, and onsite guests are higher up the chain than offsite guests.

Just a thought...

[Angelgirl65]

I agree that CSR is the way to go.

[Genie1953]

We have never stayed at Coronado Springs but we did visit the resort in November to see what it was like. We have always stayed at POR but I must say that we were very impressed with Coronado Springs! If you do decide on Coronado Springs I think you will love it.

[#1donaldfan]

I would choose onsite over offsite any time given the opportunity. CS is very large but it's far and above better than driving to and from the parks .... onsite all the way !!

[j2k]

We stayed at Coronado Springs in 2012 and loved it.

I saw that you booked it. Great!
Another plus, if this interests you, is that as an onsite guest your Fastpass+ reservation window opens at 60 days, rather than 30 as an offsite guest.

[conorsmom2000]

I would choose onsite over offsite any time given the opportunity. CS is very large but it's far and above better than driving to and from the parks .... onsite all the way !!

Agreed - though, the other option was a Disney Springs hotel with bus service. But I'm glad we decided to do CSR!

We stayed at Coronado Springs in 2012 and loved it.

I saw that you booked it. Great!
Another plus, if this interests you, is that as an onsite guest your Fastpass+ reservation window opens at 60 days, rather than 30 as an offsite guest.

Thanks!!

It's been so long that Fastpass+ is totally new to me. And to be honest, we haven't gotten our tickets yet. With the crowds and wanting to be laid back, I'm not sure if we want to do hoppers or not. Then I don't know what to do with my son - he is with the school from Saturday to Wednesday, then with us from Wednesday until we check out Friday. I don't know if we can extend his ticket or have to buy new for just two days. And someone told me that the parents who go might be able to get discounted tickets but we've heard nothing. So, this part has me all sorts of confused at the moment.

[VacationDisney]

Love CS. Stayed there a few years ago and it was wonderful. I'd pick a Disney resort over other hotels any day!

[MNNHFLTX]

I don't think you will regret switching over to Coronado Springs. We've stayed the Hilton Buena Vista Palace (granted years ago) and while it's a nice property, for Disney ambience and access to the parks, nothing can beat an onsite resort, especially if it's the same price.

[Princess Jules]

I would definitely make the switch. First and foremost you will not have to use your own car or rental car to travel to and from WDW. Yes CSR is big and far away from a lot of things, but not as far as if you were offsite. If the price is the same I would definitely make the switch to CSR and you will not regret your decision.

[brownie]

I would switch. I don't think it feels any larger than Port Orleans Riverside. We really enjoyed our stay at Coronado Springs and would stay there again.

[texas211]

I think it depends on your take of the value of the resort experience.

We like both, just depends on if we are having an all disney trip or not. Caribbean is a great choice though. We'd stay there again.