Walt Disney World Resort boasts a plethora of hotel options, but not all accommodations are created equal.
Disney World offers its hotels in a three-tier system organized by price and (theoretically) quality. Budget-conscious guests can choose from Value Resorts, such as Disney’s Art of Animation and the All-Star Resorts, which offer wallet-friendly stays with playful themes and essential amenities (although we’d argue that these have become much less “wallet-friendly” in recent years).
Meanwhile, Moderate Resorts, like Disney’s Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach, find the sweet spot between affordability and comfort, featuring enhanced dining experiences, stunning landscapes, and larger rooms.
On the higher end, Deluxe Hotels, including the elegant Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, cater to guests seeking luxury, with top-notch dining, spacious accommodations, and prime locations near the parks – for a significantly higher price. As per Touring Plans, a single night at some of the most expensive Deluxe Resorts can cross the $6,000-per night threshold. Yikes.
And if you’re not done splashing the cash just yet, as of October 2024, guests staying at Deluxe Resorts can also purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, granting one-time access to every Lightning Lane attraction without reservations—available for a premium price of up to $400.
However, higher costs do not always guarantee superior quality. Recently, we stumbled upon the lowest-rated at Walt Disney World—and we were pretty shocked which resort took home the title.
The Worst Disney World Hotel
According to Yelp, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is deemed the worst hotel in Central Florida.
With a pretty measly three-star rating, this Moderate Resort falls short compared to All-Star Movies and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, both of which offer significantly lower rates.
Designed to reflect Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, the resort is characterized as a “beautiful lakeside oasis,” featuring the usual Disney charm alongside modern comforts. Home to popular dining spots like Toledo and Rix Sports Bar & Grill, it sits near Disney’s Blizzard Beach, nestled between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, although Disney technically classes it as being in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area.
Why Do Guests Dislike Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort?
In recent years, negative reviews have surged for Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Since its opening in 1997, guests have voiced concerns that the hotel and its accommodations appear outdated, describing them as “run down and super plain.” One Yelp reviewer noted, “Rooms are closer to Motel 6 quality. It’s clean but dingy and small.”
The pricing doesn’t help either; guests find themselves paying a premium. One visitor remarked they forked over $350 for a night and felt shortchanged in return. “I’d never been disappointed with my stay on property,” they shared. “That run ended with this trip.”
Other frequent complaints include poor soundproofing in the rooms and the sprawling layout of the resort, making access to amenities a long trek—particularly frustrating given the lack of room service. As one guest put it, “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. 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?
While our experience at Disney’s Coronado Springs wasn’t the best among Disney hotels, we’ve encountered much worse stays. The pool area, for instance, stands out as a notable highlight.
More than anything, the value you receive for your money is what makes this resort less appealing. Cheaper Value Resorts often provide better overall experiences, and other Moderate Resorts, like Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, offer superior value while capturing the Disney magic more effectively.
It’s worth mentioning that Disney’s Coronado Springs is pretty focused on catering to business travelers attending conventions, serving its purpose in that context. However, for guests seeking an enchanting and immersive Disney vacation, this may not be the ideal choice.
Have you had the chance to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort? Do you think it’s truly the worst hotel on property?
