Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip.

We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Coronado Springs and Saratoga Springs have in common. First, because of their immense size, rooms are often available!

Each have a large resort layout that consists of a central lobby building with outer buildings housings the actual hotel rooms. The themeing at both locations is subtle when compared to other resorts such as Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Both resorts offer bus transportation to the theme parks at Walt Disney World.

For Coronado Springs, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $250 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,520 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

For Saratoga Springs, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $451 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,477 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

Divided into four sections — Gran Destino Tower, Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas — Coronado Springs features an American Southwest theme situated around a pretty lake. With immersive landscaping, the resort seems quiet unless a large convention is in town.

Coronado Springs offers standard hotel rooms with 2 queens or 1 king bed, sleeping 2-4 people. A variety of suites (with a higher price tag!) sleep 4-8 guests.

Saratoga Springs both offer villa-type accommodations with studio, 1-bedroom (sleep up to five), 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom layouts. Furnishings are generally a little bit more on the higher end.

Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

Studios have two beds and a kitchenette. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. If you’re looking for convenience, these amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier!

Both are large resorts with beautiful landscaping, but they do have some differences!

Coronado Springs

Opened in 1997, Coronado Springs is a moderate resort with convention facilities. In 2019, the opening of the 15-story Gran Destino Tower added 545 rooms to this sprawling resort. Gran Destino Tower is sleek and swanky! The standard rooms here are the largest of all the moderate resorts at Disney World!

This moderate resort is the only one on Disney property offering Club level rooms with Disney signature service. So, if you are looking for a club level room at Walt Disney World, this resort will be your least expensive option. And you’ll love access to the Chronos Club. The Club Access experience is all about comfort — snacks when you need ’em, a relaxing spot to kick back, and — in this case — terrific views to drink in any time of day.

Gran Destino Tower has four categories of Club Access rooms: Standard View – Club Access, Deluxe Suite – Club Access, One Bedroom Suite – Club Access, and Presidential Suite – Club Access.

DFB Video: Should You REALLY Stay at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort?

Saratoga Springs

First, this is a Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of these perks. This hotel can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. Here, you’ll escape to a 19th century equestrian resort, although there aren’t any horses! Opened in May 2004, the quaint gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Studios at this resort are smaller providing a queen bed and pull-down bed. Two bedrooms sleep up to 8 people.

However, the unique but very remote treehouse villas can accommodate up to nine guests.

Results

What type of accommodations do you prefer? Both offer a relaxing atmosphere in large, spread-out resorts. If you need space, Saratoga Springs wins out. If you want the most updated rooms, try Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs.

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Pools

When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. Some Disney resorts are so spread out that they also offer leisure pools. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa. Leisure pools are quieter than the more crowded and active feature pools.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Coronado Springs

There are four pools at Coronado Springs, including the large Lost City of Cibola Pool and three quiet pools. 

Coronado Springs also has the biggest hot tub on Disney property! You can find it over at the Dig Site — a pool area themed around the Mayan ruins.

Saratoga Springs

This resort has two featured pools — High Rock Spring Pool and The Paddock Pool. 

While High Rock Spring is currently under renovation until late March 2023, the other pools remain open for your enjoyment. Once re-opened, we expect High Rock Spring to continue to offer a fun atmosphere with waterfalls, zero-depth entry, and a 128 ft. slide. You’ll find two whirlpool spas at this location. Got kids? They’ll love the Donald Duck splash area with a fun kiddie-sized slide.

The zero-depth entry Paddock Pool showcases a slide that starts at the top of a water tower and provides 146 feet of fun! Kids can splash in the aquatic play area showcasing two small waterslides. Nearby, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool offers a nice respite.

Leisure pools with whirlpool spas can be found at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand.

Results

While Saratoga Springs has more pools, we prefer the feature pool at Coronado Springs!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Park days can be exhausting. Whether you’re taking a whole day to enjoy your resort, or you are relaxing after a shopping excursion at Disney Springs, once you’re at your Disney World hotel, you might not want to get back on a bus or boat for nourishment. So, you’ll want to know about the best options at your Disney World resort!

Take a look at the menus and decide which resort has the food that best suits your family.

Coronado Springs

If you find yourself craving something a little different in Disney World and are either staying at Coronado Springs or don’t mind taking the time to get there, be sure to stop by for some great dining you might have missed out on otherwise.

Barcelona Lounge

If you’re in the mood for Spanish-style tapas and drinks, you’ll want to head straight to Barcelona Lounge. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but in the afternoon, you can grab some artisanal cocktails you can’t find anywhere else in Disney World. If you have a chance, be sure to order up the Passion Fruit Sangria — you will NOT be disappointed. It’s a secret menu item, so you’ll have to request it by name.

If you’re a charcuterie kind of person (and who isn’t these days?), the charcuterie here is not only delicious but also a great bargain!

Cafe Rix

Although Cafe Rix is mostly grab-and-go items, it’s got one thing that sets it apart from most quick-service restaurants in Disney World — it has a GELATO BAR. We’re just going to say it — you can never go wrong with gelato.

But if you’re also wanting a quick and easy bite to eat, this is your go-to at Coronado Springs.

Maya Grill

Okay, so Maya Grill isn’t a destination worthy spot, but if you are hanging around your resort, it’s a table service spot that will fill you up. The setting is all Mayan, and it does make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a Mayan temple. This is also where you’ll find some of the best churros in all of Disney World.

Laguna Bar

If you find yourself craving things with tequila and mezcal, be sure to drop by the Laguna Bar. We especially like the margaritas here. 

You’ll also get a lovely view of the lake at Coronado Springs, Lago Dorado. If you need to relax and destress, this is the place to do it. Sometimes all you need is a place to chill with a margarita, right?

Rix Sports Bar & Grill

Maybe you think places with the words “bar and grill” in them are boring, but Rix Sports Bar & Grill will change your mind. Yes, the food here is standard bar food, but there are some standouts here that you need to try like Watchos (nachos made with waffle fries!!!) and the Cotton Candy Cheesecake.

So, this is bar food, but elevated.

Siestas Cantina

If you’re lazing around the pool near the Dig Site at Coronado Springs, drop by Siestas Cantina for a refreshing drink. We can assure you that the bartenders here are some of the best you’ll find in Disney World! However, be sure to order up the Firecracker Shrimp — it’s one of our favorite things to eat at this resort!

Seriously, we LOVE that shrimp.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill

Three Bridges is another of those hidden secrets at Disney World. It’s patio dining with a water view, and the food is outstanding. There are also a lot of fun details that even include nods to DuckTales! What’s not to love? If you want some amazing Guacamole, you’ll find it here.

We can also recommend the Poke Bowl with Chicken and the La Fresa Limonada.

Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood

If you’re in the mood for table service, look no further than Toledo. One, you’ll get a great view because this restaurant is next to Dahlia Lounge on top of the Gran Destino Tower. Two, it’s got a romantic atmosphere that is PERFECT for a date night in Disney World, especially if you time your reservation during the EPCOT fireworks. Be sure to order the Chef’s Signature Meal For Two — we liked almost EVERYTHING about that meal.

You can get that Tequila Daisy here, too, along with a great selection of wine. Like we said, this is THE date night spot in Disney World.

The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Coronado Springs

 

Saratoga Springs

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an equestrian-themed resort, with dining options that are simultaneously relaxed and refined.

The Turf Club Bar and Grill features steaks and chops — along with pasta dishes — in a lovely atmosphere created with dark woods and forest greens.

You can also enjoy spending some time at the Turf Club Lounge. (May I recommend the Mint Julep?) We do want to note that the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is only open for dinner.

Backstretch Pool Bar and On the Rocks Pool Bar serve cold specialty drinks that are perfect for relaxing by the pool on a sunny day.

The Artist’s Palette is a Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spot made to resemble an artist’s studio in New York. The indoor seating is welcome on hot Florida days, chilly mornings and evenings, and during rainstorms!

Fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads and more are on offer, and the bakery case always boasts some fantastic and creative cupcakes.

The Paddock Grill is located by the Paddock Pool, offering substantial eats to enjoy poolside — even for the early risers at breakfast!

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!

Results

While the variety at Saratoga Springs is rather slim, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of dining options.

Coronado Springs has a LOT of dining and a lot of variety. With multiple lounges, a rooftop restaurant, a sports bar, a table service option on the lake, a food court, and more — you probably won’t need more options. Coronado Springs wins out for offering more onsite options. 

Transportation

Both resorts offer bus transportation to the theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Coronado Springs

The only complimentary transportation option you have is the bus system. On top of that, each bus makes multiple stops around the resort so your trip can be even longer AND those buses can fill up.

Saratoga Springs

If you don’t mind a stroll, Disney Springs can be reached by walking. However, boat transportation is also offered.

This hotel is fairly far away from the Disney parks — so getting to-and-from places using Disney’s complimentary transportation can take a big chunk out of your day.

Results

Saratoga Springs wins in this category due to its proximity to Disney Springs. The Sassagoula Riverboats are a pleasant mode of transportation, except during inclement weather.

Learn all about WDW Transportation

The Winner!

So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World. If you’re wanting luxury but you’re also on a budget, then Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort might be the moderate resort to book! It offers many amenities, including some that you only find at deluxe properties. It’s not your typical mid-tier stay!

A few more considerations: Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is located on the sprawling property of Saratoga Springs.  However, Coronado Springs is more centrally located on Disney World property.

Your hotel at Walt Disney World will either be a place just to sleep or a hang-out in between touring the parks. If you’re seeking relaxation and don’t feel the need to rush to the parks, then Saratoga Springs or Coronado Springs both provide an excellent respite from the crowds. However, we prefer the central location and variety of restaurants at Coronado Springs.

Contemporary vs. Wilderness Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023