Coronado - Ranchos or Casitas??

[kellydisney]

Hello everyone! We're going to Disney in August (woo hoo!) and would like to know opinions on these sections of Coronado. This is our first time staying in a moderate resort (we're working our way up, last year was Pop Century!) and we wanted to make sure we picked the right building!

So, Ranchos or Casitas and why? (Cabanas are in preferred section and more $$)

Thanks!!

Kelly

 

[Moustronaut]

RANCHOS RANCHOS RANCHOS!!!! hehehe just my opinion.

Casitas is the closest section to the El Centro market (Food court and gift shop). The way they have the buildings arranged, you can walk there just about completly under some kind of covered walkway. But when my wife and I stayed there, we weren't all that excited by the themeing. It's several large 5 story motel buildings with some nice gardens and fountains but it seems to lack some of the magic of other Disney resorts. Since it's close to the convention center, it also houses a lot of the convention attendees, so there are likely to be lots of people around that are not there for the Disney Expereince. Sometimes it sorta feels like you're at a big pink and orange Motel 6.

Ranchos, on the other hand, is wonderfully themed like the desert southwest. Very unique and pretty scenery with dry creek beds, painted rocks and cacti everywhere. Definatly a unique setting for the Florida surroundings. It's made up of few smaller buildings so I've always thought it felt more cozy. Ranchos is closest to the playground and main themed pool with the slide and the big Mayan pryamid. However it is the area that is farthest from the foodcourt and it is a pretty good hike to get there.

We had requested Ranchos the only time we've stayed at Coronado Springs. WDW didn't have a king room in ranchos available at the time, so we stayed in Casitas. It was the only time in the last 6 trips that my wife and I were disappointed with our resort stay at Disneyworld.

 

[bhg469]

casitas are nice to be close by but the ranchos have a cool litle watering hole thing that i get kick out of hanging out by at night. its like a fountain with these larg stoones all around its just very cozy there

 

[Shaman]

Go with Casitas, they are closer to the food/drinks...lol

Ranchos is nice...but it can be quite a walk...its close to the main pool though...

So it depends on your priorities..hehe..They each have a bus stop, so nothing to worry about there....

:wave:

 

[bears163]

what about the cabanas? they look like they are inbetween everything.

 

[bhg469]

9a or 9b yes but 8a is not as good and 8b sucked when they put us there, the roomes were never bad but the walk is what blew especially when we took food from the pepper market back to the hotel. Market nachos are awesome but soggy market nachos..... not so much.

 

[DigitalDisney]

Each section has distinct theming and advantages, and there is no real clear cut winner
Castias: Stately tropical theming with fountains and giant palm trees between the buildings. It's also real close to the main lobby (giving you a choice in bus stops), but far away from the pool. It also has the covered walkway to the lobby, as Moustronaut said.

Ranchos: The theming here is amazing. It looks like a barren Southwest desert, with boulders, small streams, etc. It's very quiet and secluded, and it will make you forget that you're in central Florida. It's also right next door to the pool, and a nature trail. The downside is that it is across the lake from the lobby / food court. If you don't mind the walk (and it is a nice walk), then I definately recommend this section.

Since you upgraded from the value resorts, I assume you want more than just a place to crash. So, I recommend Ranchos (I can't recommend any buildings since I'm not familiar with the specific layout). You can always drive from the Ranchos section to the lobby if you don't want to walk, but I really recommend the walk since the resort and waterfront are very nice at night.

 

[bhg469]

Each section has distinct theming and advantages, and there is no real clear cut winner
Castias: Stately tropical theming with fountains and giant palm trees between the buildings. It's also real close to the main lobby (giving you a choice in bus stops), but far away from the pool. It also has the covered walkway to the lobby, as Moustronaut said.

Ranchos: The theming here is amazing. It looks like a barren Southwest desert, with boulders, small streams, etc. It's very quiet and secluded, and it will make you forget that you're in central Florida. It's also right next door to the pool, and a nature trail. The downside is that it is across the lake from the lobby / food court. If you don't mind the walk (and it is a nice walk), then I definately recommend this section.

Since you upgraded from the value resorts, I assume you want more than just a place to crash. So, I recommend Ranchos (I can't recommend any buildings since I'm not familiar with the specific layout). You can always drive from the Ranchos section to the lobby if you don't want to walk, but I really recommend the walk since the resort and waterfront are very nice at night.

i have been there 6 times now and have never been on the nature trail, anything interesting??

 

[Moustronaut]

i have been there 6 times now and have never been on the nature trail, anything interesting??

It's a nice little secluded walk through Florida wetlands. Very peaceful around sunset. But as its name implies, there isn't much to it beyond walking through nature.

 

[bhg469]

It's a nice little secluded walk through Florida wetlands. Very peaceful around sunset. But as its name implies, there isn't much to it beyond walking through nature.

i was hoping for gator encounters but thats just my need to become a professional gator wrestler

 

[boopuff]

I'm staying at the Coronado in Nov. I've put in a request for the Casitas simply because they are close to the food court. Is the main pool really great? How close is Blizzard Beach?

 

[kellydisney]

Main pool is really awesome with a pyramid and a slide! BB is not even 5 minutes away. It's the closest park I think. I'll give you a review after we stay in August!

Kelly

 

[bhg469]

I'm staying at the Coronado in Nov. I've put in a request for the Casitas simply because they are close to the food court. Is the main pool really great? How close is Blizzard Beach?

blizzard beach is very close usually any bud to AK will stop there first you could even walk but why bother