Hi Heather,
You are in for a treat! Gran Destino Tower, the newest addition to
Coronado Springs Resort, is beautiful and filled with excellent places to relax, eat and enjoy a specialty coffee or cocktail.
Because of an injury, I was completely dependent on an ECV during a recent stay at Coronado Springs, and I found the bus transportation to be the most convenient way to get to the theme parks and
Disney Springs. I admit that I was apprehensive at first, but every bus driver on that trip and two subsequent visits to Walt Disney World resorts was incredibly helpful and gracious as they helped me ride the ECV on and off the bus and as they secured it into place for the journey. (You do not have to transfer from the ECV to a seat unless you prefer to do that.)
You will find the main Coronado Springs bus station right outside the front door of Gran Destino Tower. Just turn right and follow the signs.
Coronado Springs is conveniently located near
Animal Kingdom,
EPCOT and
Hollywood Studios -- about a 10-minute ride from the resort's exit. It takes a few minutes longer to reach
Magic Kingdom, but the bus will take you directly to the park's entrance. You won't need to navigate through the Transportation and Ticket Center as you do if you drive yourself.
I roamed the entire resort on my ECV during my visit, from breakfast at
El Mercado de Coronado to snacks and drinks at
Siestas Cantina and
Barcelona Lounge to dinners at
Three Bridges Bar & Grill and
Toledo -- Tapas, Steak & Seafood. At every turn, cast members made me feel at ease and went out of their way to make it a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
I hope that helps, Heather. Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and please let us know if you have other questions as your vacation nears. Enjoy!
Wilma