Coronado Springs Convention Center Refurbishment: First Concept Art

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of the biggest meeting and convention destinations at Walt Disney World. And its convention center is in the middle of a major makeover.

Disney just released the first concept art for the Coronado Springs convention center refurbishment. The project started on August 10, 2026, and runs through late September 2027. It covers the Convention Center and the El Centro Corridor.

The good news if you’re attending an event or just staying at the resort: the convention center stays open and fully operational the whole time. Disney is phasing the work around event schedules and doing construction overnight to limit daytime disruption.

Here’s what the concept art shows, what’s being updated, and what it means for resort guests.

Quick Summary

• What: A refurbishment of the Coronado Springs Convention Center and El Centro Corridor.
• When: August 10, 2026, through late September 2027.
• Design: Walt Disney Imagineering, inspired by Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest.
• Updates: New finishes, furnishings, and shared spaces.
• Still open: The convention center remains fully operational.
• Construction: Phased around events, with overnight work.

What the Concept Art Shows

The first concept art shows the refurbished Convention Center lobby. It gives a glimpse of the updated look Disney is going for, with refreshed finishes and furnishings that tie back to the resort’s theme.

Walt Disney Imagineering is leading the design. Disney says the work draws on the cultures and natural environments of Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Those themes already run through all of Coronado Springs, so the refurbished space should feel like a natural extension of the resort instead of a generic meeting hall.

What’s Being Refurbished

The project brings updates throughout the Convention Center, including:

• Updated finishes
• New furnishings
• Refreshed shared spaces

It also covers the El Centro Corridor, which connects key parts of the resort’s meeting space. Disney hasn’t shared a full breakdown of every room or hallway being updated, so expect more details as the work moves along.

One of Disney World’s Biggest Meeting Spaces

Coronado Springs has more than 228,000 square feet of total function space. That makes it one of the largest convention and meetings destinations at Walt Disney World.

Disney says that full footprint will stay available to event planners and guests throughout the refurbishment. That’s important for the conferences, trade shows, and corporate events that book Coronado Springs months or even years in advance.

How Disney Is Keeping It Open

Refurbishing a busy convention center without closing it takes careful planning. Disney’s approach:

• Phased work that’s coordinated around existing event schedules.
• Overnight construction to keep noise and disruption down during the day.
• Full operation of the Convention Center for the length of the project.

If you’re attending an event, you may notice some sections under refurbishment, but the space you need should be available.

What This Means for Resort Guests

Most leisure guests at Coronado Springs never set foot in the convention center. But a few things are worth knowing:

• Overnight work is happening. Construction is scheduled overnight in the Convention Center and El Centro Corridor areas.
• Walkways may change. Parts of the El Centro Corridor could have temporary routes during phases of the work.
• The project is focused on meeting space. Disney hasn’t said it affects pools, dining, or guest rooms.

If you’re a light sleeper and staying close to the convention side of the resort, it’s reasonable to ask about room location when you check in.

Tips for Attending an Event at Coronado Springs

• Check your event map. With phased work, room locations and walking routes may shift. Look at the latest map from your event organizer.
• Leave extra time. Temporary paths through the El Centro Corridor could add a few minutes between sessions.
• Plan meals nearby. Coronado Springs has several dining options, from quick bites to Toledo at the top of Gran Destino Tower, so you can eat without leaving the resort.

A Quick Look at Coronado Springs

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opened in 1997 as a moderate resort on the shores of Lake Dorado. Its theming celebrates the culture and landscapes of Mexico, Spain, and the American Southwest.

In 2019, Disney added the Gran Destino Tower, which brought deluxe-style rooms and the rooftop restaurant Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. Together with the convention center, it turned Coronado Springs into one of Disney World’s most versatile resorts, popular with both families and business travelers.

The convention center refurbishment is the next step in keeping that side of the resort fresh.

The Bottom Line

Disney has released the first concept art for the Coronado Springs convention center refurbishment, a Walt Disney Imagineering project inspired by Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Work began August 10, 2026, and runs through late September 2027, covering the Convention Center and El Centro Corridor. The space stays fully open, with phased overnight construction to limit disruption. If you’re attending an event or staying at Coronado Springs this year, it’s business as usual. Keep checking DisMornings for more resort updates.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!