Earlier this week Orlando welcomed the newest addition to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, a unique tower building named Gran Destino Tower. The tower’s name and many of its public spaces came from an animated short film collaboration project between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali. While the men obviously began this project years ago, it was only completed in 2003. If you’re interested in seeing this film (I know I am.) Here it is!
Well, that was weird.
But the theming and backstory are just one of many unique and groundbreaking features this resort has to offer. Most noticeable is the “feel” of the tower…from its lobby to its restaurants and guest rooms, the entire building evokes a quality and finish highly superior than any other “moderate” range resort. This high quality feel is meant to make convention guests (Coronado is the largest convention resort on Walt Disney World property) feel at home, but I can’t help but hope that this same elevated experience spreads across the rest of the moderate resorts in the not-too-distant future.
Interestingly, the new tower replaces the old “El Centro” as the main front desk area of the resort (although even that concept is blurred nowadays, as many guests use a combination of Magic Bands, online check-in and a text message notifications to bypass guest services and head straight to their rooms). While the original restaurants are still there, the old front desk and bell services locations are now closed and being transformed into other spaces. The original, Mayan-themed pool is still there.
The accommodations in the tower truly feel more like a deluxe resort than a moderate. The sleeping areas are larger than would be found in another moderate resort. The gorgeous bathrooms include an upscale shower, and each room has a large, interactive TV. However, the true highlight of these rooms is the view. Because of the tower’s location and height, almost every room will have at least a glimpse of a theme park or, if not, a nice water view. Gran Destino Tower also offers enhanced accommodations with access to the Chronos Club on the 15th floor, a concierge lounge offering food and beverage throughout the day, personalized planning services and of course, a premium sitting area with more sweeping views.
The tower also includes several new amenities for resort guests. There’s the beautiful Barcelona Lounge with a bar and a grab-and-go food station (complete with a seating area and picturesque lake views), as well as a small but technologically advanced fitness center. At the top of the 16-story tower, there is the gorgeous Dahlia Lounge and full service restaurant Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, both of which offer breathtaking views of the Walt Disney World Resort and the surrounding area. If you’re a fan of watching fireworks with some food or drink on the side, I would certainly plan a trip to these new locations soon before the word gets out. One final foodie note: if you’re a picky eater (or dine with someone who is), Toledo may not be best option for you. Make sure to check out the menu before you make your reservations and maybe hit the Dahlia Lounge instead.
Elsewhere around the resort they’ve made upgrades in anticipation of the Tower’s arrival, including adding bridges over the resort’s central lake. At the intersection of the bridges (literally surrounded by water in the middle of the lake) sits a restaurant named Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Considering this is a waterfront location, the menu is surprisingly affordable for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with its highest priced entree (Harissa Lamb Chops) currently peaking at $21. For those dining with children who have advanced palates, a unique aspect of this restaurant is the kid’s menu, complete with appetizer options and “build your own” entrees. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, this dinner spot is going to be one worth checking out thanks to its unique offerings.
Overall, these new additions elevate Disney’s Coronado Springs, and potentially the entire moderate resort tier at Walt Disney World, to a whole new level. I’m eager to see how some of these new ideas will be applied to the other upcoming hotel additions. We won’t have to wait long as the new Vacation Club addition to Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Riviera Resort, will be open in just five short months!
