We are thrilled to be at the opening day of Gran Destino Tower. Having trouble finding it on a map or the pull down menu on My Disney Experience? That’s because this is a first with Disney in so many ways. Gran Destino Tower is what we are calling a “mini resort”. It is part of Disney’s Coronado Springs but stands on it’s own in many ways. Let’s look at what makes this new resort unique,
We are including opening day photos in this post but be sure to check back during the week to see our video links including room tours, restaurants and more!
It Has Interior Corridors!
With the exception of a few suites attached to the Convention Center at Coronado Springs, this is the first moderate resort to boast all interior corridors. For us Northerners this is super exciting. With seasonal temperature changes in the North we are used to hotel style not motel style rooms. For all Gran Destino guests it means two things..1) paying for a view may now be worth it. At all other moderate resorts if you pay for a water view, you have to leave the curtain open to see it and that allows everyone walking by to see into your room. Not so here, there’s no one passing by your window, 2) on rainy days and hot days, you will spend more time in a climate controlled environment – a win win. You will also find high-tech elevators, check them out!
Fireworks View Dining
Not only is this the first moderate resort to offer incredible fireworks views if your time your meal right, Toledo Tapas, Steak & Seafood boost not just one fireworks viewing but two! You can enjoy Magic Kingdom Fireworks and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We have had the chance to view the fireworks from there and can say a limited number have a good view of Magic Kingdom but about 50% have a great view of Hollywood Studios, Open daily currently 5-10pm. Check out our video tour!
Valet Parking
This may be a nicety not many use but for those that appreciate it or have a need, we have never seen valet parking at moderate resort before. BONUS: They are offering a text ahead service so your car can be ready and waiting for you!
Club Access & Suites
In addition to traditional rooms with 2 queen beds or a King bed, there is a Club Access option (Chronos Club) which includes the lounge with breakfast, light bites during the day and cordials/desserts at night. The also offer a deluxe suite and a 1 bedroom suite (still a 4 person occupancy) as well as a Presidential Suite which sleeps up to 8. Note, the room category here is Club Access not Club Level so rooms can be found on all floors. Club rooms are not on a limited access floor. BONUS: All club level refrigerators are stocked with 2 waters, 2 cokes, 2 diet cokes, 2 sprites and 2 juice boxes on arrival. Suites are restocked daily! Take a tour of the standard resort room. and the executive suite!
Dining, Dining and More Dining
There is an incredible amount of food options with the Tower itself. As previously mentioned you have Toledo serving dinner nightly from 4:30pm-11pm offering great, single credit on the meal plan, dining. Reservations are strongly recommended as with all table service dining on property.
The Barcelona Lounge is open all day for coffee, specialty beverages, a create your own gin bar and cold lite bites. Definitely don’t plan on any meal or snack here, it is really more of a compliment to a drink. Open daily from 6:30am to midnight.
The Dahalia Lounge is open starting at 4pm to midnight. This is also a roof top location but offers limited fireworks views for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No dining plans are accepted here but it is definitely the spot to be for a great drink
Less than a 5 minute walk to the main lobby of Coronado Springs brings you El Mercado for quick service, a grab and go option as well as three more sitdown restaurants.
While not officially a part of Gran Destino Tower, we would be remiss if we didn’t take a minute to talk about the all new Three Bridges Bar and Grill. Receiving it name from the fact it sits in the middle of Lago Dorado (Spanish for Golden Lake), this new restaurant is easily accessible from all parts of the resort with the “three bridges” used as access points. While this is a sit down dining experience, they are not currently taking reservations, You can use your sit down dining credits here.. Open daily from 4:30 to midnight (they are currently testing lunch hours on the weekend).
What doesn’t it have…in the most Un-Disney move I have ever seen, there is no gift shop. While Gran Destino has its own lobby and dining, since it is considered part of Coronado Springs, it is intended to share their offerings, so shop to your hearts content next door!
What do you think of this new mini resort?
** All hours are subject to change
Annarea says
This is such an informative post! We are planning a trip next year with the kids, I am going to make a not of these points. Thanks a lot!
EZ Dis says
Thanks Annarea. Don’t hesitate to reach out for planning help! Our prices are the same as booking directly with Disney!
Simone Phillips says
So informative. Thank you.
EZ Dis says
Thanks Simone, glad you were able to gain insight on this great resort
Aditi Wardhan Singh says
OMG! I cannot wait to visit here. Those corridors itself make the place look so uniquely inviting. I’m a sucker for fancy decor is places to visit. After all, we are always going to enjoy places that make us feel new.
EZ Dis says
Aditi, you are right, they worked hard on the details of the decor and it pays off. The lobby itself has a different day and night look that both make you say WOW!
miriam says
looks like a cool place to stay! definitely adding to my list of places to visit! thanks for sharing!
EZ Dis says
It’s one of the hardest things about a Disney Vacation….so many great places to stay
Clarice says
Wow! This is a nice option. I am very much interested and happy that there are incredible amount food options in the area. This is such an informative post. Saving it for future reference.
Ez Dis says
Thanks Clarice, we look forward to helping your family create magical memories in the future. You are right, so much great food here!
Laura says
I love the dramatic decor everywhere. It looks very cool 👍
EZ Dis says
Thanks Laura….we were so impressed with all the detail at this resort
ANILDENRICE says
As a Newbie, I am constantly exploring online for articles that can be of resource to me.
EZ Dis says
Glad you found this helpful. We would love to chat and help you find the perfect option for your family. Everyone is different and looking for different things. Give us a call 877-EZDIS-EZ. There is no fee for our services.