The new Gran Destino Tower, part of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is all the buzz right now. With the upgraded touches all around the lobby, rooms and grounds, this moderate level resort feels more like a deluxe resort. So, with all that Gran Destino has to offer, what are some special touches you might miss? Here are five hidden gems at Gran Destino Tower that we think are worth noticing!
The Standard View rooms actually have a great view
Getting a view of the nighttime fireworks shows at Hollywood Studios and Epcot is a huge bonus of any room on Walt Disney World property, so to get these views with a with the most basic level of room is an amazing perk. When you make your reservation, add a request for a room on a high floor. Then, also select that request when you do your online check-in.
All of the Standard View rooms are on the east side of Grand Destino Tower and overlook the main parking lot or maintenance areas. However, they also face toward Epcot and Hollywood Studies, so with a higher floor, you will be able to see those nighttime fireworks. The rooms on the West side of the building are considered Water View rooms and overlook Lago Dorado In the distance you might also be able to see Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom in the distance.
El Mercado de Coronado is one of the best food courts at any Disney Resort hotel
With dishes that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, even the pickiest eaters will find something they like. Numerous stations offer different types of dishes, from a pizza station to rice bowls to kids’ favorites. It’s easy to overlook food court quick service locations, but don’t miss this one!
Walt’s vision is infused throughout the lobby
From the enormous artwork depicting Walt Disney and his infamous Mouse, to the continually running animated short that Walt collaborated on with artist Salvador Dali, Walt’s touches are not to be missed. It’s incredibly refreshing to be reminded of how Walt Disney World started. After all, as Walt has said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.”
For this resort in particular, Gran Destino was actually named after Disney’s animated short Destino. This project was a partnership between Disney and Salvador Dali, but was put on hold due to financial pressures created by World War II. It wasn’t finished until years later, when Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney, took on the task. The short was released in 2003.
The resort offers numerous diverse activities, beyond just a pool
During a recent visit in September of 2019, our “Resort Experience Guide” boasted both complimentary and fee-based activities beyond what you might traditionally find at Moderate level resorts. Complementary activities included
- Nature walk
- Storytelling by the fire pit
- Swimming pools
- A fitness center
Fee-based activities included
- Wood carving painting
- Abstract portraiture
- Aqua fitness and outdoor fitness
- Yoga
- The colors of Coronado painting experience
- A stained glass experience
The elevators and television sets are unlike anything else on Disney property
The elevators at the tower are unique in that you select your floor prior to getting on. Once you select your level, the screen will tell you which elevator you should take. Once inside there are no buttons to push.
The televisions are also unique, in that they are interactive. During our recent visit, the television greeted us as we entered with a Welcome screen. Throughout our trip, we could view our Memory Maker photos on the TV, view park information and listen to bedtime stories, among other actions.
What do you think? Have you visited the new Gran Destino Tower yet? What hidden gems at Gran Destino Tower have you discovered? Share in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
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