I have wanted to stay at Gran Destino Tower ever since it opened in July 2019 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. During a recent media event, I had the opportunity to do just that. And while my stay at the resort was gifted by Disney, like everything here at The DIS, I will tell you the honest truth about what I thought. Ready to take a virtual tour of one of the Tower – Standard View – King Bed rooms? Let’s go!
My room was located on the 14th floor of the building. On the top floor (the 16th floor), you’ll find Toledo, the tower’s table service restaurant, which, at this time, is not open. Dahlia Lounge is located across the hall from Toledo, and if you haven’t read my thoughts regarding the very best sandwich I’ve ever had on Walt Disney World property, click here to read it. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to a return visit to Dahlia Lounge in the not too distant future.
The tower rooms reflect what you see in the lobby: Spanish stylings and sensibilities with warm, earthy colors and tones used throughout. If you have a stay at Gran Destino coming up and you haven’t watched Destino, I highly recommend that you do so before your stay. Just seeing the short film will allow you to have a richer experience while at Gran Destino. You’ll understand why certain motifs are used, and it’ll be like a little inside secret between you, Walt Disney, Salvador Dali, and the Imagineers who designed the space.
The warm tones reflected in Destino carry into the choices made in the tower’s hallways. There are floral shapes everywhere, and rusts and yellows, blues and browns surround you at every turn. The space is cohesively themed, and the recessed lighting in the ceiling gives everything a warm and inviting glow.
The warmth continues into the rooms, beginning with the gray-brown vinyl plank flooring. We’ve seen this flooring used in refurbishments throughout Walt Disney World property.
As soon as you enter the room, you are greeted by an oversized barn door on a wrought iron track. This immediately helps to set the theme and tone for the room; it lends a lovely modern touch to the space. In fact, the entire room has a modern Spanish air, and it’s quite inviting.
The bathroom itself is incredibly spacious. There are two sinks and ample counter space. There’s a separate closet that’s cordoned off by a pocket door.
While the bathroom does not have a bathtub, the shower that is there is simply gorgeous.
Colorful stamped concrete is used throughout the bathroom to replicate Spanish tile, and even the water closet gets its own Destino-inspired artwork.
Stepping out of the bathroom, you’re met by a large armoire that houses ample space for hanging clothing, an ironing board, iron, and safe. There’s also a foldable luggage rack tucked inside of the armoire and a full length mirror.
Stepping into the bedroom, guests are greeted by a beautifully appointed bed with a wood headboard that echoes the motif used on the exterior of the building. Everything is intentional here.
See the small bell shapes on the bedside table lamps? If you’ve watched Destino, you know that those bells were intentionally chosen for the design. It’s the little things, right?
As I mentioned earlier, the room that I stayed in was a Tower – Standard View – King Bed room. If you request a water view, you’ll be overlooking Lago Dorado on the back of the building. A standard view room will have you overlooking parking lots and such from the front of the building, but it will also have you overlooking EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Want to sit on your couch and gaze out to see an illuminated Spaceship Earth at night? Yep, you’ll be able to do that. You’ll also be able to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lit up, and the Tower of Terror as well. Don’t immediately write off standard view rooms here at Gran Destino Tower; the view was amazing.
Because Coronado Springs Resort is often used as a convention location, the tower rooms feature a generous work space. If you’ve got a little work to do, you’ll have plenty of room in which to do it. There are three large drawers next to the desk space and the bedside tables each have two additional smaller drawers. There’s a large bench next to the desk for luggage, park purchases, or an extra friend or two. At the end of the desk area, you’ll find a Keurig machine, as well as coffee and tea K cups.
There’s a large flat-panel TV mounted to the accent wall. If you look really closely, there are hidden Mickeys on that wall. I just love the attention to detail used in this space.
This space is elegant without being stuffy. And while you could think it might feel a bit sterile with the absence of carpet, it really doesn’t.
I also had plenty of room to do the things I needed to do, and felt that while this is a Moderate resort, there were Deluxe-like touches everywhere I turned.
If you’re looking for a place to store extra luggage during your stay, you’ll be able to slip a bag or two under the bed. The room also comes with a refrigerator, and plenty of USB ports and outlets for all of your charging needs. Everything was thought of in this space, and I enjoyed every moment of getting to stay in the room.
Is Gran Destino Tower on your must-stay list? If you’ve had a chance to stay there, what were your thoughts? If you have any questions for me, or you’d like to share your own insights, please drop them in the comment section below.