The Re-Imagined Coronado Springs Resort (Full Photo Report)

When it originally opened August 1, 1997, Disney Coronado Springs was the largest Disney convention resort and featured one of the largest single-level convention centers on the East Coast.  The opening of the new Gran Destino Tower earlier this week, July 9, 2019, signifying the entire resort’s grand re-imagining.

Located in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area the resort features 2,385 guest room including suites in lakeside casitas and the new Gran Destino Tower and more than 220,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The 22-acre Lago Dorado lake at the center of the resort provides a perfect walking/jogging trail along with state of the art fitness center, four swimming pools a volleyball court, recently remodeled lounges, food court and grab-and-go offerings

The recently opened 16 floor Gran Destino Tower added an additional 545 guest rooms including 50 suites and two presidential suites.  The tower takes its name from the surrealistic Disney animated file

“Destino”.  The new tower serves as the new arrival and reception area for Coronado Springs featuring a dramatic two-story lobby.  The lower lobby bar, Barcelona Lounge offers coffee and pastries in the morning transforming to a full bar during the evening.  The 16th floor rooftop restaurant, Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks and Seafood, is inspired by the renowned Spanish city that was home to avant-garde writers and artists in the 1920s and ’30s, you will also find the Dahlia Lounge on the 16th floor, named after the “Destino” heroine, a mortal woman who enchants the Greek god Chronos; dandelion chandeliers, metal bell accents and ceiling coffers with swirling patterns all draw inspiration from the restaurant’s namesake.  Speaking of Chronos, that’s the name of the 15th-floor concierge club.

The Gran Destino Tower serves as the main access point for the three lodging districts adjacent to the tower, each inspired by the elegant cities, neighborhood dwellings and diverse natural landscapes of Mexico and the American Southwest: The Casitas emphasizes the residential areas of colonial cities found all over Mexico.  The Ranchos represent ranch houses of the dry southwestern chaparral regions of northern Mexico and the American Southwest and the Cabanas evoke the look and feel of a small tropical coastal fishing village on the Mexican coast.

The Dig Site feature pool complex features a massive gray stone Mayan temple that recalls many of the ceremonial centers created by the ancient Mayans; according to Disney legend, the temple sits five stories above the Coronado Springs, and the water cascades down the temple’s steps into the Lost City of Cibola Feature Pool. Bas-relief sculptures, called stellae, have been carved on the pyramid. The deck and its tiled bottom also feature inlaid representations of Mayan symbols.

The addition of the Gran Destino Tower expands the resort’s restaurant and lounge offering to 10. The tower is home to an unforgettable new dining experience, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a unique rooftop table-service restaurant offering dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. Featuring sweeping views of Walt Disney World Resort, this charming, surrealistic location invites guests to dine indoors under a pair of large olive trees nestled beneath an intricate vaulted ceiling with shimmering stained-glass accents.

In the Disney animated film “Destino,”, the immortal Chronos is in love with the mortal Dahlia. This passion shines through in the Dahlia Lounge, a convivial room that shares the tower’s rooftop with Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood. The heroine inspires the lounge’s visual aesthetics – from dandelion chandeliers and metal bell accents to ceiling coffers with

swirling patterns reminiscent of her flowing hair. Cocktails are crafted by expert mixologists, while wines from California and Spain include high-end cavas handpicked by the master sommelier. Visitors to the lounge – indoors or outdoors – can also choose from tapas or small-plate specialties.

You’ll also find a new restaurant offering on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado. Three convenient new walkways stretching across the 22-acre lake lead to Villa del Lago and its Three Bridges Bar & Grill.  Offering casual waterside dining in an open-air setting, this idyllic new location presents a varied menu that includes curry-lentil hummus, Szechuan peppercorn wings, salads, a signature burger and a grilled skirt steak with pepper relish. Behind the central bar, a beautiful stone hearth invites guests to unwind with a pitcher of sangria or a vibrant cocktail while enjoying tranquil lake views.

Barcelona Lounge – On the ground floor of the two-story lobby in Gran Destino Tower, this dramatic yet casual space offers a European coffee experience paired with Spanish and classic American pastries as well as healthy breakfast items. The city of Barcelona inspired the eclectic patterns and warm colors, including the stained-glass feature wall behind the bar. Under a magnificent chandelier, the space transforms throughout the day, transitioning by late morning to an artisanal cocktail bar with a variety of tonics to complement an international gin collection. Those tonics include the resort’s own house-crafted, signature Gran Destino Gin Tonic. Guests can linger over lake views while enjoying select wines and craft beers from both Spain and California. Dishes of cheeses, olives and more, paired with sourdough, are served beginning at 11 a.m.

Chronos Club – With its casual yet intimate shadings, this bright, open-air club-access space located on the 15^th floor of Gran Destino Tower is perfect for unwinding and enjoying light refreshments throughout the day. Chronos Club offers lake views and a Barcelona vibe with its cooler color palette.

Maya Grill – This grand Mexican dining room features ancient-modern styling and Nuevo Latino cuisine.

Rix Sports Bar & Grill – This stylish establishment puts a unique spin on classic bar food.

El Mercado de Coronado – There’s something for everyone at this food court filled with kitchens serving made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Café Rix – At this charming grab-and-go location, guests find pastries and coffee, among other tasty snacks.

Laguna Bar – Signature cocktails are available at this breezy lakeside lounge.

Siestas Cantina – This poolside hideaway is a place to unwind with refreshing beverages and snacks

HERE IS THE FULL 170 PICTURE PHOTO TOUR OF THE NEWLY RE-IMAGINED DISNEY CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT.

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