Update: Where Will NBA Players BE Staying

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

We previously announced the NBA is coming to Walt Disney World! It has been confirmed that Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be hosting the games likely beginning at the end of July. Due to the health guidelines, it is believed the NBA will require all players to remain onsite for the duration of the season. The question now is where will they stay? Yesterday there were rumblings that they would be housed at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. A day later, that information may have changed.

The new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opening July 9 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, takes its inspiration from the Disney animated short film “Destino.” (Steven Diaz, photographer)

The most recent reports are coming in from an NBA Reporter name Kevin Smith. Smith states:

  • First Tweet: “Walt Disney World sources, Disney and the NBA have agreed that Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is likely to be the primary host resort for the NBA when they resume the season. Sources say an agreement may be reached this week, which will allow preparations to move quickly.”
  • Second Tweet: “Other Walt Disney World resorts remain under consideration to host the NBA, but Coronado Springs offers the best package of rooms, resources and proximity to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Still a possibility that multiple resorts are used for the NBA, per WDW sources.”

A third Tweet shares: “Coronado Springs has over 2,000 hotel rooms between their campus style buildings & the 15-story Gran Destino tower. It all surrounds a contained lake with pools, boating, and walking/jogging paths.. In addition, the property has over 220,000 sq. ft. of convention space attached.”

We’d agree with Kevin, that yes, Coronado Springs does seem to have the rooms and convention space that could house the NBA players. While Coronado Springs is rumored to be the front runner, other rumored resorts include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Four Seasons Orlando.

Gran Destino Tower Now Open at Coronado Springs Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The long awaited Gran Destino Tower is finally up and running at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The 16 story tower features 545 guest rooms, 50 of which are club level.

DisDining.com has the review.

The name “Destino” comes from the short Disney film Destino. The film was a collaboration between Walt  Disney and Salvador Dali, although it wasn’t released until 2003. There are nods to the works of Dali throughout the property, and it also has a Spanish feel.

One of the highlights of Gran Destino Tower is the view. No matter which side you stay on, it is incredible. On one side of the tower there are views of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. On the other side you can see Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On the 16th floor there are views of all four Walt Disney World theme parks.

Another highlight of Gran Destino Tower is the dining. The main table service restaurant is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. Since it’s on the 16th floor you will have the bonus of enjoying the view! The new restaurant features steak, seafood, and meat-free options. If you can’t get a reservation, stop by the Dahlia Lounge next door. If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner, try Three Bridges Bar & Grill. It’s waterfront dining that is also open-aired. The restaurant’s signature sangria is available by the pitcher, so all those of age in your party can share.

One thing that most people want to know when picking accommodations is what the rooms are like. If you decide to stay at Gran Destino Tower you will enjoy a comfortable space that is stylish, without being overdone.

The suites sleep four, with a separate bedroom and a pull-out sofa. Each suite also has a full bath and a half bath. If your party is larger than four, connecting suites are a possibility. There are 44 deluxe suites available. The rooms have plenty of outlets and USB ports, so it’s as easy to recharge your devices as it is your body.

Another fun feature that you will find at Gran Destino Tower is that the rooms all have interactive televisions. You can learn park information, connect your own device, see your PhotoPass pictures, learn more about the hotel, or enjoy Disney On Demand. If you don’t want anything fancy, plain old TV watching is possible as well. If seeing Must-Do Disney is part of your Disney must-do list, you can watch Stacey over and over again.

Those who are staying at Gran Destino Tower are able to enjoy all of the amenities of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. That means that there are several pools that you can visit, including Dig Site Spa. The little ones will also want to spend time on the Explorer’s Playground. There is plenty to do if you want to spend a quiet day away from the parks.

Want to Visit Gran Destino Tower Click Here!!!

Another New Restaurant to Open This Summer

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

The new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is set to open this July. Disney has announced, in addition to Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood atop the new tower, three more locations will join the resort’s delicious array of restaurants according to Disney cast members.

“Sitting at Villa del Lago in the center of the lake, Three Bridges Bar & Grill will introduce a new table service dining experience. Delight in sandwiches, shared plates, and more at this relaxing lakefront restaurant. Sharable plates include yummy dishes like Curry-Lentil Hummus, Szechuan Peppercorn Wings and Stuffed Mushrooms.

The entrée menu includes the Villa del Lago Salad with arugula, frisée, warm Yukon potatoes, white beans, and asparagus tossed in a bright sherry vinaigrette. Also featured are Braised Pork Tacos, Grilled Skirt Steak, Harissa Lamb Chops, Crispy Chicken Sliders and the Three Bridges Signature Burger. This mouthwatering burger comes with crispy potato, Manchego cheese, roasted garlic-lemon aïoli, arugula and tomato.

And for dessert? Indulge in warm churros with Espelette pepper sugar and chocolate sauce or a vanilla custard Mickey tart with compressed pineapple and tropical sorbet.”

The new Gran Destino Tower will also be home to the Dahlia Lounge. Located next to Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, this rooftop lounge will feature whimsical forms, colors, unique lights, and especially unique libations and dishes.

Here you’ll find an array of wines hand-selected by one of our resident master sommeliers, including Spanish cavas. Cocktails are made with exceptional spirits and ingredients hand-crafted by talented mixologists.

In the lower lobby of the tower, Barcelona Lounge will feature eclectic patterns and colors inspired by the beautiful aesthetic of Barcelona, Spain. This lounge will offer a European coffee experience as well as Spanish and classic American pastries and breakfast items.

Healthful breakfast items include blueberry-lavender honey yogurt with flaxseed granola and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

While the coffee experience will be available throughout the day, as the afternoon rolls around, the Barcelona Lounge transitions into an artisanal cocktail bar featuring a variety of tonics to complement an international gin collection.

BOOK YOUR STAY @ CORONADO SPRINGS TODAY