Facilities & Destinations: DISNEY MEETINGS

DISNEY MEETINGS

CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT INTRODUCES PLANNERS TO A “GRAND” NEW TOWER

On the ever-changing landscape of Orlando, where mountains — both snowcapped and volcanic — rise and imaginary worlds of magic and space take shape, the past few months have seen new properties and attractions that should catch the attention of event planners, particularly on Disney’s extensive grounds. Opened at the end of August, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is sure to create buzz among planners looking for new offsite event options. Earlier this summer, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrated the highly anticipated opening of the Gran Destino Tower, creating perhaps the crown jewel in Orlando for event planners within Disney Meetings & Events’ properties.

Spanish themes are subtly infused throughout the 545-room, 16-story structure, and at the inaugural event in July participants were provided a taste of the Iberian motifs, both literally and figuratively. A pair of flamenco dancers were on hand during the festivities, creating a grand entrance for General Manager Vincent Mercurio, who welcomed guests on the grandiose staircase that descends from the lobby into the Gaudi-esque Barcelona Lounge. Additional design touches included olive trees within the property’s tapas, steak and seafood restaurant Toledo, hinting at one of the region’s dietary staples. Located on the 16th floor of the Gran Destino Tower, Toledo offered guests samplings of its signature dishes as well as traditional food and beverage like jamón ibérico and sangria.

Gaudi-themed design in the Barcelona Lounge

The Dahlia Lounge, also on the hotel’s top level, is stocked with a broad selection of Spanish beers and wines. A highlight is its gin and tonic libation that is flavored with an orange saffron syrup and juniper berries, and garnished with rosemary — the way the spirit is enjoyed in Spain. Available for private events, the Dahlia Lounge offers guests a terrace to enjoy the outdoors for networking functions. Private dining rooms in Toledo have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer natural lighting for small gatherings. Both venues allow guests to view evening pyrotechnic shows at the nearby parks.

During his remarks, Mercurio explained that the Coronado Springs grounds are meant to reflect the spirit of early explorers; as such, Spanish, Mexican and American Southwest influences are incorporated throughout the facility design. An additional design element is the blending of elements of Destino — an animated short created in a collaborative effort between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali in 1945, but only finished generations later — throughout the resort. In the Dahlia Lounge, named for the central character of the film, dandelion-inspired lighting couples with a flowing ceiling design representative of Dahlia’s long black hair blowing in the wind. “Cast members” even offer Spanish greetings during the stay.

Gran Destino Tower at Dinsey's Coronado Springs Resort

With the help of the Disney Meetings & Events Group, the creativity behind the design of the hotel can extend into event design both onsite and within Disney’s venues. Tucked away within Disney’s Central Florida offices are a talented team of dedicated, innovative individuals that include meeting planners, florists (with their own nursery), carpenters, artists, graphic designers, film producers, AV personnel and actors, to name a few. Private areas within the theme parks are also available both during and after park hours for group functions, allowing planners to theme their events using the attractions as a backdrop. Meanwhile, guests receive all the benefits of being onsite at a Disney property, including proximity and early access to the parks, which can be reached via a free shuttle bus.

With the help of the Disney Meetings & Events Group, the creativity behind the design of the hotel can extend into event design both onsite and within Disney’s venues

The Coronado Springs campus now has 2,385 guestrooms after the completion of the Gran Destino Tower. The 220,000-sq.-ft. convention center is accessible to the new tower via a covered walkway — which is great during Central Florida’s sudden afternoon rain showers — or a lakeside walkway should one prefer the fresh air. Lawns for events are available — the official opening ceremony where the flamenco dance duo escorted Mickey Mouse on stage was held on the lawn. Two other noteworthy spaces include a 24-seat boardroom with an abundance of natural lighting, and the Lantana meeting room in the lower lobby, which in addition to being divisible into three sections has prefunction space that includes a show kitchen.

Given the Gran Destino Tower’s convenient connection to Coronado Springs’ ample meeting space, along with its engaging restaurants and theme, it would seem that the new venue is “destined” for greatness in Orlando’s meetings industry. - D.K.