DISNEY MEETINGS
CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT INTRODUCES PLANNERS TO A “GRAND” NEW TOWER
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n 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. The Dahlia Lounge, also on the hotel’s top level, is stocked with a broad selection of Spanish beers and
FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2019 FALL
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. 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 33
