Today marked the official grand opening of Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and if you’ve been following along on our social media channels (@WDWNT on Twitter, @wdwnt on Instagram) then you’re probably aware of what an inspired, sumptuous experience Gran Destino has brought to Walt Disney World.
Sights and skylines are the main spectacle here, with breathtaking, 360-degree views of Disney property, including all four parks and their respective icons. Whether you’re looking out from the lobby, the guest room hallways, the Chronos Club, or any one of the Tower’s restaurants, you’re bound to lose yourself in the view, and the Dahlia Lounge is no exception to this.
Here’s how Disney describes the tucked-away rooftop bar and lounge:
Passion reigns supreme in a rooftop lounge inspired by Spanish surrealism.
Sip cocktails with a special someone, admiring whimsical shapes and colors atop Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This lounge’s mesmerizing décor features surrealist flights of fancy.
Pore over details such as dandelion chandeliers and metal bell accents. Ceiling coffers contain swirling patterns reminiscent of flowing hair. Architecturally, Spanish modernism prevails, mirroring the general look of the Resort.
In the evening, Guests will find this rooftop gem the perfect place to linger and mingle.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the Dali-inspired Dahlia Lounge:
Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower – Interior
As promised, the interior is an eclectic collection of textures, with wood, tile, marble, metal, and glass coming together to give the space a modern, yet masculine look.
There are tall tables with stools, smaller lounge-type tables with large, comfy armchairs, and a variety of booths set up for seating.
Walls are decked out with photographs of Dali and Disney, the epic duo that came to inspire Gran Destino’s theme.
A roomy balcony offers additional outdoor seating when the weather’s pleasant.
There’s an entire wrought iron panel that mimics the bell pattern featured on the lamps found inside some of the guest rooms.
The hallways feature intricately-patterned wallpapers, with gold mirrors.
Lastly, the floors features a kaleidoscope of contrasting patterns and designs.
If you think there’s a lot going on here, that’s because there is, but much like Dali’s work, it somehow just comes together and works.
Dahlia Lounge at Grand Destino Tower – Views
Off in the distance, you get some great views of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower – Menus
Dahlia Lounge features two menus. One is an expansive drink menu and the other is a shorter, tapas-style menu of apps and shareables. Do note that we’ve noticed a lot of overlap in drink menus across Gran Destino and Coronado Springs. We tried bringing you some of the more exclusive items, but do ask your server or bartender if you want to sample drinks unique to Dahlia Lounge.
The wine list is mainly dominated by a selection of fine Spanish wines, with some domestic California wines as well.
The food menu features a “Tapas” section and a “Plated” section. Just like with the drink menu, there’s some overlap here with Toledo. Then again, it’s a great option if you don’t want to deal with making a reservation at Toledo.
Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower – Drinks and Cocktails
Tini Sucio – $12.50
Gin Mare, TÃo Pepe Fino Sherry, Valdeón Blue Cheese-stuffed Olives
If you’re looking for a strong drink, this is your best bet.
However, despite the fancy stuffed cheese olive and presentation, there’s nothing much going on here. We’d probably pass on this next time.
Gran Gin Tonic – $13.00
Tanqueray Gin, House-made Saffron-Orange Tonic, Soda Water
The Gran Gin Tonic is a deceptively large drink, served in a lovely glass goblet.
It’s a bit on the syrupy side and you definitely have to like gin to enjoy this as it’s rather strong, but if you’re into that and earthy saffron flavors, you’ll like this.
Alla Prima Manhattan – $13.50
Elijah Craig 94 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, La Copa by González Byass Sweet Vermouth, Maple Syrup, Orange Bitters
The Manhattan we can definitely recommend. It’s good, well-balanced, and not too sweet.
Brandy Antigua – $12.50
Cardenal Mendoza Clasico Solera Gran Reserva Brandy, Crèma de Alba Gran Duque d’Alba Liqueur, Orange Bitters
The Brandy Antigua drink is extremely smooth, and the orange gives it a nice citrus kick. This creamy treat would make a great after-dinner drink.
Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower – Tapas
Espelette-dusted Marcona Almonds – $7.00
The almonds are enjoyable, and a great bar snack.
The espelette spice adds something special to what would otherwise just be fancy Marcona almonds. They’re a bit expensive, but we’d still get them to snack on.
Abondigas – $12.00
braised gigante beans, aged sherry viniagrette
The meatballs (albóndigas) are spicy and incredibly well-seasoned. Most of the flavoring really comes from the sauce and gigante beans, which elevates the entire dish.
The meatballs themselves are just okay, but when paired with the sauce, this is a winning lounge snack.
Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower – Overall
Overall, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to have a drink while at Disney’s Coronado Springs, head to Dahlia Lounge for expertly crafted cocktails and a nearly unbeatable view. The lounge is open every day from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM and currently only accepts Annual Passholder discounts, applicable towards food.
What time does it open?