News Coronado Springs Expansion - Gran Destino Tower

[Missing20K]

Aren't Vegas casinos telling a story, then? They're themed experiences.

But some of the dismissals of Gran Destino have been that it looks like that.

Las Vegas casinos are pretty borderline when it comes to "themed experiences". Generally speaking, there is no real attempt to tell a story, transport a patron to another time or place, or create a genuine sense of place. Any "themed experience" in Las Vegas, ala the Gondolas at the Venetian, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, etc., are superficial and simple moments of kitsch.

Well themed spaces such as Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY sort of begin to tell a story, only for it to devolve once the patron leaves the space. The gardens in Bellagio is a more subtle example. I think that "Vegas" as an entity, particularly the Strip and Downtown areas, could be argued as a themed experience. The nonlinear narrative being, of course, one of gambling, lights, sights, sounds, people, illicitness, historicity, and the like.

 

[Alice a]

Okay, then what's the story of the Boardwalk, beyond "staying on the beach at Atlantic City" or Pop Century besides "boy, that's a big bowling pin?"

Actually, the Eisner -era Moderate and Deluxe resorts each had an Imagineered backstory, just like Pleasure Island. Disney historian Jim Korkis goes into a little of Port Orleans' here:

The Two Tales of Scales at Port Orleans

www.mouseplanet.com

 

[Kamikaze]

Actually, the Eisner -era Moderate and Deluxe resorts each had an Imagineered backstory, just like Pleasure Island. Disney historian Jim Korkis goes into a little of Port Orleans' here:

The Two Tales of Scales at Port Orleans

www.mouseplanet.com

There's a difference between having a backstory and 'telling a story'. The telling kind of denotes that you're experiencing it as you stay there.

 

[rreading]

fwiw, I think that this place looks great! Were it a DVC I would totally plan to stay here. I'll not show my wife, as she'll be disappointed that we're staying somewhere else. And from the before/after photos shown recently, the whole area looks updated. I imagine that the space is not a quaint as it was before, but such is life. Looks like they did a beautiful job!

 

[Alice a]

There's a difference between having a backstory and 'telling a story'. The telling kind of denotes that you're experiencing it as you stay there.

Per the referenced article, and other writings I've enjoyed over the years, when the resorts were in their original forms, the story was much more obvious.

As changes were made and updates\closings\new management moved in, the story became muddled and lost some of the impact. Still - nerd that I am - I usually spend a fair amount of time looking at themeing, and the traces of story are still fairly strong if you're paying attention.

And if you're not, well, you are on vacation! It's a good excuse.

Still, it's hard for me not to subconsciously relax into the theme of a resort that has had so much story built in. The Boardwalk Inn is a step back to a simpler place and a relaxing pace. Animal Kingdom Lodge is an adventure. The Contemporary is my sci-fi childhood dream embodied.

I don't hate Gran Destino, but I probably won't stay there. I travel often enough that I stay in similar hotels a few times a year. To each their own. Hopefully the beds will be as comfortable as a Marriott or Westin.

 

[starri42]

Still, it's hard for me not to subconsciously relax into the theme of a resort that has had so much story built in. The Boardwalk Inn is a step back to a simpler place and a relaxing pace. Animal Kingdom Lodge is an adventure. The Contemporary is my sci-fi childhood dream embodied.

I still wouldn't call any of those stories.

 

[Kram Sacul]

Aren't Vegas casinos telling a story, then? They're themed experiences.

But some of the dismissals of Gran Destino have been that it looks like that.

Slowly losing your money over time is a great theme.

 

[lazyboy97o]

There's a difference between having a backstory and 'telling a story'. The telling kind of denotes that you're experiencing it as you stay there.

No, telling a story does not require the experience of linear narrative.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Personally liking something does not preclude one from recognizing shortcomings. That’s not a contradiction, but a recognition of differing criteria. One could like Gran Destino and still agree with many of the criticisms.

I think I fall into this category.

That said, I also don't think Coronado Springs was ever really telling a story. At least not a cohesive one. For me, the strong points of staying there were the price and I liked that they had a gym where I could go for a run in the morning. The weak point was the theming. With the tower, it looks like the rooms and amenities will be better at a more reasonable price than other resorts with similar amenities on property. So, for me that's not a home run but better than what was there before and somewhere I would definitely be happy to stay when I don't have deluxe money to burn.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Disney resorts are a lot more expensive than surrounding (off property) options, per night. There are several reasons, but a few stand out:

- They're on property and as a corollary, extend The Bubble™
- They have additional perks, such as MDE and bus/boat transportation and EMH (which are being scaled back)
- They're highly themed

...Slowly but surely, that last one is becoming less and less of a feature in an effort to "modernize" the resorts. The downside is that the newest rooms are being described as somewhat "sterile." Lobbies, like the Poly, look more generic. Grand Destino Tower doesn't follow the existing resort theme as much as it extends it; still "Spanish" in nature, but... Modern.

If you take away the differentiating features, all that's left will be bubble at twice the price - or no bubble with a longer bus ride.

 

[Maelstrom Troll]

I may have missed the tie in over the last 70 pages, but is the name derived from the Salvador Dali x Walt Disney film?

 

[rreading]

I may have missed the tie in over the last 70 pages, but is the name derived from the Salvador Dali x Walt Disney film?

Interesting question. I've not seen that brought up, but I can't imagine that it's a coincidence. Good call!

 

[larryz]

Interesting question. I've not seen that brought up, but I can't imagine that it's a coincidence. Good call!

The earliest reference I can find is back on last November 14th...

News - Coronado Springs Expansion - Gran Destino Tower

The name “Gran Destino” translates as “Very Detestible”. Other names Disney considered; Gran Eyesora, Gran Bland, Gran Blight.

forums.wdwmagic.com

 

[Rteetz]

 

[MisterPenguin]

In case you haven't heard...

 

[Model3 McQueen]

In case you haven't heard...

Coronado Springs is beautiful, no doubt about that. I wish the customer service was on par.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

In case you haven't heard...

Coronado Springs is beautiful, no doubt about that. I wish the customer service was on par.

I happened to breeze through property last week...here’s my opinions:

Coronado looks great

Rode the skyliner and liked it a lot...especially the Caribbean to AoA leg. Very nice. It was the coldest day in months, however...and still felt warm. Those suckers will bake in the heat.

That abomination DVC in Barbados looks absolutely horrible. Bland, big and boring as all
He’ll. The first piece of “Disney” architecture that looked cheap and gaudy as compared to its pricing.
An awful idea that I have little doubt will do longterm DVC damage.

 

[Disone]

I happened to breeze through property last week...here’s my opinions:

Coronado looks great

Rode the skyliner and liked it a lot...especially the Caribbean to AoA leg. Very nice. It was the coldest day in months, however...and still felt warm. Those suckers will bake in the heat.

That abomination DVC in Barbados looks absolutely horrible. Bland, big and boring as all
He’ll. The first piece of “Disney” architecture that looked cheap and gaudy as compared to its pricing.
An awful idea that I have little doubt will do longterm DVC damage.

Pop the popcorn and wait for it.......

 

[Schmidt]

This is my new favorite property to stay at. Perfect? No, but the Gran Destino is a NICE place to stay when at the properties. Offers a nice retreat away from the theme park vibe of the other resorts. REALLY NICE!!!

 

[jmuboy]

This is my new favorite property to stay at. Perfect? No, but the Gran Destino is a NICE place to stay when at the properties. Offers a nice retreat away from the theme park vibe of the other resorts. REALLY NICE!!!

Made my first trip to Coronado EVER in my 50 plus WDW trips. This property is SO lovely. Gran Destino Tower does not ruin the property.......and the lake views AND walks around the lake at sunset are nothing less than MAGICAL (in the true sense of the word). I was there for dinner at TOLEDO (top notch) and would love to stay there sometime. I also go to see a room (a friend was staying there). Nicely appointed. This is def geared toward the convention and traveling professionals. So maybe thats why I loved it..... because it just felt Different yet STILL Disney.