On behalf of the cast of Gryffindor, we present...
Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa
Resort Address/Phone
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 532-8000
Number of Rooms: 1,132 (566 Larissa/566 Sicily)
Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Resort Area: Epcot
Category: Deluxe
Online Check-In: Yes
Express Check-Out: Yes
Resort Airline Check-in: Yes
Conference Center: Yes
Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa is nestled on Crescent Lake in-between Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Boardwalk Resorts. Themed to the seaside paradises of Italy and Greece, the Ionian Sea separates areas such as Sicily, Italy, from the shores of Greece. This resort hopes to blend together the two themes in a seaside paradise that combines the relaxing coasts of both nations together as one. A deluxe resort on Disney property, you'll experience all of the amenities and services of a 5 star Disney experience, with the tranquil backdrops and scenic environments that make the on-property resorts, distinctly Disney. Just a stone's throw away from Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk entertainment district, this resort is perched in the most prime of locations in all of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa will give guests the seaside serenity for a relaxing vacation.
Services/Amenities
- Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and pools around the resort)
- Signature Dining Options (table service, quick-service, and poolside bars)
- Business Center (computer, printing, shipping, and office supplies readily available)
- Designated smoking areas (corners of the resort)
- Locker Rentals (Near the Mediterranean Bay)
- Valet and Self-Parking options
-24-Hour ATM (near the concierge desk)
- Child Activity Center
- Housekeeping Service (bed sheets changed every 3rd night. Addition pillows, disability aids, towels, and replenished amenities upon request)
- Ice and Vending Machines (one on every floor and poolside)
- Laundry Self-Service (near the quiet pool areas)
- Concierge Service (purchase, upgrade tickets, and special requests)
- Spa and Health Club
- Room Service
- Safekeeping (in-room safes)
- Rapid Fill Stations (for re-fillable mugs)
- Wake up Call service
- Disability Service (call 407-595-8000)
Transportation Service (complimentary Magical Express, bus, and boat service)
Larissa and Sicily Area Descriptions
Divided into two distinct areas connected by bridges and a central marketplace, Larissa (representing Greece) and Sicily (representing Italy) these two areas have unique architectural tones that offer a variety of options for guests who prefer different styles. The Larissa side consists of seven buildings, each standing 3-4 stories in the air, reminiscent of towns you'd see on the Greece seashores. The Sicily area is designed into a rock formation that is modeled after Italian seaside towns that build into the coastline. The Sicily side stands 10 stories in the air and has varying floor plans based on what floor you are on to accompany the aesthetic design. There is land allocated for a future DVC Resort themed to the Sicilian Village by the coast.
Larissa Facade
Sicily Facade
Larissa (Greece) Lobby
The Larissa Lobby area accents the seaside flair of the resort as a whole. With sand colored walls, light blue furniture and a southern European design to the amenities and images, you as the guest are transported to the eastern side of the Ionian Sea for a seaside paradise. With Check-In on your left, and the concierge desk right next to it, you can check-in quickly and head to your rooms. Complimentary golf carts are available if your building is farther away and you are in need of any assistance. There is also a children's tv area close by the front desk so children can be entertained for the brief while. The decorations of the lobby are filled with Greek influence of Athenian portraits and some Greek historical figures. There are also two fountains in the middle of the walking area in the lobby offering an aquatic accent in the lobby as well.
Sicily (Italy) Lobby
While the Larissa area of the resort is more brightly colored, sandy, and reminiscent of the European seashore, the Sicily side, while still maintaining a seaside environment, is decorated in a more regal fashion, with mahogany colors and deeper browns on the interior. Plants and foliage around the main seating area offer a different aesthetic than the fountains of the Larissa side of the resort. The main check in desk is a mirror image of the Larissa side, as well as the children's play area. For specific requests, guests should contact the staff of their specific resort area. While Disney's Ionian Resort is one umbrella of a destination, the specific areas offer more expedited and specific services to their guests.
Resort Rooms
Larissa Standard Room
Transitioning with the same flair as the lobby decor and the sandy beach-fronts of the Ionian Sea, the Larissa rooms have blue carpets with teal blue shades. Light brown woods permeate the room and all rooms have a balcony that either looks out onto the Lagoon, Garden, or Pool.
Sicily Standard Room
The lobby influences are apparent as you travel up to the 1 of 10 floors in the Sicilian area and traverse to your room, which is furnished with dark furniture, red carpets and shades, as well as pictures from Italy hanging on the walls. Due to the proximity to Epcot and the height of some of the rooms, a scenic view of Epcot can be seen from most of the rooms, offering great fireworks in-room viewing locations on the Epcot side, and the Star Wars Fireworks on the Hollywood Studios side.
Approximate Number of Rooms in Each Category:
Standard Room
Lagoon View
Pool View
Maximum Number of People: 5 people
Square Footage: 390 sq. ft
Room Contents
All rooms at both the Sicilian and Larissa areas of the resort will sleep up to 5 adults comfortably. All standard rooms have two queen beds and a day bed. All rooms have an alarm clock with an mp3 player, mini-fridge, coffee maker with tea and coffee setups, dresser, desk and lounge chair, or couch, ice bucket, iron and ironing board, telephone, and television. All rooms also have a deck with patio chairs.
Club Level Rooms
The Almafi Lounge is the 10th floor of the Silician area of the resort and home to the concierge lounge. The lounge is open from 7am till 11pm and serves a continental breakfast in the morning, snacks and coldcuts in the afternoon, hot
hors d'oeurves in the evening, as well as desserts and spirits later in the night. The concierge staff also can assist the guests on the floor with Fastpass scheduling or any resort booking options.
Club Level Rooms Categories
Standard View (sleeps 5): 23
Lagoon View (sleeps 5): 32
Pool View (sleeps 5): 14
1 Bedroom Suite (sleeps 7): 5
2 Bedroom Suite (sleeps 9): 5
Vice Presidential Suite (sleeps 9): 1
Presidential Suite (sleeps 11): 1
Resort Dining
There are a variety of dining options for guests at Disney's Ionian Resort to choose from, with varying price ranges as well.
Aegean Market
A quick-service location in the Larissa side of the resort serving lunch and dinner in a market style setting, with Greek Cuisine such as
Falafel
Spanakopita
Pita and Greek Dips
Gyros
Chicken Schwarma
Lamb Burger
Cat Cora: Mediterranean Flare
A table-service restaurant serving southern European delicacies inspired by the cuisine of Cat Cora, formally having a restaurant across Crescent Lake at Disney's Boardwalk.
The menu will be similar in design and flavor.
Dal Mare Cafe/By The Sea Cafe
Located off the lobby of the Sicilian Area of the resort is Dal Mare Cafe, inspired by the seaside flair of the coast of Italy. Carved into the rock side of the shoreline, this is a unique dining location in the resort, that provides the authentic Italian coastline atmosphere to go along with the table service environment.
Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland Card are accepted.
Menù Della Cena/Dinner Menu
Antipasti/Starter
Calimari Fritte - $10.99
Fried Calimari with cocktail sauce
Bruschetta - $9.99
Toasted Bread served with tomatoes, basil, and cheese.
Capesante e Pomodori - $10.99
Sample of Scallops with tomato dressing
Granchio Reale - $14.99
King Crab meat served with lemon wedges and basil toppings
Sperlani - $11.99
Smelts with a lettuce side
Gamberoni - $12.99
Jumbo Shrimp served with cocktail sauce.
Zucchini Fritte - $8.99
Fried Zucchini with a ranch dipping sauce.
Zuppe e Insalate/Soups and Salads
Basilico Pomodoro - $9.99
House-made basil and tomato soup.
Granchio - $10.99
Crab Soup with crackers on the side
Insalata di Gamberetti - $10.99
Shrimp salad served with vinegrette sauce and seasoning.
Insalata di Formaggio Blu - $11.99
Blue Chesse Salad with tossed vegetables.
Insalata di Caprese - $11.99
Mozzarella, cucumbers, red onions with a house dressing.
Entrata/Entrees
Pesce Spada - $31.99
Swordfish with vegetables and a rice topping with lemon wedges
Platessa - $24.99
Flounder served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Pollo Grigliato - $25.99
Grilled Chicken with roasted peppers and a house dressing.
Spaghetti e Polpette - $26.99
By the Sea's signature spaghetti and meatball dish - Chef's Choice
Linguine e Vongole - $25.99
Linguine with clams and clam sauce
Tofu Italiano - $23.99
Vegan option - served with vegetables
Corvino's
A high-class, exclusive dinner restaurant rivaling Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Corvino's offers the finest in Mediterranean fish and cuisine, offering a romantic location on the shores of Crescent Lake.
Jacket and Tie required for this dining location.
Disney Dining Plan not accepted.
Tables in Wonderland Card Accepted.
Corvino's Dinner Menu
First Course
Sicilian Caviar (1 oz) - $210.00
Sicialian Caviar (1/2 oz) - $105.00
Second Course
Salted Baccala, lemon wedges, with a basil topping - $48.99
Third Course
Seared Crab off the coast of Cioppino - $35.99
Fourth Course
Sicilian Lobster - $39.99
Roasted Duck - $40.00
Filet Mignon - $60.00
all served with sides of grilled asparagus, roasted carrots, toasted capers, and house sauce.
Fifth Course
Chocolata Gelato - $10.99
Cherry Mousse Cake - $8.99
Gelato Ice Cream Shop
In the Mediterranean Marketplace in-between the two areas of the resort, on the corner of the area you'll find a quaint gelato shop service up a variety of flavors and sweets. Open from 10am - 11pm daily. Tables in Wonderland Cars accepted.
Volare Lounge
Off the lobby of the Sicilian area is the Volare Lounge. Open from 12pm - 12am, this serves quick service lunch and dinner, along with a variety of mixed drinks, wines, beers, and liquors throughout and into the evening.
Pools and Recreation
Mediterranean Bay
In-between the Larissa and Sicilian areas of the resort is the resort's main pool area, Mediterranean Bay. With a variety of activities for the whole family, you can walk along and sit under umbrellas, available tents, or shaded areas by the poolside bar. The 300 ft waterslide also gives kids and kids at heart an exciting addition to the pool, which contains waterfalls, Jacuzzi, and a lazy river attachment.
In addition, there are two quiet pools (a 3rd for the future DVC area when it is built)
There are a variety of poolside activities scheduled during the day, such as water volleyball tournaments, Disney trivia, and other family aquatic games to keep everyone entertained.
Tennis Courts
Complimentary tennis balls and rackets available at the Mediterranean Bay Guest Service station. Private tennis lessons are available for a fee.
Volleyball
Next to the Tennis courts and along the sands of the main pool area is a sand volleyball court. Complimentary volleyballs are available at the Guest Service Station.
Jogging Trail
Crescent Lake Loop (0.8 miles)
Children's Playground
Next to Mediterranean Bay, there is a children's play area open throughout the main pool hours.
Mini-Golf
Guests of Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa have a walking trail access to a 9 hole mini-golf course located behind the Larissa side of the resort.
Guided Bass Fishing Tours (Catch-and Release)
For a fee, a guide will take your party on a tour of Crescent Lake for a catch and release fishing excursion. Times at 7am, 10am, 1pm. For reservations call (407)-WDW-BASS or talk to the concierge desk about more information.
Olympia Spa and Fitness Center
On the Larissa side of the resort, you'll find the Spa and Fitness center at Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa. Here you will have 24 hour access to a strength training/cardio workout center.
In addition, the Spa has massage treatments, a salon, facials, as well as a sauna.
Shopping
Open air market:
Nestled between the two resorts will be an open air market inspired by these Mediterranean cultures. Various stands will be scattered throughout the area each manned by a different cast member with a central cashier area in the middle. All stands will have covered awnings to protect from the sun and rain. Some of the unique offerings guests will find available to purchase at this market include Mediterranean-inspired jewelry and bags, merchandise with the sensational six characters competing in the Olympic Games, various regional selections of Olive oil, and even a small gelato stand. With world-class theming, guests will feel as if they are spending the day shopping by the sea.
Transportation
Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa has an eclectic variety of transportation options to get around Walt Disney World. Due to its location between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, those transportation options become very convenient.
Magic Kingdom
Bus (begins 45 minutes before park opening and up until 2 hours after park closing)
Walk/Monorail (walk through Epcot to the Epcot Monorail Station, exchange at the TTC)
Epcot
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Bus (begins 45 minutes before park opening and up until 2 hours after park closing)
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
Bus (begins 30 minutes before park opening and up until 1 hours after park closing)
Disney Springs
Bus (available 9am-2am)
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
*Note that the bus stop(s) is located near the Epcot Resorts Blvd. There is one for the Larissa side of the resort and one for the Sicilian side of the resort.
Conclusion
Overall, Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa brings the seaside European vibe to the Crescent Lake Epcot Resort Area, seamlessly blending in with the other seaside options of the Yacht and Beach Club, as well as the Boardwalk Inn. This resort offers a sampling of a variety of different shopping, dining, and recreational activities that adds another unique deluxe resort offering for Walt Disney World.
On behalf of the cast of Gryffindor, we thank you for reading our final presentation in The House Cup and best of luck to the rest of the Houses in the finale