Sangria University!

Back with Day 3 of our 12th Anniversary trip. If you missed the first two, page back and check them out. We stayed on DVC points (which we got last minute) for two nights. The downside of renting "confirmed reservation" DVC points is you don't really get to choose your dates. Two nights was what came up, so two nights it was. 

We woke up Sunday morning and said goodbye to our lovely room at Saratoga Springs. For $200 a night, I would totally stay here again.  

There weren't any confirmed reservations we were interested in for Sunday night, though we found a great deal on Animal Kingdom Lodge (again, like $250 a night for that!) on Monday night and Tuesday night. Basically we just had to fill in one night somewhere on a direct Disney booking. Enter: Coronado Springs Resort. Now, technically we have stayed here once before, when mom's AMATYC conference was here. And we've been here before when Asa graduated (both his undergrad and graduate ceremonies were at the Coronado Springs Ball room!), but that was before the resort got a revamp- and the tower! Gran Destino tower has been on my list for awhile, but really with the tower came all kinds of updates to the entire resort, including lots of new resturants people rave about. I was excited to try all of those, but last minute a Club Level room in the tower came up on a Passholder discount for about $100 more than we were paying for a room not in the tower (just the normal moderate resort style hotel rooms- though I've still heard good things about those since they've all be re-done!) So, resturants were not really part of the trip this time, since our food would be included. Still, I'd get to explore the resort some, which I was super excited about when we entered the tower lobby. It's the prettiest. 

It was only about 10 am, though, so no room was ready for us. In fact, we didn't plan on staying around long. We were just there to hit up the Club Level for breakfast. Because, fun Disney fact, if you are staying Club Level you're benefits start at breakfast on arrival day and run through closing time on departure day. So, while we were only staying there one night we could get all our meals there for two days! We headed up to the Chronos Club to check it out. You'll find the Chronos Club on the 15th floor of the tower. 

Now, people rave about this Club Level. We've only ever stayed Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge (pre-covid, I hear it's different since then), and we really enjoyed it. But, some Clubs at Disney aren't spoken about as highly. Since Chronos is pretty new, and the resturants in the tower are pretty well reviewed, we knew it'd be top notch. Fun fact, too: Gran Destino Tower is the only "moderate" resort with a Club Level. Everywhere else you'll be paying "Deluxe Resort" prices to get yourself to the Clubs. 

Breakfast though, was pretty good. They had Spanish Leche Frita with Berry Compote that I just loved, along with oatmeal and egg frittatas as the hot items. 

Cold items were your usual suspects: Meat and cheese, hard boiled eggs, and fruit: all presented nicely, but it made taking more than one or two a little weird. (I guess they switched a lot of things to single serving post-covid reopening). 

There's still breads, pastries, and cereals... 

And Chronos Club has a very fancy coffee maker. 

We loaded up on breakfast food, and found ourselves a quiet spot in the corner of the lounge. 

They came to check on us pretty frequently and when they asked if we needed anything, I asked if we could get our anniversary buttons. Because of the way I'd been feeling, we never did make it up to the lobby of Saratoga Springs to get them. And it's not an anniversary trip without them. It took forever for her to come back with them, which I thought was a little strange... until I saw them. Not only had she brought us back both "I'm celebrating" and "Happily Ever After" buttons, but they came bedazzled with mickey! 

After lunch we headed back down to the car. Here's the thing, not every Club level room is on the 15th floor. I was a little concerened about this- because at some Disney resorts elevators can be crowded and SLOW. I thought it might get a little annoying to come and go, depending on what floor we were on. But these elevators are super efficient. Instead of a down or up button, you push which floor you want to go to, and it assigns you an elevator. We hardly ever had to wait, and rarely were we with anyone else.  

After breakfast we had decided we would go mini golfing. This annual pass includes the Water Park and Sports option, where every day (even days we're blocked out!) we can do one extra thing: a water park, regular golf, mini golf, footgolf, or even a trip to Wide World of Sports. 

At first we went over to Fantasia Mini Golf by the Swan and Dolphin. But, it was packed. We realized quickly it would be a hefty wait. So, we decided to bail and drive over to the Winter/Summerland course. This is over on the west side of Disney right near Coronado Springs. It's outside of Blizzard Beach, but with Blizzard Beach currently closed for refurbishment, this area sees very little traffic. We were hoping that meant low waits for mini golf, and we were right! After about ten minutes, they were ready for us. 

We did get the Summerland course, which is the mini golf course I have most recently played (with the Sattler's when they were here in January). But, I was happy just to be able to play. 

And check out our matching shirts. These are awesome. I don't care what anyone says. And if you don't what these are from, you're not a real Disney fan. (We got lots of compliments on them!) 

Real talk though, it was HOT. Like, feel like you're melting hot. I know there was a heat wave pretty much everywhere, but man, when we're part of a summer heat wave, it can get brutal. I'm talking sweat dripping off your forehead onto the ground when you're just trying to putt! 

Still, we had a good time. I was holding my own for awhile, but I really fell apart at the end. Asa beat me by at least 6 strokes, and I think he was being generous with the score at the end. 

After mini golf we headed back to Coronado Springs to hit the pool and cool off. Our room still wasn't ready, but I had packed a pool bag in case that happened. The pool is in the middle of another very spread out resort, so it can be a trek (and was from our car), but the views on the walk are gorgeous. 

I will note, Coronado Springs has a decent pool. It's big. But, except for the awesome temple waterfall and the fun slide, pretty basic. And there is zero shade while you're in the pool. (Funfact, it does have the largest hot tub on Disney property!) I realized while swimming in this pool, I was checking another pool off my Disney pool bucket list. I've said I want to swim in all of them, and despite the fact that we stayed here, I'd never swam in the Coronado Springs pool. It was closed when we were here (and it was too cold to swim anyway). But, now I believe I'm down to one feature pool at Disney resorts I have not swam in: Old Key West. 

After some time in the sun, we changed our clothes and got ready for our "extra event" for the day. In case you haven't noticed, every full day we were at Disney we had one special "Magical Extra" as Disney likes to call them. 

On Sunday, our Magical Extra was Sangria University at Three Bridges Bar and Grill out on the water at Coronado Springs Resort! I only learned about this one recently, but for under 50 bucks in "tution" you can graduate from Sangria University! 

Sangria University is held every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 in the afternoon at the outdoor bar on the lake, which doesn't open until 4. What this means is you have the whole place to yourself. We showed up to check in just a few minutes early. There are two sides to the bar, and both get their very own Sangria University Instructor. 

As we walked past the bar to be seated, they were pouring all the Sangria for our tastings. That's a lot of Sangria! 

We were sat at a couple of chairs near the water, with our table already set for us. Everything you'll see here is included in the price of admission. We each got our own chips and guacamole, and bottled waters. (The other stuff is for later, so stay tuned!) 

The guac is good stuff. They make it there every day, and you can get it on the normal Three Bridges menu for $12 (whether the $12 portion is the portion we got, I'm not sure). And it's delicious. I wanted to scoop it all up and eat it right away. But, I also knew what was coming, and decided I would wait until the drinks arrived. 

Once everyone is seated and settled, they bring out Sangria towers for everyone. Yes, TOWERS. There are four different Sangrias. Worth noting, you see that little kid in the background of my picture? You can come here and get a non-alcholic option. They brought him out six different types of lemonade, explained them all to him, and that kid took a straw and went to town. (Also, I overheard them explain the different lemonades and they sounded delicious). 

As for our Sangrias, I don't remember all of them. BUT they are on the menu at Three Bridges, so I have that for reference!

The bottom one is a basic Tinto (red) Sangria (Garnacha Wine, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Orange). Next up is Rosado (Rose) Sangria (Garnacha Rosé Wine, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, Apricot Brandy, Raspberry, Apple)

The third one from the bottom (the one with the lemon in it), is the Blanco (White) Sangria

(Macabeo Wine, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, St. Germain Elderflower, Passion Fruit, Lemon). And the top one is Espumoso (Sparkling) Sangria Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Brut Cava, Peach Liqueur, Lemon

You don't just get to try all the Sangrias, you have an instructor to tell you all about them, and the history of Sangria, and the history of Sangria AT Disney! 

We learned about Salvador Dali and Walt Disney bringing the Spanish influence to Disney, we learned about how an official Spanish Sangria has to have everything from Spain. The juice, the wine, the spirit (which, btw I learned are the three key components in a Sangria) all has to be from Spain. It even has to be bottled there. We also learned while an open bottle of wine is great to use as the wine component to Sangria, we should never just throw some fruit in some wine and call it Sangria (guilty!) We learned about stirring our Sangria, and we learned that I can hold my fruit based liquor better than Asa. 

We both finished most of the four. 

Me? I was slightly afraid of the Rose Sangria, mostly because of the Apricot Brandy and Strawberry Gin. Our instructor told us this story about how it's the only one he warns guests about thanks to a lady who ordered a whole pitcher of it and promptly fell asleep at one of his tables for an hour or two. So, I stopped drinking that one after the story. 

Those four Sangrias, by the way, are available as a flight at the resturant for what I think is a very resonable $21. I would totally get the flight- but maybe just one and share with Asa if we ever get to eat at Three Bridges (it is on my Disney dining bucket list for sure). 

Once you've made your way through all four of the Sangrias, you get a fifth- and it's one you design on your own! You can choose any of the wines: Sparkling, Rose, White or Red and any Spirit you like (some are a nominal upcharge from your base price). They put them all out for you to see and give you a minute to think about it. 

And remember the little glasses of juice and the fruit from before? Well, now you get to pick your juice to mix it with. In our case there was lemonade or cranberry. 

If you don't feel like you've learned enough to design your own flavor profile, your instructor will come around to take your "order" and help you out. Asa told him he liked ginger based drinks (he is, after all, a Moscow Mule guy). So they brough him some ginger beer, and ginger to mix with his white wine and Titos Vodka. 

And ta da! I present to you Asa's Sangria Mule! He added a lemon and lime wedge for some interest, and enjoyed his concoction. 

Me? Well, I'm a strawberry lemonade kind of girl. So, I made one with the lemonade, white wine, strawberry gin and of course, some strawberries and lemon thrown in for good measure. 

And I had myself a delicious summer sangria. And let me tell you, after five Sangrias I was pretty glad I had nowhere else to be the rest of the afternoon. I highly recommend Sangria class, but really only if you're staying at Coronado Springs. 

Clink! (And then we drink!) 

Our instructor handed out our "tution" aka bill. We both got the upgrade, so it did cost us just about 10 bucks. But, everything else was already included in the price we paid when we booked the experience. I think it was something like $47. I'm just saying, if you bought the bottle of water, the chips and guac, and the Sangria Flight, you'd be at about $37 before tax and tip. So, really, it's a pretty good deal for the whole experience. You get all of that, plus a fifth Sangria you get to make, and the class! That has to make it one of the best "deals" at Disney. I would totally do this class again. Maybe when Peyton turns 21 if he's around (and not in the UK by then), the four of us can do it and Hayden can drive us all home. Ha! 

After our tution was paid, there was one more thing to do... hand out diplomas! 

As in actual paper diplomas! We've graduated from Sangria University. 

These are totally going on the wall with my grandparents Square Dancing Diploma. 

And of course, what's Disney without a photo op to wrap up the whole thing. 

By now our room was ready, so we wandered over to the tower to check it out. 

I was super excited to go back out and explore the grounds once we got our stuff up to the room. There was the giant chess set, shuffleboard, and a campfire for smores later. 

Plus a nice outdoor seating area where they'd later be showing Encanto as the movie for the night!

But, when we got up to our room, I quickly realized I would not be doing any of those things... 

..because WE HAD BEEN UPGRADED TO A SUITE!!!! 

I would have known this if I paid attention in the app when it assigned our room to us and said we were in a Delux suite instead of a queen club room. 

I had secretely hoped this would happen. I know enough about Disney to know we had a decent chance of an upgrade. After all, we had a few things going for us. First, it was just the two of us. The suites technically do sleep four because of the pull out couch, but they don't want to upgrade you and leave some members in your party without a "real" bed. Second, we were just staying one night (Disney upgrades usually only happen if you stay a night or MAYBE two). Lastly, I had included "anniversary" when they ask at online check in if you're celebrating anything. So, I did know it was a possiblity. Still, when we swung open the door, I was surprised. 

So, what does a suite look like in Gran Destino? You walk in to a lovely entry way... 

Complete with pretty artwork. 

And immediately off your to your left behind pocket doors (They're all sliding doors of some sort in this room), you have a half bathroom with a gorgeous tiled wall. 

Just past the entry way you'll find your mini fridge, ice bucket, and keurig coffee maker. 

You're living space has the couch (that does fold out), and a chair along with a few tables and stools. 

And behind that is a little desk ares with two chairs. 

The tv was all fancy and welcoming us! (Previously we had only seen this at the fancy resorts we stayed at for my 40th birthday). 

The sliding barn door leads to the bedroom. 

Theres a king bed, a couple of end tables and a stool. The light up headboard is a nice touch. 

The closet is behind that sliding barn door (there were plush robes and slippers in there!) and on the other side, there is storage in the form of shelves and drawers. 

Next to that you'll find the bathroom with double sinks and some more of that pretty tiling. 

And there is a VERY large shower with an awesome showerhead. 

There's a scale too. Why you'd want that on vacation... who knows. But still, it's there. 

The toilet has it's own room too. And it was a big room. Almost weirdly big. It also had some nice artwork. 

While I was nosing around taking pictures of the room, Asa was all excited about the TV... because look closely and you'll notice casting from your device was an option! 

He was very excited about this. 

And then, there was the view. So, we were not on the 15th floor with the club, but we were just one floor below. The views from the 14th floor were just as stunning. 

I know there is a lot of parking lot in this picture, but I was really hoping for a "parking lot view" because off in the distance you can see Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Which means at night you can see the fireworks! The other side of the hotel, I'm sure has a gorgeous view too. You'd see all of Coronado Springs, the lake, three bridges. All that. But, I was hoping for a fireworks view! And we got it! 

We also had a cute little welcome gift. 

And a letter letting us know all about Club Level. We had gotten back from Sangria class just in time to check out afternoon snacks at the Club. 

So we went up a floor to see what they had to offer (and grab some things for later). There were lots of veggies and various dipping sauces and uncrustables if you needed a little something more substantial. 

There were grab and go items like cookies and fruit, and bags of chips and trail mix.. 

And some things like goldfish and dried bananas. They had little bags to take that stuff to go, and bags all along the bookcase to take some candy along too. 

Of course all the drinks and coffee were available too. So we grabbed a bunch of stuff to go. After all, we needed something to soak up the Sangria. 

We took some things to eat right now, but a lot of packaged things we took along for later. Some of it went to the Animal Kingdom Lodge with us, some of it even came home and the boys ate it. 

And then we hung out and enjoyed the room. The fancy tvs even have the old Magic Kingdom fireworks show "Happily Ever After" on demand. It's no Wishes, but I'll take it! 

Later we headed back up to Club Level for dinner. 

Heres the thing, people say Chronos Club is not for picky (or "Selective" eaters). And I agree. They have some weird stuff up there. But, if you're a little more adventerous in your eating, you'll be pretty happy with the variety of options. I decided I was going to try everything, after all, it's all in small portions condusive to having just a bite or two of things. And I even tried the tuna. The RAW tuna! I would never spend money on trying such things. I don't really even like fish (or so I thought), but this was a great opportunity to try it. And it wasn't half bad (spoiler alert: we were back here for dinner the next evening on our check out day and I had grouper and salmon and LOVED the salmon). 

These heart of Palm cakes were delicious as well, though the sauce on here and the tuna were a little spicey for me. 

There was also lots of veggies and dip, and a delicious cold cous cous salad. 

The bread and the tomato sauce were delicious as well (though very garlic heavy). 

And of course, there was a lot of different wine to try too! 

There's a few other things I didn't take pictures of, apparently. But, all in all, Not bad for a nice dinner at Club Level. 

Back at the room, we hung out, and Asa moved the car to be a bit closer to our room. I called him and helped direct him to the only empty spot in the lot. 

From 8 to 10, there are evening sweets. We headed up hoping to get some stuff to bring back to make our own fireworks dessert party, and the amazing, thoughtful, helpful, awesome Club Level cast members gave us a tray and encouraged us to take two of everything. Seriously, those cast members were among the best at Disney.  We brought the desserts back to the room and put them in the fridge for later. 

 

And then we watched as the sun went down and the parks began to light up. (Can you see the Epcot ball out the bedroom window there?!) 

There it is! 

We got into our pjs and our robes for the fireworks... 

..and got out our deserts and cordials... 

We drug the stool at the end of the bed up to the window and set out all the desserts.. 

Asa even found the Harmonious soundtrack on his phone and played it to coinside with the fireworks, and he totally nailed it. 

I'm just saying... who needs those expensive Disney dessert parties when you can have your own private one? This was one of my favorite things all trip (Sans Wild Africa Trek, of course, so stay tuned for that blog!) 

And that was it for our day at Coronado Springs. Asa was very happy to go to bed and have a king sized bed (like we do at home) and not the smaller queens we had been having! You can tell this by his cheesing for the camera. Though, he's probably also amped the next day would be Wild Africa Trek Day!

Next Up: We go deep into the Kilamonjaro Wilderness for my dream come true!