Review: Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

This is it Disney friends! Toledo is a restaurant you’ll want to be sure is on the list for your next Disney vacation! When the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opened, we were wowed at the impressive details and overall beautiful design both inside and outside. So, when we learned there was a restaurant at the top of the tower, we knew we had to try it out. Check out details about our experience here!

1 – You’ve Arrived!

As grand as the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is, it’s a surprise that it is only rated in the “Moderate” category of Disney Resorts when really it screams “Deluxe”! Easily accessible via bus, or car – plan to drop by the Gran Destino Tower whether you are staying onsite or elsewhere. Take your time to check out the stunning lobby before heading to the elevators, where you’ll select the 16th floor… the very top of the tower. Once on the 16th floor, you’ll find a hostess stand located between the Dahlia Lounge and Toledo. You’ve arrived!

2 – While You Wait…

We were happy to have dining reservations for Toledo as the night we dined, there was over an hour wait for a table. We arrived early for our reservation, however. We were asked to wait either in the seating area in front of the hostess stand or enjoy a short wait at Dahlia Lounge. Dahlia is a masterpiece of a lounge! There is an open-air balcony with comfy chairs that boasts outstanding views of Walt Disney World property. If it’s too breezy outside, enjoy the comfort of the indoors. We saw many dining parties that didn’t have reservations wait the hour as they happily enjoyed Dahlia’s tempting cocktails. We, too, sipped on a seasonal Sangría Tinto while we waited at Dahlia. Shortly after we finished our drinks, we received a text that our table was ready – right on time!

3 – Dining with Views

If the views from Dahlia Lounge aren’t enough – you’re sure to get your fill at Toledo. This top-of-the-tower dining allows guests to see all four theme parks and Blizzard Beach on a clear day. Panoramic windows surround the space, making you feel like you are dining in the clouds. At night (when we chose to dine), it looks like a sea of twinkle lights outside every window. During our dining reservation, we were able to see both Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance – coming from both sides of the restaurant. Unlike a dining experience like California Grill, where the fireworks music is pipped in, the fireworks are more of a background to the dining experience.

4 – Truly a “Spanish Haven”

Disney describes Toledo as a “Spanish Haven,” and they couldn’t be more accurate! The romantic colors, the decorative artwork, the open feel of the restaurant, to the very smallest of details all, come together to celebrate the “1930’s avant-garde” experience. Our hostess encouraged us to look up frequently over our dining experience as the colors of the decorative ceiling change. We were pleased with the space between tables and booths, making for an intimate setting for each dining party.

5 – The Food is Art

Simply put… the food at Toledo is art! Not just on your plate but in your mouth! You start off with receiving what looks like a straightforward menu with three pieces, including Tapas, Beverages, and Food. We, of course, had to try one from each piece! Tapas are typically known as being small plates, but our starter was a great size. Now for the main dish! We had the chicken, which came with a roasted tomato bomba rice and the Filet of Beef with a potato puree. The portion size (especially the chicken) was surprisingly larger than we suspected. We didn’t have a problem with finishing our plates, however, as we thankfully planned a day of light snacks in anticipation of this meal. Both types of meat were juicy and cooked to perfection. If it wasn’t such a nice restaurant, we might have found ourselves licking our plates clean! We still couldn’t get over how beautiful the food looked on the plate and were pleased the flavors matched the appearance.

6 – Plus – Beverages & Desserts of course!

Even though we had sipped down one of the cocktails from Dahlia Lounge while waiting, we knew we had to try Toledo’s cocktails! One drink we ordered was the Tequila Daisy, which was a bright margarita with a burst of grapefruit and lime. The other drink was the Sangría Tinto, which had the perfect Spanish infusion of wine and fruit. This was a great way to get the meal started. Plus, it seemed like everything we ate paired well with our drink choices. Dessert was a fantastic ending to the dining experience. The Toledo Tapas Bar is called a “progressive dessert tasting” for a good reason. Every bite has a different punch of flavors with Spanish coffee, crunchy chocolate, raspberry mousse, and lemon curd. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful plate! Then there was the yummy Café con Leche’. This plate looked like a small dessert, but the dark chocolate infused with Spanish coffee was super-rich in every bite, making it the right size for a perfect chocolate and coffee lovers’ dessert.

7 – A New Favorite

We must mention how outstanding the service was! Our server was impeccable from the way he presented the menu and explained the items to us to be sure our water glasses were full while checking in on us frequently. The food came out fast, fresh, and always with a smile. We were so happy we tried Toledo and are easily putting this one on our list of top ten restaurants in all of Walt Disney World! The atmosphere, the views, the food, the service… just outstanding!

8 – Items to Note

Be sure to make your dining reservation 60 days in advance at Toledo. We wouldn’t say go here to see the fireworks, but it is a bonus to have fireworks in the background while you dine! There is no dress attire (unless specified for a special dining event such as New Year’s). Still, most guests dining were wearing nicer outfits for their evening out. AND – did you know Toledo is a great deal when on the Disney Dining Plan? Even though it feels like it should be a Signature Dining Restaurant – because it is located at a Moderate Resort, it only requires ONE table-service credit. Private Parties are also welcome, so if you’re looking to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary, or even an “un-birthday,” contact Toledo to see if their private dining space is available for an additional cost.

Bottom line – check out Toledo! You won’t regret it.