First Look and PHOTO TOUR: Barcelona Lounge in Disney World’s Gran Destino Tower!
We’re exploring Gran Destino Tower today (check out our LIVE post here to see all of our coverage!) and of the many breathtaking spaces in the Tower, Barcelona Lounge makes a particularly powerful impression.
This stunning espresso bar/gin tonic lounge is open to the entry and lobby above and features towering views of Lago Dorado and Coronado Springs Resort beyond.
Barcelona Lounge
Atmosphere
Barcelona Lounge is notable for its thoughtful and thought-provoking architecture and interior design. A guest’s first view of the space will likely be from above, as Barcelona Lounge is on the lower level of the lobby (and designated as such by LL on the elevator touchscreens).
Barcelona Lounge as seen from the upper level lobby and entrance
A quartet of soaring columns capture the Spanish modernism architecture applied throughout the Tower. These appear to be carved, and petal-shaped mosaics of white tile add visual interest and artistic flare. They also reflect light in the space.
Pillars
The mirrored ceiling reflects massive (and massively gilded) lanterns hanging below it. Dark wood molding adds a graphic element to the design and anchors the space from above.
Mirrored Ceiling Medallion
Coffered ceilings and strategic atmospheric lighting add dimension to the space, which soars two stories.
Gran Destino Tower Barcelona Lounge Ceiling
Oh, and did you see THIS ADORABLENESS?!?!
Walt and Mickey Mural
A grand staircase with dark metal railings and marble inserts in the stone treads adds some real grandeur to the already-impressive space. Feel free to imagine that you’re Rose from Titanic descending the staircase with all eyes on you. 
Grand Staircase
Seating in Barcelona Lounge comes in different forms. At the center of the space is a four-sided structure with four curved and thickly-padded banquette seats.
Banquette Seating
Each side has two additional chairs — in this section and the side opposite, they’re tufted leather, but the other two sides feature ornately-designed high-back chairs that we shall consider thrones, and two low stools. A low coffee table enforces the lounge feel and provides a spot for all the drinks you’re going to want to try!
Banquette Seating
There are table lamps at each point of the centerpiece, and from 3/4 of the sides, you’ll have views out of the bright windows.
Banquette Seating
The decor — from the carpet to the backs of those leather chairs — features pops of red and orange, and metallics shaped into open forms on the tables and lamps help to maintain an open feel.
Banquette Seating
There’s also seating at the bar (with convenient purse hooks and USB ports under the edge!).
Seating at the Bar
And the bar! We’re not going to say anything about the bar just yet — first, take a look.
Barcelona Lounge Bar
Stunning. The design and craftsmanship here is almost overwhelming. But in the large, open space, seen from afar, this is the beating heart of Gran Destino Tower.
Barcelona Lounge
Stained glass is backlit, and showcases the shades of red, brown, green, and blue that are used to create movement and energy in the design. The overlay of what looks like an amoebic web captures the surrealism that inspired the bar — and that is so beloved in the City of Barcelona.
Barcelona Bar
It’s almost so eye-catching you miss the goodies behind the bar, but there they are!
Barcelona Bar
And if you’re thinking there are not obvious character references in the bar area itself: you’re right. But there is one large Hidden Mickey keeping watch. But he’s REALLY hard to see! The white sections make up the top of Mickey’s head and ears!
Hidden Mickey
Eats
Barcelona Lounge offers two distinct services, with one lasting all day and the other available from late-morning through the evening and night hours. The all-day service is essentially an espresso bar. Offerings include Spanish Coffee, Classic Coffee, and Beverages like Orange Juice, Hot Chocolate, and smoothies.
Barcelona Lounge Espresso Bar
There’s also a digital menu board overhead. Note that nearly all of the offerings are Disney Dining Plan snack credit eligible.
Espresso bar menu board
Tucked beneath the grand staircase is an alcove with additions for your coffee, including Milk and Cinnamon.
Espresso Bar
Stirrers, straws, sugar, and lids are also available. (And peep that backsplash tile! Can we get Minnie Ears in that pattern por favor?)
Espresso Bar
From late-morning until the Lounge closes, Barcelona Lounge transforms into a fabulous cocktail bar. The specialty of the Lounge is gin, a spirit beloved by the Spanish.
Barcelona Lounge Menu
The gin collection at Barcelona Lounge is an international one, and tonics come in a variety of types to accent them. Guests are encouraged to “Build Your Own Gin Tonic.” (Yes, gin tonic — no and!)
Tonics
The signature drink here is the Gran Destino Gin Tonic that carries hints of orange and saffron and is garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
Gran Destino Gin Tonic
Gran Destino Tonic
The Lounge also offers Specialty Cocktails to satisfy any taste — all with a Spanish twist!
Cocktails
Cocktails
Other alcoholic options include wines from Spain and California, Distinctive Spirits, spiked coffee, and mocktails. Wines include both still and sparkling.
Wines
Wine
The Distinctive Spirits Collection is extensive. With a variety of places of origin, ages, and types, this is surely the place for a connoisseur of liquor.
Drink Menu
Distinctive Spirits
Hot, spiked beverages, fountain sodas and lemonade, and mocktails cover the rest of the Barcelona Lounge bases.
Beverages
Barcelona Lounge will also offer a small selection of food items, served from 11AM to 12AM. These include Spanish Charcuteria, Spanish Artisanal Cheeses, Lentil Hummus, ‘Aceitunas’ Marinated Olives, and A Taste of Barcelona.
Food
Overall
Barcelona Lounge is an open, colorful spot to relax and unwind no matter what time of day you’re stopping in — but that description only scrapes the surface of how cavernous (but a pretty cavern) the Lounge is. The convenient location of the Lounge on the lower level of the lobby coupled with the incredible design all but ensures Barcelona Lounge will be a favorite for guests of Gran Destino Tower.
Stay tuned for our full reviews of breakfast AND tapas service!!
What do you think of Barcelona Lounge? Tell us your first impressions in the comments below!
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited to a media preview of Gran Destino Tower. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
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