RED Episode # 74: RunDisney August Virtual 5K at Coronado Springs Resort and Toledo at the new Gran Destino Tower
RUN
RunDisney’s Virtual Race Series celebrates 80 years of Marvel. This month’s medals include the Black Panther medal for the August 5K and the bonus medal for running all three virtual races this summer, the 80 Years of Marvel. Just like we did for June and July, we headed to Disney to run our last Virtual that was “not-so-virtual.” We headed to Coronado Springs Resort because we know from a listener recommendation that there are several running trails. Stephanie Swann, a listener and Instagram follower, sent us a blog post from a great website. We had heard of it on the Be Our Guest Podcast, but she sent the exact article we needed to plan our trip from Touring Plans. It broke down all the resort and on-property options for running. Several people in the BOGP lizards recommended the boardwalk and we did do that awesome path in June. In the article, we found the path around Coronado Springs. It did not disappoint. Might we recommend running it at night to see the beautiful lights around the bridges we saw as we ran. It was beautiful scenery, including the new Gran Destino Tower!
EAT
We have been hearing about Gran Destino Tower and the new restaurant up on the 16th floor called Toledo. It features Spanish Tapas, full entrees, and beverages. We had some crostini from their pintxos offerings including one with manchego and fig while another had tuna. Their cazuelas menu items that come in Spanish-style pots including chorizo, herbed goat cheese-filled peppers, and charred octopus with romesco and chimichurri. There were some nice flavors and I feel they will continue to develop and get even better.
DRINK
Toledo, at this point in time, really shines when it comes to their drink menu. It was my favorite part of the meal there aside from the view of fireworks. We started with refreshing sangria-type offerings after our 5K in the Espumoso Punch and Manzana Fizz. We love Cava, Spanish bubbly that is similar to champagne, and it was included in both drinks. One was red and the other white. Alla Prima Manhattan was the bourbon-based drink we tried. It had great flavors of an Old Fashioned that we love. For those who don’t want to spend a little less on drinks, the beer offerings were great as well. Estrella Galicia 1906 Reserva Especial Lager out of Spain was a tasty beer that Dana tried and for $8 it was a really tall and refreshing glass of beer.
THAT’S A WRAP
We recommend the cocktails and beer offerings here. The tapas were good and as they have been open for just under a month, and we know they will get even better with time.
Want to reach us with a tip, trick, or recommendations? Our email is info@runeatdrink.net. Or you can call with your “runcation” tips at 941- 677-2733.
THAT’S A WRAP!
Thank you for listening! Because of your support, we are in our ninth year of the podcast! Don’t forget to follow us and tell us where to find you next on our website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Also, check out our store on the website and get some swag, thanks to Pure Creative Apparel. Thanks to www.PodcastMusic.com for providing the music for this episode, too!