WDW Daily News

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent,” in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora. The film continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster, the film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

• Opened Aug. 1, 1997, as Disney’s largest convention resort featuring one of the largest single-level convention centers on the East Coast; new Gran Destino Tower opens July 9, 2019, signifying the resort’s grand re-imagining
• Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area, Walt Disney World Resort
• 2,385 guest rooms, including suites in lakeside casitas and the new Gran Destino Tower
• More than 220,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and event function space
• Rings Lago Dorado, the 22-acre lake at the center of the resort
• Fitness offerings include four swimming pools, walking/jogging trail, volleyball court
• Restaurants, lounges, food court and Café Rix grab-and-go provide a wide range of culinary options
• Remodeled Panchito’s offers an array of trendy and art-inspired merchandise
• Reservations: com, (407) W-DISNEY or via certified travel agents

Gran Destino Tower

• Grand opening: July 9, 2019
• 16 floors, 545 guest rooms (includes 50 suites, highlighted by two presidential suites)
• New arrival and reception experience featuring a dramatic two-story lobby
• Dining and cocktails with panoramic views: Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge
• New meeting venues include 24-seat boardroom and 2,859-square-foot Lantana room that divides into three smaller rooms; adjoining 1,674-square-foot pre-function space includes show kitchen
• Barcelona Lounge, on the lower lobby level, offers coffee in the morning, cocktails remainder of the day
• Club-access guests can visit Chronos Club, a bright, comfortable lounge where they can relax and enjoy light refreshments throughout the day or take advantage of vacation-planning services
• Destino Plaza off the lower lobby level is ideal for weddings and other special outdoor events

Resort Inspiration

• Gran Destino Tower takes its name from the surrealistic Disney animated film “Destino”
• The rooftop restaurant, Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks and Seafood, is inspired by the renowned Spanish city that was home to avant-garde writers and artists in the 1920s and ’30s
• Dahlia Lounge is named after the “Destino” heroine, a mortal woman who enchants the Greek god Chronos; dandelion chandeliers, metal bell accents and ceiling coffers with swirling patterns all draw inspiration from the restaurant’s namesake
• Three lodging districts adjacent to Gran Destino Tower are inspired by the elegant cities, neighborhood dwellings and diverse natural landscapes of Mexico and the American Southwest:
  • The elegant and sophisticated Casitas emphasize the residential areas of colonial cities found all over Mexico
  • The Ranchos represent ranch houses of the dry southwestern chaparral regions of northern Mexico and the American Southwest
  • The Cabanas evoke the look and feel of a small tropical coastal fishing village on the Mexican coast
• The Dig Site pool complex features a massive gray stone Mayan temple that recalls many of the ceremonial centers created by the ancient Mayans; according to Disney legend, the temple sits five stories above the Coronado Springs, and the water cascades down the temple’s steps into the Lost City of Cibola Feature Pool. Bas-relief sculptures, called stellae, have been carved on the pyramid. The deck and its tiled bottom also feature inlaid representations of Mayan symbols.

To celebrate this month’s grand opening of Gran Destino Tower as part of the exciting reimagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, we’re sharing a peek inside this jewel found in the heart of Walt Disney World® Resort.  

From jaw-dropping chandeliers to beautiful Spanish tiles, murals and wall patterns, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort honors the rich cultures and landscapes of Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest. 

Inside Gran Destino Tower, the first thing Guests will notice is a grand two-story lobby and intricate wooden screens with rows of dazzling Moorish hanging lanterns.  

Colorful bronze screens, inspired by Spanish tile patterns, glow around registration areas, creating an inviting, happy ambiance day and night.

The Barcelona Lounge, located on the lower lobby level, features eclectic patterns and colors inspired by the unique aesthetic of Barcelona, Spain.  Seating areas include large murals, including art with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. 

The Resort’s Dahlia Lounge is also filled with color and features whimsical forms and unique lighting.

All around the Dahlia Lounge, Guests will notice unique architectural shapes and patterns with the distinctive organic style of Spanish Modernism.

Named for the storied Spanish city home to avant-garde writers and artists of the 1930s, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafoodis a table-service dining experience with organic chandeliers, illuminated by twinkle lights, that add a magical touch of pixie dust.

And after a day of adventure, on the way to the Gran Destino Tower bedrooms, you will see colorful art panels in a variety of patterns inspired by Spanish tiles as well as flooring with a special Disney touch.  

Celebrating the rich cultures and vibrant landscapes of Spain, Mexico and the American Southwest through contemporary design and Old World traditions, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort shines with renewed luster. On July 9, 2019, the resort will complete a multiyear re-imagining focused on today’s travelers, marking the official debut of a new tower, new restaurants and a new arrival experience.

The new Gran Destino Tower rises dramatically on the southeastern shores of Lago Dorado (“Golden Lake”), the resort’s 22-acre lake. The tower – opening to the public July 9 – offers 545 modern guest rooms (including 50 suites and club-level services), a grand two-story lobby, new meeting venues, and a rooftop restaurant and lounge with spectacular views.The distinctive tower becomes the stylish new gateway to the 2,385-room resort.

Gran Destino Tower takes its name from the classic Disney film “Destino.” Drawing inspiration from the surrealist animated short, the tower is a whimsical, magnificent visual feast, diverse in its design and execution. The tower’s outdoor Destino Plaza are also ideal for weddings, business receptions or other special events.

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The next time you are at a Walt Disney World® Resort bus loop, tell them to be on the lookout for Mickey and his friends! 

This month, Walt Disney World buses are taking on a new look, adorned with the sensational six: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. From the red and yellow colors of Mickey’s attire, to the iconic Minnie polka dots and the pastel hues of Daisy, you will now arrive at your favorite destinations in full Disney style, riding along with these beloved Disney characters.

And as if boarding a colorful bus worthy of a selfie isn’t enough, you will also enjoy refreshed interiors that include brand new blue seats and laminate floors. Some Walt Disney World buses will also have USB charging ports conveniently located between seats throughout, so Guests can stay in touch with family and friends and keep their cameras ready to capture every minute of your dream vacation.  The new buses sure do bring a fun look to the complimentary Walt Disney World transportation that resort Guests can enjoy throughout their vacations!

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Everyone in the world knows about Mickey Mouse, the bubbly mascot of The Walt Disney Company. Since first appearing in 1928, Mickey has become a global icon, likely the most instantly recognizable cartoon character in history. 

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Join tens of thousands of fans as they converge at Wizard World Chicago to celebrate the best in pop culture. Wizard World Chicago brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended pop culture tour and has it all – Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Anime, Manga, Horror, Wrestling, Original Art, Collectibles & More!

FEATURED CELEBRITY GUESTS
Jason Momoa – Aquaman, Game of Thrones, Stargate: Atlantis
Ben McKenzie – Gotham, Batman: Year One, The O.C.
Morena Baccarin – Gotham, Deadpool, Firefly/Serenity
Melissa Joan Hart – Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Clarissa Explains It All
Cary Elwes – The Princess Bride
Chris Sarandon – The Princess Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas
David Giuntoli – Grimm, A Million Little Things
Matt Ryan – Constantine, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
George Wendt – Cheers
…and many more!

SHOW HOURS
Thursday, August 22, 2019 – 4:00pm-9:00pm 
Friday, August 23, 2019 – 12:00pm – 7:00pm 
Saturday, August 24, 2019 – 10:00am – 7:00pm 
Sunday, August 25, 2019 – 10:00am – 4:00pm 

ADMISSION DETAILS
• All Admissions gain entry to Wizard World Chicago 2019.
• Important: Bring your printed e-Admissions to the event to gain admittance. 
• Up to 2 Children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult 
• Admission will not be refunded.
• Admissions that are purchased from unauthorized websites (sites such as craigslist, eBay, StubHub, etc.) will not be honored for entry 
• Each admission is valid for the same person and may not be transferred. If you remove or tamper with a wristband it will not be replaced and you will not be allowed entry.
• Credit card will be charged at time of purchase.
• All Admissions have a Chicago of 9.25% included in the fees.
• Autograph fees may be required for some guests. 
• Talent subject to change. Admission will not be refunded due to Talent changes.

Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders will have the opportunity to register for a preview of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on select dates and times in August at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

How to Register

• Email invitations with registration details will be sent out later this summer. 
• If you are an eligible Passholder and would like to register a Guest to accompany you, that Guest must also have a valid Platinum, Platinum Plus or Premier annual pass, be listed on your Family & Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.

Important Information

• Advance registration is required. 
• Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders must register by making an online reservation for ONE event. 
• Valid Annual Pass and photo ID are required at check-in for each Passholder and Passholder Guest.
• Reservations are limited and are subject to availability.
• Activities and attractions are subject to change without notice.

Anyone who has ever taken a trip to one of the many Disney parks around the world will know there are a lot of different really unique and totally delicious foods at each of the parks. Some foods are even specific to a certain park or can only be purchased during a certain time of the year while other food items are available on the menus at parks all year round.

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If you are looking for a new and unique place to dine this summer, then we have some exciting news for you to share with them: Takumi-Tei is officially open at Epcot®! Located in World Showcase, the new signature table-service restaurant is the latest addition to the Japan pavilion. Here you will enjoy an upscale dining experience with exceptional and specialized service tailored to the unique atmosphere this restaurant provides.

The entire Takumi-Tei experience is focused on giving Guests a better understanding of Japanese culture, as explained by the Japanese cultural representatives. From the moment Guests walk in to the moment they put down your chopsticks for the last time, they’ll feel as if they’ve been transported to the island nation and will learn about Japanese traditions and their connection to the natural world. 

In addition to an incredible prix fixe multi-course tasting menu and a chef’s table experience, the dinner menu highlights wagyu beef in a sublime setting along with sushi, sashimi, unique desserts, signature cocktails, premium sake and much more.

Guests can start their meal with appetizers like Teien (meaning “garden” and featuring compressed watermelon and tuna sashimi), Nikomi Wagyu (braised wagyu short rib with roasted bone marrow), or Hama no Kani (“Crab on the Beach” featuring crab tossed in a light ponzu sauce as well whole toasted crab). For a vegetarian option, you can dine on the Agedashi Tofu with fried silken tofu, brown butter black rice and shimeji mushroom.

Entrées include exquisite dishes like Kamo Rosu and Takumi Gyuniku. The Kamo Rosu features roasted marinated duck with kabocha squash, edamame beans, Japanese mizuna, cured duck egg yolk, and a grape reduction. The Takumi Gyuniku, or artisan beef, shines the spotlight on a Japanese A-5 wagyu beef tenderloin with leek sauce, warishita, short rib gyoza, roast cippolini onion, curried potato, and seasonal mushroom

For the sushi and sashimi lovers, there are some delicious options. On the Maki Sushi menu, they’ll find Mozaiku (featuring tuna, yellowtail and asparagus). They can also try the Temari Sushi featuring a chef-selected assortment of oceanic delicacies. Or if sashimi is more your style, the Takumi Sashimi entrée features tuna, toro, salmon, yellowtail, uni and ikura.

Of course, there’s always room for dessert! Two choice selections include Kumo (yuzu cheesecake, spiced kabocha, orange yuzu gel and blackberry sake) or Suiren Dani (Water Lilly Valley featuring Japanese water cake, rose, kuromitsu and kinako crumb).

They will also find an extensive beverage menu with premium sake, wine, beer and cocktails. Specialty cocktails are themed to each of the five dining rooms and include Kochi (Joto Yuzu citrus sake, rum, fresh mint, yuzu juice and orange), Raiju (Haku Japanese vodka, spiced ginger beer and lime), Sakurajima (Japanese whisky sour smoked with cherrywood), and Kami (Roku gin, Sayuri “White Lilly” Nigori sake, calipco and lychee). 

As of today, Takumi-Tei is open for dinner in the Japan pavilion at Epcot starting at 4 p.m. daily. Walk-ups are currently being accepted, and reservations will be available beginning July 16, 2019, with bookings starting that same day. To book, visit the Walt Disney World® Resort website or call (407) WDW-DINE. To make reservations for the Chef’s Table Dining Experience, call Mitsukoshi directly at (407) 827-8504.