WDW Daily News

As we’ve previously shared on Disney Travel News, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort is undergoing an exciting expansion, which includes Gran Destino Tower, the new 15-story centerpiece of the resort.

The reimagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrates the daring spirit of the great Spanish explorers, artists, writers and architects. Throughout the resort, you will discover a blend of classic Spanish influences, imaginative Disney touches and modern comforts both inside and out.

Gran Destino Tower, opening July 9, 2019, will serve as the new main entrance point to the resort. The tower will add 545 new Guest rooms (including 50 suites) to the resort, as well as a gorgeous two-story lobby. The 1,800 plus existing rooms at the resort are already updated with new fixtures, furnishing and lighting.

You can look forward to new dining experiences as part of the reimagining. Three Bridges Bar & Grill will be located on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, Lago Dorado. Courtyards adjacent to the restaurant offer private-event options, and the entire area is accessible via new walkways stretching across the water, allowing for quick and convenient walks to and from all parts of the Resort.

Additionally, a unique rooftop table service restaurant, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, will open as part of Gran Destino Tower. The new dining establishment – featuring beautiful views of Walt Disney World Resort – will offer indoor dining and a lounge with indoor and outdoor seating. And you can already book dining reservations for your Clients at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood now by calling 407-WDW-DINE or visiting Disneyworld.com/dine.

Plus, a sophisticated color palette will tie the entire resort experience together, blending the new and the newly reimagined.

Reservations for Gran Destino Tower are now available. And with great summer room and package offers, now is a great time to book this reimagined resort for you.

Calling all world-travelers – there’s a new table-service restaurant coming to the World Showcase at Epcot®! As we’ve previously announced, this new addition to the Japan pavilion will provide you a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan.

The restaurant will be named Takumi-Tei, which means house of the artisan. The design celebrates the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world, while the food is inspired by the wonderful collaboration between nature and takumi, the artisan. The upscale dinner menu will highlight wagyu beef in a sublime setting, and Guests interested in the ultimate experience will be able to indulge in a multi-course tasting menu featuring traditional tea service. Signature cocktails and premium sake will be available along with a wine and craft beer menu.

Takumi-Tei will open in the Japan pavilion at Epcot this summer and will be operated by Mitsukoshi USA, which operates the merchandise, restaurants (Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining), and kiosks in the Japan pavilion. The new restaurant will add to the rich tapestry of cultural experiences available to you in World Showcase. Stay tuned for more information and details to be revealed!

As Disney World prepares for a massive influx of visitors heading to the resort for Star Wars land and the upcoming 50th Anniversary in 2021, upgrades and expansions can be seen across the resort. 

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From listening to the songs and sounds of Disney to racing virtual rockets at Space Mountain and becoming a Disney trivia master, the Play Disney Parks mobile app connects families and friends to the theme parks with interactive experiences to enjoy. 

The more you explore the parks, the more there is to discover in the app. And now, at Walt Disney World® Resort, we’re adding two new experiences for you to discover before their thrilling log-flume adventure on Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom® Park and as they create personalized souvenirs as part of Kidcot Fun Stop at World Showcase in Epcot®.

These new Play Disney Parks app experiences, presented by Ziploc, are sure to delight!

• The Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day: You will find their laughing place as they play together through a series of Splash Mountain-themed mini-games featuring some woodland pals from the attraction. After completing these whimsical challenges, you are rewarded with special photo frames to help them capture their memories. This experience is a great way to turn wait time into play time while waiting in line for the attraction, and it can also be played anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort!
• Disney Kidcot Puzzle Hunt: Your will embark on an interactive world tour to find physical jigsaw puzzle pieces throughout the Kidcot Fun Stops in all 11 World Showcase pavilions. After completing a pavilion’s puzzle hunt through the app, you are rewarded with digital jigsaw puzzles and special photo frames themed to each pavilion to commemorate their journey around the world. It’s a perfect companion to the existing Kidcot Fun Stop activities the park offers.

The Play Disney Parks app offers so much to see and do, including in-queue games, themed achievements, official Disney Parks playlists through Apple Music® and more – all designed to be enjoyed together and immerse you further into surrounding environments at the parks. As you may remember, last fall, we also added a pair of new interactive experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar and in the lobby at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which have quickly become Guest favorites.

And there’s even more on the horizon for the app, which will provide you the option to guide them deeper and deeper into a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening May 31 at Disneyland® Park and Aug. 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Available for iPhone® and smartphones for Android™.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Music streaming feature requires an Apple Music subscription. Separate Apple Music terms and conditions apply. Subscription plan renews automatically after trial. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

As “Avengers: Endgame” has smashed into theaters across the globe, fans have plenty to look forward to in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure® Park. You can step into our time dimension for multiple heroic encounters!

Captain America  

Guests can salute the all-American hero, Captain America, by striking a patriotic pose at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

Thor

Asgard’s royal heir is on-guard eager to meet you and share his galactic adventures.

Loki

Guests can challenge the galaxy’s most swindling trickster, and Thor’s meddling brother, to witty banter and a photo opp.

Black Panther

You can show their respect to the king of Wakanda as they encounter the strength of T’Challa and his guard, the Dora Milaje.

Black Widow

Guests can join Natasha Romanoff, the most talented spy on Earth, and share their secret missions with her daily in Hollywood Land.

Hawkeye

You can show their steady hands and think fast when they meet sharp-shooter Hawkeye.

Captain Marvel

Guests can awe at Captain Marvel’s extraordinary power as they pose with her and her F-15 Eagle fighter jet at Hangar 12.

Spider-Man

You can feel their spidey senses tingle as they meet their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man at the Brownstone Building on Sunset Boulevard.

Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot

You can groove and move with Star-Lord and Gamora at the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! in front of the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Once things get going, Groot makes an appearance at the party!

Attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Climb aboard the most legendary ship in the galaxy. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run lands at Disneyland Resort May 31. Subject to capacity. Reservations and valid Theme Park admission required for visits to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge between May 31 and June 23, 2019. Learn more – http://di.sn/6001Ei5jP

Disney announced an exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands designed by notable celebrities, designers and artists extending the stories of fan-favorite Disney Parks attractions and characters rolling out each month.

The innovative designer collaborations take the popular headwear to new heights and come from an array of famed designers including Vera Wang, The Blonds, Betsey Johnson, Cupcakes and Cashmere, COACH and more. In addition, an all-new design by supermodel, television host and entrepreneur Heidi Klum will be released this fall. In 2020, another exciting design will come from American supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss.

“Bedazzling the most famous ears in the world is like a dream come true for me. I am still pinching myself, said Heidi Klum. “To all Mickey and Minnie fans – I hope you love wearing them as much as I do.”

“As a lifelong lover of Disney, and the joy and happiness, not to mention fantasy Disney has inspired in all of us— I am both thrilled and honored to have partnered with them to create the Vera Wang Disney wedding veil with the iconic mouse ears so symbolic of their global brand,” said New York designer, Vera Wang. “The hand sewn crystal and pearl embroidery, together with the same silk and tulle fabrics that we use in our wedding gowns, bring a sense of authenticity and beauty to this signature headpiece. To brides and collectors alike, this is a special item to treasure and celebrate!”

Other designers in the collection include HARVEYS, ALEX AND ANI, Loungefly and Star Warsactress Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe. Artists from around the world will also expand upon the stories of some of the most beloved characters and attractions in a whole new way, including designs from artists as featured in the WonderGround Art Galleries such as NOAH, SHAG, Jerrod Maruyama and Dave Perillo.

“Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are synonymous with the inspiration and optimism that the Disney brand embodies,” said Lisa Baldzicki, vice president of Merchandise and Product Development for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “The iconic ear silhouette immediately sparks fond Disney memories for me and all our guests, and we are beyond excited to collaborate with an incredible roster of creative talent for this new line celebrating that magic.”

Designs from the Disney Parks Designer Collection will be revealed monthly with additional designers announced in the coming months. Ear hats and headbands from the collection will be available at Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and online at shopDisney.com.

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The Disney Experience

For first time visitors to Walt Disney World, the trip can seem daunting and exhausting. But, it doesn’t need to be. From advice about dinner reservations to the park’s new stroller restrictions, these tips and tricks can help you save time before, during and after your trip to the most magical place on earth.

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When Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opens later this month, many will certainly be spending most of their time waiting in line to ride Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run or throwing their money at various stores with tons of exclusive goods and collectibles, spending hours at a theme park can make you thirsty and hungry.

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