Disney Dining Disney Dining Tips, News, and Reviews
Gran Destino Tower is now open at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. At a recent media event we were able to sample some of the new foods, stay in a room, and see the incredible view. There were a couple of topics at the event that were touched upon that I haven’t yet covered, so I’d like to share those with you now.
The first is not just the benefits of staying at Gran Destino Tower, it’s the benefits of staying at any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels. When you stay on Disney property, if you fly into Orlando International Airport you can take Disney’s Magical Express. That means that you won’t have the added expense of renting a car! Those who stay on property could also be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan. While the DDP isn’t necessarily meant to save you money, it is a good way to maintain control of your spending. If you use the plan wisely, you might also save.
One benefit that you might already know about is Extra Magic Hours. Resort guests can enjoy one of the parks when it is not open to the general public. From September 1 through November 2, resort guests can take advantage of Extra, Extra Magic Hours. This will be offered in three of the four parks.
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We’ll start with Disney’s Hollywood Studios, because this benefit begins right after the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The park will open at 6:00am to resort guests, 9:00am to everyone else. That means that you will be able to spend three full hours in the park before the general public! Not only will you be able to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can also head over to Toy Story Land and take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash before the sun is too high in the sky.
At the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Extra, Extra Magic Hours will take place each morning from 7:00am until 8:00am. If you weren’t able to grab a FastPass+ for Avatar Flight of Passage or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, this could be your best chance to ride. One thing to keep in mind; Epcot will continue to offer Extra Magic Hours during this time period, just not daily. There are also some evening times for Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom. Those are on select days.
The other thing that I’d like to share is that Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is not only a beautiful place to stay, it is also a fantastic convention property. In fact, it is the largest convention property at Walt Disney World. There are two ballrooms and 45 breakout rooms. I saw one of the new spaces that is in Gran Destino Tower. It’s the Latana Meeting Room. It’s a relaxed space that would be perfect for smaller meetings or get togethers. The room can be arranged how you want it. There’s room for tables, but more casual seating with couches and chairs is also a possibility. The space would also work for a small or medium wedding reception or another type of important party. Entertainment for any meeting is a possibility. Just speak with your representative, and he or she will help to arrange the perfect entertainment for your occasion.
Gran Destino Tower is a fantastic new option if you are thinking about staying on property. I’m surprised by the cost, considering how modern and luxurious it is. The water view rooms are more expensive, but I honestly preferred the standard view. Yes, it overlooks the parking lot, but the view of Disney’s Hollywood Studios made up for it. Try to get a room as high in the tower as possible, because the higher you are, the better the view. My hosted room was on the 9th floor, and I couldn’t stop snapping pictures. Even if you aren’t staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, consider stopping by the new property at some point during your Walt Disney World vacation. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood feels like it should be a signature restaurant, and Dahlia Lounge offers a great list of signature cocktails. Both are on the 16th floor, and you can enjoy the view from either spot.
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
