Gran Destino Tower Now Open at Coronado Springs Resort

The long awaited Gran Destino Tower is finally up and running at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The 16 story tower features 545 guest rooms, 50 of which are club level.

DisDining.com has the review.

The name “Destino” comes from the short Disney film Destino. The film was a collaboration between Walt  Disney and Salvador Dali, although it wasn’t released until 2003. There are nods to the works of Dali throughout the property, and it also has a Spanish feel.

One of the highlights of Gran Destino Tower is the view. No matter which side you stay on, it is incredible. On one side of the tower there are views of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. On the other side you can see Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On the 16th floor there are views of all four Walt Disney World theme parks.

Another highlight of Gran Destino Tower is the dining. The main table service restaurant is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. Since it’s on the 16th floor you will have the bonus of enjoying the view! The new restaurant features steak, seafood, and meat-free options. If you can’t get a reservation, stop by the Dahlia Lounge next door. If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner, try Three Bridges Bar & Grill. It’s waterfront dining that is also open-aired. The restaurant’s signature sangria is available by the pitcher, so all those of age in your party can share.

One thing that most people want to know when picking accommodations is what the rooms are like. If you decide to stay at Gran Destino Tower you will enjoy a comfortable space that is stylish, without being overdone.

The suites sleep four, with a separate bedroom and a pull-out sofa. Each suite also has a full bath and a half bath. If your party is larger than four, connecting suites are a possibility. There are 44 deluxe suites available. The rooms have plenty of outlets and USB ports, so it’s as easy to recharge your devices as it is your body.

Another fun feature that you will find at Gran Destino Tower is that the rooms all have interactive televisions. You can learn park information, connect your own device, see your PhotoPass pictures, learn more about the hotel, or enjoy Disney On Demand. If you don’t want anything fancy, plain old TV watching is possible as well. If seeing Must-Do Disney is part of your Disney must-do list, you can watch Stacey over and over again.

Those who are staying at Gran Destino Tower are able to enjoy all of the amenities of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. That means that there are several pools that you can visit, including Dig Site Spa. The little ones will also want to spend time on the Explorer’s Playground. There is plenty to do if you want to spend a quiet day away from the parks.

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Hollywood Studios FastPass Tiers About to Change

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has attractions grouped into two different tier groups. Guests can only select one attraction from Tier 1 and two Tier 2 attractions. Unfortunately, at Hollywood Studios, Disney has now moved almost every ride into Tier 1. See the new groupings below.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios FastPass+ Tier 1

Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
Alien Swirling Saucers
Slinky Dog Dash
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Toy Story Mania

Disney’s Hollywood Studios FastPass+ Tier 2

Star Tours
Frozen Sing-Along
Disney Junior Dance Party!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Muppet Vision 3D
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
FANTASMIC!

When Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run opens with the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in late August, there will not be any Fastpasses available for this ride. It is hopeful that once Rise of the Resistance opens later this year, that Fastpasses will be made available for both Galaxy’s Edge rides.

The opening of Galaxy’s Edge is now within the 60 day window that resort guests get to make their Fastpass selections, hence the changes being made to the different tiers.

FastPasses for Slinky Dog Dash will likely continue to be the hardest one to get.

If you are ready to book your Disney vacation, visit www.bestmickeytrip.com.

New Disney Bus Designs for WDW

For those who have ever been to Walt Disney World, you know that one of the more frustrating things about it is the transportation. Disney has made this frustration a priority to change for guests.

Several modes of transportation are available at the parks and the resorts. These can range from buses, monorails, boats, Minnie vans, and finally, the latest mode of transportation; the Disney Skyliner.

With the Skyliner set to open this year, Disney has now turned their attention to updating their bus line.

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 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 you can stay in touch with family and friends and keep your cameras ready to capture every minute of your dream vacation.

Check out this video of the Sensational Six.

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Minnie Van Celebrates 1 million Riders

The Minnie Van service at Walt Disney World just celebrated serving its 1 millionth guest.

Now Walt Disney Theme Parks has now announced that they will be collaborating with the popular ridesharing service Lyft.

According the Disney Parks Blog, this fall, Lyft and Disney will be enhancing the app experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. The update will make it easier to request a Minnie Van ride, find the most convenient pickup location, and even select a wheelchair accessible vehicle.  

Annual Pass Price Increase

In a strange move, annual pass prices took a big hike overnight for Walt Disney World. A few reasons why this is a little eye-brow raising;

  1. It was less than a year ago that prices on annual passes were raised. So why have 2 price increases within the same year?
  2. Seems to be a move to get ready for the August 29th opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
  3. This comes on the same day that 2020 Vacation Packages open up.

While these price hikes are a bummer, they are not surprising. Attendance is up, but the amount of money being invested by Disney into the parks has also increased.

They have already made some huge changes to the parks with a lot more massive changes planned to happen in the future.

Disney Premier Annual Pass

This is the U.S. Disney Parks’ flagship AP, with admission to every theme park at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, no blockout dates, PhotoPass & MaxPass included, parking, and the highest level of discounts.

It has increased from $1949 to $2099 (up $150)

Disney Platinum Plus Annual Pass 

This is Walt Disney World’s flagship AP, with admission to all four theme parks and both of the water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, no blockout dates, PhotoPass included, parking, and the highest level of discounts.

It has increased from $849 to $999 for Florida residents and DVC members (up $150) and from $994 to $1219 for everyone else (up $225).

Disney Platinum Annual Pass 

This is Walt Disney World’s other AP without any blockout dates, which also includes PhotoPass, parking, and the highest level of discounts.

It has increased from $749 to $899 for Florida residents and DVC members (up $150) and from $894 to $1119 for everyone else (up $225).