Reopening of Three Disney Restaurants, Cause For Celebration!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Despite some recent set backs in Central Florida with COVID-19 cases on the rise, causing Walt Disney World to return to the mask requirement for indoor locations, we are seeing Disney steadily keep the reopenings coming! There are several restaurants and attractions reopening this month, so we have a LOT to celebrate. Not only are we cheering on Disney’s reopenings – Cast Members are celebrating the return of these eateries as well! Recently, Walt Disney World once again opened the doors to three restaurants spread throughout Disney property.

As shared via Walt Disney World Cast & Community Facebook: “Cast Members all across Walt Disney World are celebrating the return of even more delicious dining establishments. From Spanish-inspired cuisine with a rooftop view at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood to scrumptious quick-service eats at Pizzafari and Columbia Harbour House — we are so excited to taste what’s on the menu and give the Cast Members a big “welcome back!’” 

Still a fairly new table-service restaurant to the Disney mix, this restaurant serves up delicious Spanish-inspired dishes along with heavenly sips of wine and beverages. The roof-top dining allows for gorgeous views as well!

Pizzafari has a super kid-friendly and the air-conditioning can’t be beat. Pizzafari began greeting guests once again on August 2!

Lastly, Columbia Harbour House – a favorite quick-service restaurant in the Liberty Square portion of Magic Kingdom is once again open! We’re thrilled to have it back as of August 5.

Welcome back to all the fantastic Disney Cast Members that make it possible to reopen all of these experiences! While all three of these restaurants are very different dining experiences, they provide Disney fans more options which is what we’re all about. 

Reopening This Month At Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Via DisDining.com

August is going to be another step toward normal again, with more favorites returning. Here are the August, 2021 reopenings.

Entertainment

Wonderful World of Animation – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 1: We don’t know when fireworks will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be an end of the night presentation. Wonderful World of Animation is a projection show that takes place on and around the Chinese Theater. You’ll enjoy decades worth of cinema in the 12 minute show. Many past guests have missed it because they were at Fantasmic. You don’t have that excuse right now.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 8: Humans will soon be able to enter the monster world once again! Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a live show the relies heavily on audience participation. It’s a lot of fun and sure to put a smile on your face. If you know a good joke you can text it before you enter the theater and it might be part of the show!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – reopening August 15: A tale as old as time will soon delight young and old alike once again. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a high quality show that is faithful to the animated film that you know and love. At 25 minutes it’s condensed, but you’ll hear your favorite songs and see your favorite characters. The highlight is arguably the waltz between Belle and the Beast. This is one of the top shows that Walt Disney World fans have wanted to return, on August 15 they will get their wish.

Turtle Talk With Crush – EPCOT – reopening August 21: You’ll soon be able to enjoy a totally tubular time with everyone’s favorite turtle! Crush and the gang will be back entertaining and interacting with guests. Get your questions ready, because Crush wants to answer all of them! He’s been quiet for too long.

Hall of Presidents – Magic Kingdom – date unknown: Whenever a new US President is sworn in, the Hall of Presidents shuts down to install a new animatronic and update the soundtrack. Disney has not given an exact date for when the attraction will open again, but it has been confirmed that it will be sometime in August.

Restaurants

Pizzafari – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – reopening August 2: If you’re in the mood for individual sized pizza, Pizzafari is the place to go. The atmosphere is half the fun, with five themed rooms that you can dine in. Check the hours, because it looks like they will be limited; at least at first. Mobile Ordering is encouraged.

Columbia Harbour House – Magic Kingdom – reopening August 5: Enjoy a taste of New England at this popular quick service restaurant. You can start with Clam Chowder, and then move onto a Lobster Roll. You don’t have to want seafood to dine here. The Lighthouse Sandwich is a popular plant-based option. It’s so popular that when it was removed from the menu several years ago, there were a number of complaints and Disney decided to bring it back. Again, Mobile Ordering is encouraged.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – reopening August 5: Located in Gran Destino Tower, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood has the feel of a signature restaurant. It’s beautiful inside, and since you’re on the roof you can head outside and enjoy spectacular views. If you aren’t sure what to order, try the Chef’s Signature Dinner for Two. You won’t be disappointed.

Yachtsman Steakhouse – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – reopening August 5: Many people say that the steak served at Yachtsman Steakhouse is the best at Walt Disney World. You can enjoy this signature restaurant again on August 5. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a quick walk from the International Gateway Entrance to EPCOT, so you can easily get away and then head back to the park for EPCOT Forever. There is a dress code at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so make sure you’ve checked it before you make your plans.

Atlantic Dance Hall – Disney’s BoardWalk – reopening August 6: Get ready to dance the night away! There is no food served at Atlantic Dance Hall, but there is a full bar. Videos from yesteryear and more recent are played. Atlantic Dance Hall is strictly for the 21 and up crowd. It may not be open nightly, before the closure it was open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Reopening August 26: All of the Walt Disney World resort hotels will be open by the end of 2021. Next up is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Jambo House. There are some aspects of the property that may not be operating, and all restaurants might not be open. Still, it’s a beautiful property and a wonderful place to stay. Spend some time watching the animals on the savannas. They’ve missed you.  

Disney World Announces More Restaurant Re-openings

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Magic Kingdom

More restaurants are reopening at Walt Disney World! Two park quick-service restaurants and two resort table service restaurants.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I am so excited to announce more restaurants are reopening at Walt Disney World Resort in the next few weeks! Check it all out in this edition of Walt Disney World Resort Foodie News.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse will soon be stoking the flames of their oak-fired grills so we can again savor their premium, grain-fed steaks or the dry-aged Duroc pork chop served with heritage grits, broccoli rabe, and apple-cognac gastrique.

In addition to the great steaks and chops, the Chilled Admiral’s Tower for Two (Maine lobster, snow crab, tuna tartare, jumbo shrimp, mussels, scallop ceviche, and charred octopus salad) is back as well as the signature creamy Lobster Bisque and the delicious Yachtsman’s Chocolate Cake for Two with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate decadence cake, mixed berry curd, peanut butter crunch, and mousse. I seriously cannot wait!

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort opens August 5, 2021, with booking available July 29, 2021.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

So excited we will soon be able to sample the delicious small plates and dishes inspired by the flavors of Spain at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. I can’t wait to get my tapas on with my fav small plates – Charred Octopus, Pan con Tomate, and the delish Flight of Four Pinxtos. The signature Chuletón Bone-in Rib Eye with tomatoes, onions, and choice of two sides – is on the menu along with Char-grilled Steak with olive oil-potato purée, forest mushrooms, date jam, and sherry vinaigrette and the Rioja-braised Chicken with grapes, sherry vinegar, and roasted tomato bomba rice. The dark chocolate “Café con Leche” Choux is the perfect sweet ending.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opens August 5, 2021, with booking available July 29, 2021.

Columbia Harbor House

Starting August 5, you can reel in some delicious seafood at Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom Park! Your seafood favorites are back, including the Lobster Roll and Trio Platter with a combination of fried fish, fried shrimp, and chicken strips served with hushpuppies and french fries or green beans. Craving something other than seafood? Try the Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus with tomato and broccoli slaw on multigrain bread) now comes with french fries or the Harbour Salad – a mix of greens, shredded cheddar, apples, onion, apple cider vinaigrette, and topped with chicken strips.

Pizzafari

Fun animal murals and mosaics at Pizzafari Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are the colorful backdrop to a delicious quick meal beginning August 2, 2021. Pizza rules in this jungle but you can also order a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Green and Grains Salad, and an adorable “Spaghetti and Meatball” Cupcake. Kick back with a refreshing Blue Lagoon with blue curaçao beverage syrup, lemonade, and gummy worms – also available with a glow cube and with or without rum!

Gran Destino Tower Now Open at Coronado Springs Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

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.

Want to Visit Gran Destino Tower Click Here!!!