First Look - Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort has shared photos of the gorgeous interior of the brand new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort including the magnificent two-story grand lobby, the beautifully appointed guest rooms, as well as the restaurants and lounges.

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.

Past its grand entrance and signature ribbon-patterned design that climbs up the side of Gran Destino Tower, guests step into a stunning lobby – an homage to the Catalan Modernism style. On their way to check in, new arrivals pass intricate wooden screens with rows of beautiful Moorish hanging lanterns, while decorative bronze screens inspired by Spanish tile patterns accent the rear wall of the lobby.

The warm colors and patterns of Barcelona inspire the sun-filled Barcelona Lounge on the lobby’s lower level, offering plenty of casual seating and lake views. Beneath a magnificent chandelier framed by sculpted plaster columns, guests can enjoy coffee in the morning and cocktails as the day progresses.

The Catalan theme extends to the tower’s stylish new guest rooms and suites. A wall covering in each room is inspired by Spanish tile medallions, adding an Old World touch to a contemporary design. The new tower also offers club-access rooms for guests who want to enjoy the benefits of the Chronos Club. The club boasts commanding views of Walt Disney World Resort and cast members who can assist with vacation planning. Light refreshments are available throughout the day.

Now let's take a look at the rooms ...

Each tower guest room also offers a new interactive television system that provides a more customized and Disney differentiated in-room experience. This new television system will enhance the guest experience with Disney-quality services, content and personalization. For example, guests can view their Disney PhotoPass images on the large screen and stream their entertainment services from their personal devices to the in-room television.

Gran Destino Tower is crowned by dramatic rooftop dining locations; Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge, offering breathtaking views of Walt Disney World from the tower’s 16th floor. Named for the storied Spanish city home to avant-garde writers and artists of the 1920s and ’30s, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is a table-service dining experience. The Spanish-inspired menu features entrees like chuletón, a 32-ounce, Spanish-style ribeye for two, as well as sustainable seafood and classic Spanish sides. It’s all served in a setting that features live olive trees, vibrant colors and an intricate vaulted ceiling with stained-glass accents. There’s also an onstage tapas kitchen inspired by the flavors of Spain, specializing in small plates, charcuteríá, and cheeses.

The adjacent Dahlia Lounge takes its mesmerizing shapes and swirling patterns from Spanish Modernism, inviting guests into an intimate, artful space where they can enjoy signature cocktails and panoramic views.

As part of the broader re-imagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, three new pedestrian bridges now extend across Lago Dorado, allowing for quick and convenient passage to and from all parts of the resort. In the middle of the lake at the nexus of these new pathways is Villa del Lago (“Lake Villa”), home to a new outdoor restaurant, Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The open-air, waterfront dining location offers delicious entrees and shareables, along with refreshing cocktails and signature sangria pitchers. Three Bridges Bar & Grill features a rustic, Old World charm anchored by a large stone hearth behind the central bar.

These new experiences complement the wide array of amenities and experiences at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including floating gardens, scenic nature trails, and palm-shaped courtyards. All existing guest rooms at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort were updated with new fixtures, furnishings, and lighting. Guest feedback helped shape the room remodel that introduced an expansive desk space, hard-surface floors, platform beds and more. In addition, a fresh, sophisticated new color palette ties together the entire resort experience.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is now a celebration of Spanish, Mexican and American Southwest cultures, infused with a profound respect for the natural world – most notably water. These design motifs span centuries to form a common thread that connects the new with the newly re-imagined.

Takumi-Tei Restaurant Now Open in Epcot

If you are looking for a new and unique place to dine at Walt Disney World, then we have some exciting news for you: 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 you walk into the restaurant to the moment you put down your chopsticks for the last time, you'll feel as if you'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, you'll find Mozaiku (featuring tuna, yellowtail and asparagus). You 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).

You 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).

Walk-ups are currently being accepted, and reservations will be available beginning July 16, 2019.

Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks at Walt Disney World

Are you someone who tries to eat balanced, healthy meals, even on vacation? I’m trying to make improvements in my eating choices, and I must admit that thinking about “dieting” on vacation is a bit stressful- but so is the thought of gaining those extra pounds. The good news? Eating healthy food at Walt Disney World is actually easier than you may expect. Disney fare goes well beyond traditional “theme park food” in its offerings- it’s not all hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and burgers. There are plenty of healthy options all around if you look for them!

Follow the same common-sense rules you would at home


Hydrate! Especially if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World in the hotter months, you’ll be thankful for hydration! Skip the sugary drinks and focus on water intake. Remember- you can grab a FREE cup of ice water at any counter service location- just ask. You can also bring your own bottles into the park.  


Another good tip is to watch your portions. Consider sharing meals, or just ordering an entree at a quick service location without sides (you may even save a few dollars). Adults may also order smaller kids entrees, but be aware that if you are using the Dining Plan, you’ll still be charged an adult meal credit. You can also share entrees- it is not discouraged! 
Make smart substitutions. You can always ask for fruit or a side salad instead of fries. If you’re not sure what’s available, just ask!

Snack smarter
Eating around the “World” might be tempting, but those snacks you grab during the day can add up. One of the most popular treats, the Dole Whip, is actually not terrible for you at all. Coming in at under 100 calories, it’s a great alternative to an ice cream sundae, and it’s a favourite of many guests! Skip the Dole Whip Float, though- all the added juice is higher in calories than the actual non-dairy soft serve. You can also find some fantastic snack spots that will offer fresh fruit, like Hollywood Studios’ Anaheim Produce or Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market.  


Did you know you can also bring your own snacks into the parks? You may want to stash some protein bars or trail mix in your bag to help keep you sustained between meals. I wouldn’t advise you to “ban” a coveted snack; just be mindful in your eating, and make sure the calories you are consuming are worth it!

Make your dietary needs known
Know where to go for some delicious meals and snacks.  Regardless of where your party has reserved a meal, you’re likely to find a healthy option or two on the menu. The less planned, on-the-go dining is more of a challenge if you haven’t looked in advance. Here’s a list of a few particularly delicious Quick Service options for your healthy- eating needs!

In the Magic Kingdom:
A favorite quick-service location of many is Columbia Harbor House. While they have plenty of not-as-healthy (but yummy) seafood options, they also have a delicious tuna sandwich and a Lighthouse sandwich (hummus and broccoli slaw on multigrain bread); the tuna is also available for kids as a Disney Check item.

A few steps farther into Fantasyland, try a the Caprese flatbread at Pinocchio Village Haus - I think it’s just as satisfying as a slice of pizza, and definitely healthier. On the opposite side of the park, enjoy a southwest salad or chicken fajitas at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. They have a full toppings bar, complete with several salsas, veggie fixings, and guacamole- so fill up on healthy toppings (you can practically make those fajitas into a salad)!

At Epcot:
Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion is a fantastic choice for eating a balanced, fresh meal. They offer tons of variety, from soups and salads, to fresh chicken and fish, hearty homestyle choices, and Asian dishes. Kids can even enjoy Disney Check salmon or chicken drumstick options.

If you’re looking to grab a bite in the World Showcase (and really, who isn’t?) try Tangierine Cafe in Morocco - they have some great vegetable and chicken options, as well as sides like couscous salad, tabbouleh, and hummus.

At Animal Kingdom:
My go-to choices are Flame Tree BBQ (check out the watermelon salad) and my newest favorite, Satu’li Canteen. Located in Pandora, Satu’li Canteen offers a variety of “bowls” that include a protein (chicken, beef, fish, or tofu) as well as a base (quinoa and sweet potato hash, to name a few) and a sauce. Depending on the combination you choose, you can certainly build a light and nutritious meal.


This guide certainly only scratches the very, very delicious surface of the world of Disney dining. Eating healthy foods on vacation will help with energy and stamina, but remember to strike a balance in your travels- stressing about food shouldn’t be on your agenda! Menus at Walt Disney World do change, so also be sure to keep any eye out for new options. This guide is by no means exhaustive of all the great healthy options available- we would love to hear what your favorite healthy snacking and dining choices are!