Disney has announced more details about the new 15-story tower being built at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including the name.
The new tower is the Gran Destino Tower and it is slated to open in July 2019.
The tower will feature 545 new guest rooms, including 50 suites. The two-story lobby will be the new entrance point for the hotel.
And, a new rooftop table service restaurant is also planned for the tower.
In addition to the new Gran Destino Tower, there will also be a new restaurant located on an island in the …

Sebastian’s Bistro, the new table service restaurant at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, is opening Monday, October 8.
The restaurant is located at the waterfront area of Old Port Royale at the resort and “celebrates the natural beauty of the Caribbean, from coral patterns and kelp filigree to lure-inspired art and nautical designs.”
The menu features dishes inspired by the Latin and Caribbean flavors including Skirt Steak “Chimichurri”, Citrus-Stuffed Sustainable Whole Fish, Sautéed Shrimp and Tamales, Crab Cake-topped Burger, and a Crispy Avocado Bacon Burger.
Starters include Caribbean Pull-Apart Rolls and  Jamaican Meat Pies …

If you’re visiting the Walt Disney World Resort soon check out the refillable mugs in your hotel’s quick service dining spot – you might notice they have a new design.
Our friends at the Disney Food Blog are reporting that new refillable mugs have been spotted at several hotels on property including Pop Century and Art of Animation.
The new design on the mug features Disney characters taking a photo as they enter the Walt Disney World property through the entrance gate.
And, individual resorts are getting “shout outs” on the new mugs …

According to new airport figures, the number of people that rode Walt Disney World’s shuttle from Orlando International Airport dropped by 1 percent in the first half of the year.
Disney’s Magical Express bused about 1.1 million people passengers from the airport to various Disney World hotels, which is about 11,000 people fewer than the first half of 2011. It was also the lowest total for the first half of a year since 2007.
Despite the decrease in passengers, Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger says “ridership alone isn’t an indicator 0f business performance.” …

An important milestone for the construction of Disney’s new Art of Animation Resort in Walt Disney World was celebrated yesterday, when a “topping out” ceremony was held. The ceremony, a tradition in the construction and engineering fields, is held to celebrate when the highest piece of steel is placed on a building’s frame during construction. The Vikings began this long tradition by placing an evergreen tree on the top of their buildings, to celebrate the achievement and wish for good luck. Yesterday’s topping out ceremony took place on top of …

We previously told you about some exciting new Disney hotel experiences coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, including the brand-new Art of Animation Resort and the Princess-themed “Royal Guest Rooms” coming to Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. Today, guests who are looking to enjoy one of these new experiences are in luck, as Disney announced that booking for these new Royal Guest Rooms and the Art of Animation Resort is now open.
The Royal Guest Rooms, located in Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, will feature special regal touches, including …

According to AKLResort.com, Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will begin charging a per night premium fee for one of its most popular views.
With four savannas housing dozens of species of African animals, the resort is a major draw for Disney World guests. Up until this point, rooms with savanna views have all been equally priced with specific savanna view requests not guaranteed. However, it’s clear that most guests staying at the resort’s Jambo House building have been requesting a view of the Arusha Savanna, the area just off of the …