I start to think about all of the fun happening this summer at Walt Disney World Resort and know I need to be there! I can’t quite decide what I’m most excited about though. Three of the four major theme parks, one water park, and Disney Springs welcome either a new show, attraction, dining experience, or even a new land! Summer at Walt Disney World is going to be a blast! Find out more!
Magic Kingdom
Let’s start with the Magic Kingdom. Everyone associates the Magic Kingdom with a nighttime fireworks show and we can’t wait to see the new one coming on May 12! Disney states this will be the most elaborate fireworks displays ever created and will feature the latest technology in fireworks, pyrotechnics, and projections. The show will be set to a brand new musical score and theme song appropriately titled the name of the show, “Happily Ever After.” The show will be 18 minute long and feature moments from some of the most beloved animated films- The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Moana, and Zootopia. Cinderella Castle will be part of the story filled with heart and humor. This nightly display is sure to make our hearts happy!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Next, over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can now meet my favorite droid, BB-8! BB-8 will be interacting with guests inside the Star Wars Launch Bay where you can also see authentic props from Rogue One. Speaking of Rogue One, the new AWR Troopers will also be appearing in the daytime stage show, “Star Wars: A Galaxy, Far, Far Away.”
Another addition to the Studios I am super excited about is the full orchestra that will be performing a 40-minute concert of our favorite Disney Pixar tunes. The memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios will be brought to life by the orchestra and special appearances from the characters will be made. These performances will take place in the Theater of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is performed daily) each night for three show times. I have a feeling that guests of all ages will love the “The Music of Pixar Live!”
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
I don’t even know where to begin with how excited I am to see Animal Kingdom open Pandora – The World of Avatar this May. I admittedly have not seen the film, not that am I concerned with that small fact. Two names – James Cameron and Joe Rohde – associated with this project is enough for me to know it’s going to UH-MAZE-ing! There will be two main adventures in the new land – Avatar Flight of Passage will send you flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee, and Na’vi river Journey. Na’vi River Journey will set sail down a sacred hidden river and guests will encounter a Na’vi Shaman on this family-friendly boat ride. This entire land is going to explore a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains, and soaring Banshees and I don’t think it’s going to disappoint!
When in Disney, a themed dining experience is always just a stone’s throw away and Pandora- The World of Avatar is no different – we can dine at Satu’li Canteen or get a unique beverage at Pongu Pongu where its designed claims to be as eclectic as its expat owner!
©Disney
Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I am excited to see the long-awaited night-time show featuring water, fire, light, and imagery showcasing the beauty between animals and humans called Rivers of Light. This new show is set to an original music score and will bring a nice touch to the new evening happenings at Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Moving over to the Water Parks – have you been to one of the water parks at Disney lately? They’re pretty amazing! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has just opened an exciting new whitewater attraction, Miss Adventure Falls. This new experience is a family-style raft attraction so everyone can join in the fun and immerse themselves in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Capt. Mary is a treasure hunter who’s ship was marooned during a storm while she was in search of treasures under the sea. Where did her ship end up? At Typhoon Lagoon of course!
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Over at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can meet Kristoff and Olaf as they’ll be available for a meet and greet photo opportunity during the “Frozen” Summer Games. This is the only place guests can meet the sweet Kristoff and during this interaction, will be able to participate in ice-pail relays, a snowball toss, and more frozen fun. The Frozen Summer Games will be held from May 26 – August 13.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs just isn’t quitting with its announcement of exciting (and delicious!) new locations. Two more dining venues have opened – The Polite Pig and Paddlefish, the newly reimagined steamboat in Disney Springs.
The Polite Pig serves up food prepared in an open kitchen and features some modern barbecue with some comfort food type sides like mac-n-cheese and smoked corn. In addition to its bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, The Polite Pig will have a wide variety of craft beers and cocktails. Award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis are behind this conceptually new dining locale.
The 1800s paddleboat at Disney Springs has been transformed into a luxurious, modern yacht experience for dining. Paddlefish will offer a Sunday brunch as well as lunch and dinner options of fresh seafood and steak and chops. The steamboat also features a new rooftop lounge with a late-night menu for your enjoyment along with the views of the Springs. What’s not to love about a rooftop bar?
Disney’s Resorts
Two more exciting include the opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort on July 17. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort property. The villas and cabins will have a rustic -elegance feel, inspired by the mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest.
And last but not least, we can now meet some of our favorite Disney couples at the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno located at Disney’s BoardWalk. Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Price Eric will charm guests during breakfast.
Wow. I feel like I could schedule a trip just based around everything new that is happening and opening this summer! How about you? Are you ready to book your summer vacation? If you are, consider booking with our partners at Did you like this article? Make sure to share it with your friends! Check below for easy ways to share!