Summer visitors to Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida, are in for some spectacular new fun. Here are five of our favorite things debuting at WDW this summer:
1. Frozen Comes to Life at Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Orlando will be much, much colder this summer as the Frozen franchise comes to life at Epcot. Fans of Olaf, Anna and Elsa will delight as their audio-animatronics versions welcome guests aboard Frozen Ever After — a boat ride that replaces the Maelstrom in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Riders will help to celebrate Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa, listen to the ever-so-popular tunes from the film and visit the ice palace.
The brand new Royal Sommerhus, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin, is located in an expanded portion of the Norway Pavilion. Here visitors will be greeted by Anna and Elsa and pose for photos.
And if you are looking for everyone’s favorite snowman — head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a meet-and-greet and sing-along with Olaf.
2. Animal Kingdom Introduces Evening Hours
Animal Kingdom can be seen in a whole new light this summer — twilight that is. On May 27th for the first time in its 18-year history, Animal Kingdom stayed open past daylight to treat guests to all-new nighttime experiences.
Now, the Tree of Light comes to life each evening as Discovery Island around it explodes with music, dancing and celebrations during Carnivale. Animal spirits appear on the tree and guests will see stories unfold through light, music and a little Disney magic.
The fun continues at Harambe with a Wildlife Parti featuring delicious African food, more music and dancing and entertainers. Not to be missed in Harambe is the twilight Kilimanjaro Safaris. Even if you took the ride during the day, it’s well worth another look at twilight (which, through more Disney magic and special lighting, lasts for hours after dark). Many animals that are less active during the heat of the day really begin to roam and frolic come dark — the new African wild dogs among them.
Other rides also offer a whole new experience after the park goes dark — Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR and Kali River Rapids are even more thrilling in the evening hours.
3. Star Wars Premieres Amazing Fireworks and Live Shows
Star Wars fanatics are sure to flock to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer for new Star Wars-themed experiences.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is a new fireworks show featuring the musical scores from the films, lasers, special effects, scenes from the Star Wars saga and, of course, themed fireworks.
For those drawn to the Dark Side, The March of the First Order Stormtrooper Procession, led by Captain Phasma, is a sight to behold.
The live stage show Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away debuted earlier this year and features snippets from the entire Star Wars saga and live appearances from BB-8, C-3PO, R2-D2, Kylo Ren, Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
Fans can also view large-scale artifacts from the film and enjoy meet-and-greets with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, among other favorite characters, in the just-opened Star Wars Launch Bay.
4. Soarin’ at Epcot Expands Its Flight
Gone are the days of soaring over the Golden State. Beginning June 17, Soarin’ riders will take a simulated hang-gliding adventure visiting California and lands across the globe. From the peak of Switzerland’s Matterhorn to the Great Wall of China and on to iconic Sydney Harbor in Australia, this ride with 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX projection footage will take your breath away.
5. Disney Springs Nears Completion of Largest Expansion in It’s History
Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) will have doubled its shopping and dining offerings by the end of summer — completing its largest expansion in its history. Inspired by Florida's waterfront towns, Disney Springs is the place to be if you are looking for diverse shopping and dining. A complete list of venues can be found here. And while in Disney Springs, be sure to check out Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba featuring all new acts including the B-Boys — bringing hip-hop and break-dancing to a whole new level.
If your family has been considering a vacation to Walt Disney World — with all the new shows, rides and attractions — summer may just be the perfect time to go soak up the Orlando sun and fun.
The author was a guest of Walt Disney World for several days to facilitate reviews.
