This summer Disney World is pulling out all the stops to bring first class entertainment, attractions and shows to all of it’s guests. Animal Kingdom will be showing off it’s brand new land along side it’s breath-taking new nighttime show. Magic Kingdom is answering back with it’s own state-of-the-art nighttime fireworks spectacular. Hollywood Studios is still dropping jaws with its legendary entertainment and Disney Springs is setting the bar with new dining, featuring celebrated chefs from around the world.
Animal Kingdom
On May 27 Animal Kingdom guests are transported to the moon of Pandora. A world featuring floating mountains, alien wildlife, and rain forest home to bioluminescent plants. Created in partnership with director James Cameron and Lightstorm entertainment, this 12 acre land will hold multiple attractions, entertainment, audio-animatronics, 3-D holograms as well as retail, food and beverage options.
Visitors to Pandora will experience two new attractions. Avatar Flight of Passage allows guests to fly with a real mountain Banshee and soar over the floating mountains. Na’vi River Journey takes passengers on a boat ride along the Kasvapan River through a bioluminescent landscape.
Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, offers guests the opportunity to personalize their meal options. Pongu Pongu, which translated means “Party Party” will surely serve drinks worthy of its namesake. Visitors wanting to bring home keepsakes can visit Windtraders for science kits, toys, and Na’vi cultural items.
Once the sun goes down visitors to Animal Kingdom can experience Rivers of Light, the new nighttime show. Using an original score, this visually striking show shows the connections between humans and the animals around us. This celebration of nature uses its elements, water and fire, to tell its choreographed story.
Magic Kingdom Park
May will also be an exciting time in the Magic Kingdom. Guests are treated to a brand new nighttime fireworks display, “Happily Ever After“. This show will use the latest technology in projection mapping to bring its newest story to life. For 18 minute Disney will take guests through a story filled with love and laughter featuring beloved moments from iconic Disney films like “The Little Mermaid”, “Aladin”, “Moana”, and “Zootopia”. Fireworks, pyrotechnics, and an original score will only enhance this production that uses Cinderella castle as it’s canvas.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” is introduced three times nightly inside the Theater of the Stars. This new 40 minute nighttime presentation will showcase unforgettable scores from Pixar films presented by a full orchestra. Beloved Pixar characters like Woody, Jessie, Mike, and Sulley, and the Incredibles will be on hand to entertain the audience while guests enjoy songs from our favorite Pixar movies like “Cars” and “Toy Story”
Star Wars is still a major player in Hollywood Studios offering amazing experiences throughout the day. BB-8 from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is now appearing at Star Wars Launch Bay to greet guests. Authentic movie props from the latest in the Star Wars epic “Rogue One” will also be on display at Star Wars Launch Bay and the new daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far, Away” will feature the new AWR Troopers from that movie as well.
Disney’s Water Parks
After a hot day in the parks, guests can now cool down on the new family-friendly water attraction “Miss Adventure Falls“. Families will be following the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a treasure hunter who ended up on Typhoon Lagoon after a huge storm marooned her. Guests are transported in their “treasure rafts” to experience this two-minute adventure, the longest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, the “Frozen” Summer Games return from May 26 – Aug. 13. Kristoff and Olaf will be available for a special character greeting and photo opportunity, making Blizzard Beach the only place where guests can meet Kristoff at Walt Disney World Resort. During the friendly competition, guests will be able to take part in ice-pail relays, a snowball toss and much more snowy fun.
Disney Springs
The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales, including The Polite Pig and Paddlefish, both opened recently.
Featuring modern barbecue cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, The Polite Pig serves up Southern sides like mac-and-cheese and smoked corn and a hearty selection of craft beers and cocktails. There’s also a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections. The Polite Pig is the newest concept from award-winning Orlando Chefs James and Julie Petrakis who own local favorite restaurants The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons.
Guests can also step aboard Paddlefish, Disney Springs’ iconic 1800’s paddleboat that’s been reimagined into a modern yacht experience. Paddlefish offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops for lunch and dinner, as well as a delectable Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.
Disney Resort Hotels
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort opens as the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort on July 17. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, guests will come “home” to rustic elegance with these new studios, villas and waterfront cabins.
At Disney’s BoardWalk, there’s an enchanting new dining experience at Trattoria al Forno, the Bon Voyage Breakfast, featuring beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. Guests can make reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Cost is $34 for adults and $20 for children.
Four theme parks, two water parks, amazing resorts, and premier dining, there is something here for everyone in the family. Summer 2017 is looking to be a very exciting time to visit Disney World!
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