There was lots of exciting news coming from Disney this week, as the Walt Disney World© Resort presented the Awaken Summer media event, a prime opportunity for the Mouse House to preview the new shows, attractions and experiences that will debut this summer across all four Walt Disney World theme parks, multiple resort hotels and diverse shopping and dining offerings.
While you’re excitedly checking with TicketsatWork.com for the best ticket specials for the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Let’s take a closer look at all the Disney details, beginning with:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
For the first time in its 18-year history, will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
The park’s iconic Tree of Life will awaken each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance.
Meanwhile, Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail.
Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
Epcot
Over at Epcot©, Anna, Elsa and other popular characters from the blockbuster film, “Frozen,” will give the summer season a warm hug at Epcot beginning this June.
Meanwhile “Turtle Talk with Crush” makes fun waves and Soarin takes guests to new heights.
Anna, Elsa and their Frozen friends will welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride that sails into a “Frozen” world at the Norway Pavilion. Passengers on their way to Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa visit the ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Also at Norway Pavilion, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin.
In Future World, guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land Pavilion June 17.
Guests will also find new additions at “Turtle Talk with Crush” beginning in May with characters from Disney-Pixar film “Finding Dory”. When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at Epcot, he’ll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends that guests will get to know when “Finding Dory” swims into theaters on June 17, 2016.
Magic Kingdom
And now onto the Magic Kingdom© where for the first time, Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of favorite Disney characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire show.
Disney Parks also welcomes Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Elena of Avalor will appear at Walt Disney World Resort later this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.
Hollywood Studios
Fans of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be happy to know about the next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” which premieres this June with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.
Then there’s the live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” which debuted April 4, celebrating moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader.
Disney Springs
Disney also had some cool news regarding Disney Springs, a charming district filled with unique retailers and restaurants from award-winning chefs.
For starters, more high-profile tenants are coming to Disney Springs, including Anthropologie, Under Armour, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others.
Home to world-class dining, Disney Springs is shaping up to be a culinary dream. With its chic style and Pan-Asian flavors, Morimoto Asia offers just a taste of what’s to come as more new eateries are gearing up to open in the coming year, including Tablas Frontera by Chef Rick Bayless; Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith; STK Orlando, a modern steakhouse with the ambience of a sleek lounge; Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery; Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a modern-day “pizza joint” with artisanal pies; and the re-imagined, Planet Hollywood Observatory with new outdoor terrace and live entertainment.
Disney Waterparks
And finally, we wrap up this mega round up of Disney news with the Disney water parks, set to ramp up with playful summer fun.
At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host The “Frozen” Games of friendly, fun competitions.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.
Whew! Did you get all that? It’s obvious Disney has some BIG plans for 2016 – and beyond.
Get ready to discover a summer unlike any other! Walt Disney World Resort is launching new and immersive experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Soak up the magic at all 4 parks and save with TicketsatWork.com.
By: Jeff Hyatt
TicketsatWork Blog 