This is an exciting time to be a Disney fan! This summer, an incredible variety of new shows and attractions will debut in all Orlando Disney parks, promising something for everyone to enjoy.
Magic Kingdom:
Magic Kingdom always adds something new and fresh for guests to enjoy, like the super popular Mine Train roller coaster. This year it will not disappoint.
Princesses Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” will appear on the grand stage in front of Cinderella Castle, joining co-stars Anna and Elsa and other classic Disney characters. The new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire is a star-studded friendship story presented by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy during which the Merry Makers company invites 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join them.
Also at the Magic Kingdom, guests will welcome Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first Latin princess. Elena of Avalor will appear later this summer, following her television debut in a new animated series on Disney Channel.
Animal Kingdom:
If you think Animal Kingdom is an incredibly beautiful park during the day, just wait until you see it at night!
Animal Kingdom features some incredible nighttime experiences for park visitors. These will be the first evening activities in the park’s 18-year history.
The iconic Tree of Life awakens with a blast of fireflies and colorful animations. Each night, the Tree of Life will “wake up” as magical fireflies bring the park’s animal spirits to life, revealing stories of enchantment and wonder. In addition, songs from the new hit movie “The Jungle Book” promise to come to life on Discovery River.
Also debuting at Animal Kingdom this summer, park visitors can experience Kilimanjaro safaris at night under the orange glow of a setting sun, while having the opportunity to see hyenas and African wild dogs for the first time in the park. These night safaris should be a very different experience from the usual daily safaris, as different animals are awake and active at different times.
Epcot:
The newest attraction for the greatest animated film of all time will finally open at the Epcot pavilion in Norway. Guests of all ages will love the music-filled attraction, the new Frozen Ever After boat ride. Passengers will head to Arendelle’s winter to summer celebration, visit the ice palace, and listen to beloved tunes from the film. If you love Elsa and Anna as much as the rest, be sure to visit this walk the next time you are in the park.
The popular Soarin ‘ride is also being renovated, and guests will enjoy the debut of the Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land pavilion. Featuring a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the updated attraction takes passengers on an exciting flight over new global landscapes and other wonders.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Star Wars fans will love the impressive fireworks and spectacular projection at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s also a new live show that celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga and features popular characters like Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Darth Maul, and Chewbacca. The show, called “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far, Away” takes place several times a day on the center stage near The Great Movie Ride.
Also at Hollywood Studios, there are some new and exciting things happening in Toy Story Land. Feel reduced to the size of a toy to explore Andy’s backyard with all your favorite characters, and then check out the two new attractions planned for the area: Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster Andy built in his backyard. using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and Alien Swirling Saucers, a ride that spins you around toy planets as “The Claw” looms ominously above you.
Starting May 6, guests at Hollywood Studios will also have the opportunity to preview clips of the upcoming Disney movie, “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” The film’s premiere is scheduled for May 27, 2016 in 3D.
Disney Springs:
There’s so much going on at Disney Springs, it’s hard to keep track. New shopping destinations and celebrity chef restaurants are opening up in Disney Springs’ four distinct neighborhoods, making it a destination the whole family can enjoy. If you haven’t visited Disney Springs since its transformation, now is the time to go. Make lasting memories while enjoying world-class dining and shopping at The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center, all without the need to enter the theme park.
Some of the more recent additions include exciting updates from Cirque du Soleil’s »La Nouba», such as a new trio of B-Boys and an impressive Aerial Bamboo act, and the retail openings of Anthropologie, Under Armor, Sephora, Zara, Kate Spade new york, PANDORA, Lucky Brand, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and more. New restaurants include the delicious Morimoto Asia, Chef Rick Bayless’ Border Tables, Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar and STK Orlando.
Disney water parks:
Disney didn’t forget about its water parks when it made updates for the new season. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Olaf from “Frozen” will live out his “In Summer” dream as he and his friend Kristoff lead the “Frozen” games of fun and friendly competitions. And guests of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon can splash on a sandy beach with a cold beer after a thrilling ride down the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water roller coaster.
Keep in mind that Disney water parks tend to fill up quickly during the hottest months in Central Florida, so you’ll want to get there early to ensure you’re admitted. Buy your tickets online in advance and don’t worry about parking fees. It’s free to park at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Future updates:
Stay tuned for future updates from Disney Parks and Resorts in Orlando. The innovative company strives to keep things exciting for locals and visitors with new rides and attractions being added all the time.
