12 things to look forward to this summer at Walt Disney World

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

The temperature is quickly rising here at Walt Disney World and soon we will be in full summer swing with unbearable heat and maddening crowds. But don’t fear, Walt Disney World has made sure to come up with many new exciting things to keep you distracted this summer. Let’s check out what thrilling things we have to look forward to this summer of 2016!

1. New Star Wars entertainment offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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With these Star Wars offerings debuting on April 4th they wouldn’t really be put in the summer category but as they will quite surely be popular all summer long they deserve a spot on the list. First we will see the new addition of the Star Wars stage show, “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away”. Then there’s also a new stormtrooper march lead by Captain Phasma herself and in the evening a reimagined fireworks show called Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Party on!

2. Rivers of Light debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Debuting April 22, 2016, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performances, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery.

3. Two new character meet and greets opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Two new character meet and greets will be arriving at the parks this summer, one featuring Frozen’s Olaf and the other the golden couple themselves: Mickey and Minnie. Olaf will be found at the all-new Celebrity Spotlight in the Echo Lake district in his first ever Walt Disney World meet and greet. “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams” will open near the Commissary Lane and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

4. “Frozen Ever After” attraction and Frozen sisters meet and greet opens at Epcot.

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The “Frozen Ever After” attraction coming to Epcot in summer 2016 is an adventure fit for the entire family that will take guests through the kingdom of Arendelle on a lovely boat ride. Next door, the Frozen sisters will be holding court at the Royal Sommerhus.

5. Explore Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

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Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the look of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore and enjoy this attraction well into the night. During the expedition guests can now enjoy the wildlife at night, and may discover two new species: African wild dogs and hyenas.

6. Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot

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Coming this summer, Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. It will use the same technology that will make the Shanghai attraction, Soaring Over the Horizon, so spectacular, ensuring that the very best Disney has to offer can be experienced at Disney Parks around the world.

7. Town Center shopping and dining complex opens at Disney Springs

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The largest expansion in the Downtown Disney area ever, the re-imagined Disney Springs will provide even more opportunities for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Including having 30 new retailers opening their stores (hello Sephora) the new Town Center area will also include the reimagined Planet Hollywood Observatory, the Coca-Cola Store and the D-Luxe Burger

8. New castle stage show, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, premieres at Magic Kingdom

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This summer a brand new live stage show will be taking over the Cinderella Castle stage at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will feature characters from some of Disney’s more recent efforts such as the Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Frozen.

9. STK Orlando restaurant opens their doors at the Landing, Disney Springs

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STK Orlando will offer a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse featuring an innovative menu mixed with a high-energy atmosphere, complete with a sleek lounge with a DJ and rooftop dining.

10. Finding Dory characters to join Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot

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Visitors to the attraction at Epcot will interact with Dory and her friends from the new movie including Bailey the beluga whale, Hank the octopus (or actually a seven-legged “septopus”), Crush’s son Squirt and even cameos from Nemo and Marlin.

11. New restaurant, Tiffins, opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Tiffins is a new restaurant set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2016, will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins’ menu will feature a diverse menu drawing from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

12. Get your cupcake game on with the Sprinkles ATM at Disney Springs

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The Sprinkles cupcake ATM will feature all the classic Sprinkles cupcakes including vegan, gluten free, sugar free and even doggie options. The ATM will be open 24 hours so early morning or late night cupcake fans will not go without fulfilling their cravings. Don’t worry, each ATM holds about 400 cupcakes.

What are you most looking forward to this summer at Walt Disney World?

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