Awaken Summer
Sure you have heard the news that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have areas under construction as they break ground on the future home of Star Wars land and Toy Story land, but don’t let that stop you from visiting the parks this summer! Disney has announced the Awaken Summer promotion and has plenty of exciting attractions, entertainment and food offerings to tempt guests and serve up plenty of fun. Check out the details below.Magic Kingdom: This fan favorite park is bringing new entertainment and food offerings to tempt all your senses.
A new stage show in front of Cinderella’s castle, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, will debut. This new show will feature Princess Tiana, Rapunzel, Anna and Elsa and many more. The show will feature plenty of fancy footwork from our favorite characters, fireworks and memorial music with plenty of special effects.
A new restaurant with the theme of the Jungle cruise in Adventureland, Skipper Canteen, opens. This is the first restaurant themed after a specific park attraction, the Jungle Cruise. It will feature the flavors of African, South American and Asian food while guests are served by the wise cracking and often punny crew from the Jungle Navigation Co.
Epcot: Enhanced existing attractions and a long awaited opening of a brand new attraction are just some of the treasures awaiting guests visiting Epcot this summer.
The Frozen Ever After ride will debut in the Epcot World Showcase, in Norwa,y this summer. This boat ride will bring to life scenes from the top rated animated film, Frozen, as they travel to Arendelle’s winter in summer celebration. And just when you finally got that catchy song, Let it Go, out of your head, think again! It will be featured in the ride and and have you belting out your own rendition as you move throughout the park.
Once the new ride, Frozen Ever After opens, the royal ladies of Arendelle will move to the Royal Sommerhus in Norway. Princess Anna and Queen Elsa will say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom and hello to Epcot once again to meet with their most faithful royal subjects.
The new Soarin around the world show debuting. This fan favorite ride is getting a makeover featuring a new film highlighting scenes from around the world. There will also be a third screen added to allow more guests the opportunity to enjoy the ride, and hopefully shorten wait times. Enhanced digital screens and projection systems have also been added to make the experience more memorable.
Turtle Talk with Crush will feature new friends from Finding Dory. This popular attraction in which Crush has a conversation with some of his closest human friends will get even better as he invites Dory and some other fish friends to join him.
Hollywood Studios: The force is alive and well at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars fans may have to wait awhile for the new Star Wars land but they don’t have to wait to see a larger than live Star Wars presence in the park. New shows and exhibits promise to wet the taste buds of fans until Star Wars land opens.
Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular fireworks show will debut featuring music from the films, fireworks and images projected on buildings at Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars: a Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show has already opened April 4th. This show will feature popular moments from the Star Wars saga along with special appearances by favorite characters such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Darth Maul and many more.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is an updated version of the previous Jedi training academy allowing more young jedi nights in training to face off against the dark side. The young jedi’s will get the opportunity to duel with a few different members of the dark side including Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.
Star Wars Launch Bay allows you to view special exhibits from the new movie, Star Wars the Force Awakens. It also features many props, costumes and models and so much more to please any Star Wars fan.
Animal Kingdom: This park is finally coming to life at night. A new show and extended hours will allow guests to ride their favorite attractions at night!
Rivers of Light is the much anticipated new nighttime show at Animal Kingdom. This new show will bring the park alive with glowing lanterns, magical fireflies, dancing fountains and animal spirits. This show will engage your senses as the water comes to life with a story of nature.
The popular and iconic Tree of Life will awaken at night with music and dance. The tree will light up with visuals and become a showcase of nature with animal spirits and enchanted fireflies coming to life.
Tiffins Signature Restaurant will be another offering at Animal Kingdom featuring African, Asian and South American flavors. The restaurant features new travel-themed dining rooms and a patio for seating options and will be open for lunch and dinner.
Guests will also be able to ride their favorite Kilamanjaro Safari ride for the first time at night. This new night time experience will give guests a new take on the ride as they watch the animals in the evening. In addition, hyenas and wild dogs will join the safari to enhance the viewing experience.
Disney Springs: The old Downtown Disney has received a remarkable facelift and a new name, Disney Springs. New restaurants and shopping experiences are opening regularly to tempt guests.
This summer 29 new retail shops and 3 new restaurants will open. The long awaited opening of STK will finally open. In addition, The Edison and Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza will also open. For dessert fans, a new bakery, Sprinkles is coming. The remodel of Planet Hollywood will be complete and feature a new terrace and live entertainment.
Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, has 2 new acts added to their show. A B Boys hip hop group and ariel bamboo act will continue to amaze you and wonder “how do they do that?”
Disney Waterparks: Some Frozen friends will be visiting a popular waterpark this summer for some games of their own. The Frozen Games will debut this summer at Blizzard Beach waterpark. Joining in the fun are hosts, Olaf and Kristoff, as they kick off the competition among resort guests.
