From the Disney Insider Blog
Whether you want to try new food offerings, spend some quality time in Arendelle, tour an African marketplace, or do some serious shopping, Walt Disney World‘s Coolest Summer Ever is be the place to be starting May 22. We got to experience a special sneak peek at what’s in store, and we can tell you, it’s genuinely amazing – there’s something for everyone in your family, hosted by everyone’s favorite huggable snowman Olaf. Here’s a roundup:
Disney Springs, a new area of Downtown Disney that rests on much of the space formerly occupied by Pleasure Island, is now open featuring a host of new shopping experiences and a delicious seafood restaurant in the form of The Boathouse. You can also take a ride on an Amphicar–a classically fashioned car drives directly into the water. We couldn’t stop watching it drive around the river. (And just a head’s up: Morimoto Asia–yes, as in Iron Chef–is slated to open Fall 2015. We’ll have to make another trip.)
Frozen Summer Fun Live, at Hollywood Studios starts June 17. Twice a day Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff make a grand entrance into Hollywoodland accompanied by ice carvers, skaters, and the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps (naturally). The traditional singing of “Let it Go” is non-negotiable, thankfully, so be prepared to belt it out. There’s also the Frozen Sing-along, which has moved theaters and comes complete with new in-theater effects, Olaf’s Summer Cool Down (he shares his personal flurry with everyone), a Dance Party, and the Frozen Fireworks complete with snow!
African Marketplace, opening soon in Harambe Village at Animal Kingdom, is a new shopping and dining option that is really incredible. We got to try the Curry Corn Dogs (just one of the new street-inspired dishes) and then we tried them again because they were so delicious. There are also new authentic African drinks to cool you down on a hot summer day. Additionally, you can now join Donald and Daisy for dinner at Tusker House with “Donald’s Safari Dinner,” a new character dining experience the wee ones in your family are sure to love.
Four new musical acts are coming to EPCOT with musical stylings from their respective homelands. In Italy, the Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro flag-throwing team brings a 500 year old Italian tradition to life with music and a lot of expertise. In the United Kingdom, the Paul McKenna Bandis from Scotland plays traditional folk music. In Morocco, B’net Al Houwariyate, a multi-generational Berber music band will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. In America, a cappella group Voices of Liberty will preform arrangements by Tim Davis (known for his work on the television show Glee).
With the new “double deals” at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, you buy a ticket for one park, you can park-hop between both that same day. This is perfect for those long summer days. It’s also great news for fans of Teen Beach, as the revamped Teen Beach 2Beach Party at Typhoon Lagoon is pretty much guaranteed to get all the songs from the Disney Channel Original Movie stuck in your head.
The Polynesian Village Resort just got a major makeover including new Bora Bora Bunaglow and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. If you can’t tell by our full write-up, we didn’t want to leave.
The best part of Coolest Summer Ever? Guests can save up to 30% at select hotels!
The fun kicks off May 22 with 24 hour day! What are you most looking forward to this summer at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
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