Summer is here and the forecast for Walt Disney World Resort is cool – the Coolest Summer Ever. Exciting new entertainment, dining and shopping experiences are giving guests endless ways to have a ‘cool’ time.
From “Frozen” fun throughout the theme parks, to a splashing good time at Disney’s Water Parks, to fresh finds for shoppers at Downtown Disney, guests will find there is something for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort this summer.
“Frozen” Summer Fun
The fun heats up “Frozen” Summer Fun June 17 through Sept. 7 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guest favorites Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf are welcomed to Hollywoodland twice each day as they take part in the Frozen Royal Welcome, a festive cavalcade throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters.
During the cavalcade, Anna leads the procession in an elaborate horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning, ice palace float. The entire procession pauses twice along the route in tribute to these visitors from Arendelle, as guests in Hollywoodland are invited to join in singing “Let It Go!”
The popular show, For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, welcomes guests to the beautiful Hyperion Theater, located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host this fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. Outside the theater, there is a new merchandise location filled with all-things “Frozen.”
But that’s not all that’s in store for guests visiting “Frozen” Summer Fun.
The fun centers around the Event Stage throughout the day, with Olaf’s Summer Cool Down — where Olaf keeps things cool several times each day. Having always dreamed of being in “snow business,” Olaf is joined by some of his summery friends to sing his famed number, “In Summer,” inviting the audience to join in. Then, Olaf sends a flurry from his personal snow cloud out over the audience in an icy blast.
Twice each hour beginning at 10 a.m. daily inside the ABC Sound Studio, guests also can view a showing of the new animated short,“Frozen Fever,” which debuted in theaters with Disney’s live-action “Cinderella,” and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
Then once the sun goes down, DJ Chill and some favorite Disney Characters take to the stage to host the “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party.
As the night comes to a close, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring “Frozen” Fireworks display set to the music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow.
“Since we launched Frozen Summer Fun in mid-June, the reaction from our guests has been sensational,” said Ray Fournier, Producer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment. “People really love seeing Olaf and the fireworks. They’re responding so enthusiastically as we bring to life the story of Elsa, Anna and their Frozen friends.”
There’s also the “Frozen” Summer Fun Premium Package option for guests to purchase at an additional cost that includes reserved viewing for the Frozen Royal Welcome complete with regal refreshments of water, soft drinks and ice cream, reserved seating for a showing of For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Frozen Fireworks viewing paired with a Frozen-themed dessert party complete with specialty desserts, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Cost is $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included). Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com or by calling 407-939-3463.
Other Cool Experiences
Downtown Disney – Guests can find hot summer fashion trends and cool new waterfront dining at Downtown Disney. New retail stores include Sanuk, APEX by Sunglass Hut, Havaianas, Erin McKenna Bakery NYC and more, as well as new dining experiences such as The BOATHOUSE (now open) and Morimoto Asia (opening fall 2015). Downtown Disney is currently undergoing the largest expansion in its history, to be renamed and re-imagined as Disney Springs, an exciting new waterfront district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Disney Springs will be completed in 2016.
Disney’s Water Parks – Sunny ‘ski’ slopes and palm tree-lined lazy rivers await guests at Disney’s Water Parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – this summer. And a cool new deal doubles the fun at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. When guests purchase a one-day water park ticket, they can park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.
Magic Kingdom – When they’re not visiting Hollywoodland, Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” meet and greet guests daily at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. The royal sisters also appear during the daily Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, and guests can enjoy visuals from “Frozen” during the “Celebrate the Magic” projection show that transforms Cinderella Castle each evening.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – New dining and entertainment offerings welcome Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests this summer as the theme park continues to undergo the largest expansion in its history. A new shopping and dining option, Harambe Market, is now open for guests in the Africa section of the park. Harambe Market offers a new quick-service food and beverage location with street-inspired dishes from walk-up windows. The new space also opens up a new pathway from Africa to Bradley Falls and the Asia section of the park.
Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and their friends now welcome guests for a fun-filled character dinner at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in addition to breakfast and lunch. “Donald’s Safari Dinner” offers guests the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters, including Donald and Daisy, while enjoying a delicious selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.
Epcot – Epcot guests can enjoy cool new entertainment acts throughout Epcot World Showcase this summer:
- American Adventure – Beloved a cappella group Voices of Liberty moves outdoors twice per week to perform a modern twist on American classics at the American Gardens Theatre stage. Wednesday through Sunday, a new five-member, contemporary a cappella group called “American Music Machine” brings a vibrant musical energy to the stage. The group will perform a diverse range of contemporary and classic American pop hits, all presented in a unique style with custom arrangements by Tim Davis, best known for his work on “Glee.”
- Canada – The Canadian Lumberjacks demonstrate the time-honored tradition of Canada’s great timber and logging eras in a thrilling and friendly competition, featuring axe-throwing, chopping, log-rolling and more.
- Italy – The spectacularly choreographed flag-throwing team of Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro combines live music, energy, the flair of hand-painted flags, and magnificent period costumes. The Sbandieratori bring to dynamic life a rich, 500-year Italian tradition that’s not to be missed.
- Morocco – B’net Al Houwariyate, a multi-generational Berber music and dance troupe from Marrakesh, illuminates the stories and experiences of women in Morocco in a lively and interactive performance.
- United Kingdom – Strolling the quaint streets of the United Kingdom pavilion, the Paul McKenna Band is a traditional, acoustic four-piece group from Glasgow, Scotland. Their contemporary approach to songs never strays too far from their Scottish, folk music roots.
On the road? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, and I-95 Exit Guide.