Summer at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Exciting New Things Coming to Disney Parks this Summer

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort

In Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Pixar Fest kicks off April 13 for a limited time.  The Together Forever Pixar Nighttime Spectacular will have Buzz Lightyear fly over Sleeping Beauty Castle.  Paint the Night, my favorite Disney parade ever, is returning to Disney California Adventure and the Pixar Play Parade is headed to Disneyland park.  On top of all that, Pixar Pier opens June 23 in Disney California Adventure with the Incredicoaster (Incredibles themed make-over of California Screamin), Jessie’s Critter Carousel and the Lamplight Lounge (with gorgeous views and lobster nachos!).

Over in Downtown Disney, new openings include Splitsville, Naples Ristorante with an outside bar and dining, Black Tap Craft with burgers and shakes, and Ballast Point with a beer garden.

Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom will welcome summer with the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo from May 25 to September 3.  Guests will get to enjoy a “super” dance party with Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone every night.  But what I am most excited about is that Edna Mode will greet her fans for the first time ever!  No capes!  All of this will happen in Tomorrowland.

In Epcot, The Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live runs from June 9 to August 19.  Star Lord, Gamora and an alien band will take the stage five times a night featuring hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 & 2.  This will happen at the stage outside of the American Adventure Pavilion.

Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20th birthday this Earth day, April 22.  A new “UP a Great Bird Adventure” show will feature Russell, Dug and 10 species of birds, and is said to take on a different feel at night.  This show will offer FastPass+ viewing.  Over in DinoLand, Donald (Route 66 gas station), Daisy (Cretaceous trail), Scrooge McDuck, Launch Pad McQuack, Pluto and Goofy will be meeting guests!  And, they will round out the nights with a Dino themed dance party.

The BIG summer news is the opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios on June 30!  The land looks absolutely darling, shrinking guests to the size of a toy in Andy’s back yard, and I cannot wait to visit in person this fall.  There will be two new attractions, in addition to Toy Story Midway Mania.  Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster with a 38″ height requirement.  It is said to be between Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain in intensity.  Alien Swirling Saucers will have a 32″ height and is similar to the Mater ride in Disneyland.  Both will be available on FastPass+. Toy Story Midway Mania will get a new entrance that looks like a carnival game and is SO fun and cute.  For dining, Woody’s Roundup Lunch Box will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and take quick service credits on the dining plan.

Disney Springs continues to blow me away with its new openings!  Recent additions include The Edison (great late night for adults only), Enzo’s Hideaway (speakeasy vibe with a tunnel bar) and Pizza Ponte.  New openings coming soon include Terralina Crafted Italian and Wine Bar George.   Also, look for a new Late Night at Disney Springs variety of bars.

Finally, Typhoon Lagoon is kicking off summer with a special ticketed event called H2O Glow Nights!  The parties will take place June 21 through August 11 on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8-11 PM.   In addition to the slides and water fun, there will be a dance party, characters, limited-time food and beverage and a special adult-only area.  Tickets are not yet on sale.

It’s going to be a magical summer!!

As an independent consultant with Glass Slipper Concierge, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise LineDisneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani and other delightful destinations.
Start designing your dream vacation today!

Everything Disney  |  Walt Disney World

DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED

4 thoughts on “Summer at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

  1. I’m excited to read about Andy’s backyard. I remember how much I loved the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area ages ago.

    1. I know! Blast from the past. My kids had no clue what honey I shrunk the kids was the last time we played there. :-)

  2. Can you comment on whether Disney will start charging an additional parking fee for guests staying on Disney properties? I read this will soon go into effect and the parking fee will be based on the level of property you lodge at.

    Personally, I think it would have been better Public Relations on Disney’s part if they just added this into the lodging rate without saying it was for parking. It just comes off looking like a quick money grab in my opinion.

    1. Yes, they confirmed that starting with reservations made on 3/21 and going forward they will charge for parking. The nightly fee varies by resort category from $13-24. I agree that it would have been better lumped in to the cost of the room or just not charged at all. It’s not like parking spaces are generally hard to find at resorts. Or, charge for day guests, but not people already paying to stay there. It is a bummer for sure.

Leave a Reply to Amber Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *