Awe-Inspiring New Land, Attractions and Breathtaking New Shows Coming this Summer to Walt Disney World Resort

1. Awe-Inspiring New Land, Attractions and
Breathtaking New Shows Coming this
Summer to Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – This summer season, guests can discover a magical mix of new and unforgettable
experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort, with an all-new land and evening show at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom, a dazzling new show at Magic Kingdom Park, epic entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and
world-class dining at Disney Springs.
Here are the exciting new ways guests can explore Walt Disney World Resort this summer:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Guests can travel to an otherworldly destination this summer: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom. When it opens May 27, this new land will give guests the chance to explore a mystical world
of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. In collaboration with filmmaker
James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora,
inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR.
Guests will discover two main adventures. Avatar Flight of Passage sends guests flying above the jungles of
Pandora on a Mountain Banshee, and Na’vi River Journey, is a family-friendly boat ride that sails down a
sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.
Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location in Pandora, or Pongu Pongu, a
drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys,
science kits and more at Windtraders.
And after the sun sets, Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests can discover rich new experiences throughout the
park, starting with the new nighttime show, Rivers of Light. This visually stunning after-dark experience
celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans. It’s a dramatic visual
blend of water, fire, light and imagery all choreographed to an original musical score.
Magic Kingdom Park
Starting May 12, guests will be treated to one of the most elaborate fireworks displays ever created – a brand-
new show called “Happily Ever After.” It will feature the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection
technology, plus fresh animation, and a new musical score and theme song.
“Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor, as Cinderella Castle
itself becomes part of the story. Dazzling projections bring heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the
iconic castle. The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little
Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”
“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly, with show times varying based on park hours.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2. A new limited-time concert event debuts May 26. “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters”
will showcase memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios films, with appearances by beloved
Disney•Pixar characters. A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this 40-minute concert that will be
presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars (following regular daily performances of “Beauty and
the Beast – Live on Stage”). The show also will include appearances by Woody, Jessie, Mike and Sulley, the
Incredibles and more.
Day or night, new Star Wars experiences are immersing guests in the world of this iconic saga. Guests can
now interact with BB-8, the loyal droid from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” as well as other Star Wars
characters inside Star Wars Launch Bay. New authentic props from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” are also
featured in Star Wars Launch Bay, and the new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One” now appear in the daytime
stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”
Disney’s Water Parks
Guests can cool off on a whitewater adventure aboard Miss Adventure Falls, a brand new family-style raft
attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Guests are immersed in the story of Captain Mary
Oceaneer, a treasure hunter who roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm
marooned her ship and treasures at Typhoon Lagoon.
At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, the “Frozen” Summer Games return from May 26 – Aug. 13. Kristoff
and Olaf will be available for a special character greeting and photo opportunity, making Blizzard Beach the
only place where guests can meet Kristoff at Walt Disney World Resort. During the friendly competition,
guests will be able to participate in ice-pail relays, a snowball toss and much more snowy fun.
Disney Springs
The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales,
including The Polite Pig and Paddlefish, both open now.
Featuring modern barbecue cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, The Polite Pig serves up Southern sides like
mac-and-cheese and smoked corn and a hearty selection of craft beers and cocktails. There’s also a bourbon
bar offering more than 50 selections. The Polite Pig is the newest concept from award-winning Orlando Chefs
James and Julie Petrakis who own local favorite restaurants The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons.
Guests can also step aboard Paddlefish, Disney Springs’ iconic 1800’s paddleboat that’s been reimagined into
a modern yacht experience. Paddlefish offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops
for lunch and dinner, as well as a delectable Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night
menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.
Disney Resort Hotels
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort opens as the newest Disney Vacation
Club Resort on July 17. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, guests
will come “home” to rustic elegance with these new studios, villas and waterfront cabins.
At Disney’s BoardWalk, there’s an enchanting new dining experience at Trattoria al Forno, theBon Voyage
Breakfast, featuring beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. Guests
can make reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Cost is $34 for adults
and $20 for children.
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