The Orbitz creative team was lucky to see a media preview of some of the newest summer attractions at Disney World in Orlando. From acrobats to Kylo Ren to a nighttime safari, read below to find out what’s new this summer.
Animal Kingdom at night
It’s a whole new world when the sun goes down at this park. Watch the iconic Tree of Life light up nightly with visuals of the tree’s animal spirits woven together to showcase the wonderment of nature. Ride Expedition Everest under the moonlight, and possibly lose your voice when you encounter the Yeti. The nighttime exploration begins Memorial Day Weekend.
Where the lion sleeps tonight
Isn’t it everyone’s dream to take a nighttime safari? Kilimanjaro Safaris adds evening tours lit by the orange glow of the setting sun. Many animals are livelier at night. Catch hippos out of the water, lions roaming atop their rock and zebras relaxing in the grass. African wild dogs and hyenas were recently added to the reservation. Whether you love animals, or want to make your own music video to Toto’s “Africa,” this is a must.
Like the Northern Lights, but with animals
If you merge Bellagio‘s Fountains with Berlin‘s Festival of Lights, you’re almost there. Combining projections of DisneyNature footage onto water with an original score, plus live performances, the Rivers of Light show will make you want to make a nightlight like this at home.
Arendelle awaits
Try not to belt out “Let It Go” when you reach Norway Pavilion at Epcot. This summer it will become the new home for Frozen Ever After, where riders set sail abroad a Norwegian vessel towards North Mountain and other wintry destinations. Don’t forget to stop by the Royal Summerhus and greet Anna and Elsa.
A greater galaxy
Hollywood Studios is jam packed with everything Star Wars. Fly through the galaxy at Star Tours, piloted by C-3PO himself. Get lost at the Launch Bay where you can explore replica movie props and costumes, watch a behind the scenes documentary and meet characters like Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. Don’t forget to catch the live stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy, Far, Far Away at Center Stage where you’ll see iconic characters like Darth Vader. Adding more to the excitement, Captain Phasma leads her First Order into formation right in front of the audience.
Feeling the Force
Topping off your Star Wars filled day at Hollywood Studios is the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show. This isn’t just any summer fireworks show. It’s scored to the incredible soundtrack by John Williams, and coming in June, lasers and video projections will add to the already empowering show. If this doesn’t bring you to tears, you’re probably closer to the dark side than you thought.
The newest hot spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment is the four neighborhoods including The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and the newest installment, Town Center, and all come with their own distinct style. Shops like Uniqlo, Kate Spade New York, Tommy Bahama, and Sephora line the walkways. You did pay off your credit card bill last month, right?
B-Boy and Aerial Bamboo are two new amazing acts at Cirque de Soleil’s La Nouba
A new level of circus
Cirque de Soleil’s La Nouba is constantly evolving, and this summer’s two new acts really bring the show to a new level. First is B-Boy, three break dancers who bust out moves that you will want to try at home (but please don’t). Then comes Aerial Bamboo, where two performers showcase graceful and strong techniques. By strong, we’re talking about holding his partner with his teeth while she dangles in mid-air on a string!
Dine in style at Morimoto Asia
Dining in style
One of the signature restaurants atDisney Springs is Morimoto Asia. The Japanese chef, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, presents a pan-Asian dining experience like none other. Chef Morimoto’s creative touches on dishes like Peking duck, sweet and sour crispy whole fish and moo shu pork just melt in your mouth and make you crave Asian food for days to come. The interior of the restaurant is just as creative as the food. Glass bottles line the two story bar creating the movement of lines as if at a bottle factory and custom glass beaded chandeliers hang above the main dining space.
