From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park, the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there is more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before. Here’s a closer look at what is in store:
Opening May 27, Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will transport guests to 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.
Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, 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.
Also coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Rivers of Light. Debuting Feb. 17, this new nighttime show will take guests on a magnificent journey with a mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark experience on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world.
“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly. Show times vary based on park hours.
For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate experience: the all-new Star Wars Guided Tour. Guests are treated to a seven-hour immersion with character greetings, themed dining, attraction experiences, insider’s tours, a dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular. Offered for an additional fee, the tour is available Mondays and Saturdays and can be booked at DisneyWorld.com.
And coming later this year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will be immersed in new scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” while onboard the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction.
Epcot celebrates 24 years of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring, kicking off March 1 and running through May 29. Guests can sip and savor their way around Epcot enjoying new Outdoor Kitchens while taking in the sights of phenomenal topiaries designed after Disney characters.
Anna and Elsa topiaries will enchant the landscape at the Norway Pavilion in celebration of the new Frozen Ever After attraction, while colorful gardens will line the path to The Land Pavilion where guests can discover Soarin’ Around the World. The favorite attraction now takes guests to new heights with scenes from Sydney, Australia, the Great Wall of China and other destinations around the globe.
In Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park news, Miss Adventure Falls attraction splashes onto the scene this spring. Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon.
Guests gently ascend to the top of the attraction in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep-sea treasures.
When it opens, Miss Adventure Falls will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.
The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales, including Paddlefish and Planet Hollywood Observatory, both open now.Board an iconic paddleboat at Paddlefish, which offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops for lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.
Or, dine amongst the stars at Planet Hollywood Observatory, the newly reimagined restaurant serves up a new menu that includes amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.
Disclosure: This press release was provided by Walt Disney World News. All opinions are my own.
__________________
Are you excited about what's coming to Walt Disney World Resort?
I am so looking forward to seeing all that Pandora has to offer.
__________________
About Deb (Focused on the Magic)
Deb is a mom to 2 fine Millennial men (one with Learning DisABILITIES), a rescued mom to furbaby Einstein, creative, green gardener, savvy shopper, lover of travel, movies, coffee, cooking, laughter, life and always planning her next magical photographic adventure.
