Walt Disney World is a favorite travel destination for many families-mine included. We were invited to attend a press event recently, and given special access and info about the summer fun at Disney this summer, but I’m excited to go back this weekend for a birthday trip to experience summer in Disney myself.
Me and my pal Olaf
I’m headed to Florida on Friday and meeting my friends Andrea and Melanie for a weekend of fun, play, and relaxing at a place we all love. While some might question the idea of going to WDW for a birthday getaway with girlfriends my decision was largely influenced by a free flight I had that would get me to certain locations in Florida. When I looked at destinations Disney offered everything I wanted. World class food, great drinks, a pool to lounge by, and lots to do. As much as I want to be that person that sits by the pool and reads books at some tropical beach that’s just not me. Sure I’ll enjoy some downtime, but I love to DO when I travel. And there’s no where else I’d rather celebrate a birthday, honestly. It’s just magical!
We’re staying at the Yacht Club for this visit. If you aren’t familiar with Disney resorts this is a Deluxe resort located at a beachfront on a lake. There is a boardwalk on the other side of the lake and paths (or boats) that take you directly to two parks (Epcot’s back entrance and Hollywood Studios). It’s a great location and a bit away from the hubbub that surrounds the Magic Kingdom area. I prefer to spend my time on vacation NOT on a bus-so staying close to the parks and spending a bit more make a vacation more fun for me.
While we’re visiting we have plans to try to do new things we’ve never done, though we’ll hit some classic favorites, too.
Here’s what Disney is offering up this summer (italics are from Disney, regular text is my own).
“Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE
We have plans to take in all the Frozen fun! Since our families won’t be with us we can all indulge in singing at the top of our lungs along with Queen Elsa.
The fun heats up when “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE starts June 17 and continues daily 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!”
Just in time for “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE, the popular show, For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, moves into 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.
See my video here:
But there’s even more! Throughout the day at the event stage you can find Olaf’s Summer Cool Down — where Olaf keeps things cool several times each day by sharing a burst from his personal snow cloud!
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!
I can’t wait to experience it all!
Downtown Disney Re-imagined
Downtown Disney is being reimagined as Disney Springs and some of the new retail and restaurant locations have already been completed! I can highly recommend Erin McKenna Bakery NYC. Everything is allergy-free, SO delicious, and many of the products re made with natural sugars or sugar alternatives lie agave nectar.
Check out this amazing ‘Samoa’ donut I had last time I visited. <drool>
The Boathouse is also open and a delight to eat at! This high-end restaurant features delicious food, amazing views, and a dock bar that’s perfect for an evening outing. We sampled the menu on our last visit and everything was out of this world delicious.
Disney’s Water Parks
While we don’t have plans to hit the water parks we visited them on a previous visit and it was SO fun!
Sunny ‘ski’ slopes and palm tree-lined lazy rivers await guests at Disney’s Water Parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – this summer.
Savings alert! And a cool new deal doubles the fun at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. When you purchase a 1 day water park ticket, you can park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open. SCORE!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Love Animal Kingdom, and I’m excited to see the ongoing renovations. Currently they have opened a new dining area I’m excited to try.
Africa Marketplace, a new shopping and dining option for park-goers in Harambe, the village anchoring the Africa section of the park, is open. The highlight of the space is Harambe Marketplace, a new quick-service food and beverage location offering street-inspired dishes from walk-up windows. The new space also will open up a new pathway from Africa to Bradley Falls and the Asia section of the park.
Epcot
Epcot is another favorite and I love that we’re staying close enough to walk. While there aren’t a lot of rides there is a lot of food and drink to be found, and this summer a ton of fun entertainment.
Epcot guests can enjoy cool new entertainment acts throughout Epcot World Showcase this summer:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Other days, a new five-member, contemporary a cappella group brings a vibrant musical energy to thestage. The group will perform a diverse range of popular American hits, all presented in a unique style with custom arrangements by Tim Davis, best known for his work on “Glee.”
Here’s a video of their performance at our media preview.
Cool Summer Savings
You can save up to 30% on hotel stays this summer. For example, you can book a 5-night stay at select Disney Moderate Resort hotels and it’s like getting the fifth night for free. Ready to go? Me too! You can book now through August 7th by visiting Disney’s special offers page for deals for this summer and beyond.
Follow The Fun
While vacation may mean being offline for most people it’s part of my fun to share the fun with you. So follow along on Instagram, twitter, Facebook, and Periscope for photos, video, and more!
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Kelly
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