Fresh Springtime Fun and Summertime Thrills Await Guests
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 9:41 pm
Spring and Summer 2015 kick off with dozens of fun happenings, openings and events at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether your Disney Side is brought to life by being a foodie, shopper or a Jedi, some great vacation choices await Disney guests at this time of year.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: A Spring Tradition March 4-May 17, 2015
Spring blooms in a big way with bountiful blossoms, colorful Disney topiaries, gardening seminars and flavors of the season during the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, now through May 17, 2015, at Walt Disney World Resort.
Dozens of Disney character topiaries, from Chip and Dale to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, rule the festival kingdom in the park’s Future World and World Showcase, and popular Outdoor Kitchens are back with refreshing beverages and tantalizing tastes from the garden and grill.
Home and garden seminars, children’s play gardens and other popular festival features fill the 75-day event. At the Festival Center, interactive gardening workshops set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and guest speakers cover the latest in outdoor trends and home and garden topics.
Guests can try new food and beverage tastes from Outdoor Kitchen menus and pose for selfies among whimsical topiaries, multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. On the park’s Future World lakes, more than 200 mini-gardens are set afloat.
For more information, guests may visit www.epcotinspring.com or call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). Festival events are included in regular Epcot admission.
New Entertainment Throughout World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot guests can enjoy new entertainment acts throughout Epcot World Showcase, including a fresh summery twist on popular American songs by a cappella group Voices of Liberty, who perform twice per week on the American Gardens Theatre stage. There’s also choreographed flag-throwing at the Italy pavilion, acoustic performances by Paul McKenna Band in the United Kingdom pavilion, the Canadian Lumberjacks friendly competition at the Canada pavilion and a Berber music and dance troupe at the Morocco pavilion.
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 15-June 14, 2015
The Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 15, 2015 as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars film franchise with the magic of Disney Parks. The 2015 event will feature meet-and-greet opportunities with Star Wars characters throughout the theme park, conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Star Wars motorcade through the park, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise and more. Star Wars Weekends will be held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 15-June 14:
Weekend I: May 15-17, 2015 Weekend II: May 22-24, 2015 Weekend III: May 29-31, 2015 Weekend IV: June 5-7, 2015 Weekend V: June 12-14, 2015
For more information visit www.disneyworld.com/starwars.
24-Hour Kickoff to Summer at Magic Kingdom May 22-23
Magic Kingdom will host a 24-hour extravaganza on Friday, May 22 to kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The event begins when the park open at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22 and continues for 24 hours, ending Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 a.m. Hosted by Olaf, the Memorial Day weekend celebration will feature character greetings, dance parties and surprises throughout the night. Guests are invited to come in costume* to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
New Dining, Shopping and More at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New dining and entertainment offerings welcome Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests this summer as the theme park continues to undergo the largest expansion in its history. Africa Marketplace, a new shopping and dining option for park-goers in Harambe, the village anchoring the Africa section of the park, is planned to open summer 2015. One highlight of the new space will be 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.
Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and their friends now welcome guests for a fun-filled character dinner at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, in addition to breakfast and lunch. “Donald’s Safari Dinner” offers guests the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters, including Donald and Daisy, while enjoying a delicious selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Continues its Transformation into Disney Springs with New Restaurants, Shops Opening this year
Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.
The Landing is the first phase of Disney Springs and will be home to unique and memorable dining experiences such as The BOATHOUSE (now open), Morimoto Asia (opening fall 2015) and STK (opening in 2015), plus a number of still-to-be-announced innovative restaurants and boutique shops. New shops now open include The Art of Shaving, APEX by Sunglass Hut, Chapel Hats and Havaianas.
Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and will be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues to more than 150.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels
New Experiences and Additions at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The relaxing tropical paradise has undergone a major newly re-imagination and is ready to welcome guests to experience all of the new offerings in store:
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Opening in March, Trader Sam’s will welcome explorers to a mystical and tropical oasis featuring a lounge area with handcrafted tiki cocktails served in souvenir mugs, paired with Polynesia-inspired small plates. The new lounge is based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Pineapple Lanai kiosk – Guests can enjoy the world-famous Dole Whip soft serve and floats here, as well as a menu makeover at Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant.
Lilo’s Playhouse – A new children’s activity center, Lilo’s Playhouse, welcomes guests ages 3-12 to play dress-up, create crafts and engage in games, storytelling or movie nights.
Feature Pool – A completely renovated feature pool area and a new children’s water play area with an enlarged deck for poolside seating will open to guests in late Spring.
In addition, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature 20 Disney Vacation Club bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon and 360 Deluxe Studios. The Disney Vacation Club Bungalows are the first of this type of accommodation at Disney, sleep up to eight guests, and featuring a plunge pool where guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. This resort is also the first to have connecting Deluxe Studios that sleep up to five guests and have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort.
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*Disney characters will be in the parks throughout the day and all night, inviting guests to dress up for the occasion, too. Guests may join the party dressed in costume. Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: A Spring Tradition March 4-May 17, 2015
Spring blooms in a big way with bountiful blossoms, colorful Disney topiaries, gardening seminars and flavors of the season during the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, now through May 17, 2015, at Walt Disney World Resort.
Dozens of Disney character topiaries, from Chip and Dale to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, rule the festival kingdom in the park’s Future World and World Showcase, and popular Outdoor Kitchens are back with refreshing beverages and tantalizing tastes from the garden and grill.
Home and garden seminars, children’s play gardens and other popular festival features fill the 75-day event. At the Festival Center, interactive gardening workshops set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and guest speakers cover the latest in outdoor trends and home and garden topics.
Guests can try new food and beverage tastes from Outdoor Kitchen menus and pose for selfies among whimsical topiaries, multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. On the park’s Future World lakes, more than 200 mini-gardens are set afloat.
For more information, guests may visit www.epcotinspring.com or call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). Festival events are included in regular Epcot admission.
New Entertainment Throughout World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot guests can enjoy new entertainment acts throughout Epcot World Showcase, including a fresh summery twist on popular American songs by a cappella group Voices of Liberty, who perform twice per week on the American Gardens Theatre stage. There’s also choreographed flag-throwing at the Italy pavilion, acoustic performances by Paul McKenna Band in the United Kingdom pavilion, the Canadian Lumberjacks friendly competition at the Canada pavilion and a Berber music and dance troupe at the Morocco pavilion.
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 15-June 14, 2015
The Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 15, 2015 as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars film franchise with the magic of Disney Parks. The 2015 event will feature meet-and-greet opportunities with Star Wars characters throughout the theme park, conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Star Wars motorcade through the park, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise and more. Star Wars Weekends will be held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 15-June 14:
Weekend I: May 15-17, 2015 Weekend II: May 22-24, 2015 Weekend III: May 29-31, 2015 Weekend IV: June 5-7, 2015 Weekend V: June 12-14, 2015
For more information visit www.disneyworld.com/starwars.
24-Hour Kickoff to Summer at Magic Kingdom May 22-23
Magic Kingdom will host a 24-hour extravaganza on Friday, May 22 to kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The event begins when the park open at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22 and continues for 24 hours, ending Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 a.m. Hosted by Olaf, the Memorial Day weekend celebration will feature character greetings, dance parties and surprises throughout the night. Guests are invited to come in costume* to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
New Dining, Shopping and More at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New dining and entertainment offerings welcome Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests this summer as the theme park continues to undergo the largest expansion in its history. Africa Marketplace, a new shopping and dining option for park-goers in Harambe, the village anchoring the Africa section of the park, is planned to open summer 2015. One highlight of the new space will be 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.
Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and their friends now welcome guests for a fun-filled character dinner at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, in addition to breakfast and lunch. “Donald’s Safari Dinner” offers guests the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters, including Donald and Daisy, while enjoying a delicious selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Continues its Transformation into Disney Springs with New Restaurants, Shops Opening this year
Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.
The Landing is the first phase of Disney Springs and will be home to unique and memorable dining experiences such as The BOATHOUSE (now open), Morimoto Asia (opening fall 2015) and STK (opening in 2015), plus a number of still-to-be-announced innovative restaurants and boutique shops. New shops now open include The Art of Shaving, APEX by Sunglass Hut, Chapel Hats and Havaianas.
Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and will be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues to more than 150.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels
New Experiences and Additions at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The relaxing tropical paradise has undergone a major newly re-imagination and is ready to welcome guests to experience all of the new offerings in store:
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Opening in March, Trader Sam’s will welcome explorers to a mystical and tropical oasis featuring a lounge area with handcrafted tiki cocktails served in souvenir mugs, paired with Polynesia-inspired small plates. The new lounge is based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Pineapple Lanai kiosk – Guests can enjoy the world-famous Dole Whip soft serve and floats here, as well as a menu makeover at Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant.
Lilo’s Playhouse – A new children’s activity center, Lilo’s Playhouse, welcomes guests ages 3-12 to play dress-up, create crafts and engage in games, storytelling or movie nights.
Feature Pool – A completely renovated feature pool area and a new children’s water play area with an enlarged deck for poolside seating will open to guests in late Spring.
In addition, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature 20 Disney Vacation Club bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon and 360 Deluxe Studios. The Disney Vacation Club Bungalows are the first of this type of accommodation at Disney, sleep up to eight guests, and featuring a plunge pool where guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. This resort is also the first to have connecting Deluxe Studios that sleep up to five guests and have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort.
###
*Disney characters will be in the parks throughout the day and all night, inviting guests to dress up for the occasion, too. Guests may join the party dressed in costume. Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.