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Park Hoppin’ with Paul Ruben
Disney’s summer splash
In a galaxy, er, theme park far, far away I met the many of the characters from Star Wars, including the Stormtrooper pictured below, at the media event last month to launch the new attractions and experiences coming this summer to Walt Disney World (WDW). Turns out they have a lot planned, a whole lot. Over two days I went to all four of the Florida resort's theme parks and
the new look Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment district to learn and experience what's new. Disney provided my trusty escort, Stephanie, to keep me on schedule and (mostly) out of trouble. You need to understand that most days I sit at this computer screen and write stuff. Or sit here and think about writing stuff. Or just sit there. Stephanie had me walking all over the Walt Disney World property. When we weren't walking we were standing. 14 hours. Her pedometer said we walked six miles (almost 10km) one day. Back home now, I'm still sore. So let me tell you some of the new ways Disney plans to entertain its guests this summer. Stormtroopers are just the start of the Star Wars invasion at Disney’s
Hollywood Studios. There is a new Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, and a live stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Stormtroopers march from Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, while Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artefacts and encounters with characters. There’s lots more too. At EPCOT, Norway is about to become a prime destination. Anna, Elsa
and other characters from the hit film Frozen will welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride that sails into a “Frozen” world at the Norway Pavilion. This replaces Malestrum, uh, Mailstorm, no, Maelstorm, a log chute ride that even Norwegians couldn't spell correctly. Also at Norway Pavilion, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, modelled after a traditional Norwegian cabin. In Future World, Soarin' Over California is replaced by the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction, which also opens next month at Shanghai Disneyland. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now open evenings and its appeal enhanced. Many of the animals along the Kilimanjaro Safaris are nocturnal, including newly introduced hyenas and African wild dogs. The park’s iconic Tree of Life awakens each night with projected visuals. The planned Rivers of Light show on Discovery River has, however, been delayed. In its place will be a show inspired by Disney’s new live-action version of The Jungle Book. Across the park, guests can experience new nighttime experiences and entertainment and enjoy Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and other rides.
Anna and Elsa from
Frozen will also be popping up the Magic Kingdom, where they wil star alongside Tiana of Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel from Tangled and a host of Disney favourites in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire show in front of Cinderella
Castle. For a full account of all
that's new at Walt Disney World, read our preview elsewhere in this issue.
4
MAY 2016
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