Summer Fun at Walt Disney World

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Walt Disney World always feels magical, but summer brings its own kind of energy. The parks stay open longer, new entertainment lights up every corner, and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement.

We’ve visited Disney during nearly every season, but summer remains one of our favorites. On a recent hosted media trip, I had the chance to chat with four Disney spokespeople about what’s new, what’s coming, and what families should look out for this summer at all four parks.

If you’re planning a trip during the warmer months, here’s what to expect and what you definitely won’t want to miss.

EPCOT: Festivals, Character Surprises, and Nighttime Magic

Sarah from the Disney team kicked things off with all things EPCOT, including the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs through June 2.

• Explore the Outdoor Kitchens. With 22 food booths across the park, there’s no shortage of options. “Our culinary team has done an amazing job. These flavors are bold and globally inspired,” Sarah said.
• Find character surprises. You never know who might show up. “One of my favorite things is when Miguel from Coco pops up near the Mexico Pavilion. It catches people off guard in the best way.”
• Don’t miss Luminous. The new nighttime fireworks spectacular combines original music, fountains, and storytelling in classic EPCOT style.

Animal Kingdom: Adventure, Wildlife, and the Cutest New Arrival

Even though I didn’t make it to Animal Kingdom on this trip, Sarah filled me in on what we missed, and it’s a long list of reasons to come back soon.

• Take in the beauty. There’s no place quite like Animal Kingdom. From lush trails to close-up animal encounters, it’s a slower-paced park that still delivers on adventure.
• Meet the baby tiger. Yes, really. “We just had a baby tiger join our animal family,” Sarah shared. “He’s still very young but already a guest favorite.”
• Catch live performances. Whether it’s the Festival of the Lion King or street drummers, the music and energy significantly enhance the atmosphere.
• Ride Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage. Animal Kingdom blends nature and thrill, and both rides offer immersive storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals.
• Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar. This land remains a showstopper, featuring bioluminescent theming and epic views, especially after sunset.—and now I’m even more convinced I need to go back soon.

Magic Kingdom: Parades, Nostalgia, and Fireworks

Next up was Alex, who walked me through what’s happening at Magic Kingdom this summer. There’s plenty of classic magic, plus some exciting new additions.

• Watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade. It runs twice daily and features floats inspired by classic Disney stories. “Seeing guests react to the dragon float or Cinderella is one of my favorite parts of the day,” Alex said.
• Meet new and familiar faces. The park has added more character interaction points, including some spontaneous moments.
• Stay for the fireworks. Happily Ever After is still the nighttime show, and it never disappoints.
• Catch the new Disney Starlight parade. This nighttime parade features glowing floats and favorite characters from movies like Frozen, Pinocchio, Encanto, and Coco, among others. It’s a vibrant, fresh addition to the Magic Kingdom lineup.
• Experience TRON Lightcycle / Run. This high-speed coaster is a must-do for thrill seekers, especially at night when the canopy is illuminated with neon lights.

Hollywood Studios: Thrills, Shows, and New Favorites

Nick gave me the lowdown on what to check out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, including new shows and dining that make this park more dynamic than ever.

• Ride the classics. Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster still bring the thrills, but Nick mentioned, “For families, Toy Story Land is a must. There’s something about that oversized world that pulls you in.”
• See Fantasmic! The open-air nighttime show combines water effects, characters, and music in a way only Disney can pull off. It’s a great way to end the night. Some of our family had seen Fantasmic before, but it’s still incredible each time.
• Look out for seasonal snacks. From specialty churros to colorful drinks, summer brings a variety of limited-time treats to the park.
• See the new show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. This humorous, interactive production invites guests to help Maleficent and Captain Hook argue their case for being misunderstood.
• Watch The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. Inspired by the animated film, this new indoor show features fan-favorite scenes, such as “Kiss the Girl.”
• Hop on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This family-friendly ride is a whimsical, immersive experience that’s great for all ages.
• Try these popular dining spots. Grab a Cobb salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby for classic Old Hollywood vibes, or head to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a Toy Story-themed, family-style meal.

Across the Parks: Photo Moments, Summer Snacks, and Little Extras

Jenny wrapped things up with a look at summer across the resort as a whole.

• Use PhotoPass. “There are more than 175 locations where you can get your picture taken, and so many of them have Magic Shots. It’s such a fun way to remember your trip.”
• Try something new. Summer is a great time to catch seasonal overlays, try limited-time treats, or experience your favorite rides in a different light.
• Stay cool. Whether it’s ducking into an air-conditioned theater or grabbing a frosty snack, pacing yourself in the summer heat makes a big difference.

Plan a Summer Trip That Fits Your Style

Every park offers something a little different, and that’s part of what makes Walt Disney World so special. Whether you’re drawn to thrills, live entertainment, foodie finds, or character moments, you can plan your summer visit around what matters most to you.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down either. From fireworks and nighttime shows to cooler temps and lighter crowds, summer evenings at Walt Disney World are a vibe all their own.

If a Disney trip is on your mind this summer, now’s the time to start planning and get ready for a season full of magic, movement, and memories.