Summer 2014 at the Walt Disney World Resort is going to be magical.
The summer season officially kicks off on May 23 with the bi-coastal Rock Your Disney Side: 24 Hours party at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure.
During the 24-hour party, guests will have a chance to take part in events showcasing good-vs.-evil from classic Disney stories with meet-and-greets, entertainment, special merchandise, and special food offerings.
Once summer has officially started at Disney, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens on May 28 in the Magic Kingdom. The family-friendly coaster features ride vehicles that pivot and also includes music from the movies and guests will be greeted by animated figures of the Dwarfs and Snow White.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Lion King with a new hard ticket event, Harambe Nights. This event takes place on Saturday evenings from June 7 through August 9.
The event includes an appetizer party, performance of The Lion King Concert in the Wild with celebrity narrators, and an African-inspired buffet followed by a street party. Tickets for this event are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Tickets with premium floor seating are $134 for adults, $94 for ages 3-9, plus tax.
Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests the Festival of the Lion King returns to the park in June. This fan favorite went into “hibernation” in January, but will once again be showing daily in its new home, the newly-built Harambe Theater.
There are two new nighttime experiences at Epcot this summer with the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party and the After Hours Wind Down. The Sparkling Dessert Party takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The After Hours Wind Down takes place on select nights through September 15.
