David Bridges
As the excitement of summer vacations approaches, the enchanting world of Disney Experiences is thriving at their captivating bi-coastal theme parks, magical Disney Cruises, and numerous international destinations. Families and adventure seekers alike can look forward to delightful attractions and events that promise unforgettable memories. From thrilling rides to enchanting parades, Disney is gearing up for a summer filled with joy and excitement. Walt Disney World is set to unveil a mesmerizing nighttime parade featuring beloved characters from Pixar and Disney Animation Studios, while the iconic Mickey Mouse and his friends showcase their stylish new outfits during the spectacular Starlight event. As the Halloween season approaches, fans can also anticipate spine-tingling fun with the Disney Villains taking center stage at WDW’s Hollywood Studios, accompanied by the release of Halloween party tickets.
At Disneyland, the 70th anniversary celebration is in full effect, featuring an array of festive foods and entertainment options. Over at Disneyland Paris, guests can dance the summer away at an exciting new music festival that promises to be a highlight of the season. Meanwhile, Disney Cruises are preparing to welcome guests aboard the fleet’s latest ship, adding to the excitement of this week’s theme park news.
Experience the Magic of Walt Disney World’s New Nighttime Parade: Starlight
This summer marks the arrival of an all-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, set to debut on July 20, 2025. This exclusive event at Magic Kingdom Park will revive the beloved tradition of nighttime parades at the Walt Disney World Resort. The enchanting parade will showcase a dazzling array of floats featuring both classic and contemporary favorites from the Disney and Pixar universes along the iconic parade route on Main Street. We can’t wait to see the stunning updates to the costumes worn by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy that will shine bright during this summer premiere.
Enjoy the Thrilling New Show: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Walt Disney World
As the humid summer heat settles in at Walt Disney World, there’s a growing demand for exciting indoor entertainment. What better way to escape the heat than by indulging in chilling tales from the Disney Villains? We are eagerly anticipating the fun-filled musical adventure that is Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, which promises a delightful romp through the most memorable villain showstoppers and more. This captivating performance is sure to entertain audiences of all ages and provide a refreshing break from the summer sun.
Join the Spooky Fun at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Get ready for a frightfully fun experience as Haunted Mansion’s Butler Broom extends an invitation to what promises to be a lively gathering. This year’s event will feature a thrilling new meet and greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, taking place at the Town Square Theater. For families with young children, the Storybook Circus will undergo a magical transformation, creating a “happy haunt” atmosphere to help the littlest Disney fans seamlessly transition into the Halloween spirit—after all, it is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween! Running from August 15 to October 31, this event will feature many returning favorites alongside exciting new experiences. Tickets are available here.
Explore the Wonders of Epcot’s Moana: Journey of Water with Disney Imagineering
Immerse yourself in one of our favorite walkthrough attractions at Walt Disney World that keeps summer visitors cool while providing an engaging experience filled with fun facts. The Imagineering team takes us on a behind-the-scenes journey of Moana: Journey of Water. This captivating attraction not only showcases the beauty of water but also highlights the importance of nature, making it a perfect addition to your summer adventures.
Indulge in Delicious Culinary Creations at Disneyland’s 70th Celebration
This summer, besides enjoying all the enchanting nighttime shows and embarking on scavenger hunts with the key to Disneyland, we’re set to indulge in an array of delightful treats throughout the parks. Our current favorite dish is the celebratory 70th anniversary Mickey Waffles at Schmoozies, which are bursting with confetti cake flavor and feature a creamy strawberry center that is simply irresistible. This unique culinary creation is a must-try for anyone visiting Disneyland this summer, adding a delicious twist to the celebration.
Savor the Magic of Music at Disneyland Paris’ Disney Music Festival
Disneyland Paris is making its mark as a vibrant music festival destination, running from now until September 7 with the exciting Disney Music Festival. This event will showcase a diverse array of music genres, offering experiences inspired by beloved Pixar and Disney Animation classics. Different hubs will be dedicated to various musical styles, featuring a mariachi band with Coco’s Miguel in Frontierland, jazz with Mary Poppins in Town Square, and rock n’ roll with Elvis Stitch in Discoveryland. Each character adds their unique flair, ensuring that every guest experiences the magic of music. I’m particularly curious about the story of DJ Chip and Dale, who, judging by their outfits, are ready to bring the house music vibes.
Embark on an Epic Adventure Aboard the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Get ready for an extraordinary journey as the magical universe of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel heroes and villains comes alive on the Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Set to embark on its inaugural voyages starting November 20, this ship will offer 4-5 night cruises departing from the port of Fort Lauderdale to the breathtaking Bahamas and the stunning Western Caribbean. We are particularly excited about the ship’s spectacular Hercules show and the thrilling gorgon battle teased in the promotional images.
Celebrate 20 Years of Duffy and Friends at Tokyo DisneySea
The beloved international bear Duffy and his friends are celebrating two decades of friendship and fun. This year, Tokyo DisneySea is hosting a vibrant celebration filled with special food, entertainment, and exclusive merchandise to commemorate this milestone. The festivities promise to be a delightful experience for fans of all ages. Here’s hoping that some of these fantastic collectibles, including LinaBell and other plushes, make their way stateside for us collectors!
Meet the Star Wars Droids on a World Tour at Tokyo Disneyland
International Disney enthusiasts have the exciting opportunity to meet iconic Star Wars droids as they feature in Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu until June 30 at Tokyo Disneyland. This exclusive encounter allows fans to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe and interact with their favorite characters in a magical setting.
Discover the New Spider-Man Themed Land at Shanghai Disney Resort
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding its reach into theme parks with the introduction of a new Spider-Man inspired land at Shanghai Disneyland. This thrilling expansion will host a variety of new shows, dining experiences, and attractions, including a high-octane coaster that promises to take guests on a heroic adventure alongside Spidey. Construction for this exciting new area broke ground on May 18 and it will be conveniently located next to the recently opened Zootopia land, creating a cohesive experience for guests as they explore the Wonderful World of Disney, where insects and animals coexist in harmony.
For more exciting updates, stay tuned for the latest news on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as the future of the DC Universe in film and television, and everything you need to know about the upcoming seasons of Doctor Who.
Brandon Fletcher
