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Options for fun expand when the sun goes down at Walt Disney World

frozen-fireworks

At Walt Disney World one of the best ways to beat the heat is to wait until the sun goes down. There’s a whole new world of fun and entertainment available, and this summer there are new and premium events to enjoy.

Here’s what Walt Disney World fun looks like after dark:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Frozen Summer Fun Live! – Fans of the beloved Disney film “Frozen” can journey to Arendelle all summer long with Frozen Summer Fun Live! activities taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. After welcoming Anna and Elsa every morning, then ice skating at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and dancing with Olaf at the Coolest Summer Ever Dance Party all afternoon, guests can end their day with a grand fireworks show that soars above the Sorcerer Mickey Hat on Hollywood Blvd.

Frozen Summer Fun Live! takes place daily now through September 1 beginning at 11 a.m. Frozen-themed fireworks, set to popular tunes from the film, light up the sky at 9:45 p.m. each evening, weather permitting.

“The Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package,” which offers special viewing for three of the new experiences, includes an exclusive dessert party in a reserved area while viewing the Frozen fireworks. Packages cost $59 for adults and $34 for children (including tax and gratuity).

Fantasmic! – Mickey Mouse’s imagination comes to life during this nighttime show featuring favorite Disney heroes and villains at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fantasmic! immerses spectators in Sorcerer Mickey’s dreams by using stunning pyrotechnics, laser lights and dramatic effects. This show plays nightly, weather permitting.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Harambe Nights – To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Academy Award-winning film, “The Lion King,” the streets of Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are bursting with excitement and after-hours fun with the all-new summer series, Harambe Nights.

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Trattoria al Forno Italian Restaurant Coming to Disney’s Boardwalk

Trattoria-Al-Forno-Logo-640x378

Trattoria al Forno, a new restaurant featuring Italian cuisine with authentic ingredients and recipes from Italy’s various regions, is set to open at Disney’s BoardWalk in December 2014. The name comes from “trattoria” — an Italian restaurant serving simple food and “al forno” or food baked in oven. The restaurant will showcase old world techniques, including handcrafted mozzarella made daily, a variety of Neopolitan-style pizzas baked in wood-burning ovens, and other classic italian favorites such as risotto, baked lasagna, chicken great alla Parmigiana with tagliatelle pasta and more.

I’ve been wondering what will replace Kouzzina, the Greek inspired Cat Cora restaurant, which itself replaced Spoodles another Greek inspired menu. Now we know that Disney is just moving next door on the map to Italy. With a couple really good Italian options right next door in EPCOT, you have to wonder why they went with Italian at the Boardwalk.

Trattoria al Forno will boast an extensive wine menu with more than 60 offerings by the bottle and more than 25 wines by the glass, including Chiantis, Super Tuscans and fine Italian white wines such as Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Moscato. Desserts such as tiramisù, gelatos, and the signature bomboloni (Italian donut holes) with dark chocolate and vanilla gelato round out the menu.

The Disney Parks blog outlined even more expected menu items:

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Maya Grill Review

Note: Please welcome guest author Angela Jenkins who is back from a recent trip to Walt Disney World. My friend and I recently stayed at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for a convention. We wanted a nice place to dine and relax after a long day… Read More »Maya Grill Review

Swan & Dolphin Holding Taproom Takeover to Help Military Families

Beer lovers might want to add an extra stop at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel to help toast Independence Day with some regionally brewed craft beers, during a “Taproom Takeover” at Cabana Bar and Beach Club, July 2-8. The hotel is partnering… Read More »Swan & Dolphin Holding Taproom Takeover to Help Military Families

A New Idea for Restaurant Reservations

Stumbled across an interesting article, with a lot of numbers and inisght, from Nick Kokonas co-owner of Alenia and other restaurants with Grant Achatz, one of our nation’s most prominent chefs and restauranteurs. Kokonas explains the value selling tickets instead of reservations provided to his… Read More »A New Idea for Restaurant Reservations

Food Truck Bazaar to visit Downtown Disney on June 21

Orlando has a thriving gourmet food truck scene thanks in large part to the Food Truck Bazaar. Nine unique trucks will join five Disney trucks in one big event on June 21st from 5pm to 10pm at Downtown Disney in the Cirque du Soleil courtyard.… Read More »Food Truck Bazaar to visit Downtown Disney on June 21

Finally getting to the Cronut at EPCOT

The Croissant Doughnut (aka Cronut) is a recent addition to the list of delicious treats at EPCOT. It reminds me very much of the Beaver Tails (I knew them as Elephant Ears growing up in PDX) they used to serve in Canada, only shaped like… Read More »Finally getting to the Cronut at EPCOT

Disney Springs “The Landing” – New Shopping and Dining District Opening in 2015

Disney Springs

Among the many things announced by Walt Disney World yesterday, was the first new area of Downtown Disney to open as part of its transformation into Disney Springs. “The Landing” will be set by the water front and feature nationally known restauranteurs. None have been officially announced, but it’s expected to include concepts from the Patina group (Via Napoli) and Steven Schussler (T-Rex, Yak & Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe). The Landing will occupy part of the area formerly known as Pleasure Island (basically behind where Raglan Road is now).

Disney also released a bunch more information about the transformation of Disney Springs (which will be the official name for the area commencing with the opening of The Landing. For summer 2014, outdoor entertainment will bring Downtown Disney to life, with nine different acts scheduled nightly – more than 30 live performances daily, a free highlight of the Downtown Disney experience. Special events like Car Masters Weekend (June 14-15) puts the spotlight on classic and exotic cars for Father’s Day weekend, and includes character experiences featuring favorite Disney*Pixar “Cars” characters.

New this summer for Downtown Disney:

Two new Starbucks locations – a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for the familiar green roof at the West Side flagship Starbucks, part of the company’s commitment to be environmentally conscious. The design includes a covered patio overlooking the waterfront and a fireplace, as well as the new Clover Bar, featuring special reserve coffees brewed to order. A high-tech screen behind the Clover Bar will show images from coffee regions around the globe, and a new Human Connection Wall will include large touch-screen monitors that allow guests to use their finger to draw images.

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