What's New, What's Next for WDW?

Today was a busy day in the Disney online community. Disney held a press conference at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and had a lot of announcements up their sleeve. Some exciting things are coming down the pike this summer...so for those of you who will be traveling this summer, get ready...you've got some great new excitement headed your way!

This summer, a new celebration called Summer Nightastic! will take place across the WDW Resort property.

The first new thing for the summer will be that the Main Street Electrical Parade will be coming back. Not seen since 2001, this parade will feature a new Tinkerbell float, plus it will feature the Snow White and Pinocchio floats as well that were previously seen at Disneyland Resort. The music is expected to be the same, however new technology will be integrated.

The next new event will be a brand new fireworks show for the Magic Kingdom. The show is not expected to be the Magic, Music, and Mayhem fireworks extravaganza from the former Pirates and Princess Parties as it was rumored earlier this week. The name of the show is still yet to be determined, however, it will focus on celebrating summer at WDW. This spectacle is expected to take place in place of Wishes for those summer months, however Wishes is expected to return once the summer months are over. Edit: I am hearing conflicting info now. It appears the show may very well be the Magic, Music, and Mayhem show, however, it will be changed slightly and will have a new name...but the show itself will likely be identical. Will keep you posted on the developments.

Also announced were some new plans for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. A new drop sequence will be incorporated, as well as some new lighting effects. No word on if these new additions for TOT will be permanent or just for the summer.

That being said, it appears that everything else will be summer only. These new events are expected to begin starting early June (I'm hearing first week or so) and last through August.

Also announced was that the Animal Kingdom will have extended hours during the summer as well.

It's always so great when Disney brings in new, exciting activities and for those visiting this summer, it appears exciting times will abound. And the best part is, all of this will be included with park admission. No special party, no extra costs instituted, like they've been doing in the past with other events that take place...no, this will be an every night occurance. Way to go Disney! I'd love to see you keep things like this up!

Almost makes me wish I had the money to plan for a WDW summer trip...hmmmm.....