Inside Disney's New 'Star Wars,' 'Frozen' and Animal Kingdom Attractions
Get the scoop on several exciting new attractions for the summer.
— -- The happiest place on earth is getting even happier this summer with brand new spectacles and all new adventures debuting across all four Disney World Parks.
ABC News’ Jesse Palmer is getting a behind-the-scenes look at some of the new immersive experiences, which are part of Disney World’s new “Awaken Summer” campaign.
There is a galaxy of new “Star Wars” experiences at Disney’s Hollywood studios, including a chance to chat with Kylo Ren and witness a new fireworks show called “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” which has lasers, special effects and video projects of the film’s iconic characters and scenes.
And the summer heat is turning downright “Frozen” at Epcot, where visitors can soon climb aboard the new “Frozen Ever After” boat ride attraction that will sail into a “Frozen” world at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. Anna and Elsa will greet guests at the new Royal Sommerhus, which is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin, according to a news release about the attractions.
And Animal Kingdom will be open at night for the first time in its 18-year history when the whole park comes to life with new shows like the brand new “Rivers of Light.”
“There’s so much more exciting in this show,” Michael Jung, creator director of “Rivers of Light,” told ABC News. “There are floats, there are animal lanterns, there are moving barges, there are fountains. There are all kinds of special effects that are really going to make this come to life in a much bigger way.”
The Kilimanjaro Safaris, which by day lets guests experience the African Savannah up-close, takes on a new life after dark where you can see animals such as African painted dogs, which are a “critically endangered species,” said Dr. Scott Terrell, the director of animal science operations.
“I think the coolest thing about the safari at night, you can see the ways animals behave and you also get to see the reserve in a whole new way,” Terrell added.
At Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life captures everyone’s attention, but at night the fireflies come out and it is an entirely new spectacle.
“No one has really gotten to see it by night,” Jung explained. “I think it’s pretty magical. All these animals that have been carved into the trunk come alive and share their stories with us.”
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
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