Summer is just around the corner and that usually means new experiences and attractions at Disney theme parks. That’s true at Walt Disney World where Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to debut in Magic Kingdom. Along with those, Disney has announced a few other premieres for the summer including shows at Disney Springs and Epcot. In this post, we’ll cover those new shows and add some of our own commentary about each one.

Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show Coming to Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors. The show will showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky and paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes.

After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, turn your eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2!

Commentary

This is not a drill! We have a drone show at a domestic Disney Resort. Technically, this isn’t the very first one as Disney Springs held a small scale holiday drone show some years ago. As we’ve seen these become popular overseas and at different events in America, it was only a matter of time before this medium came to WDW more regularly.

Having a test run at Disney Springs, where the show can be seen for free each night signals a bit of a test run to me. On one hand, this is something that could bring locals in who might be blocked out of the parks. On the other, debuting a complimentary show clears it of expectations. If people don’t like it then, oh well! It didn’t cost them anything. This is a win-win for both Disney and guests.

I do think this is more significant than Disney adding entertainment for the summer. I don’t think fireworks are going anywhere at Disneyland or Magic Kingdom anytime soon but it feels like just a matter of time before drone shows come to other parks. They are cheaper to operate and better for the environment, while still providing a wow factor for guests.

Disney Dreams That Soar can be a testing ground for in-park entertainment. Show operators and creators can feel out the operating system that goes into a drone show, although I’m sure they have plenty of experience in the matter. In the meantime, Disney can survey guests and get a feeling for the reception.

I’m excited that this is coming to Disney Springs and it’s a nice bit of unexpected entertainment for a resort that I’m always clamoring for that exact thing. But there’s probably more at play here too, which has me even more optimistic. Here’s hoping for a great show!

¡Celebración Encanto! & CommuniCore Hall Opening in Epcot

EPCOTians everywhere know that the park has been undergoing a large transformation. To recap the last few years, there’s been a gorgeous new fountain and welcoming front entrance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Creations Shop, Spaceship Earth lighting, Space 220 Restaurant, Connections Café & Eatery, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana, Walt the Dreamer Statue and more! Yes, EPCOT has seen a lot of changes … and starting June 10, the park is ready to debut the finishing touches of this grand transformation with extra summer fun.

Everyone will be talking about Bruno from June 10-Sept. 6 because a new summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of “Encanto” is in development now. This new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” runs several times throughout the day and will not only invite you and your family to sing along with some of your favorite songs, but you’ll also spot Mirabel and Bruno on the newly opened CommuniCore Plaza stage. 

I mentioned that this adorable, limited time show will take place on CommuniCore Plaza stage, and that will be because the last walls in the center of the park are coming down – that’s right! Beginning June 10, you’ll be able to stroll through a fully transformed EPCOT. Let me tell you a little more about what to expect.

While CommuniCore Hall will be home to the iconic EPCOT festivals and other celebrations (and we’ll definitely share more on that later!), it’ll also be a perfect cool indoor space year-round for you and your family to recharge. And speaking of cool, CommuniCore Hall will be surrounded by serene views and exciting experiences. The coolest mouse around will be ready to give you a hug once new character greeting location Mickey & Friends debuts! With its beautiful mural of all things EPCOT past and present, a geometric exterior design inspired by Spaceship Earth, and of course, Mickey Mouse and his pals, you’re sure to have a smile on your face.

If you love what we’ve already revealed of the World Celebration Gardens, you’ll be delighted by even more luscious greenery and relaxing spaces to enjoy out in CommuniCore Plaza and Inspiration Gardens. And that’s not even mentioning the more food and beverages and more entertainment to come … but we’ll have more details for you soon. 

Commentary

We’ll start with the news of an Encanto themed show. I don’t expect much from this sing-along but it’s nice to add some entertainment to the front of the park. The film has great songs and adding those characters to the park is a no-brainer. I doubt there will be a lot to the show, largely due to it’s limited time nature but I’m glad they’re utilizing the stage when CommuniCore Hall opens. That should be a nice space for festival seminars and live entertainment!

I’m relieved to see the construction walls at Epcot are coming down! That’s been a long time coming to say the least. I think the design choices in the area have been a mixed bag. There are aspects that I absolutely love but others that leave me scratching my head. I’m eager to see more green spaces that this news promises as well as what the inside of the hall looks like. I’m less excited to keep spelling CommuniCore but this is the cross I bear.

There are quite a few not so subtle hints in this post that there’s more coming to Epcot this summer. As Flower & Garden’s dates were cut down in 2024, I’m expecting a summer festival to be coming our way. That would give the park something year around and furthers Epcot’s current identity. I’m eager to see what’s announced, as it seems a matter of when and not if.

Along with the drone show and Epcot news, Disney also announced a 30th anniversary celebration of The Lion King at Animal Kingdom and a few enhancements, including a Joy meet & greet, to Pixar Plaza at Hollywood Studios. I wouldn’t call either of those additions substantial but they may add some fun to a day at those parks.

It’s good to see Walt Disney World add to the parks heading into the summer. In the past few years, June-August have been quieter than you’d expect but there’s reason to believe crowd levels may pick up this year. Having specialty entertainment and openings will make visiting even more fun!

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