It’s almost summertime and if you’re thinking of vacationing Walt Disney World, there’s never been a better time! With new attractions, events, merchandise, and more, it’s no wonder the magic is calling you to Orlando, Florida. Today we’re sharing nine reasons to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth this summer.

The World’s Most Magical Celebration
On October 1, 2021, Walt Disney World turned 50 and the vacation destination officially kicked off their 18-month-long anniversary celebration. All celebration long, Walt Disney World is opening new attractions, dropping new merchandise, Fab 50 sculptures, and more. With so many of the new offerings already available for guests to experience, this summer is a great time to visit Walt Disney World for its 50th anniversary!

 

 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Walt Disney World’s newest attraction has officially opened in World Discovery at EPCOT. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is located in the new Wonder of Xandar pavilion, the first other-world showcase pavilion in EPCOT. This family-thrill attraction is one of the largest full-enclosed coasters in the world and features the first ever reverse-launch on a Disney parks coaster. Your ride vehicle is synced with one of six different tracks, making it a goal to check all six tracks off over time! Right now guests can only experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with a boarding group through a virtual queue or and Individual Lightning Lane, so plan accordingly.

 

 

Disney H2O Glow After Hours
This summertime special ticket event is BACK. It’s Disney H2O Glow After Hours! Rediscover Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park during this fun-filled nighttime after party. Guests who attend this 3-hour event will experience shorter waits on some of their favorite Typhoon Lagoon attractions, a glow-tastic DJ dance party, specialty snacks and drinks, Disney character interactions, and more. Disney H2O Glow After Hours takes place all summer long on Saturday nights May 28, 2022 through August 27, 2022. Tickets are $75 for guests ages 10 and up and $70 for guests ages 3 to 9. (Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club discounts are available.)

 

 

Meet the Characters
Disney Character interactions have officially returned to the Most Magical Place on Earth! For the first time in forever, guests can hug, dance with, or high-five their favorite characters while visiting the Disney parks. It’s been years since guests could get a character’s autographer or interact in this way, so what are you waiting for? We recently shared every character meet and greet around Walt Disney World resort, so be sure to give that guide a read, too! Also, there’s always new characters making their way to Walt Disney World like Marabel Madrigal from ENCANTO debuted in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom.

 

 

Nighttime Spectaculars
As a part of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, Walt Disney World debuted two new nighttime spectaculars on October 1, 2021. At the Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy Disney Enchantment nightly and in EPCOT, the long-awaited Harmonious lights up the World Showcase Lagoon. Disney Enchantment brings Cinderella Castle to life with a new song and magical effects, but for the first time ever those effects extend all the way down to Main Street U.S.A. In EPCOT, Harmonious features a medley of classic Disney songs and visuals that have been reinterpreted by 240 artists from around the globe. Guests can expect to see some of their favorite Disney films represented in both nighttime spectaculars, and with nightly showings of each it’s possible to enjoy both on your next Disney vacation!

 

MagicBand+
This summer the latest in MagicBand technology will launch at Walt Disney World resort. MagicBand+ takes your Walt Disney World experience to a whole new level, allowing your to get even more magic out of your Disney day. These new wearable bands allow you to interact with nighttime fireworks, Fab 50 sculptures, and more. Through lights, vibrations, and sounds, MagicBand+ lets you see Walt Disney World in a whole new way! Keep an eye out of this latest Disney gadget launching this month.

 

 

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
Ready for the new complimentary limited-time experience at Walt Disney World? On the West Side of Disney Springs near House of Blues and City Works Eatery & Pour House you’ll find the Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Experience. Here, guests get to try out the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset while previewing ILMxLAB’s Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge. This experience is only available from May 2, 2022 through July 21, 2022, so don’t miss your chance to preview the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset and get a bigger glimpse into the Black Spire Outpost!

 

 

Unforgettable Shows and Parades
Many of Walt Disney World’s beloved stage shows and parades have made a recent return, and there’s never been a better time to experience them. Enjoy a Celebration of Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire in Magic Kingdom, and Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – just to name a few! Walt Disney World has confirmed that we will see the return for Fantasmic! and a new show Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! sometime this year, too.

 

 

EPCOT Festivals
If you love specialty sips, live entertainment, and limited time menus, you’ll love exploring EPCOT’s festivals this summer. From now through July 4, 2022, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom! Known for its fresh menu and colorful Disney topiaries, this festival has become a fan favorite over the years. As one festival ends, another begins to ramp up at EPCOT. Starting July 14, 2022, EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off for the season! EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 19, 2022, which means you’ve got plenty of time to take in all of the event offerings this summer. Enjoy live entertainment with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, exclusive eats and sips from the Global Marketplaces, and more.

The summer season begins on June 21, 2022, but the magical moments are available year-round at Walt Disney World, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your next trip to the Most Magical Place on earth to experience these nine offerings!