Walt Disney World passholders: What not to miss before blackout starts Monday

Monday, June 6, is a not-so-magical day for many local Walt Disney World passholders. For Florida resident silver passholders, it’s the last day they can enter the theme parks until the blackout lifts on Aug. 12. So, for their last weekend of playing tourist, here are some new and limited-time attractions these visitors might not want to miss.

The original Soarin’ reopened last weekend and will have its swan song through June 16, the day before Soarin’ Around the World opens. Why you’ll want to see it again: The original Soarin’ is being shown on new digital screens and projectors, which give much sharper images than the old celluloid ones. (We saw Soarin’ Over California at California Adventure last summer after the projectors debuted there, and the difference was noticeable to visitors who are used to the older models.) Plus, a third theater has been added at Walt Disney World, so (we hope) that means shorter lines!

Last month, “Turtle Talk with Crush” at The Seas With Nemo & Friends added new characters from the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie “Finding Dory.” When Crush swims up to the “Human Tank,” he’s joined by Dory; Destiny, the whale shark; Bailey, the beluga whale; and Hank, the “septopus.” Plus, Squirt joins the fun for the first time.

The newest characters to meet guests at Epcot are Joy and Sadness from the movie “Inside Out.” Look for them in Innoventions West in Future World at the front of the park. Joy and Sadness greet guests at the console of Headquarters, but the queue first leads guests through Riley’s long-term memory and her Islands of Personality.

There is a lot of construction at Hollywood Studios these days, but even so, silver passholders who are Star Wars fans may want to make a trip. The current fireworks show, Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular, that debuted in December is set to end June 16. It will be replaced by a new nighttime show that also will be Star Wars-themed and involve more than just fireworks — video projections, lasers and special effects. Still, Symphony in the Stars is a satisfying end to a day dedicated to Star Wars entertainment, including the re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience for children, the live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” and Star Wars Launch Bay where guests can meet Kylo Ren,
Chewbacca and Jawas.

Animal Kingdom has the most new attractions and entertainment for silver passholders to experience. All the Awaken Summer offerings began last weekend, and I wrote about my first impressions on a previous blog post. “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” — Animal Kingdom’s first nighttime show — is a limited-time engagement and will be replaced with Rivers of Light when it is ready. At this time, no date has been announced so it’s unclear how long we will have to view “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic.” Be sure to stop by and see the five-minute projection shows on the Tree of Life and the “awakening” of the tree that take place after dark. Passholders also might want to check out Kilimanjaro Safaris at night, Discovery Island Carnivale, Harambe Wildlife Parti or The Nomad Lounge and Tiffins restaurant. Extended summer hours run through Labor Day, Sept. 6 as of now, though I’m told they likely will be extended.

Although there aren’t any seasonal events or new attractions at Walt Disney World’s signature park for the summer, are there passholders who don’t want to revisit all their favorites before taking a break? Whether it’s foods, such as Dole Whips and turkey legs, or roller coasters, such as Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, passholders are sure to have a must-do list for their last day before the summer break. And who could pass up the classic nighttime presentations of the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks?

And for Florida residents with silver passes, there are ways to get your Disney fix during the dog days of summer. Perhaps the best way is to visit the hotels. Guests are welcome to grab quick-service snacks, such as a Dole Whip at the Polynesian Village or Mickey waffles at Art of Animation. With a dinner reservation at a resort on the monorail loop or the Boardwalk area, you might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the fireworks. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can taste the flavors of Africa while viewing the animals from the lobby balconies. And, of course, there is Disney Springs. This entertainment district, which just opened its Town Center, has movies, bowling, video games, boat rides, shopping and restaurants all in one place. Finally, let’s not forget Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, for a great way to cool off during the hot Florida summer!

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