What’s Happening This Summer at Walt Disney World?

What’s Happening This Summer at Walt Disney World?

Summer used to be Walt Disney World’s Peak Season. Not anymore! With Disney deals galore, luring folks to the parks we’re sure the crowds will still be found, but what are you really going for? What events can you expect? Is there anything New? Without the seasonal festival at Epcot to lure you to Walt Disney World with new foods, let’s chat about what you can find at Walt Disney World this summer. 

Tiana's Bayou Adventure  Water Tower Magic Kingdom

Surviving Walt Disney World This Summer

While it’s true that schools do still let kids out in the summer and that families still do vacation at Walt Disney World. It’s also true that as the climate gets more extreme and Florida Summers can get unbearable. Be sure to check out our tips for Surviving the Heat in Florida at Disney this summer. Ask any local and they’ll say you can find them at home in the air conditioning like any other clear-headed Floridian. Then, of course, you can add in international tour groups, sports teams and summer conventions, and the parks and we stick by our personal truth that we’d rather visit Walt Disney World in any other season. Here’s everything to know about Summer at Walt Disney World

walt disney world vacations in the summer florida vacation

Walt Disney World Summer Events

What is there to do at Walt Disney World in the Summer of 2023?  What else can you look forward to besides the basic Disney experience? Here’s your roundup of festivals, events, and the Best Disney Rides and Attractions When it’s Hot at Walt Disney World. Here’s everything you can find happening at Walt Disney World this summer. 

Flower and Garden Festival Epcot

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival | EPCOT Park

Believe it or not, if you’re visiting Walt Disney World this summer you can still catch the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival if you’re vacationing before July. This festival combines the best foods, fun, and beautiful topiaries you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check out the Flower and Garden Festival Menus and everything else you can do at Flower and Garden if you’re traveling in early summer! 

H20 Glow Nights | Typhoon Lagoon Park

H20 Glow Nights return to Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this summer. Offered select Saturday nights May-August from 8-11 pm, you get 3 hours of fun after the park closes. Complete with low waits, exclusive glow-themed snacks, and free popcorn, select ice-cream treats and beverages to enjoy! This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Grab your H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon tickets here. 

Coca Cola Rooftop Bar Disney Springs

Flavors of Florida | Disney Springs

Honoring the flavors of Florida every summer, Disney Springs restaurants and snack kiosks pull together the best homegrown dishes, snacks, and desserts Florida has to offer. This year Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE, runs from July 1- August 13, 2023, at Disney Springs. With over 30 locations participating you’re sure to find something that fits your summer mood. From orange-filled treats to mahi tacos, there is something for everyone. Here are all the snacks and dishes you can find at the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Event this year. 

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya | EPCOT Japan

A brand new Sushi restaurant arrives in EPCOT Park in the Summer of 2023, featuring a wide array of Sushi choices. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks.

Fireworks at Walt Disney World July 1 2021

Disney Fireworks and Spectaculars

Fireworks and shows are part of every Walt Disney World vacation this summer! Each Park has something special to share. Hollywood Studios shares the Wonderful World of Animation on the Chinese Theater and Fantasmic. Magic Kingdom has welcomed back Happily Ever After. Animal Kingdom has the Tree of Life Awakenings on days with longer park hours. And EPCOT finishes the night with a nighttime spectacular. 

Flower and Garden Festival Epcot

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival | EPCOT Park

And if you’re traveling in late summer this year you’ll have plenty of time to experience the Food and Wine Festival! Starting in July,  this festival has new foods, Remy’s Scavenger Hunt Game, classes, and more! Be sure to check out the Food and Wine Menus to help you get a start on the planning. Here is everything you can do at the Food and Wine Festival this year! 

Club Cool at Epcot PArk

Club Cool Hosted by Coca-Cola | EPCOT Park

If you have been missing the Beverly, take care in knowing that Club Cool is Back! And summer is the best time to head Club Cool for a refreshing break. This new space celebrates Coca-Cola in “a fresh new way,” while bringing the global Coca-Cola tasting experience to life! 

mickey shorts

Vacation Fun-Mickey Shorts Theater | Hollywood Studios

Another newer Disney Attraction, the Mickey Shorts Theater features a 20-minute cartoon all about mickey! We love that this is a mash-up of our favorite Mickey Short episodes and gives us a reason to get out of the sun at Disney World. Check out our full review of the Mickey Shorts Theater at Hollywood Studios. 

Festival of the Lion King | Animal Kingdom

The Festival of the Lion King at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom offers another wonderful break from the crowds, and heat during the summer months. By far one of the BEST shows on Disney property, we are excited to see this show anytime it’s offered. 

Rafiki’s Planet Watch Returns | Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a seasonal attraction at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom but typically returns each summer. This conservation-focused attraction is only accessible via a train ride and offered character meet and greets and a children’s farm. Check out everything happening at the Conservation Station.

Summer Snacks at Walt Disney World

If we’re sure to see anything new at Walt Disney World this summer it’s Disney Snacks! Be sure to check out all the New Disney Snacks at Walt Disney World! We’ll be keeping them updated in our Disney Snacks section of the blog.  Check out the Best Disney Snacks in each park and our favorite Kid-Friendly Drinks to beat the Heat at Walt Disney World. 

Walt Disney World Summer Ticket Offers

4-Park Magic Ticket Disney World Summer

Beginning May 23, 2023, you can purchase the 4-day, 4-Park Magic Ticket for $99 per day plus tax ($396 total plus tax), which includes one day of admission to each of the four theme parks (for a total of 4 admissions, on 4 separate days)*. No theme park reservations are needed. To learn more, visit DisneyWorld.com/4ParkMagic.

Florida Resident Disney Summer Magic Ticket

Beginning May 16, 2023, Florida residents can purchase the Disney Summer Magic Ticket, which offers value and flexibility for their next adventure to Walt Disney World theme parks. Choose from a 4-day ticket for $58 per day plus tax ($229 total plus tax) or a 3-day ticket for $70 per day plus tax ($209 total plus tax)**.  With this ticket, advance theme park reservations are required and are subject to availability. Visit DisneyWorld.com/SummerMagic for more details.

Disney in the Summer

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this summer, hopefully, this post has helped you see all that you can do! If you’re on the fence about when to visit Walt Disney World. Check out our posts on what happens each season at Walt Disney World. Or head to our post about celebrating a Disney Summer at Home. 

Everything happening at Walt Disney World this Summer! New meet and greets, new evening events and more! #polkadotpixies #disney2019 #disneysummer #waltdisneyworld

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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