Latest news with #CoolKidSummer
Miami Herald
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Fresh Beats, Family Fun and Summer Vibes Take Over Walt Disney World Resort
This summer, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is turning up the fun with the debut of Cool Kid Summer, an enchanting celebration filled with pop-up entertainment, interactive activities and family-friendly surprises across its theme parks, water parks and hotels. Now through September 1, guests can catch added character experiences, dynamic games, lively dance parties, two new stage shows, a nighttime parade premiering in July and more. Our family visited during opening week of Cool Kid Summer, and I can confirm that it's the can't-miss event of the season. Here's what to expect - and how to join the party. At Disney's Magic Kingdom, my children (ages 5, 5 and 8) danced with Pluto and played midway-style games at Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus, then headed to Tomorrowland for Galactic Blast, a space-themed DJ dance party with Stitch. At Hollywood Studios, we caught two new stage shows, followed by the interactive "Get Animated at Animation Courtyard," featuring jump rope performers, magicians, games, crafts and an indoor DJ dance party with Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends. At EPCOT, we spent a fun-filled morning at the all-new dance-and-play experience GoofyCore. And at Animal Kingdom, the kids earned limited-time Wilderness Explorers badges and participated in a singalong at Discovery Island. SheBuysTravel tip: For even more fun, stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge - all of which are offering character visits, family games, music and more as part of the event. One of our family's favorite Cool Kid Summer spots is the brand-new GoofyCore activation at EPCOT, where CommuniCore Hall has been transformed into an immersive indoor play experience featuring a DJ dance party and games with Goofy and his friends. The memories created here are priceless; this is an event where Goofy made time to dance, play games and build forts with my kids. The two new stage shows at Hollywood Studios are also terrific: "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" are colorful, high-energy and perfect for all ages. SheBuysTravel tip: Make sure to pick up a Cool Kid Summer guide for each of the parks, as well as a limited-edition Magic Shot photo guide with a map to all the best spots for fun family photos. An interactive map can also be found in the My Disney Experience app. One major addition to Walt Disney World 's programming will be the dazzling nighttime parade "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away," set to premiere July 20 at Disney's Magic Kingdom. The first evening parade at the park since 2016, the parade will feature a majestic musical score, a procession of glittering floats and beloved Disney characters. Inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, guests will be treated to enchanting moments from Disney and Pixar animated films such as Moana, Encanto, Frozen and Peter Pan. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will debut sparkling costumes for the parade, with new themed treats and commemorative merchandise available for purchase. Some of the most memorable moments during Cool Kid Summer are the unexpected ones - the impromptu dance parties, surprise character pop-ins and themed sequences that appear out of nowhere. On our visit, a spontaneous banshee parade through Pandora at Animal Kingdom had our kids clapping and cheering alongside cast members, while at Magic Kingdom, we stumbled upon Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dancing in the streets. SheBuysTravel tip: Leave room in your days at the theme parks (and even resorts) to linger and explore. Disney has packed this seasonal event with moments meant to surprise and delight. Planning a visit? There are several new ways to stretch your vacation budget during Cool Kid Summer: 50% Off Kids Tickets: Save on multi-day kids' park tickets (ages 3–9) for visits through September Three-Park Ticket: Visit EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day (through Sept. 22).Disney Resort Hotel Deals: Save up to 30 percent on select resort stays from August 1 – October 11, with additional offers for Annual Passholders and Florida Subscriber Rates: Exclusive discounts for Disney+ subscribers, with hotel rates starting at $99 per night at select Resident Summer Magic Ticket: Four-day park ticket for just $60 per day (through Sept. 27).Free Water Park Admission: Complimentary water park entry on check-in day for Disney Resort hotel guests through Sept. 7. SheBuysTravel tip: Stay at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy 30 minutes of early park entry each day; a smart way to beat the crowds and heat. To stay cool at the parks, try alternating indoor and outdoor attractions. Magic Kingdom Must-Do's: Essential Experiences for Preschoolers and Young ChildrenHow to Make the Most of Walt Disney World's EPCOT with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenInsider Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers and Young ChildrenDisney World FAQs for First Time Visitors (and Veterans!) The post Fresh Beats, Family Fun and Summer Vibes Take Over Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
Travel Weekly
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Dispatch, Orlando: Discovering Disney's Cool Kid Summer
To lure kids and parents to Orlando this summer, Walt Disney World has been pulling out all the stops, in the form of a promotion called Cool Kid Summer. My colleague Christina Jelski has already written about summertime promos, which consists of perks, discounts and special park opportunities. New shows opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a cool -- literally and figuratively -- play space at Epcot themed to Goofy is just the ticket when your little ones need to burn off some steam and parents need some air conditioning. There is also the promise of more character interactions, in-park Easter eggs and perks at some of the on-property resorts. And we were along for the ride. At Disney's invitation, we flew down over Memorial Day weekend (through Newark Airport, no less) with our teenage daughter and then stayed on for the kickoff of Cool Kid Summer with my 8-year-old, who officially qualifies as a cool kid -- the invitation was for families with kids ages 9 and younger, which is the Cool Kid sweet spot). With that came some firsthand looks at the new goodies Disney has on offer for families. The Cool Kid Summer branding on a snack stand at Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios. Photo Credit: Rebecca Tobin Now that Cool Kid Summer is live, parents checking in at Disney resorts will receive brochures for each of the four parks that pinpoint specific Cool Kid activities and provide tips for parents with young kids -- like where to buy diapers, sunscreen or formula -- and suggestions on how to live their best cool-kid life. For example, to complete a "scavenger hunt" at Magic Kingdom, kids must "sing with the Tiki birds," "ride a boat," and "strike a pose near Cinderella Castle." We previewed the two new shows at Hollywood Studios. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" is located at the theater in Animation Courtyard, which is an official Cool Kids site: The courtyard will host jump-rope performers, games and crafts, plus an indoor DJ party. When we were there, my daughter joined in enthusiastically at double-dutch, and Donald Duck was on the scene for impromptu photos and hugs. At 20 minutes, "The Little Mermaid" is a super-condensed retelling of the Disney movie, in a blissfully air-conditioned theater. Grownups might miss some of the humor and quips of the movie, but kids will love it (plus, there's bubbles). The Ariel performer was excellent. A pop-up jump-rope games at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios for Cool Kid Summer, just outside the new "Little Mermaid" show. Photo Credit: Rebecca Tobin Down the street, though not officially part of Cool Kids is a slightly more sophisticated show called "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After." Disney has been playing up its "misunderstood" cast of villains lately, and this show features Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent (with supporting villains like Scar, Hades, Ursula and Gaston) trying to win the audience's approval for most sympathetic. These poor, unfortunate souls (sorry!) provide dynamite singing and effects, even if the smallest kids might not totally follow the plot. Over at Epcot is Goofycore. As Disney describes it, it's the "ultimate summer party" for youngsters at the CommuniCore Hall, with a DJ, interactive games and, yes, Goofy. During our Goofycore visit, the kids played limbo and Goofy Says with a group of high-energy cast members and Goofy, and then there was music while kids ran around and were lightly directed by the cast members and messed with soft building blocks. The games are structured so that all young ages can participate to the best of their ability -- or wander in and out of the play. There is seating and air conditioning, which makes it a perfect break for parents and kids alike. Outside CommuniCore Hall is the "Celebration Encanto" show, where families can relax on shaded Astroturf and partake in a song and dance party. One thing about Cool Kid that most travelers and advisors know: Florida in the summer is hot. We've developed all sorts of coping mechanisms to keep the kids cool on the road, and we have a big arsenal of water bottles, hats and so on. But the nice thing about the events we attended was that most were coupled with a chance to get indoors for a bit and get a break from the heat. (It also rained every night during our stay -- drenching, thunderstorm-type rains -- so bring a poncho and stay flexible.) At Magic Kingdom, the Big Top Bash at Fantasyland and Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland are other Cool Kid gathering spots, with DJ dance parties with Pluto and Stitch, respectively. And even though Animal Kingdom doesn't have a Cool Kid pop-up per se, my cool kid loved that park for its Wilderness Explorers program, and she went all around looking for cast members who would teach her about nature and animals and earn "badges" for her explorer book. Now, with all these dance parties and games, do you think your young kid will head back to the resort exhausted? Maybe, but my bet is that the parents will be the exhausted ones while the kids rev back up at the pool. In any case, we stayed at Art of Animation, one of Disney's Value resorts and a Cool Kid hot spot. The resort's daily program included additional Cool Kid activities such as a "Wake Up, Shake Up" dance party in the morning, character interactions in the lobby and movie night by the pool. It's good fun if you build in a resort day during your stay.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
14 Random-but-Useful Things You Must Pack Before Going to Disney World
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Walt Disney World is known as the Happiest Place on Earth, but when a blister's forming on your heel, sweat's dripping into your eyes and your kid's short-circuiting when there's still a good 35-minute wait before you can hop on Frozen Ever After, it starts to feel a little more grin-and-bear-it. But, with the right planning, a lot of those frustrations can be eliminated (even if you don't have a Lightning Pass to skip the lines). After spending four days at Disney's theme parks and resorts—and interviewing avid Disney fans and passholders—I've uncovered 14 key items to pack that make all the difference. Especially if you're planning on taking advantage of the parks' Cool Kid Summer promotion, where you can snag 50 percent off a kids' ticket when you buy a full-price ticket. The lines may be shorter, but July and August can be a scorcher. Read on for the picks that need to be at the top of your Disney packing list—including ones to beat the heat. Experts Tell Us the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2025 (as Well as The Absolute Worst) beis Day to day, I love a crossbody bag, but if you're headed to Disney with small children—especially if you have a stroller in tow—you want a roomy backpack. I've found a drawstring one with interior pockets is ideal, because it can expand and contract as your day goes on, yet still keep things organized (pouches help too). I love this Béis design for that very reason: It fits within Disney backpack regulations (it's 14" x 17" x 6"), plus it has two water bottle holsters, a key leash, a trolley passthrough to stick onto your luggage, and interior pockets to keep everything secure. Oh, and it's made of nylon, so you can easily wipe off spills (or sweat). $108 at Béis amazon At first, I dismissed these as dorky, but after a 92-degree day at the parks last summer, I saw the light. They really help cool you down on a scorching day, even better than a misting fan. This style offers five wind speeds and can run from 4 to 12 hours per charge, depending on the speed used. $16 at Amazon brita Forget the Owala and Stanley wars—when it comes to hitting up the theme parks, I'm all about carrying a water bottle with a built-in filter. That way, you can stop at any water fountain or fill-up station and enjoy great-tasting water. (Yes, you can request a complimentary water cup at restaurants and quick-service stations, but even then, I filter it. It may be a placebo, but it just tastes better to me.) Brita's design is relatively lightweight, particularly if you order the (BPA-free) plastic version. However, if you want your water to stay cooler longer, opt for the stainless steel design. $15 at Amazon (plastic) $31 at Target (stainless steel) guava Stroller wagons aren't allowed at Disney, nor are large strollers, but when you're weaving through crowds, you don't want something bulky anyway. The Guava Roam is my go-to, since it handles all kinds of terrain like a dream and can pivot on a dime. Plus, the under-stroller storage is still fairly roomy—perfect for cramming that aforementioned backpack as you go on rides (and every souvenir along the way). As a jogging stroller that folds up 50 percent smaller than other styles, it's become a travel must-have for my husband, who likes to go for a run around the resort before the parks open. If you're in the market for a double stroller, though, PureWow executive editor Dara Katz has recommendations. $650 at Babylist amazon Like a neck fan, only you can attach it to the side of your stroller so your little one doesn't overheat. This rechargeable style features three speeds and is easy to adjust. $16 at Amazon amazon Honestly, this compact, reusable writing tablet is a must-have for travel in general, but I found it especially useful as a screen-free way to entertain kids (drawing! Tic tac toe! Hangman!) as you wait in line. Slip it into your backpack as you get ready to board, but until then, it can be a lifesaver for making the minutes pass by quicker, especially if you're juggling a squirmy toddler. $17 at Amazon amazon To that end, even a fidget keychain can be a useful distraction for long lines. This little octopus is fun to pop, but you can also play pretend with it as you wait. (And it comes in a 12-pack, so if you lose it during the day, it can be easily replaced.) $9 at Amazon google This smartwatch has given me such peace of mind, especially as we run around a crowded theme park. You can use the FitBit Ace app to let your child make calls and send texts to select, pre-approved phone numbers (aka the people you trust), and when my daughter got separated from us getting off a ride at Epcot, she could pass a button to call us. (You can also track the watch's location from your phone.) Plus, it's fun to track our steps for the day—and you can play games that encourage movement (even in tight spaces) as you wait in line. $150 at Walmart megababe You're doing a lot of walking—and sweating…chafing is bound to happen. This stick helps prevent that, so you don't have to cut your day at the park early because you can't walk anymore. $10 at Ulta coppertone Spray-on sunscreen is fine and all…until it accidentally squirts in someone's eyes. I love this roll-on style because it glides on blue and rubs in quickly, so you can easily apply it to even the most active kids. (As a mom of a toddler who only knows two speeds—running and sprinting—this has been crucial.) $10 at Target mophie You will be using your phone nonstop—not just for photos, but to use the My Disney Experience app to see ride wait times, maps and access everything from Lightning Lane passes to your hotel room key (provided you're staying at a Disney resort). A portable charging bank is crucial for ensuring your cell can keep up with you from sunrise to park close. Mophie is powerful enough to charge four iPhones, and it can boost your battery by up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. $45 at Amazon target There's no shortage of foods to try at Disney, but it can add up fast, and waiting in line when somebody's already five minutes away from a meltdown can be tricky. These bars contain just four ingredients (dates, cashews, chocolate chips and sea salt), yet they taste like a candy bar—not a spot-on swap for cookie dough, but they're sweet and chewy, with just enough chocolate to feel like a treat but not so much that it melts into goo in your backpack. (I also like to pack applesauce pouches, bananas and Goldfish for quick snacks.) $10 (for 10 bars) at Target on While I'm partial to Nike Free Run Flyknits for running around Disney Parks (they're lightweight and dry quickly, ideal for going on Tiana's Bayou Adventure without padding around in soggy shoes all day), everywhere I looked, I spotted people rocking On Running's Cloud sneakers. Fans rave about how they're engineered for all-day comfort—and live up to the hype. They're also lightweight (just 216 grams, or roughly the weight of one Diet Coke Mini can). The latest version has a wider opening, so they're easier to slip on and off, and a more supportive heel construction. And they're sleek enough to get me to reconsider my go-to shoe. $150 at On running $150 at zappos amazon Afternoon thunderstorms are a given in Florida, especially in the summertime. You can buy ponchos in the parks, but it can be more affordable to buy a bulk pack. This one features eight ponchos—five for adults, three for kids—all with drawstring hoods and elastic cuffs to keep water out. $15 at Amazon 10 Disney World Secret Menu Items, Ranging from Loaded Galaxy Fries to Christmas Pudding
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Walt Disney World's ‘Cool Kid Summer' Event Is a Vacation Dream for Worn Out Parents
When Walt Disney World invited my family and me down for the kickoff of its new 'Cool Kid Summer' event, I assumed it would be an amazing experience for my son. He turns four in a couple months. A slew of special new dance parties, character appearances, kid zones, play spaces, and interactive activities promised to add even more extra magic to his first Disney vacation. No surprise, I assumed correctly. What I didn't anticipate was that while 'Cool Kid Summer' is geared towards young guests, it's secretly an event designed for older ones like me. Specifically it's the perfect way for worn out, overheated parents to get some much needed rest while their children still get to have a ton of fun. Walt Disney World's 'Cool Kid Summer' officially began on May 27. It will run through September 1. The promotion includes new activations in each of the four parks. There are also extra perks for guests staying in Disney resorts. Andthe part that will make adults with checking accounts especially happy even before they arriveit offers ways to save some money. That includes 50% off 3-days or longer tickets for kids ages 3-9 through September 20. (Older guests can also grab 3-Day, 3-Park tickets starting at just $89 per day until September 22. That gets you admission to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.) Of course, the real magic begins when you're actually in the parks. And as an excited dad who dreamt about taking his kid to Walt Disney World for the first time, I now truly understand the parks are also where the real exhaustion kicks in. Mine started before Cool Kid Summer even began. My wife and I opted to arrive a few days early. We wanted Alexander could get acclimated to Disney at his own speed. Turns out that speed involved no longer taking naps and staying up way past bedtime to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Before our first park day we also took advantage of one of Disney's best new bonuses in 2025. On-property resort guests get free admission to one of its two water parks on check-in day. We chose Blizzard Beach and had an absolute blast. We only wish we'd had even more time there. While I don't regret anything we did at the nearly perfect start of our trip, it did come at a cost. It was very hot and humid during our entire stay. It didn't take long for over-stimulation, a lack of sleep, and the heat to take a toll on both Alexander and us quickly. So while the first two days went really well, halfway into day three and then into the start of day four just say a little less well. It was a rollercoaster of fun and mini meltdowns. It was something I hadn't really experienced as a parent and it caught me off guard. (I can feel some of my fellow adults nodding through their screen right now.) By the time we arrived at Hollywood Studios for our first formal Disney event that fourth night, I wasn't sure how he would handle it. Alexander knew we were there for 'dada's job' and that was important. But logic didn't guarantee he would overcome his atypical crankiness. Fortunately the park's two new live-shows took care of any of my concerns. We got to see both The Little Mermaid A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. He was absolutely captivated by both shows, which are now officially open. He loves The Little Mermaid as well as all three movies starring Unfairly Ever After's main villains: Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. Seeing all of them live on stage turned him back into his normal joyful self. At the dinner held after he spent the whole time running around with his new Ariel bubble wand as cast members dubbed him 'Alex with the Bubbles.' My wife and I also really loved both shows. We also loved that they both take place inside air-conditioned theaters. Theaters with chairs. And did I mention the air-conditioning? The theaters with chairs had air conditioning. Considering I was more an exhausted collection of sweat than man at that point, it was exactly what I needed. More importantly, it was definitely what Alexander needed. Cooling off and resting while watching mini Broadway-quality shows couldn't have come at a better time. It restored our energy and our spirits. What had been, at times, a tough daythe kind every parent with young kids experiences at Disney at some pointended on a pretty amazing note. Even better was that we didn't really have many tough moments the rest of the trip. That certainly didn't seem inevitable the next morning. Our group headed to EPCOT bright and early, a risky proposition for my little creature of habit who was without one for the first time in his life. But while Alexander was a little grumpy when we arrived that didn't last. 'Cool Kid Summer' has turned EPCOT's CommuniCore into GoofyCore. And that turned my little guy into a happy little dance machine. Click To View Gallery The activation, like many of the event's other parties this summer, is a free-flowing experience. At GoofyCore kids get to dance with Goofy and his highly-enthusiastic Goof Troop team. They also play games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes 'n' Pipsqueaks. What's especially great is that unlike most shows at Disney, these don't follow set schedules. Kids can come and go as they please whenever they like/need. And GoofyCore completely won over my son. Tired, hungry, and shyer than I'd ever seen from a gregarious kid who thinks every stranger is a new best friend he hasn't met yet, Alexander just wanted to quietly sit on my lap and watch from the sidelines at first. Five minutes later and he was in the middle of the party having the time of his life. That was not only because of the venue, but because of some very special cast members. The Goof Troop squad somehow manages to keep dozens and dozens of kids entertained and involved during what can only be described as organized chaos. It was genuinely incredible to see. And while they were keeping Alexander (and my wife who was also dancing it up) safely engaged, I got to rest. With a soft bench and air conditioning. It was quite literally the best of both dad worlds during a Disney vacation. He was having a blast and I didn't have to do anything but enjoy watching him. But even the 'Cool Kid Summer' activations that lack AC offer extra bonuses that can make a good day even better for both parents and kids alike at Disney. Like when we came across Stitch throwing his own outdoor Galactic Bash dance party at Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. That added a whole new excitement and kinetic energy to our visit. That simple encounter was more important than I would have ever guessed. During this vacation I learned that kind of unexpected jolt is often exactly what you need during a long, hot day of fun. The more you do the less sleep you get. Obviously. And Orlando summer heat is no joke. So no surprise the better the time you have the faster your energy drains. Anything that increases it is a boon, which is really what 'Cool Kid Summer' is for everyone. Your energy also drains faster than you expect because there's a lot of internal pressure as a parent to try to make the most out of an expensive trip. Even more because you're doing everything you can to make sure your kid is always having fun. These trips are supposed to be special, you know? But maxing out your fun is simply impossible to do all day every day because doing so leads to burn out. For kids and adults. That's especially true during a long trip like ours, as we also extended our stay after our time with Disney ended. But that otherwise unreachable goal felt a lot more attainable with 'Cool Kid Summer.' Obviously there's already a ton to do in these parks (and we did a whole lot of it!). But it's still exciting to randomly see Up's Dug and Russell at Animal Kingdom when you aren't expecting to. Just as it will help to run into Phineas and Ferb at EPCOT, circus performers throwing their own party at Big Top Bash at Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus, and Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends dancing at Hollywood Studio's Animation Courtyard. And that's not even everything you and your kid can do, or every special character you can can meet, during 'Cool Kid Summer.' Just a few of the others include how your child can also earn a limited-timed Wilderness Explorers badge by completing a series of nature-themed challenges around Animal Kingdom. Certain hotels also have extra character appearances the next few months. And each park has a special booklet with a map that lists of all the available events for this promo. My guy loved using them them even if he barely understood what he was looking at. Click To View Gallery Those booklets don't mention the big secret that will make your family's vacation so much better. Because while this event might be marketed for youngsters, it's really for tired, sweaty parents. It's for grownups who want nothing more than to make sure their own Alexanders are having the time of their life. And this summer they are getting some extra help in making that happen. But in fairness to Walt Disney World, I understand why they aren't mentioning that in their marketing. 'Cooling Off Worn Out Parents Summer' isn't nearly as catchy. You can find a full rundown of all of 'Cool Kid Summer's' events, perks, and deals at the Walt Disney World blog. Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He spent nine days explaining in great detail the story of every attraction to his inquisitive son who insisted on answers. (Tip: Say 'Disney magic' when you're stuck on the 'how.') You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.
New York Post
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Disney announces closure date for iconic theme park area — and reveals what new attraction is coming
Fans of present-day Frontierland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom have 33 days left to enjoy it. On Tuesday, Disney announced that the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7 as Disney Imagineers prepare to transform the attractions' area into 'Piston Peak National Park.' The attraction's theme is set in the Disney and Pixar 'Cars' universe. 'Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,' the Disney Parks Blog said. 'While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.' Details about the off-road vehicles coming to the nearly 54-year-old theme park were released back in March. 'I like that they're incorporating the river & adding new water features to keep the same vibe,' one Facebook user wrote once WDW News Today shared the news. Disney announced that the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7. TNS Along with the changes coming to Frontierland, Imagineers are preparing to construct the first-ever land inspired by Disney villains. AP Others are not looking forward to the changes. 'No thanks,' one man wrote in response to WDW News Today's post. 'I would rather have RoA.' Along with the changes coming to Frontierland, Imagineers are preparing to construct the first-ever land inspired by Disney villains, complete with 'two major attractions, dining and shopping all on an incredibly twisted grand scale,' the Disney Parks Blog said. Walt Disney World is currently offering specials during its 'Cool Kid Summer,' and Magic Kingdom is debuting a new nighttime parade called 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' on July 20.
