Trip the light fantastic with Walt Disney World’s new “Summer Nightastic!” program

Leslie Navarro

14 years ago

Okay. I know. The news coming out of Orlando these days all seems to be about a certain boy wizard (As well it should be. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter really is spectacular. The next time you’re in O-Town, you should definitely make a point of swinging by Islands of Adventure and checking this new “land” out).

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2010 Universal Studios

But before Harry came to Central Florida, there was Mickey. And while Hogwarts may be currently dominating the headlines, just down the road, the Mouse is making some magic of his own. Filling three of WDW’s theme parks with some after-dark excitement that Disney’s PR department likes to call “Summer Nightastic!”

This 10-weeks-plus program just got underway on June 6^th with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. This Magic Kingdom classic – featuring 80 performers, 23 floats and more than half a million twinkling lights – hasn’t been seen inside of that theme park since 2001. But based on the enthusiastic response that Guests have given MSEP so far, this nearly 38 year-old parade remains a fan favorite.

Of course, what helps here is that the Main Street Electrical Parade has been paired with a brand-new pyrotechnic display, the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.” Which fills the night skies over the Magic Kingdom with cannon balls and pixie dust as Captain Hook and his pirate crew attempt to lay siege to the Castle. Only to then be driven back by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and a host of famous Disney Fairies.

Meanwhile – over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – there’s darker magic at work. Especially inside of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where – thanks to a new drop sequence as well as some enhanced special effects – the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is serving up a brand-new assortment of screams.

And if you survive your trip through the fifth dimension, then why not celebrate by dancing to the Fifth Dimension (or Pink. Or the Red Hot Chili Peppers) at DHS’s Rock n’ Glow Dance Party? Which will be held on Hollywood Boulevard 5 nights a week right in front of this theme park’s 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat.

Speaking of music, look for Epcot to turn up the volume during WDW’s “Summer Nightastic!” with its “Sounds Like Summer” program. Which will turn World Showcase’s America Garden Theatre into THE place to be. Especially if you’re into rock music tribute bands.

The first group of the Summer – a Bee Gees tribute band, Stayin’ Alive – will continue at that park through June 19^th. They’ll then be followed by performers who pay tribute to the Eagles (June 20^th – 26nd), Janet Jackson (June 27^th – July 3^rd), the Rolling Stones (July 4^th – 10^th), Bon Jovi (July 11^th – 17^th), U2 (July 18^th – 24^th) and Chicago (July 25^th – 31^st).

Mind you, in addition to this amazing roster of rock music tribute bands, Epcot is also getting ready for the return of a real music legend. That’s right. “Captain EO” – featuring the late, great Michael Jackson – will soon be taking WDW Guests on a nostalgic trip back to the mid-1980s. Where they can first ooh & aah as Michael dances in 3D and then laugh at all the ridiculous hair styles you can spy on Jackson’s back-up dancers.

Mind you, if you’re looking to trip the light fantastic during Disney World’s “Summer Nightastic!,” you really need to get a move on. This 10-week-plus program only runs through August 14^th. And after that, look for things to get Harry … er … hairy … I mean scary, as the Magic Kingdom transforms itself into spook central for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Which will be held on select autumn nights between September 14^thand November 1^st.

But Fall’s a long way off yet. And if you’re looking to get in on all of the after-dark fun that’s featured in WDW’s “Summer Nightastic!” program … Well, I think I know an outfit that can help hook you up with some tickets.