“Summer Nightastic!” Coming to Walt Disney World June 6

Last week I got a sneak preview of “Summer Nightastic!“- the all new nighttime experience at Walt Disney World Resort June 6-August 14, 2010.

I’m loving how Disney is bringing the parks alive after-dark. With the summer daytime highs reaching the 100s, this will be a pleasant retreat from the blazing Florida sun.

“Summer Nightastic!” highlights include:

Main Street Electrical Parade  

The Main Street Electrical Parade is back for the first time since 2001. Over half a million lights illuminate the floats that feature your favorite Disney characters. One of the new additions (and my personal favorite) is Tinker Bell, who leads the procession as she waves her magic wand from the basket of a hot air balloon. Her magical pixie dust sparkles throughout the parade.

Enhanced versions of two classic favorites will return to the lineup after a 13-year hiatus – the shimmering diamond mine of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Pleasure Island haunts of Pinocchio.

“Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”  

An all new fireworks spectacular will light up the night’s sky at the Magic Kingdom this summer. The story is headlined by fairies and pirates and features perimeter fireworks that surround Cinderella’s Castle.

Rock ‘n Glow Dance Party

Every Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday guests are invited to a rockin’ dance party on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The dance party starts 3 hours before closing and will feature a live DJ and surprise appearances by popular Disney characters.

New Frights at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The new enhancements are so top secret that even we weren’t privy to details at the sneak peek. I can tell you that the new special effects are just for the “Summer Nightastic!” celebration and include a new drop sequence.

“Sounds Like Summer” Concert Series

Every evening through July 31, enjoy sounds from the past with the “Sounds Like Summer” tribute band concert series at Epcot. A cool fact- Each of the tribute bands featured has been personally approved by the original recording artists to play their music. Shows are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15p.m. at America Gardens Theater in World Showcase. The lineup (subject to change):

June 12-19: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to The Bee Gees

June 20-26: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles

June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson

July 4-10: Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones Tribute Band

July 11-17: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

July 18-24: 2U – A Tribute to U2 July 25-31: Beginnings – A Tribute to Chicago

Guests can Learn more about “Summer Nightastic!” and check out deals for summer travel by visiting www.disneyworld.com/night or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or a local travel agent. All special summer events are included in regular theme-park admission.