Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
JUNE 2024
It’s June, and that means summer break is in full swing and it’s time for a new round of exciting events at Disney Parks!
Going to Disney World in June has its ups and downs. Lots of families head to the parks to enjoy the sun and magic. Even though it’s crowded, if you know what to expect, stay patient, and plan well, you can still have an awesome trip.
Disney World
CommuniCore Plaza and Hall Opens in EPCOT
Signaling the end of EPCOT construction – finally! The final piece of EPCOT’s grand re-imagining opens June 10, 2024. CommuniCore Hall will be a hub for EPCOT festivals and other celebrations, including a rotating exhibit throughout the year while CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor gathering space with gardens, seating and dining space that will feature live entertainment, including the limited-time show ¡Celebración Encanto! The show will run multiple times a day from June 10–September 6, 2024, and invite families to sing along to songs from Encanto.
Test Track Closing in EPCOT
This popular attraction will close June 17, 2024 for a large refurbishment and reimagining. A reopening date has not been announced yet.
Meet Joy in Hollywood Studios
Many fans were upset that Joy from “Inside Out” stopped greeting guests in EPCOT last month, but don’t worry – she was just relocating. Joy will begin appearing in Pixar Plaza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting June 10, 2024.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens
The re-theming of Splash Mountain is finally complete and the new Princess and the Frog themed ride debuts June 28, 2024 at Magic Kingdom. Bonus: they’re also adding Tiana’s famous beignets to the menu nearby at Golden Oak Outpost. I won’t lie, I’m kind of more excited about the beignets.
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of “The Lion King” in Animal Kingdom
Disney World is celebrating thirty years of being part of the circle of life as the animated film “The Lion King” turns 30. The film made it’s theatrical debut on June 24, 1994, but the anniversary celebration officially begins in the Animal Kingdom on June 10, 2024.
There’s already been plenty of anniversary merch spotted in the park, and there will also be special menu items being added around the park, including a new Pumbaa popcorn bucket for those who collect. Also, guests will once again be able to meet with Timon and Rafiki for a fun photo opportunity at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. You can also learn to draw beloved characters from the film at Animation Experience.
NEW Disney Springs Drone Show
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Disney premiered a new nighttime experience option. Drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar.” This show will run nightly through September 2, 2024.
Side note: I feel vindicated because I have been getting weird looks from people for the last decade when I mention that time I saw a fleet of drones making basic Disney shapes in Disney Springs one night.
There’s been no official announcement about whether or not the show will simply be a limited run or switch out seasonally. I would assume there are plans to at least extend the drone show indefinitely and eventually add seasonal versions. This is pure speculation on my park because I just don’t see Disney investing in the cost of this show to only run for three months and then shelve it.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
Formerly known as H2O Glow Nights, Disney H2O Glow After Hours kicked off in May and continues through August on select nights. This late night splash fest includes a DJ dance party with some beloved Disney characters, special park lighting effects, glowing accessories, plus snacks and drinks. And of course, all of the attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be available.
This is a separate ticket event and will be held on June 8, 14, 22 and 28, July 5, 6, 13, 16, 20, 26 and 30, August 2, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
No EPCOT Festival?!
With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival ending May 27 and Epcot International Food and Wine Festival beginning August 29 Unless Disney drops a surprise new festival when CommuniCore Plaza and Hall opens, it looks like for the first time in years there will be a ‘festival gap’ in EPCOT.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts a variety of athletic events throughout June, including the NBPA Top 100 Camp June 8 – 13. This year they are also hosting the Department of Defense Warrior Games from June 21 – June 30.
Disneyland
Grad Nites
Disneyland Grad Nites continue through the month of June. These events bring big crowds to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure park especially later in the evening. California Adventure will close at 9:00 PM on the nights that grad nites are taking place.
This separately ticketed event will be held on June 2, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 14, 2024 and availability is limited.
Disneyland After Dark Pride Nite
On June 18 and 20, 2024, Disneyland Park will once again host a Disneyland After Dark event, Pride Nite! At this after-hours event, guests can enjoy unique, themed experiences, exclusive photo opportunities, event merchandise and much more! Pride Nite specifically celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends are even have fabulous Pride inspired outfits! Cafe Orleans is also offering a special dining package for the event.
Like other Disney After Dark events, this is a separate ticket, limited-capacity event.
Pixar Fest at Disneyland Continues
Disneyland continues to celebrate popular Pixar films and characters with Pixar Fest continuing through August 4th, 2024. Pixar Fest features exciting offerings like a new daytime parade, new food marketplaces, a new DJ dance party coming to the Hollywood Backlot, and more.