12 Reasons Your Going to Want to Plan a Trip to Disney World This Summer

The highlight of Animal Kingdom has long been the Kilimanjaro Safari featuring a Jeep ride through various "lands" to observe live animals. Thanks to the extended hours and special lighting, "sunset" versions of the safaris will now take place at night so families can see the nocturnal habits of African animals.

The centerpiece of Animal Kingdom's evening program will be the Rivers of Light show that will take place on Discovery River.

"It's incredible to be able to paint on the canvas of nature," Michael Jung, vice president/portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, told us. "The show, at the heart of it, is this ancient and timeless lantern celebration . . . These mystical storytellers come bearing gifts of light on the water."

Each night, Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life will periodically "awaken" as the animals that are carved on its trunk are brought to life by magical fireflies that open a window into the body of the tree.

If you've visited the Magic Kingdom recently, you're probably aware that the plaza in front of Cinderella's castle has undergone a bit of a renovation. It's been expanded so more people can filter through. One reason is so more families can enjoy Mickey's newest show, "Mickey's Royal Friendship Fair." The new production will have Mickey and Minnie going on a journey and bringing back 10 of their friends — including Tiana, Anna, and Elsa. It's a musical comedy that teaches tots about friendship and differences, and how, in the end, we're all alike.

That little Star Wars film that debuted back in 2015 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens — is making quite an impact on the park this year. During the day, little Jedi can continue to learn lightsaber fighting skills through the Jedi Training show, but they'll also have the opportunity to watch the new Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away live entertainment show beginning in April. The new show will feature shorts with everyone's favorite characters — BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and more.

The park will also be home to the March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession — led by Captain Phasma — through the park.

And the Star Wars Launch Bay — which launched at the end of 2015 as a celebration of the entire saga featuring interviews with the cast and crew and authentic props from the movies — will now serve as the location for a meet and greet with none other than Chewbacca.

But the most exciting Star Wars addition has to be the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular — the new firework show that will truly immerse fans in the show. The show is more than just fireworks; it will include projected images from all seven flicks and the music of John Williams — a sure-to-be must-attend event for any fan of the saga.

That other little Disney film, Frozen, will spread its love across several parks, including Hollywood Studios. The new For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will be the ultimate sing-along for little Elsa and Anna fans. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, and Kristoff will lead the crowd in a 30-minute interactive show featuring songs from the flick.

The Norway Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase has been undergoing a major renovation, but this Summer it will reopen as the home to Frozen's Arendelle. Epcot's designers traveled to Norway to research the architectural details specific to the region and even brought several craftsmen back to Florida to help replicate the look. The result is the first Frozen family attraction — Frozen Ever After featuring a visit to Arendelle's Winter in Summer Festival, a stop in Troll Valley, and the songs from the film. The Norway Pavilion will also become the location for the Elsa and Anna meet-and-greet in the Royal Sommerhus.

The ever-popular Soarin' in Epcot's Future World will expand its multisensory experience beyond California in 2016. The Soarin' Around the World ride will now take families flying above various cities where they can take in the sights and smells just like the original.

A different spin on the popular attraction Soarin' Over California will make a debut at Epcot in Disney World in 2016. Guests will be able to "journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world's most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders."

Downtown Disney has been getting a much-needed makeover into Disney Springs over the past year, and the newest area — Town Center — will open this Summer. Double the size of the original Downtown Disney, the expanded area will include more than 30 shops, food trucks, and street performers, as well as a number of chef-driven restaurants — STK, anyone?