Disney Fun on the East Coast!
East Coasters Rejoice!
Here are 6 Ways to Get Your Disney Fix Outside of the Parks This Summer!
As much as I love having a Walt Disney World trip to look forward to, sometimes I need some Disney magic a little closer to home. Now if you’re in the Florida or California areas, you have the privilege of being a bit closer to some prime locations of Disney history and magic outside of the parks. The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, for example. But alas, on the east coast we have to try a little harder to find that spark. Never fear; I’ve done the hard work for you! Don’t get me wrong, if you want to plan a trip to an official Disney Destination, I can help with that too. BUT, for now, here are six fantastic ways to get your Disney fix on the east coast..
Disney100: The Exhibition (Now through August 27)
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA
Disney is pulling out all the stops for their 100 Year of Magic celebration. This exhibit in Philadelphia includes ten galleries that include music, artwork, animation, props, memorabilia, and more! Folks who’ve visited reported the exhibit took them about an hour to go through and allowed for many photo opportunities. Some of my favorite pieces to keep an eye out for are early sketches of Mickey Mouse and props used for making sound effects in early Disney films, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This is a must see for any Disney lover! This exhibit ends soon, so if this is on your list make sure you buy your tickets ASAP!
Disney Encanto x CAMP NYC (Now through September 6)
CAMP, A Family Experience Store
New York City, NY
I’ll be honest that I’d never heard of CAMP until their immersive experience came to NYC, but now that they’re on my radar, I’m keeping a close eye on them! CAMP describes itself as a “totally unique shop/play hybrid experience,” whose stores feature themed experiences that “seamlessly blend play and product.” Currently, CAMP NYC is featuring an immersive Encanto experience. When they say immersive, they mean it. This exhibit allows you to walk through the Madrigal’s Casita and the town square for endless photo ops and fun! You’ll be sure to have a lot to talk about after visiting, just make sure you don’t talk about Bruno.
Pixar Putt Philadelphia (Now through October 1)
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA
My inner child went crazy when I saw this pop-up mini golf experience coming to Philadelphia. Pixar movies hold a lot of nostalgia for me (and many people) and I can’t tell you the last time I played a round of mini golf. While no characters roam around, the 18-hole mini golf course is themed after some of your favorite Pixar movies, including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Coco, Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and more!
Immersive Disney Animation (Now through December 31)
Lighthouse Artspace
Boston, MA
While farther North than the other options above, Immersive Disney Animation has been set up in ten different cities across the US by Lighthouse Immersive Studios. This is the same studio that is responsible for the immersive Van Gogh experience. From the title alone, you know that this experience will submerge you into some of your favorite Disney stories. Similar to the Franklin Institute exhibition, this experience combines artwork, music, props, and more! This would be a great day trip or, if you’re located in the tri-state like I am, a super weekend getaway! If you’re not on the east coast (why are you reading this?), you can visit the exhibit in Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, and many other cities.
See a Disney on Broadway Show!
Various Locations
NY and PA
When I watch shows in the parks at Walt Disney World, sometimes I feel like I’m watching a full-scale Broadway production. It’s wild, then, to remember that there actually ARE full-scale Broadway productions to enjoy! In NYC, you can see Aladdin (my personal favorite) and The Lion King on Broadway. My recommendation is to do a matinee AND an evening show to see both in one day! Go big or go home, right? Another option if you’re more keen on the Philly scene is to grab tickets to Frozen, which is on tour and will be at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia in Spring 2024.
Disney on Ice
Various Locations
NY, PA, and NJ
A staple for many families, Disney on Ice has been providing entertainment across the country for years. There are four different shows that you can see at various locations across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Find Your Hero focuses on some of Disney’s greatest characters like Belle, Mirabel, and Moana. Into the Magic celebrates tales like Coco, Frozen, and Tangled. Mickey’s Search Party showcases the main mouse himself alongside Aladdin, Woody from Toy Story, and Ariel. Finally, Magic in the Stars places the spotlight on Tiana, the characters and stories from Frozen 2, and everyone’s favorite race car, Lightning McQueen.
As you can tell, there are so many ways to treat your Disney blues right on the east coast! Whether you’d like to plan a getaway to enjoy one of the experiences listed above or you’re ready to plan your next Disney trip, let me know so we can get the ball rolling!
Rachel Friedman
Hamilton, NJ
