Disney World Blog Discussing Parks, Resorts, Discounts and Dining | Only WDWorld

Disney World Rides: Expedition Everest Takes Roller Coaster Storytelling To New Heights

2012-02-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

One of the tallest mountains in Florida can be found in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. At 199.5 ft tall Expedition Everest: Legend Of The Forbidden Mountain is a foreboding sight. It is also home to one of the best combinations of storytelling and thrill ride that you will find at Disney World or any other place.

Expedition Everest: Legend Of The Forbidden Mountain
All Disney World attractions start with the storytelling. For Expedition Everest the Disney Imagineers turned to the legendary creature called the Yeti for inspiration. They travelled to Nepal and parts of Asia to collect stories and artifacts of the Yeti to use to create their own story that brings this legend to life.

Instead of just creating a roller coaster, Disney has created a story immersing the guests in a journey into the realm of the Yeti and let's them deal with the consequences of crossing his path.

Serka Zong
The base camp town that you encounter is called Serka Zong. Here you will find shops, expedition outfitters, shrines to the Yeti, a Yeti Museum, the rail station for the Anandapur Rail Services. As you weave your way through the town, you will have the opportunity to see a wealth of detail. If you are able to move slowly take advantage of the extra time and look all around you to take it all in.

As you enter the buildings you encounter the offices of Himalayan Escapes, the touring outfit who puts together the Everest Expeditions.

You are reminded throughout that the locals believe that the Yeti is to be respected and is considered to be the guardian of Forbidden Mountain. The above sign is posted by the Village Council of Serka Zong.

As you make your way through Serka Zong you will see Yeti shrines and Yeti based artwork.

You can stock up on trekking gear at Tashi's Trek and Tongba Shop here in Serka Zong. They provide the finest in mountaineering equipments for all needs both new and used.

There is even a snack bar that offers Tea and Coffee in the shop.

The Yeti Museum
Within the Yeti Museum you can learn about the Yeti. This museum is "dedicated to the serious study of the scientific and cultural aspects of the mysterious creature known and revered throughout the Himalayas as the Yeti."

The museum shows artifacts detailing the communities rich history involving the legend of the Yeti.

On display you will find many examples of Yeti artwork.

You will also discover maps detailing the areas where the Yeti has been spotted and numerous examples of books on the topic of the Yeti.

There is also artifacts from a campsite that was discovered, but the campers who occupied it were never seen from again. Could they have been attacked by the Yeti?

Lastly you will see anthropological evidence that the Yeti must really exist.

Anandapur Rail Services
Now it is time for to board the ride itself. Himalayan Escapes - Tours & Expeditions has booked you on an Anandapur Rail Services Train through the Forbidden Mountain to the base of Mount Everest.

As the Disney Imagineers have told the story, this train will transport the trekkers through the Forbidden Mountain to the base of Mount Everest. The locals have warned them about the dangers of passing through Forbidden Mountain but Himalayan Escapes has ignored the warnings.

Passengers get to see some magnificent views as the train starts its ascent.

The Yeti idols dart the landscape and let the passengers know they are entering Forbidden Mountain, which is the home of the Yeti.

This is a great glimpse of the mountain that the train will soon be climbing.

The train passes through the this large Yeti shrine.

Don't close your eyes or you will miss the incredible details inside the shrine. The artwork is spectacular.

The first real thrill of the ride is the unexpected scene as you round the corner at the top of the mountain.

The track has been destroyed and you cannot go forward any more. This is quite an unsettling feeling the first time that you experience this ride.

The train starts racing backwards through the inside of the mountain. When you come to a stop you see the sight shown in the above picture where you see the shadow of the Yeti ripping apart the track. Then you start racing forward inside the mountain again.

For the big drop you race outside into the open for a brief moment. Then you will soon re-enter the mountain.

Shortly you will encounter the Yeti himself, although the current audio-animatronic Yeti is only a pale rendition of the original version. Structural stresses over time have led the Imagineers to keep the Yeti stationary instead of having the movement that was part of the original attraction. It is still impressive, but not near as good as it used to be.

Incredible Storytelling For Incredible Attraction

The Expedition Everest attraction is certainly one of the best that Disney World has to offer. Although the ride in itself would be thrilling, the story that they have wrapped around it, make it a truly memorable experience that you want to visit again and again.

No Secrets Given Away At Disney's Animal Kingdom Entrance

2011-12-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

The entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is one of the most interesting of any theme park you will ever visit due to the fact that it does not reveal any of the secrets contained within. Each of the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks are intended to play out like a movie with the entrance setting the stage for what you are about to encounter.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom you are kept in the dark as it pertains to what adventures you will encounter within. You get a strong sense of the natural setting, but no other details are revealed.

This entrance is so different from the other Disney World Parks that you really do not know what to expect. Disney Imagineers have done a great job of not revealing what you will find inside the Animal Kingdom.

The lush vegetation dominates the surroundings. Even the towering Tree Of Life, which is the iconic symbol for the park cannot be seen at the entrance.

One of the strong elements of the "story" of Disney's Animal Kingdom of the power of Mother Nature and that it needs to be respected. The message that humans need to live in harmony with Nature is intertwined throughout the theming of the park.

Ultimately you proceed inside the park and venture towards the center still without knowing what awaits you. Finally you reach a clearing where the iconic Tree Of Life becomes visible. From here you start to get a sense of what is what and the "story" of the park quickly unfolds.

Great Park Entrance
The entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom is considered amazing by its ability to prevent the Disney World Guest from guessing what might be contained within this park. This approach to the entrance makes the park unique and adds to the intrigue of visiting.

You are immediately forced to put your focus on Nature and taken away from the man-made materials that dominate the construction of the other parks. At a park where live animals are the star of the show, Nature deserves to be in the spotlight!

Serka Zong Bazaar At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011-10-28T06:40:00.000-04:00

The Serka Zong Bazaar is not just your average Walt Disney World Resort Gift Shop. It is a highly themed experience that is part of the story of the town of Anandapur. The Serka Zong Bazaar also has close ties to the legend of the Yeti and its relationship in the lives of the local citizens.

Serka Zong Bazaar
Almost every visitor to Disney's Animal Kingdom has been to the Serka Zong Bazaar whether they realized it or not. This is due to the fact that the park's premier attraction: Expedition Everest exits into this shop. For those of you that rushed your way through, we wanted to share some of the details that you may have missed and want to take notice of during your next visit.

From the outside you will see several signs advertising the items that may be found within this shop. From Yeti related items to metal and leather work from local artisans, you can find it at the Serka Zong Bazaar. It is really a gift shop for tourists themed as a "gift shop" for tourists albeit the locale is fictional in the case of the Anandapur bazaar.

Once inside, if you look past the T-shirts you will notice an amazing array of artifacts adorning the walls and ceiling of the Serka Zong Bazaar.

One favorite touch is the crazy electrical wiring that you will see through all of the buildings in Anandapur.

There is quite an array of carved figures located on a shelf above this doorway.

Above is a closer look at some of the figures on the shelf.

At the center of the store is the striking homage to the Yeti.

The imposing Yeti figure towers above everything else in the bazaar. It is quite detailed and worth a few moments to check it out.

The Serka Zong Bazaar is certainly not your average theme park gift shop. The theming is worthy of an attraction in itself. The Disney Imagineers spent a lot of time collecting authentic artifacts from Asia to make the experience even more real. As you enter the mythical town of Anandapur it becomes very easy to escape the reality of being in central Florida and place yourself in the domain of the Yeti. You quickly gain an appreciation for the local people's almost reverence in respect to the Yeti.

The detail is not required to make Expedition Everest a thrilling ride, but it is what separates Disney World from any other theme park. The ability to truly escape and enter another world that you may never otherwise be able to visit, real or imaginary.

Check Out The Serka Zong Bazaar For Yourself
The next time that your visit Disney's Animal Kingdom, make a point of really looking at all of the artifacts that exist within this shop. You may be amazed to discover that all of this has been here the whole time and you never really noticed it. This is the Disney World that you should definitely take the time to discover and enjoy.

Growing Elephant Herd At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011-09-04T20:08:00.001-04:00

The amazing elephant herd continues to grow at Disney's Animal Kingdom. A week ago a 311 pound male calf named Jabali (meaning "Strong as a Rock" in Swahili) was the 6th elephant born at the Walt Disney World Resort Park.

This now brings the herd to a total of 12 elephants, making Disney's Animal Kingdom the home of one of the largest African elephant herds in North America.

Disney takes the care of its animals very seriously and their staff works hard to better understand and care for endangered animals like the African elephant. Disney's Animal Kingdom participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) breeding program that focuses upon sustaining the elephant population in North America. The ultimate goal is to create a self sustaining population of African elephants among North American Zoos and wildlife centers.

Disney World guests can see the elephants at home on the Savannah of the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction. The Safari covers over 100 acres providing the animals with an expansive area to move about in a natural setting. They also have "off stage" homes where they can avoid the elements, rest, and receive wellness check-ups and care.

It is a much nicer setting than most elephants in captivity get a chance to enjoy with room to interact with other elephants and roam across a large area.

As mentioned earlier Jabali was the 6th elephant born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The others include:

Tufani, a male, born in 2003;
Kianga, a female, born in 2004;
Nadirah a female, born in 2005;
Tsavo, a male, born in 2008; and
Luna, a female born 2010.

Disney World Is More Than Just Entertainment
When you visit Disney's Animal Kingdom you will discover that it is not a park filled with animal entertainers. This is a park where people can learn more about and appreciate many of the remarkable species of animals that are represented.

The animal care staff has gone to great lengths to be at the forefront of animal care practices and species conservation efforts. While Jabali's mother Vasha was pregnant she received extensive pre-natal care for the entire 22-month gestation period. This included care even better than most humans receive with multiple ultrasounds, hormone level monitoring and round the clock care as the due date neared.

If you have an interest in the care of animals make sure that you take the time to talk to the Cast Members and also visit Rafiki's Planet Watch, where you can get a glimpse of some of the behind the scenes animal care areas and even witness their on-site veterinarian services in action.

Anandapur Township: Disney World Imagineering Magic Brought To Life

2011-08-09T21:46:00.000-04:00

One of the best examples of storytelling by the Disney Imagineers is the creation of Anandapur Township at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Within this make believe realm, Disney World Guests are immersed in a realistic Asian mountain setting that only exists on the maps within Disney World.

Anandapur Township

The Disney Imagineers, led by Joe Rohde, did a spectacular job of going way beyond just creating a location for Asian Animals to be viewed. They created a storyline that includes multiple layers about Anandapur, its traditions, its cultures, its architechture, and its people.

Disney World guests are considered to be tourists visiting Anandapur to check out its sights, and to patronize its restaurants, its shops, and its lodging.

The Disney Imagineers made several field trips to Asia in order to make believable recreations of buildings in Anandapur. Throughout the area you will find authentic items acquired during those field trips to combine the real with the "story."

Some of the best "props" that you will see are the plentiful signs. These signs tout the shops, the tour guides, and the lodging that is available in Anandapur.

The Yak & Yeti is the most famous restaurant in Anandapur. Not only will you see advertisements posted throughout the Township, but you can also visit the restaurant for yourself to sample the fine cooking.

If you are in more of a hurry, you can always grab something to eat at the Anandapur Local Foods Cafe.

Above is pictured one of the shops that you can explore while visiting Anandapur. It is called: Bhaktapur Market.

You will see numerous ads posted throughout the Township. Here you can see ads for the Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Himalayan Escapes Tours & Expeditions, and the Arasan Fireworks Factory.

The authentic Bicycle Cab can be found next to the Anandapur Township Map.

Even this truck that has been converted into a snack station is decorated in the themes of Anandapur.

In this mountainous region climbing and trekking gear is featured at many shops.

More signs showing the Lodging opportunities in the community.

Disney Imagineering Magic

The Disney Imagineers are at their best when there is no "well-known" movie or characters guiding the story lines for an area of their parks. This "blank canvas" lets the Imagineers create a story with depth, that not only describes what you see in front of you, but also creates a history for the region to let you know how this place had come to be.

Anandapur Township in Disney's Animal Kingdom remains one of the best executed story lines for the Disney Imagineers. For a brief period of time you are transported far away from central Florida and are truly taken to Asia to experience this town and its culture.

Disney's Dino-Rama Pays Homage To Route 66 Landmarks

2011-07-01T06:22:00.000-04:00

Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, which can be found within Disney's Animal Kingdom, is over-the-top kitschy which is exactly the look they were going for. In a tribute to the great Tourist Attractions and Landmarks that could be found on Route 66, Disney's Dino-Rama would fit right in. These signs that we found are a reminder of all of the great Billboards that are used to entice drivers to stop at the upcoming attraction. There is nothing else like it in all of Disney World.

The signs are great and definitely worth reading during your visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

While you are strolling through Dinoland reading the signs, you can quickly equate them to billboards that are sometimes posted starting 100 miles or more before an attraction just to get you to pull over and stop when you finally drive by.

Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama is a stark contrast to the much more serious Dino Institute that also resides in Dinoland. The whimsical approach taken by Chester & Hester is their attempt to slightly mock the stuffy Dino Institute and make a profit selling their wares in true roadside attraction fashion.

It seems like no sign within Dinoland is spared from Chester & Hester's advertising.

Finally you reach the main entrance to Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama! The roadside attraction / carnival atmosphere is maintained throughout the area. It is not meant to be taken seriously, so just relax and have fun!

The Disney's Animal Kingdom One Day Must See Guide

2011-06-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

Disney World Guests are often overwhelmed when they visit the Disney World Theme Parks since there is so much to do and see. Only WDWorld will help guide you to the best attractions, entertainment, and dining for the Disney World visitor that only has one day to experience all they can.

In this article we look at Disney's Animal Kingdom and present: The Disney's Animal Kingdom One Day Must See Guide!

This Disney World Park is the newest, opening in 1998, and most highly themed of the 4 Disney World Theme Parks. Although sometimes confused with a zoo, because of its inclusion of live animals, this park has more details to take in and enjoy than the other parks, as well as, top notch use of technology in the premier thrill rides, and two of the best lives shows at Disney World. Don't ever let anyone tell you that this is only a half day park.

One Day To Do It All
One day is not enough to see and do it all in any of the four Disney World Theme Parks, but if you only have one day available to spend at a Disney World Park you want to see the best entertainment, experience the best attractions, and eat the best food. From experience the Editors at Only WDWorld can tell you that Disney World is not best experienced as a race, but rather at a pace where you have time to enjoy not only the main attractions, but also many of the details that the Disney Imagineers have painstakingly included throughout the Parks. These details are what makes Disney World different from any other Theme Park or Resort vacation that you will experience, and it is the reason that so many people come back to Disney World year after year.

The Disney's Animal Kingdom One Day Must See Guide!This guide will help you get the most out of your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you visit the attractions in the order presented you will minimize your wait time during the day which will allow you to see more and spend less time waiting in lines. Take advantage of the Disney FastPass System. It is free and it will also help you minimize you time spent waiting in line.
Arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom before the park opens and get a Park Guide to familiarize yourself with the layout of the park. From the park entrance you proceed to Discovery Island which houses the Tree Of Life, the iconic feature of Disney's Animal Kingdom. From there the park branches off into 4 additional lands: Camp Minnie Mickey, Africa, Asia, and Dinoland.

Expedition Everest - Once the park opens head directly to Expedition Everest, the park's premier thrill ride. Get a FastPass and then get in the regular line if the wait is under 20 minutes. This attraction is one of the best themed attractions start to finish of any Disney attraction anywhere. As you proceed through the lines, take the time to take it all in and learn about the legend of the Yeti and how it is both respected and feared. The ride mechanism is state of the art in this roller coaster that has segments that go both forward and backwards. This is a great way to start out your day and by riding it first thing in the morning, you avoid waiting in the lines that will exceed 60 minutes later in the day.

Use the FastPass later in the day if you decide that you would like to experience this attraction again. Feel free to ride two or three times if the lines are still short at the beginning of the day. If the lines grow quickly, ride once and then move on.

Dinosaur - Near Expedition Everest is Dinoland which is home to the state of the art Dinosaur attraction. Here you are transported via time machine back to the time of the dinosaurs and see some of Disney's best audio animatronic creations in the form of life sized dinosaurs. You experience it all on Disney's Patented state of the art ride vehicle that makes the adventure feel real. By visiting this attraction early in the morning you avoid the lines that develop later in the day.
Kilimanjaro Safari - Walk to Africa and get a FastPass for Kilimanjaro Safari. While you wait for the time to ride, consider grabbing breakfast (or morning snack) at Pizzafari. This restaurant area is filled with incredible theming with each room representing a different group of animals. Take the time to check out each room. The carved wooden figures come from craftsman from Oaxacan, Mexico.

Once it is time to ride Kilimanjaro Safari, Disney's Animal Kingdom's Signature Attraction, you will get to experience the "two week" safari on 110 acres of Disney's own African Savannah. Here you will encounter a wide variety of African creatures that will vary with each ride as many of the animals will be roaming freely, possibly getting in the way of the safari vehicles. Make sure that you bring your camera as there are excellent opportunities to take create pictures of these impressive animals. Favorites include: Elephants, White & Black Rhinoceros, Crocodile, Hippos, Giraffes, Wildebeests, Warthogs, Lions, Cheetahs, Flamingos, Bongos, Ostriches, Thompson's Gazelles, Ankole Cattle, and many more.

Festival Of The Lion King - The entertainment at Disney's Animal Kingdom is top notch. It is hard to decide which of their shows is best so make sure that you make time to see the Festival Of The Lion King and the show mentioned in #5. This show features singing, dancing, comedy, audience participation, and amazing costumes. The enclosed theater is air conditioned, which also makes it a nice escape from the heat. This is a show that the entire family will love and is a must do on every visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Finding Nemo The Musical - Disney's Animal Kingdom's other highly regarded show is Finding Nemo The Musical. In a twist, Disney took a movie that wasn't a musical and turned it into a musical production for this attraction. Combining great songs, and unbelievable puppetry, you will see the Finding Nemo story told in a whole new way. This is another great show for the entire family.

Yak & Yeti - There are no shortages of places to eat at Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you are looking for a table service meal in order to take a break and relax, consider eating at Yak & Yeti. This restaurant with the Asian inspired menu has great food and more incredible theming to enjoy while you are dining. Other options to consider if you would prefer Quick Service would be to visit the Flame Tree Barbeque. Here you can enjoy BBQ Ribs or Chicken with some of the best outdoor seating areas at Disney World.

Kali River Rapids - When you are ready to cool off, then it is time for the only ride at Disney World where you are guaranteed to get wet. In the warmer months you will want to get a FastPass for this attraction. If you do, you can skip ahead to #9 while you wait for your return time.

At Kali River Rapids you take a wild rafting ride through the forest and learn of the struggle of nature versus man's interference. This is a thrilling ride that is lots of fun. Take notice of all of the interesting artifacts while you are waiting in line.

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade - Don't forget to catch the unique daily parade that occurs each day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade feature Disney Characters and unique Animal Based Puppets and vehicles. There is also a lively music track to accompany the parade. This is a very good parade, that doesn't get the attention it deserves.

Maharaja Jungle Trek - Journey through Asia to see a variety of its native animals. You will see Bats, Tigers, and a multitude of color birds along this self guided walking tour through the well-themed area.

It's Tough To Be A Bug! - Based upon the movie A Bug's Life is the 4-D movie spectacular called It's Tough To Be A Bug! Disney Imagineers combine a 3-D movie with audio-animatronic creatures, water sprays and other surprises for its guests in this fun presentation featuring all manner of bugs. Warning: Some parts may be too intense for young children.

DeVine - There are no Disney entertainers that make as much of an impression as DeVine. This mysterious living vine moves slowly and hides amongst the forests of Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you walk by too quickly, you will never even know she was there.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - A self-guided walking trail where you will encounter research stations, gorillas, hippos, and many more African animals. Disney Cast Members are available to answer questions that you may have about the animals.

Details Everywhere You Look!

Everywhere you go there are incredible details to notice at Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the animal carvings adorning the buildings, the wonderful signage to the impressions in the pavement, there are details everywhere you look.

Make sure that you take time when you are walking from one attractions to another to take in the sights. Spend time seeing how many animals you can recognize in the carving on the trunk and branches of the Tree of Life or check out the authentic details in the fictional Asian village of Anandapur and the African town of Harambe. These aren't listed as attractions per se, but are a great part of the Animal Kingdom experience.

By following this guide you are sure to get a good taste of Disney's Animal Kingdom, but realize that it is very unlikely you can see everything in only one day.

Earth Day Marks Disney's Animal Kingdom 13th Anniversary

2011-04-22T18:13:00.000-04:00

Earth Day, April 22nd, marks the anniversary of the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort's 4th theme park: Disney's Animal Kingdom. It debuted on April 22nd, 1998. There was no coincidence that Disney chose to open their park featuring live animals on Earth Day. Is was all part of their master plan to not only entertain the Animal Kingdom guests, but to also make Environmental Awareness a large part of the message.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
From the moment you approach the front entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can tell that this park is different. The lush green landscaping presents a much different image that what you see at the other parks. Here the park is truly "alive," teeming with hundreds of varieties of plants in addition to all of the live animals that you will discover.

In honor of this Earth Day, we will present some favorite images of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The park icon: The Tree Of Life

Elephant roams the Savannah

Tiny baby elephant that was born at the park

Baby White Rhinoceros

Even the entertainment is themed to the Environment - DeVine

Realistic environments were created for the park.

Kilimanjaro Safaris provides Disney World guests the opportunities to see many African species in natural habitats.

You can also see real "African Cats" like this male lion or cheetahs.

There is a large focus to allow the guests to learn more about the animals that they are viewing.

At the Flights Of Wonder Show you will see live animals performing, the focus is showing off their natural beauty and abilities.

Happy Anniversary Disney's Animal Kingdom

While you are celebrating Earth Day 2011, don't forget to wish Disney's Animal Kingdom a Happy 13th Anniversary.!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Presents It's Tough To Be A Bug!

2011-03-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

Disney's Animal Kingdom features all kinds of animals thoughout this incredible Disney World Theme Park. One category that you may not be expecting is: BUGS! Building on the great characters from the Pixar Film "A Bug's Life" you will see Flik, Hopper, and others in the 4-D Adventure: "It's Tough To Be A Bug!"

Tree of Life Theater
The iconic structure for Disney's Animal Kingdom is called the Tree Of Life and it greets the theme park guests with its amazing carvings of a wide variety of animal carvings throughout its trunk and roots. The "It's Tough To Be A Bug!" is actually housed in a special theater within the base of the Tree of Life. One of the benefits of experiencing this attraction is all of the great things you will see on the pathway to the theater entrance.

Many of the 325 animal carvings on the Tree Of Life can only be seen on the path to the It's Tough To Be A Bug! attraction.

Do not be in a rush, take your time to make sure you get a chance to catch all of the animal carvings hidden amongst the "roots."

As the end of the path nears you head underground, beneath the Tree Of Life, to find the theater deep inside. It is only appropriate that you would find a show about bugs located here.

It's Tough To Be A Bug!

Once seated inside the Tree of Life Theater it is time for It's Tough To Be A Bug! This is a 4-D Show that includes: Audio-Animatronic Characters, 3-D Movie, and many special effects involving scent and touch. The characters involved in the attraction should be familiar to those of you that have seen the 1998 Disney Pixar film "A Bug's Life."

Disney World Trivia: Did you know that "It's Tough To Be A Bug!" is the first attraction developed by Disney Imagineering based upon a movie, where the attraction actually debuted before the movie?

Flik serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the show and tries to guide the action, that sometimes goes amiss. Part of the message of the show is to make the audience aware of all of the bugs that we share our world with.

One of the first acts in the show involves Chili, the Chilean Tarantula, who actually is quite friendly despite his menacing appearance. He demonstrates his prowess of throwing poisoned quills at targets...until the targets move out in front of the audience courtesy of 3-D special effects.

You knew it wasn't going to go well, when Claire De Room, the stinkbug, was going to demonstrate he talents. As expected, the audience captures the brunt of the demonstration.

The events start to turn scary for the audience as the Termite-ator thinks the audience needs to be eliminated and sprays his acid on them. (This character is based upon a real-life type of termite that can spray acid.)

The Dung Brothers are there for comic relief and we also learn of one of the greatest benefits of bugs is their ability to "eat" waste.

The scariest part of the show occurs when the large audio-animatronic Hopper makes his appearance and orders his fellow bugs to turn on the humans that have tried to eliminate them.

This is typically the point in the show where many children decide that they have seen enough and want out (my daughter included.) It really is scary for young children and I would advise against taking them to this attraction.

The special effects are great starting with the very impressive Hopper. There is also a unique effect when the wasps are ordered to attack.

Order Is Restored

Soon Flik restores order and puts a happy ending on the show. There is one last special effect to take place to surprise the audience at the very end of the show.

Great 4-D Show!

It's Tough To Be A Bug! is a great show that should not be missed (unless you have young, easily scared children.) The combination of the 3-D film with the audio-animatronic characters, and the 4-D special effects make this the best of the similar films you can see at Disney World.

The great views that you get of the carvings on the Tree Of Life are another reason to go see this show. Many of these carvings can only be seen on the path to this attraction.

The last reason to see this show is the the lines are never very long and the theater is air consitioned, which provides a nice break on a hot day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Birds Are The Stars In Flights Of Wonder At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011-03-03T06:19:00.000-05:00

At Disney World's Animal Kingdom the live animals certainly differentiate the park from the other three. Talented, free flying birds are the stars of the show during Flights of Wonder.

The Flights of Wonder show is located in the Animal Kingdom’s Asia section. This is currently the only live performance within Disney World that includes real live animals.

As the name implies the show is focused upon animals of the winged variety. You can see vultures, hawks, Amazon parrots, crowned cranes, macaws, and an American Bald Eagle.

The set for the show looks like an ancient crumbling temple. You are introduced to a variety of species of birds and learn about their habits and abilities. Some comedy is worked into the show to keep it lively and entertaining for all ages in the audience.

The show was developed by Disney in collaboration with Steve Martin of Natural Encounters Inc. They focus on displaying the natural behavior of birds as opposed to birds acting like humans.

Here is a quote from the Natural Encounters inc. website:

“Rather we strive to introduce audiences to free-flight and natural bird behavior, which most people find more interesting and entertaining than birds acting like people. The entertainment of birds "doing what they do best" is the vehicle for a conservation message that is the underlying theme of every show. “

The show fits with the overall theme of Disney's Animal Kingdom in regards to animals favoring understanding, respect, and conservation over exploitive stunts.

During the show, some of the free flying birds are allowed to fly throughout the arena. They fly over the audience and make their way to the front stage.

The birds in the show are amazingly beatiful and graceful creatures.

This is a show that is entertaining and educational for all ages. There is some audience participation involved in the show and a number of birds fly very close to members of the audience. At the conclusion of the show you are able to get up close to the birds and take pictures and talk to the trainers to ask questions and learn more.

Flights Of Wonder Is Highly Recommended
Disney World guests of all ages will enjoy this show that is entertaining, but also helps educate you about many marvelous species of birds. Flights Of Wonder sometimes gets lost in the midst of the higher profile shows and attractions, but I would definitely recommend visiting this attraction during your next day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Dinosaurs Abound In Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011-02-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

At Disney's Animal Kingdom, you will encounter a large number of different dinosaurs in the park's Dinoland U.S.A. From carefully constructed skeletons to full scale models, and from friendly to frightening, the dinosaurs that you will encounter in this Disney World theme park are plentiful. Dinosaur lovers will certainly enjoy the center stage treatment that these long extinct reptiles receive.

Let's Start With The Skeleton
Dinosaur lovers will get a chance to see several full size dinosaur skeletons in Dinoland U.S.A. Reminiscent with what you would see in a museum, these help build scientific credibility for the Dino Institute.

Little do Disney World guests realize, but soon after seeing this Carnotaurus skeleton they will be transported back in time and chased by a "real" one.

Dino-Sue is a 13-foot tall, 40-foot long reproduction of the largest, most complete T-Rex ever found. Clocking in at 67 million years, Dino-Sue is the length of a 4-story building. The actual dinosaur remains that the Disney World Dino-Sue are based upon can be seen in Chicago's Field Museum.

The pre-show area for the Dinosaur! attraction is the Dino Institute. While working your way to the attraction, you can see and learn about various dinosaurs like the triceratops pictured below. The experience is very much like a dinosaur exhibit at a Natural History Museum.

After visiting the Dino Institute you can go to the nearby Restaurantosaurus to grab a bite to eat or just continue your Dinosaur sight seeing. Throughout this deceptively large restaurant are numerous rooms where dinosaur fossils, pictures, and archaeological tools are on display. It makes sense since this is where the interns that work at the Dino Institute live.

There is much to see of the dinosaur variety than just the fossilized remains. There are full scale reproductions that you can see and be photographed with.

In from of the Dinosaur! attraction is a life-sized Iguanodon. This is the friendly dinosaur that you are trying to retrieve from the past during the attraction.

There are also full sized dinosaurs that children can touch, climb on, and generally explore.

These rooftop dinosaurs are the result of some playful hi jinx by the Dino Institute Interns.

The Dinosaur! attraction sign shows a glimpse of what the Carnotaurus looks like.

When you venture into Chester & Hester's Dino Rama the dinosaurs go from realistic to playful.

Some Dinosaurs have become relegated to being spokes models for souvenir shops.

Others become part of theme park attractions.

Photo Opportunities Galore

There are numerous wonderful photo opportunities to pose with a dinosaur, so plan on taking many pictures during your visit to Dinoland U.S.A.

Dinosaurs Abound

You can spend several hours having a Dinosaur scavenger hunt with your family while visiting Dinoland U.S.A. trying to see who can locate the most dinosaurs during your visit. The fun part is that you never have to go far to find the next dinosaur or part of a dinosaur.

For the Dinosaur lover in your family make sure you plan on spending plenty of time here during your next Disney World Vacation.

Checking Out The Signs In Disney's Animal Kingdom Asia

2011-01-25T06:49:00.000-05:00

A favorite pastime when visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom is checking out all of the details that the Disney Imagineers have created to tell their remarkable rich stories. The Animal Kingdom easily surpasses all other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in terms of details to see.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
In this article we will focus on just some of the many signs and postings that you may see when you tour the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom (DAK). Throughout the land you will see signs that help inter-relate all of the shops and tell the story of the fictional town of Anandapur. You will see how the Yeti is both the source of a Tourists coming to their town and something to be feared and respected.

This aging poster denotes an upcoming seminar where Professor Pema Dorje of Serka-Zong Village will speak about the legends and evidence of the Yeti. He will also present dramatic new findings that will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt - The Yeti Is Real!. The meeting will take place at the Yeti Museum.

This bulletin board has many interesting things to read concerning the Yeti including a list of animals you may have seen and mistaken for a Yeti.

This is a sign that you will see while you are getting reading to board your train for Expedition Everest. One last warning about how the Yeti is the protector of the sacred realm.

This shop sign shows that there are some modern conveniences even in the town of Anandapur. The Shangri-La Trekkers Inn also has an Internet Cafe.

This is a sign of expansion due to all of the tourist traffic to the area.

Gupta's Gear has all kinds of supplies for those about to make their climbing expedition. Many of the items on display are authentic items obtained by Disney Imagineers during their research trips to Asia.

Many of the signs that you will see in DAK Asia have this excellent detail in the lower right hand corner where it denotes that they were created by: "Bhavani Sign Painting." During your next visit see how many signs you can find with this notation.

Even a simple payphone must be themed at Disney World. Here the phone has a special aged sign for the Anandapur Telegraphy along with it's logo. These are not signs that the Disney Imagineers just picked up in their travels. They had to design them, create them, and finally age them to fit into their "story."

The sign above the water fountain reads: "Trekkers, Please use this water provided here for your convenience. Do NOT drink from streams and wells."

This marker sign for Anandapur indicates that this building has been here since June 8, 1953.

Details Are Everywhere!

Disney's Animal Kingdom will continue to be a favorite place to spot details that the Disney Imagineers have created. The signs shown here are but a few of what you will encounter in Asia. During your next trip, take the time to slow down and read the signs and enjoy some of these interesting details about the fictional town of Anandapur.

Finding Nemo The Musical Is A Disney World Must See!

2011-01-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

If there is one show that you see during your next Disney World Vacation, make sure it is Finding Nemo The Musical. This Live Acting Musical with fantastic costumes and puppetry has been thrilling audiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom since 2006.

Finding Nemo The Musical
For the first time Disney has taken a non-musical movie and turned it into an original musical stage show. The show is presented in a totally revamped 1,500 seat Theater In The Wild that previously was home to Tarzan Rocks. The theater is now totally enclosed and air conditioned, which comes in handy during the hot Florida summers.

The 30 minute production features original songs by by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" co-composer-creator Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the Way" co-creator Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

Finding Nemo The Musical also features the spectacular puppetry designs of Michael Curry, who co-designed the richly detailed character puppets seen in the Broadway version of Disney's "The Lion King."

Finding Nemo The Musical follows the story of over protective Clownfish Marlin and his son Nemo and all of the adventures that ensue when Nemo is captured by a Scuba Diving Dentist from Sydney.

You will see all of your favorite characters like Dory - Marlin's memory challenged companion, Bruce - the Shark who tries to convince himself that "Fish Are Friends, Not Food", & Crush - the coolest, most laid back sea turtle you will ever meet.

There are twelve original songs in all during this production: 1. In The Big Blue World, 2. The Drop Off, 3. Dory's Ditty, 4. Fish Are Friends Not Food, 5. Where's My Dad?, 6. We Swim Together, 7. Just Keep Swimming, 8. Not My Dad (Reprise, Song 5), 9. Go With The Flow, 10. That's My Dad (Reprise, Song 5), 11. We Swim Together (Reprise), 12. Finale - The Big Blue World (Reprise).

Must See Disney World Attraction

It may be overused to call something a "Must See" attraction, but Finding Nemo The Musical really is a Must See attraction that is fun for the entire family. This show is well done with great acting, catchy original songs that feel like they belonged in the original Pixar animated classic, and unbelievable costumes and puppets.

Not Just Simple Okapi Exhibit At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-12-15T17:11:00.000-05:00

Disney's Animal Kingdom transports you to Africa on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. One of the featured species is the Okapi, which for many is not a household name. On the Trail you will get a chance to see the Okapi as they play their role in the detailed story that the Disney Imagineers have created.

Disney World is about entertainment, which is why you shouldn't confuse Disney's Animal Kingdom with a zoo. Disney has created a theme park full of stories around a central theme of animals and uses live animals and their habitats to help make the stories real and believable.

The animal based attractions are not merely animals in a cage or small habitat, they are there as characters in the story that is being told. When you encounter them you become part of this interactive story. As is often the case, you can enjoy the attraction for merely the entertainment value at the surface, or you can choose to look more closely at all of the details and get a deeper understanding of the story. Those that take the time to see all of the detail usually come away with a more rewarding experience.

This example of the okapi is one of many that you may have passed by without realizing all of the details and elements of the story that existed for those who wished to look a little closer.

Okapi

The okapi is an animal that is only found in the Congo Basin "Ituri Rainforest." In order to include the okapi as part of the story, the Disney Imagineers have created a back story that has the Ituri Wildlife Preserve in Zaire, Africa sending 3 okapi to the Harambe Wildlife Reserve so that they can be studied in this new habitat.

As a Disney World Park guest you are immersed in the research station and can see the work of the researchers of the okapi. If you are so inclined you can read some of their research that is posted and gain a further understanding of this seldom seen species that has been on the protected list since 1933.

The closest relative to the okapi is the giraffe. Some of the similarities that they share are:

both have very long tongues for grasping leaves.
both lack true horns, but have head knobs that are skin covered bones.
both lack upper incisors or canines.
both have basically the same body shape.

The theory is that the giraffe developed the longer neck in order to reach food in the sparse Savannah Grasslands. The okapi reside in the dense rainforest, so plentiful food is within easier reach, not requiring the long neck.

The okapi are shy creatures that prefer to be by themselves as opposed to large groups. They primarily use the sense of sound to detect predators, which is why they have such large ears. Interestingly they have scent glands in their hoofs and use them to mark their territories in the forest.

They have striping on their rump that helps camouflage them in the forest.

The detail that the Disney Imagineers go to create the backgrounds for their stories is amazing. The bulletin board pictured above is a prime example. Each paper or article on the board was created to substantiate the story.

The "article" from The Weekly Journal details the arrival of the 3 okapis at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve from their home at the Ituri Wildlife Preserve. There is also a "letter" from the director of the Ituri Wildlife Preserve passing along helpful information about the habits and needs of the okapi to the director of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. There is even a "flyer" for an upcoming presentation by "K Kolunda - the Director of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve" announcing the Sunday Lecture entitled "The Natural History Of A Forest Ghost."

The Disney World Guest that takes the time to check out the information posted on the bulletin boards learns about the okapi through the telling of the "story" of their arrival from Zaire and the work of the researchers. This technique provides an entertaining story for the guest and they come away learning something in the process.

The habits and traits of the okapi are further explained through the use of research and observation logs of each of the 3 okapi. By glancing at these logs, you learn more about these interesting creatures.

Using the research logs is a much more effective way to pass along information about the habits and traits of the okapi than just having a list of okapi facts.

The okapi themselves are beautiful creatures that reside in natural habitats and have the top notch Disney Animal Care staff looking out for their well-being.

The above picture is a close-up of the "letter" from the bulletin board from the Director of the Ituri Okapi Project discussing the eating habits and traits of the okapi. By clicking on the picture it will enlarge so you can read it for yourself.

Become Part Of The Disney World Stories

Disney World is so much more than a typical theme park. Through the creation of highly themed attractions and back stories that tie them together the Disney Imagineers create an experience that draws people back again and again.

Although the Disney World attractions are still enjoyable when you rush through them, they take on a whole new level of enjoyment and satisfaction when you take the time to see the detail that is surrounding you. By paying attention to the detail you learn more about the story that you are immersed in and come away with a more complete experience.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom, there is not just a simple exhibit of a couple of okapis in a natural looking habitat. There is a story waiting for you to become a part of it!

Unique Shopping Experience At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-11-21T22:02:00.001-05:00

At Disney's Animal Kingdom you will discover a unique shopping experience in the shop called "Ziwani Traders." Within this Disney World shop you will find a store within a store. The motto of Ziwani Traders, "For Best And Finest," is proudly stated on the signage of this rustic looking, metal roofed shop.

Ziwani Traders
Visitors to Disney's Animal Kingdom will find Ziwani Traders in the African Village of Harambe. As you venture inside you will see that the Disney Imagineers brought their storytelling talents inside this store to make it much more than just another location to buy vacation souvenirs.

On the lower shelves you will find a vast array of souvenirs suited for the Disney World guests. On the upper shelves you will discover the items that are more likely to suit the residents of Harambe and those looking to find supplies for their safari adventures.

In this picture above you can see newspapers, comics books, hats, and binoculars that are available for the locals and the intrepid travellers.

Depicted above are gas cans, electric torches and flashlights. There is even toilet tissue with the Kilimanjaro Safaris Logo on the wrapper.

Every traveller needs food for their trip. The selection of canned goods includes: Melon & Ginger Jam, Tomato Paste, Unsweetened Condensed Full Cream Milk, Sliced Beetroot, Large Haricot Beans, Apples, Pineapple Jam, & Githeri.

An important supply is the folding bed and bedroll which can be obtained at Ziwani Traders.

The above picture shows Mombasa brand drinking water, water bottles, and Kilimanjaro Safaris logo drinking cups.

Camp chair and pots & pans are shown above the Explorer Mickey Mouse plush.

Lanterns, Kerosene Stoves, & Buckets also make the list of items that can be obtained at Ziwani Traders. Whenever the brand of the item is shown it is a local one in Africa, like the Lion Brand Kerosene Heaters.

A collection of brushes are available to meet your needs. There is also a little local flavor with a bookshelf with an interesting collection of books.

Here is a close up look at the books. Here you can find travel books, books by Ernest Hemmingway, classics that became movies: "Born Free" & "Gorillas In The Mist."

Unique Shopping Experience

Ziwani Traders looks like an unasuming store from the outside, but has much to offer on the inside. In addition to all of the interesting souvenirs that you can buy to remember your Disney World vacation, there are tons of theming details worthy of your time and attention.

Shops like Ziwani Traders help the Disney Imagineers tell their stories in a more full and complete manner. Not only do the stories include the atttractions, but they also encompass the restaurants and shops that make up Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Look for these "extra" details during your next Disney World Vacation. You will be amazed how many of these details exist all around you.

Disney World Presents New 'Wild Africa Trek' Experience

2010-10-29T22:49:00.001-04:00

You can now start booking the newest immersive experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom that will start in early 2011. Called the "Wild Africa Trek," this unique 3 hour expert-led adventure will go beyond anything that Disney World has offered before.

Wild Africa Trek
The Wild Africa Trek will be offered several times a day, but groups will be limited to 12 at a time. The tour will provide an "up close and personal" experience with wildlife species found in the Pangani Forest as well as the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. This will not be your typical tour by any means!

Hippo Encounter
In order to get views never experienced at Disney World, guests will clip onto a lifeline to step to the very edge of a cliff getting extremely close to the hippos and crocs.

According to Michael Colglazier, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom:

"Adventure-minded guests will have the experience of a lifetime as they get immersed in an authentic African safari experience that only Disney can deliver. We are thrilled to be offering this unique outdoor adventure aimed at active vacationers, taking interactions with the incredible animals that inhabit the Harambe Reserve to the next level and literally blazing new trails in our park.”

Wild Africa Trek Highlights:

Trekking with experienced guides through areas of Harambe Wildlife Reserve that aren’t explored during regular Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences.
Navigating through fern and vine forests on a bushwalk that sets a course for adventure.
Clipping into a harness attached to a safety line, crossing a seemingly precarious rope bridge over the Safi River and cliff-hanging at the edge of gullies that are home to hippos and crocodiles.
Experiencing the thrill of “over-landing” in customized open-air vehicles following the edge of a magnificent, wide-open savanna.
Unwinding from an unforgettable adventure at a private safari camp for wildlife viewing. At this station elevated above the savanna, guests savor sample tastes of Africa as their adventure draws to a relaxing and satisfying close.

Wild Africa Trek Reservation Information
Reservations for Wild Africa Trek can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally. Guests who reserve a booking from Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2011, may take advantage of an introductory offer starting at $129. Park admission is required for participants.

As Disney World looks to provide more immersive experiences like these, look for addition premium tours to be added in the future. The Wild Africa Trek should certainly attract both the adventure seeker and the animal lover.

Disney's Animal Kingdom DINOSAUR Attraction Has A Code For You To Solve

2010-10-21T20:53:00.001-04:00

When visiting the Disney World theme parks, you have to be on alert to catch all of the special surprises that are hidden in the attractions and surroundings. If you are rushing from one attraction to another you may miss one of the best parts of Disney World: "The Details".

Disney World Hidden Secret
Many of you are familiar with Hidden Mickeys (Mickey Mouse head shapes that are worked into various items throughout Disney World), but there are many other secret surprises out there for guests who have a sharp eye and an inquisitive mind.

Here is a Disney World Hidden Secret for you to look for during your next visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Dinosaur Attraction Secret Code
In the final stage of the ride queue for the DINOSAUR attraction, you will notice a lot of pipes. As you descend the stairs to the floor level where you will board the ride vehicle, look back in the direction in which you entered that room. You will see three pipes running horizontally across the room over what appears to be a large electric transformer. You will notice that there are words and chemical symbols on the pipes.

Take a look in the above picture (you probably need to click on it to expand it):

The surprise is that these chemical names were rumored to refer to the ingredients for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise in a tribute to McDonald's who was one of the original sponsors of the attraction.

Instead of taking the rumor at face value, let's investigate a little further to see if it is true. By dusting off my old Chemistry Book and researching each of the ingredients listed here is what we get:

Red Pipe: Ketchup
■Lycopersicon lycopericum (should be Lycopersicon lycopersicum) = tomato
■C6H12O6 = Sugar or Corn Syrup
■CH3COOH = Vinegar
■(C6H12O6) = Another Sugar (part of the symbol is blocked by the pipe clamp)
■NaCl = Salt
■Allium cepa = Onion

Yellow Pipe: Mustard
■CH3COOH = Vinegar
■H2O = Water
■Brassica juncea = Mustard Plant
■NaCl = Salt
■Curcuma Longa = Turmeric
■Allium sativum = Garlic

White Pipe: Mayonnaise
■Glycine soja = Soybean Oil
■Ovae = refers to Egg, in this case Egg yolks
■CH3COOH = Vinegar
■H2O = Water
■NaCl = Salt
■C6H12O6 = Sugar (or Corn Syrup)
■Citrus limon = Lemon Juice

Mystery Solved
If I was on the show Myth Busters, I would have to say that this Myth has been CONFIRMED. Those chemical names and symbols on the 3 pipes actually do refer to the ingredients for Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayonnaise.

This is just another example of the great level of detail that the Disney Imagineers went to make the attractions realistic and fun for their guests.

So next time that you are in line to ride DINOSAUR, point to the red, yellow, and white pipes and amaze your friends. You get extra points if you print this out and are able to translate each of the ingredients for them.

Kilimanjaro Safaris At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-09-25T23:12:00.001-04:00

The signature attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom is not the one with the Yeti, but rather the one that covers about the same amount of land as the entire Magic Kingdom. Of course I'm referring to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The back story for the Kilimanjaro Safaris takes place in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve near the village of Harambe. At one time this area was known as a place to come to hunt wild game. Some time in the 1970's the people of Harambe started becoming more concerned with the environment and decided to change how the land was being used. The Reserve was changed to a place where the animals were protected and the only safaris that were permitted were of the photo taking variety. Now the Reserve Wardens struggle against poachers to keep the animals safe from harm.

For the Disney World guest they are welcomed to a 2 week safari as they board their Specially Designed Safari Vehicles. Here they will encounter a wide variety of African birds and mammals across this expansive terrain. Each of the animals will be seen in a natural habitat setting with room to roam. This is far different than your typical zoo display. The free roaming nature of the animals appears more realistic and the animals are more comfortable in their surroundings.

The landscaping for the Kilimanjaro Safaris may have been the greatest achievement, but hardly noticed by park guests. Starting with a nearly bare stretch of land, hundreds of thousands of plants were grown using varieties from all over the world. The plants serve many purposes from story telling, to barriers, to food for the animals. From early on, there was much trial and error to determine which plant varieties would hold up in the Florida Sun and withstand the animals. Some varieties that did not adapt well to these conditions were substituted with ones that did. The end result is a truly believable African landscape. Since this part of the park is truly alive and growing, it is a challenge for the Disney Imagineers to let the trees and plants grow and look natural, but still maintain control of the overall look of the Animal Kingdom Park.

The Animals
The African animals are the star of Kilimanjaro Safaris. This is what people come to see. Disney Imagineers took many research trips to Africa to go on photo safaris to be able to capture the look and feel of the experience.

As you make your way through the safari you are exposed to different habitats and different animal residents. The Tour Guides weave the descriptions together to make a smooth transition from one area to another and to point out the animals along the way. Having a top notch guide can definitely improve your Safari experience.

One of the first animals you may spy is the Okapi. This interesting animal has markings on its legs that make you think it is related to a zebra, but it is actually most closely related to the giraffe.

Pictured above is a Black Rhino. Fully grown adults can reach 3,000 lbs. They are considered to be critically endangered with only around 3,600 remaining in all of Africa.

The Hippo Pool is always home to numerous hippopotamuses. The Hippopotamus is the 3rd largest land mammal and believe or not is one of the most aggressive animals in Africa.

You will also find a number of native African birds like the ones pictured above while you take the Kilimanjaro Safari.

The Wildebeest is one of the more common animals on the African Savannahs. You will find this one in the Kilimanjaro Safari Savannah, along with Ankole Cattle, and a number of varieties of antelope.

There are many giraffes present at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They presented interesting challenges to the landscaping staff as they eat large quantities of leaves and can do a lot of damage to trees.

This baby elephant pictured above is one of the many elephants that you can see. There are animal births happening constantly around the Park and the young animals are always interesting to see. This little elephant was adorable.

Pictured above is a baby white rhino. The White Rhino is more plentiful than the Black Rhino and it is larger with some adults approaching 8,000 lbs. That makes it the 2nd largest land animal behind the elephant.

The lions are always difficult to see and this picture of a male and a female sitting up is even rarer. Typically lions sleep during the day. The Disney Staff has created air conditioned rocks that the lions like to lay on during the hot summer days. That is how Disney encourages the lions to be somewhere that guests can spot them.

You will typically see ostriches walking around in the latter part of the Safari. The Ostrich eggs that your guide points out are fake, but they are actual size.

Must See Attraction For Entire Family

The Kilimanjaro Safaris is a must see attraction that appeals to the entire family. Each time you ride this attraction the ride is different, because unlike the Jungle Cruise these animals are all alive and move around as they desire.

This ride appeals to all age groups and it there are a lot of wonderful photo opportunities to get pictures of the animals. This is a must see attraction, and your visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom is not complete without doing the Safari. Note: FastPasses are available, so take advantage and avoid long waits in line!

Festival Of The Lion King At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-09-09T19:38:00.000-04:00

Disney World excels at presenting live performances and the Festival Of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of their best. This engaging musical performance will delight Disney fans of all ages.

Festival Of The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the best loved Disney Animated Classics and Disney World has created a live action stage show that is worthy of the title. You will find the Festival Of The Lion King in the Camp Minnie Mickey section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are currently no other attractions in this land other than the Meet & Greet area for Mickey Mouse, Minnie, & friends, but it is certainly worth your effort to make the walk to see this show.

The specially designed theater is reminiscent of a circus tent. There are 4 seating areas that surround a central stage area. Each of the four areas is assigned to a particular animal: Lion, Elephant, Warthog, & Giraffe.

The Disney Imagineers tried to make this building feel like an auditorium that you might attend at a large camp to gather together to sing songs and have fun. They wanted to feel like a camp structure since it is located in Camp Minnie Mickey!

The Show
After the theater is filled, each of the four sections is taught the sound that their animal makes. Members of the audience are chosen to help during this part of the show. (Hint: Giraffes make a bleating sound like a sheep!)

The opening section is taught by the four main actors/singers for the show. They are all quite talented and do a great job performing the songs from the movie.

As the show begins large animal based floats enter the theater and take their positions in the four corners representing: Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, and Warthog. The lion is actually Simba and the Warthog is Pumba from the Lion King.

A collection of colorful dancers in animal based costumes come out to join the festivities. The costumes are amazing and really add to the show. You will see zebras, snakes, antelopes, lions, giraffes, monkeys, and more.

For the next 20 minutes or so you are treated to a continuous series of musical numbers featuring songs from the movie, dancing, acrobatics, & fire twirling. The show moves along quickly and holds the attention of young and old.

One of the crowd favorites is the performance of the acrobatic "Tumble Monkeys," who provide the comic relief for the show as Timon sings. Then they perform their acrobatic routine on the mini-trampolines and trapeze.

The costumes are well done and the performers always appear to be enthusiastic and having a good time as they dance during the show.

Worth Seeing Multiple Times
The Festival Of The Lion King is a show that you can see again and again. Even thought the show has not changed much over the years, it is still worth seeing each time you visit Disney's Animal Kingdom. This show is well done and does not appear to be "tired" even after all of these years. Each time I see the show it is an uplifting experience and I am glad that I went.

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-08-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

One often overlooked Disney Parade is the one that occurs each afternoon in Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is called Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade and it may be the best day time parade that runs at Disney World.

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade is a lively processional of creative animal shaped vehicles and gigantantic puppets all moving to the beat of the music. The parade starts in Harambe Villlage in Aftrica, makes its way towards the Tree of Life, continues around the Tree of Life towards Asia, and completes the loop by continuing on and returning to Harambe.

The animal based creations are really unique and fun to see. The cast members use their "animals" to engage the crowd and often stop to interact with guests, making the experience mroe memorable for many young Disney fans.

The main premise of the parade is that Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy are taking off for a Jungle Expedition. In the picture above you can see Minnie Mouse in her safari vehicle all loaded up with items for her adventure including her bathtub.

The floats and puppets have a rustic look to them that makes them very appealing. It is much more befitting the overall Animal Kingdom experience versus a more polished look.

Pictures describe the parade much better than words, so we have included many pictures so that you can get a sense of the marvelous animal creations that await you during Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. Unfortunately what you don't get a sense of is the music that accompanies the parade. It makes the atmosphere fun. You can see that many of the floats have encorporated a drum or percussion instrument built right into the design to further enhance the music.

Moreso than any other current Disney World parade, Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade reminds us of the Tapestry of Dreams Parade that used to exist in Epcot. I believe it is the similarity between the two in terms of design that makes this one so special.

Stay Longer At Animal Kingdom To See This Parade!

Although many people find themselves leaving Disney's Animal Kingdom early in the afternoon and therefore are gone before the typical 4:00 pm parade time, I hope this post will inspire you to stick around to make sure that you get a chance to see this wonderful parade. You will be glad that you did!

Fun Loving Interns At The Dino Institute In Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-08-19T19:04:00.002-04:00

If you step inside Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom you will discover much more than a Quick Service Restaurant, you will find the home of the Interns of the Dino Institute.

These interns combine the serious academic pursuit of paleontology with good natured fun and you can catch more than a glimpse of what they are up to when you explore Restaurantosaurus.

Dino Institute Interns

Throughout Restaurantosaurus you get clues about the interns. Nothing sets the stage better than this Welcome Letter from Dr. Bernard Dunn of the Dino Institute.

Welcome New Interns -
I would like to extend my hearfelt congratulations on your selection as a paleontological intern at the Dino Institute during the upcoming season. It is with a sincere appreciation of both the excitement that awaits you, as well as the awareness of the seriousness of the scholarly endeavor on which you are about to embark, that I wish you great success. You have been chosen from a well qualified and large applicant pool because of your vigorous pursuit of academics and the earnestness of your desire through paleontology, to hunt for clues into our planet's past. As we say here at the institute, "Uncovering the mysteries of the past is the key to the future." I am certain, as has been our experience in previous seasons, that you will serve with dignity, diligence, and decorum and, in so doing, become part of the proud half century tradition that is the Dino Institute.

This Welcome Letter appears beneath the "Poker - My Place 7:00PM" notice and next to the "Tomorrow is Hawaiian Shirt Day" Poster.

This certainly sets the stage for what you will see and discover.

You will also find the following notice to the interns:

INTERN NOTICE

Young Ladies & Gentlemen,
Please restrain your youthful exuberance and cease all loud conduct after 11 PM. We “fossils” need our sleep and the lofty cause of paleontological excavation is not well served by late night bacchanals in the commissary. The chandeliers are quite a bit older than yourselves. Please do not swing from them. We are responsible to your august Alma Maters and would be loath to have to send someone back in a plaster cast.

With all due respect,
Dr. B. Dunn

Intern Living Quarters/Bunk Room

The living quarters for the interns can be found within Restaurantosaurus. The interns sleep in a large loft stuffed with their belongings. The walls are full of pictures and there is tons of dinosaur related memoriabilia.

The decorating definitely looks like the work of college students.

If you glance up into the lofts you want to spend a good deal of time taking in all of the details. There is so much to see.

Explore Restaurantosaurus - Home Of The Interns

The fun loving interns have left a lot of items for you to see in Restaurantosaurus. The pictures here are mainly from the Bunk Room and there are several more rooms to explore. Restaurantosaurus is suprisingly big on the inside.

You could easily spend 30 minutes just seeing all there is and reading some of the interesting postings on the bulletin boards. The letters shown in the beginning of this Blog post were but a taste of what you can find. You will get a sense of some of the more outgoing interns, like Jennie and Animal, and the life they lead while working at the Dino Institute.

This is certainly one of my favorite places to explore at Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are always new details to unearth and more to learn. It is not an "official" Animal Kingdom attraction, but maybe it should be. Few people take the time to discover this place and therefore miss out.

The food isn't all that special, but whether you come to eat or just to explore, make sure that Restaurantosaurus is on your list of Animal Kingdom attractions to see.

Exploring Harambe Advertisements At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-08-02T12:19:00.000-04:00

Within Disney's Animal Kingdom, you find the African Village of Harambe. The Disney Imagineers have gone to great lengths to add realistic detail to all that you see during your visit.

Today we are going to take a closer look at the posters and advertisements that you see posted upon the village walls.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

One of the major advertisers that you will notice in Harambe is Kilimanjaro Safaris. This should not be a surprise since they are the outfit that runs the Safari that operates out of Harambe that you may have already experienced. The slogan for Kilimanjaro Safaris is: "When it comes to safaris WE GO WILD."

In the top picture they advertise the "Journey Of A Lifetime." "Enjoy one of our modern, comfortable safari vehicles for a day excursion into the beautiful HARAMBE WILDLIFE RESERVE."

In the picture above you get a taste of the different safaris that they offer:

Okavango Delta Canoe Tour - Four Days Of Pristine Wetland!
Selou Bushwalk - On The Trail Of The Honey Badger!
East African Bird Watching - Wahlberg's Eagle To Maasi Budgie!
Barefoot In Lamu - Sportfishing - Djow Journies Donkey Rides!

Cap'n Bob's Super Safaris

No surprise that Kilimanjaro Safaris is not the only outfit that provides safaris to interested travelers. Here we have Cap'n Bob's Super Safaris.

Cap'n Bob is evidently quite the salesman as you can see the following information on his poster:

Captain Bob invented economy camping.
Camping doesn't mean cheap. It means value.
Guaranteed Animals! Genuine African Culture!
Trust Us!
We are just the right size - not too big, not too small. Our day trips include Mauti Crocodile Farm and Camel Rides at UJingo Ranch or...you name it and we'll take you there!!
We have completed over six hundred departures in our famous Turkang Bus - providing photo safaris and exclusive holidays - ask anyone!

Kinga Hot Air Balloon Trips

If safaris are not your cup of tea, how about a hot air balloon trip? Kinga asks the question "Why Not Rise Above It All?"

With Kinga you can avoid the dust and jolt's of East Africa's famous road system and embrance the romantic vision of Africa. Hot Air Balloon Trips are: Safe! Unique! & Romantic! They also offer a champagne breakfast at the set-down point!

To get a hold of them just leave a message at Kulewa's Cafe.

Poaching Alert

You will also see public service announcements such as this Poaching Alert posted in Harambe. Here you alerted to "report any evidence of poaching to the nearest ranger post." You are also made aware that " You can help the reserve in its fight against ivory poachers."

Disco!

For those looking to hear some music, check out the notice for the "One Love" concerts presented by Three Stars on Friday night at the Civic Club on Kunjufu St.

Jorodi Masks & Beads

For those looking to do some shopping, but not sure where to turn there is Jorodi Masks & Beads. They advertise the "finest collection of traditional art in East Africa."

Disney World Details

The care that the Disney Imagineers put into their creations at Disney World are unmatched. The little things like authentic looking advertisements for a village that only exists in Disney's Animal Kingdom are what sets this apart from the others.

You may not always notice the details that are there, but you would certainly notice if they were not. The sense of realism would not be as great and it would not be so easy to escape into these fantasy worlds and become immersed in the story that is created.

The next time you are at Disney World take notice of the little details that are all around you.

Taste Of Africa Street Party - Beer & Wine Walk

2010-07-23T11:34:00.000-04:00

The Taste Of Africa Street Party, which is currently being held daily at Disney's Animal Kingdom from immediately after Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade until park closing, brings life to Harambe Village and shouldn't be missed.

Earlier we posted an article about the overall Taste of Africa Street Party, then another focusing just on the wonderful food that is only offered during the Street Party, and now it is time to talk about the Beer & Wine Walk.

Beer & Wine Walk
In addition to the great foods there are to taste, the Beer & Wine Walk provides the opportunity to sample some of the Wines of South Africa and Beers from all over Africa. This again attempts to mimic the success of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and make a similar experience for guests on a much more focused scale.

There are two types of "Tastings" that can be done: the Young Travelers Tropical Fruit Juice Tasting for $4 or the Beer & Wine Walk for $9 per person. Each allows the guest to try 4 different samples.

Tropical Fruit Juice Tasting
This was a nice feature added to make the event family friendly and to give the kids their own opportunity for "Tasting" while the adults sampled the Beers and/or Wines.

Each guest who participated in the Juice Tasting received 4 different juices to sample. The cast member, Taylor on the day we were there, offered them each one at a time, explaining what it was and asked feedback as to whether they did or did not enjoy that particular selection.

The four juices were:

Guava
Sugar Cane
Coconut Water
Sour Sop

The fruits were on display, as well, so you could really understand what went into each of these juices. The Sour Sop was unanimously chosen as the best. The fruit itself looked rather unattractive, but the juice was tasty and not sour as the fruit name might indicate.

All in all this was a fun activity for the kids, who really enjoyed the experience. It was presented well, and would be recommended for kids or even adults who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

Beer & Wine Tasting
For the Beer & Wine Tasting, each participant was given a passport that had an area to receive 4 different stamps. This indicated how many "Tastings" you had remaining.

With this Passport, you had your choice to visit any of the 3 Wine Stations or the 1 Beer Station. You could visit the same station all 4 times, or mix and match as you desired.

The wine stations each represented a Wine making region of South Africa. The first was the Paarl region. Here you had a choice of 4 different wines ranging from white to red. Chenin Blanc grapes are the most common in this area as almost 25% of the vineyards are devoted to this varietal.

The Cast Members were very helpful and willing to dicuss the wines at their station in order to help you choose one that fit your particular tastes.

The wines presented here were:

Fairview Viognier
Fairview Pinotage
Goats Do Roam White Blend
Glen Carlou Classique

The next region was the Stellenbosch region. This area is known for being home to many wine related research and teaching institutions besides just producing wine. 60% of the grapes in the Stellenbosch area are red with Carbernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinotage being the most popular.

The wines offered here are:

Man Vintners Pinotage
Neil Ellis Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc
Man Vintners Shiraz
Neil Ellis Chardonnay

The last wine station represented the Cape Town Region of South Africa. Cape Town represents South Africa's oldest European settlement and is dominated by the 3,500 ft flat topped Table Mountain. The featured wines here are:

Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc
Porcupine Ridge Merlot
Red Wolftrap Blend
Man Vintners Chenin Blanc.

The beer station offered 4 beer choices made in Africa. Unlike the wines which were all from South Africa, the beers represented the entire continent of Africa. There were two beers from Ethiopia, one from Kenya, and the last was from Morocco.

The beers that were available for tasting were:

St. George Pale Lager, Ethiopia
Bedele Pilsner, Ethiopia
Tusker Lager, Kenya
Casa Lager, Morocco

Taste Of Africa Street Party
In conclusion, I strongly recommend the Taste Of Africa Street Party At Disney's Animal Kingdom. the folks at Disney World have come up with a great idea here and I hope it is allowed to remain for an extended stay or at least appear on a regular basis.

It was a welcome change, and all who took part appeared to be enjoying the food and all that the Taste Of Africa Street Party had to offer. Definitely look for it if you are visiting Disney World in the near future.

Taste Of Africa Street Party - The Food!

2010-07-22T06:24:00.000-04:00

One of the best reasons to check out the Taste Of Africa Street Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom is the Food!

This Street Party is a mini version of Epcot's Food & Wine Festival with a focus on foods and drinks from Africa. The best way to experience this party is in person, but until you have the chance to do so yourself, these pictures will have to do.

There are 3 different locations to purchase tapas sized portions of African dishes, and one additional location to get fresh African baked goods and fruits.

Kusafiri Bakery
At the Kusafiri bakery you can find:

Berbere Rubbed Beef with Mealiepap

Curried Chicken with Jollof Rice

Banana Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

All 3 of the dishes ( all pictured above) available at the Kasafiri Bakery were excellent. The Berbere Rubbed Beef with Mealiepap (corn meal mash) was probably my favorite out of all of the Taste Of Africa Street Party offerings. The portions were similar to what you would receive at the Food & Wine Festival and a special bonus is that you could use Disney Dining Plan Snack credits to purchase these if you so desired.

Tamu Kibanda
At Tamu Kibanda you can enjoy:

Avocado Shrimp Salad
Samosas with Mango Chutney

We enjoyed the Avacado Shrimp Salad (pictured above), but it did not stand out above the items available at the Kasafiri Bakery.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

During the Taste of Africa Street Party the menu at Tamu Tamu Refreshments includes:

Beef Bobotie with Blatjang
Flatbread with Dips

We tried both the Beef Bobotie with Blatjang and the Flatbread with Dips. The Flatbread comes with 3 dips (sundried tomato hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanousch) and is similar to what you can try at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, which is very good! The Beef Bobotie, which is a spiced meat pie accompanied by a dried fruit chutney reminded me of some kind of quiche. I thought it was good , but did not rank above the Berbere Rubbed Beef with Mealiepap.

Mango Shake

My kids thought the Mango Shake was great and sure hit the spot on a hot July afternoon.

Harambe Fruit Market

This market features:

Coconut Macaroons
Honey Pastries
Fresh Cut Coconut
Fresh Fruit
Sugar Cane

The baked goods are "imported fresh for the Taste Of Africa Festival." They looked good, but unfortunately we did not get to taste them first hand. They were also having fresh coconut prepared next to the stand which was fun to watch.

Great Food Tasting Experience

If you enjoy the Epcot Food & Wine Festival then you will enjoy this African flavored version at the Taste Of Africa Street Party. With the great African inpired restaurants that you find at Disney World (Boma, Sanaa, Jiko, and Tusker House) it should be no surprise that they have great African dishes to try for this event.

They were all good and represented a wide variety of tastes, flavors, and textures. The tapas sized portions were large enough and the prices were reasonable (for Disney World).

I would highly recommend attending this event if you have the opportunity!

Taste Of Africa Street Party At Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-07-21T21:36:00.001-04:00

Starting on July 9th a new feature was added to Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is called the Taste Of Africa Street Party and it is a wonderful addition to the park and hopefully it will last longer than its initial trial status.

Taste of Africa Street Party
Immediately following Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade each afternoon the village of Harambe in the Africa section of Disney's Animal Kingdom becomes transformed into the Taste Of Africa Street Party. The party consists of music, food, drink, demonstrations, and special merchandise.

Carts are moved into the village with merchandise and demonstration items. Quickly Harambe is prepared and the street party begins.

A DJ kicks off the festivities by playing music from his rooftop perch and a live band also plays.

You can check out the curry fire pit, where you learn how herbs and spices are prepared to make curried dishes.

There was also an interesting demonstration showing how sugar cane is crushed to get the sugary liquid out of it.

There are also several merchants showing merchandise that is only available during the street party.

The above map shows all of the special stations that are set up throughout Harambe for the Taste of Africa Street Party.

Reason To Stay At Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Taste of Africa Street Party is certainly a reason to extend your stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Like many others, I had gotten into the pattern of leaving the Animal Kingdom in the early afternoon, usually due to a dinner reservation elsewhere on the Walt Disney World property.

By staying to see the Taste of Africa Street Party, I saw Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade for the first time in years and was reminded of how enjoyable it was to see.

The Street Party itself was certainly like a small version of the Food & Wine Festival as advertised. Over the next two posts, I will show pictures and discuss the Food and Drink options that are available to sample.

All in all this is a great event and I hope it continues past the initial trial!