Showing posts with label Animal Kingdom Entertainment. Show all posts
New 'Rivers of Light' show to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Spring 2016
There are changes coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom which will result in a much different experience for the Disney World theme park's guests. From what has been considered a "half-day park" to many there are numerous additions in the works that will extend the available attractions into the night.
Rivers Of Light
The first such addition that will open for the public in the Spring of 2016 will be a night time show called 'Rivers of Light.' This Disney's Animal Kingdom evening show will be a strong reason to extend your day because you will not want to miss this story filled journey of light, water, and music that will take the essence of the Animal Kingdom park and bring it together for an emotional show.See the show description as shared by the Disney Parks Blog:
The show will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest – take a close look and you can you see the Tree of Life in the background. In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.
In addition to the show, you’ll also notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.
To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature. According to Imagineer Joe Rohde, in an interview excerpt from the latest Disney Vacation Planning DVD, the addition of “Rivers of Light” to the park’s offerings will serve as that huge “wow” moment that ends a guest’s visit to the park.
Are you excited?
Do you love Disney's Animal Kingdom as much as we do? Are you looking forward to the additions? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments!!!Disney World Must See Show - Finding Nemo - The Musical
Disney World is known for its spectacular shows. Usually
when you hear of Disney World shows you think Fantasmic, Festival Of The Lion
King, and Lights, Motors, Action! My favorite Disney World Show though leaves
them all in the dust. I’m talking about Finding Nemo-The Musical at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom!
This post is brought to you by www.OnlyWDWorld.com guest blogger Madison Collins! Learn more about Madison at the end of this post.
Finding Nemo-The Musical combines Broadway worthy songs with
out of this world puppetry. The entire Finding Nemo cast is extremely talented.
They truly bring Finding Nemo to the next level.
What makes Finding Nemo even better is that all of the songs
in the musical aren’t in Finding Nemo the brilliant Pixar movie, making it the only place you
can hear these, so catchy you can’t get them out of your head, songs. This is the first time that Disney has made a
musical show out of a non-musical movie.
The actors in Finding Nemo actually go into the audience at
points during the musical, which makes it that much more entertaining. I really like it when Marlin and Dory seem
like they are right next to you in the audience. The giant jellyfish are amazing as they run
through the audience!
Finding Nemo-The Musical is an inside attraction, so it’s a
wonderful attraction to hit when it’s too hot or pouring rain.
When not watching Finding Nemo - The Musical, you can often find our guest blogger Madison hanging out with her two favorite Disney characters, Chip n' Dale!
The Disney's Animal Kingdom One Day Must See Guide
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.
Festival Of The Lion King At Disney's Animal Kingdom
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.
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.
The costumes are well done and the performers always appear to be enthusiastic and having a good time as they dance during the show.
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
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!
Meet DeVine - Disney's Animal Kingdom's Unique Entertainment
Am I going crazy or did that vine just move? If I am at Disney's Animal Kingdom, I really may have noticed the vine move.
She wears a costume that does an excellent job of camouflaging her, and combined with slow movements, she blends into the jungle background.
Many times I have walked past without realizing that she was there.
The costume also includes stilts which adds to the vine-like look.
The next time that you are at Disney World's Animal Kingdom, be on the look out for DeVine. She does not show up on the entertainment schedule. She is just an extra bit of Disney magic that you will want to try to see. You'll just have to look real closely.
