Showing posts with label Disney Animal Kingdom. Show all posts
Disney World Provides Update On Vision Of The World Of Avatar Coming To Disney's Animal Kingdom
Recently, at the D23 Expo in Japan, Disney had James Cameron and Joe Rohde announce some of the upcoming visions for the new Avatar based attractions that will be added to Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The video clip below shows both James Cameron, the writer and director known for such great films as: Titanic, The Abyss, The Terminator, Aliens, and Avatar, as well as, Joe Rohde, the Senior Vice President of Creative at Disney Imagineering and one of the lead designers of Disney's Animal Kingdom, talking about combining the world of Avatar, known as Pandora, and bringing it to Disney's Animal Kingdom as a transformational, immersive experience for guests.
Construction has begun to make the necessary space within what is currently known as Camp Minnie Mickey to prepare the space where the Avatar based version of Pandora will exist.
Here are more pictures of the current sketches of what may be coming:
The last picture shows James Cameron and Joe Rohde looking at early models.
This will be a major expansion to Disney's Animal Kingdom and give it a version of the original land of Mythical Creatures that it was originally designed to contain.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is already the most well themed of all of the Disney World Theme Parks, mostly in part to the hard work and relentless vision of Joe Rohde and it will be exciting to see what he can come up with to bring James Cameron's fantasy world of Avatar and Pandora to life.
Not Just Simple Okapi Exhibit At Disney's Animal Kingdom
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!
See DeVine At Disney's Animal Kingdom If You Can
Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to one of Disney World's most unique entertainers. Her name is DeVine.
Disney World Parks - Staying Cool In The Summer Heat
During the Summer it certainly gets hot in central Florida, so knowing how to cool off while touring the Disney World Parks is a big benefit.
We'll show you locations in each park that are outside of your typical attractions that will enable to get a little wet and cool off to beat that summer heat.
Exploring Pizzafari At Disney's Animal Kingdom
A Restaurant Worth Exploring
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, the theming extends beyond the attractions into the shops and restaurants. There is no better example of this than in Pizzafari.
This Disney World Quick Service restaurant is so much more than a place to get pizza to feed your family. The inside of this restaurant is literally a work of art, well worth exploring.
Disney World's Expedition Everest Challenge Is Not Your Typical 5K Race
Disney's Animal Kingdom Gets The Dinosaur Treatment
At Disney's Animal Kingdom things have gotten a little crazy over in Dinoland. The Grad Students that work at the Dino Institute and reside in the Bunkhouse inside Restaurantosaurus have gone a little Dinosaur crazy. They have decided to add the suffix -osaurus to everything in sight.
Baby Elephant Born At Disney's Animal Kingdom
Yesterday, May 20th, a new female baby elephant was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new baby calf which is the 5th to be born at Disney World, weighed in at 288 lbs.
The new addition now increases the herd at Disney's Animal Kingdom to 13 elephants including 8 females and 5 males.
See A Lion Get Its Annual Wellness Check-Up At Disney World
Well, that's exactly what my family got a chance to see during a recent Disney World Vacation. This unexpected treat became a highlight of our Disney trip. The fact that it was so different from the usual Disney World experience made it special.
See Tigers, Bats, & Dragons On The Maharajah Jungle Trek At Disney's Animal Kingdom
The Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom treats its guests to magnificent views of some amazing animals that are not of the audio-animatronic variety. There is much to see and take in along this attraction that can be found in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom.
Today we will look at the featured animals of the trek: Tigers, Bats, and Dragons.
Disney Parks Imagineers Bring Unbelievable Detail To Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest
Disney's Animal Kingdom may be the Disney Parks Imagineers' best example of storytelling at the Walt Disney World Resort. Today we will look at just one small element of the story that takes place in the mythical town of Anandapur.
Anandapur Mountaineering Association
Within the FastPass queue for the Expedition Everest attraction you may have noticed a small stand that is set up to sell mountaineering supplies.
Actually, if you were in the FastPass queue you most likely raced past this area and never had a chance to look closely at all there was to see.
Chester & Hester's Primeval Whirl At Disney's Animal Kingdom
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, Dinoland has the serious Dino Institute, and the not-so-serious Chester & Hester's Dino Rama which is a full-on tribute to the larger than life Tourist Attractions along Route 66 in its hey day.
As the story goes, Chester & Hester, did not want to be outdone by the Dino Institute and the fancy time machines that they had. So, they quickly created their own time machine like contraption to lure in the gullible tourists.
Exciting Little Roller Coaster
Although you may not travel back in time, you will get a fun filled ride. The "time machine" ride vehicle spins as it travels along the track. This makes the sharp turns and twists of the track even more thrilling. Even without a big hill, the spinning and quick changes of direction make this a roller coaster worthy of checking out.
Added in the spring of 2002, the Primeval Whirl uses bright colors and playful artwork of various dinosaurs to entertain the riders. The mood is light and fun. The props comically depict the dinosaurs realizing that their extinction is at hand.
Usually this roller coaster will have the shortest wait time of any roller coaster in Disney World. It is often 20 minutes or less.
A word of caution to those who do not like rides that spin. Although it does not spin as much as the Mad Tea Party, the Time Machines do make several rotations as they make their way around the roller coaster track.
Recommended Attraction
Definitely put this whimsical roller coaster on your list of attractions to do during your next trip to the Animal Kingdom. The over the top theming and quick turning ride vehicle make this a recommended attraction.
Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures at Disney's Animal Kingdom
When you visit Dinoland at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park you will find a land where the Disney Imagineers had some fun creating something that you might have seen on one of those great road trips on Route 66 in the western part of the United States in its heyday.
One of the Dinoland landmarks is Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures. This converted old gas station is now the souvenir shop that has everything to do with Dinosaurs. Today we take a look at all of the great advertising that you can see from the outside of this Disney World shopping establishment.
The billboards adorn this building in true over the top fashion, fully playing out the fact that Dinosaurs were heading towards extinction. Each sign has a clever saying to get your attention.
Some of the billboards read: "Going out of Existance Sale. Everything Must Go!!", "The Dinosaurs say Good Buy", "Prehistoric Prices! Mammoth Deals!", "We're Erupting with Gifts", "Merchandise of Extinction", "It's Fossiliferous!!", & " You don't need to go to the end of the earth. You're here now!"
They are certainly reminiscent of the billboards that you would see for miles touting the upcoming attraction, trying to peak your curiousity so that you have to stop and shop.
This area is certainly fun compared to the much more serious treatment of the Dinosaur subject matter at the Dino Institute.
The Imagineers did a great job of theming this area and providing so much to look at and take in while you are visiting Dinoland. Make sure you take the time to notice all of the detail that is there. You will be amazed at all of the things that you will find.
Flame Tree Barbecue Offers Much More Than Great Food At Disney's Animal Kingdom
When it comes to Quick Service Dining locations at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park the Flame Tree Barbecue should be at the top of your list.
This centrally located restaurant that you can find on your way to Dinoland, has a great menu for fans of barbecued food. Here you will find on the menu: 1/2 slab of St. Louis Ribs, 1/2 Barbecued Chicken, BBQ Pork Sandwich, Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich, & BBQ Chicken Salad.
If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, you are looking at a virtual feast for your family, all for one Quick Service Dining Credit per person.
This picture shows what a family of four could get using the Disney Dining Plan or the Quick Service Dining Plan.
This is certainly a feast that could be shared, especially if this is your lunch. This is a great way to save Dining Plan Credits so that you can use them for breakfast.
(Disney Dining Plan Tip: Share meals at Quick Service Locations that serve large portions so that you can have extra credits left over to eat Quick Service Meals for Breakfast.)
One of the great features of the Flame Tree Barbecue is the beautiful scenery that can be found in the eating areas behind the restaurant.
The pavilions are beautifully themed with the animal carvings and you can choose to sit near the courtyard or waterside on the lagoon with a view of Expedition Everest.
The great thing about this couryard and these pavilions is that even on very busy days, it appears that due to the fact that they are not visible from the main walkways, many people never even realize that they are there. That means that they are rarely full and often your family may get nearly an entire pavilion to yourselves in which to enjoy your meal.
This really heightens the sensation of being in a tropical forest and adds to the Animal Kingdom experience.
Come For The Food Stay For The Scenery
The Flame Tree Barbecue has much to offer. The food is very tasty. It is one of the best values for people using the Disney Dining Plan. The portions are large enough to share or quench that hearty appetite.
Above all else the setting and secenery that can be found at the seating behind the restaurant is reason enough to visit the Flame Tree Barbecue. It is a place where you can escape, relax, and enjoy your meal and your day at Disney World.
Beautiful Christmas Trees Galore At Disney's Animal Kingdom
Many visitors to the Animal Kingdom will miss out on seeing these specially decorated trees, due to the fact that they don't take the road less traveled towards Camp Minnie Mickey.
If they do head that way they most certainly be rewarded.
Camp Minnie Mickey, not only has 20 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, but it is also the place that you can meet and greet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in their Holiday attire.
Enjoy the pictures of these beautiful Christmas trees.
Merry Christmas!
