Category: Animal Kingdom

  • Construction Worker Falls in Hole in Animal Kingdom Parking Lot

    Construction Worker Falls in Hole in Animal Kingdom Parking Lot

    A construction worker was injured while working Tuesday near Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    The worker fell into a hole outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He was working near a trench box used for excavation when the ground gave way, dropping him into a 5-foot-deep hole.

    The worker was able to free one leg, but the other was buried up to his hip, according to officials. Orange County Fire Rescue crews dug him out and took him to a hospital.

    Deputies and Orange County Fire Rescue crews responded just after 2 p.m. to assist Reedy Creek firefighters with an “industrial accident” call at the park.

    The worker was a third-party construction worker and was safely removed, according to a Disney official.

  • New Dining Experience Coming to Animal Kingdom

    New Dining Experience Coming to Animal Kingdom

    Beginning July 24th, 2019, select nights at Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests will be able to experience a special Dining Experience celebrating the animals of Africa!

    Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night will be a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures.

    This event will be perfect for all the animal lovers in your family, because it will feature an appreciation for animal conservation along with delicious flavors, fun activities, and live music.

    After enjoying a welcome reception at the train station in Harambe, you will hop on the train and journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While there you’ll have the opportunity to try out a virtual reality 360-degree safari experience like they’ve never seen before! This will be available exclusively during Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night! During the VR portion you’ll to be invited to “Join our Pride” and get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of Pride Rock, coming face-to-face with our amazing African lions. There will also be character meet and greets with Lion King favorites Timon and Rafiki.

    In between all this fun there will plenty of snacks and refreshments! The welcome reception will featuring meat pies, Durban chips and dip, and a hand-selected array of meats and cheeses. Lion cubs will have cheese, fruit, and Tofaa (chocolate caramel-dipped green apples) to nibble on.

    Once you arrive at Rafiki’s Planet Watch there will be spiced crisp plantains, South African oat and coconut bars, and Sundowner Safari Mix with spiced nuts and dried fruit. Cubs can enjoy seasonal fruit and Trail Mix Bites with granola, chocolate chips, raisins, and honey.

    This event also includes Adult Beverages!
    The welcome reception will feature Harambellini, a specialty beverage featuring sparkling South African wine blended with a bright burst of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices.
    At Rafiki’s there will be two specialty beverages: the Chief’s Shandy (Tusker beer blended with lemonade), and Wanjohi’s Dawa, a refreshing blend of tequila, pineapple, mango, and Ancho chile. 

    After all this fun it will be time to hop back on the train and ride to your final stop of the evening – Harambe Market.
    You’ll partake in a delicious dinner while enjoying upbeat music from African musicians, a dance party, and captivating storytelling. On the menu is an array of hearty dishes and yummy desserts inspired by the five featured African animals. All these options looks delicious and there are plenty of vegetarian options!

    During dinner children will also be encouraged to pick their favorite “Big Five” animal which they can then learn more about at each stations and collect pieces to make a bracelet or necklace to take home!

    The African Lion Station:
    – Char-Grilled Steak with Herb-Infused Mealie, Chakalaka, and a Red Wine Sauce
    – Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes, Kool Slaai, and Mango Sambal
    – Chicken Tenders (Kid’s Option)
    – Assorted African-inspired Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)

    The Cape Buffalo Station:
    – Shrimp Curry with Sustainable Shrimp, Cape Malay Green Coconut Curry, and Fragrant Basmati Rice
    – Grilled Sweet Corn with Farmer’s Cheese, Chili-Lime Spice, and Citrus Aioli
    – Barbecued Ribs (Kid’s Option)
    – Macaroni and Cheese (Kid’s Option)

    The Rhinoceros Station:
    – Vegetable Curry with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables served over Basmati Rice
    – Vegetarian Potato and Pea Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, and Tamarind Dipping Sauce

    The African Elephant Station:
    – Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with White Bean Purée, Caramelized Apple-Bacon Chutney, and Curry-Apple Gastrique

    The Leopard Station:
    – Sustainable Fish with Coriander-Fennel Slaw and Dhania Chutney
    – Grilled Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta and Roasted Garlic Sauce
    – Mini Corn Dog (Kid’s Option)

    Harambe Market Courtyard Station:
    – Petite Greens, Local Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sweety Drop Peppers, Citrus, and Citrus Vinaigrette
    – Boerie Roll with South African Farmers’ Style Sausage, Peppadews, and Pickled Vegetables
    – African Spiced Popcorn

    Dessert Station:
    – Honey-Caramel Candy Bar with Crispy Pearls
    – Animal-inspired Cupcakes
    – Lions S’mores Pop with Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbs

    Dinner will also feature another great selection of Adult Specialty Cocktails:
    – Talking Monkey – Coffee Liqueur, Banana Liqueur, and Espresso-infused Snow Leopard Vodka
    – Marketplace Sangria – Blend of African Wine and Rooibos Tea finished with a Citrus and Mint Infusion
    – Safari Sunset – Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Orange, and Guava Juices blended with Rum
    – Assorted African Beer and Wine (Also available at the Welcome Reception and Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train Station)

    Pricing Details:
    Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night begins on July 24, 2019 on select nights from 6-9 p.m. for a limited time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Pricing is $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9 and separate park admission is required.

    Contact Kimberly to book this amazing dining experience!

  • VIDEO: New Baby Gorilla Born at Disney World

    VIDEO: New Baby Gorilla Born at Disney World

    The family at Disney Animal Kingdom just got a little bit bigger. a healthy baby western lowland gorilla was born on May 1 at the park to mom Kashata and dad Gino.

    Both mom and baby are doing well and bonding onstage at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail with the rest of the family troop. The entire family even joined in the celebration of the new baby’s arrival with a special enrichment tactic to reveal the baby’s gender.

    Turns out, it’s a girl! And her name is Grace! Check out the video of Kashata and Grace’s first moments bonding onstage at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail below:

    Kashata and the baby’s father, Gino, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP). The program is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of critically endangered species, such as western lowland gorillas, so they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.

    The team of Disney animal care experts has decided to name the baby Grace after the GRACE gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching. Animal care experts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom have spent more than 10 years helping the GRACE team and local community rehabilitate orphan gorillas and protect the species in the wild.

    Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can join in the celebration of the baby’s arrival by visiting Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and may catch a glimpse of Kashata and the baby. Exclusive photo opportunities are also available, as well as a specialty cupcake, available for purchase at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

  • Updated Nighttime Spectacular Set to Debut This Summer at Animal Kingdom

    Updated Nighttime Spectacular Set to Debut This Summer at Animal Kingdom

    This summer, the next chapter of Animal Kingdom’s Nighttime Spectacular will unfold with the debut of “Rivers of Light: We Are One.”

    Since its introduction more than two years ago, “Rivers of Light” has enchanted Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests with a nighttime pageant of beautifully illuminated lantern floats, grand theatrical imagery, a soaring musical score and innovative special effects.

    Now, “Rivers of Light: We Are One” will introduce additional, stunning imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films, along with a colorful tapestry of classic moments from Disney animation, to express our connection with animals and the emotions and milestones we all share in our journey through the great circle of life.

    The music of “Rivers of Light: We Are One” weaves together the original musical score and familiar Disney themes to create a powerful arrangement that inspires and carries us through moments of discovery, fun, friendship, fear, love and family.

    “Rivers of Light: We Are One” comes to the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2019.

  • Man Points Gun at Guests Over Parking Spot Dispute at Animal Kingdom Report Says

    Man Points Gun at Guests Over Parking Spot Dispute at Animal Kingdom Report Says

    According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a Lake Mary couple allegedly had a handgun pointed a handgun at them by an elderly man during a dispute over a parking space for the disabled at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    The man’s name wasn’t released and he wasn’t arrested, because there were conflicting stories about what happened, according to the report. The Sheriff’s Office has forwarded the case to the state attorney’s office to decide whether to file charges.

    According to the OCSO, The altercation happened on Sunday while the 60-year-old man and his 62-year-old wife were visiting the theme park.

    The woman, who was driving, told deputies that she was waiting for a car to back out of a parking spot so she could pull into the space. That’s when a man driving a gray SUV came from the opposite direction at a high rate of speed and cut in front of them to take the spot.

    The driver was described as in his 70s with a full, gray beard. She claims he almost crashed into them and when her husband raised his right fist at the SUV driver, he responded by lifting a handgun and pointing it at them over the steering wheel. The passenger of SUV driver disputes their claim.

    The SUV driver was found at the theme park security checkpoint. He was with his passenger, a 65-year-old North Carolina woman who admitted to authorities that the man did make an angry gesture back, but she said it was with his wallet in his hand and not a gun.

    She told deputies that they were concealed weapon permit holders and there was no gun in the vehicle. A search warrant from a judge was obtained by the sheriff’s office to search the man’s vehicle, but the incident report was redacted and it’s not clear if anything was found.

  • New Baby  Masai Giraffe Born at Disney World

    New Baby Masai Giraffe Born at Disney World

    Today, Walt Disney World welcomed the newest member of the Animal Kingdom Family! A newborn Masai giraffe calf arrived today around 2 p.m. on the Kilimanjaro Safari Savanna.

    Mom, Mara, gave birth to the newest member to the park who stands at about 6 feet tall.

    It will nurse for about a year, and then, as a herbivore, it will move to the lush vegetation available throughout the savanna. When full grown, it will use it’s 18-inch tongue to strip leaves off thorny branches from the tops and sides of trees to consume up to 75 pounds of food a day. That’s a tall order!

    The Masai giraffe is a vulnerable species found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. There are believed to be roughly 32,000 Masai giraffes left in the wild, and their population continues to decline because of poaching and habitat loss.

    The calf’s gender has not been determined yet, but the mother and offspring are already within view of Animal Kingdom guests.

    Two giraffe calves were born at Disney World last year. Lilly gave birth to Aella in July, and Amira was born to mom Kenya in October

  • Kevin from ‘Up!’ is Landing Soon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    Kevin from ‘Up!’ is Landing Soon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    You might remember Kevin as the lovable thirteen foot tall giant tropical bird from Disney•Pixar’s ‘Up!’ and if you’re a fan then we have some great news. Friday, Disney announced that Kevin is Headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World.

    In the film, which debuted in 2009, Kevin who doesn’t speak is befriended by Russell while on an adventure with Carl (voiced by Ed Asner). Kevin.

    Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug are also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, greeting guests and discovering various species of birds from around the world in the show “UP! A Great Bird Adventure.” You can visit them daily on Discovery Island and catch their show at the Anandapur Theatre.

    Our chocolate-loving feathered friend, Kevin, is not expected to be incorporated into the bird show, which features exotic birds in flight, but it’s anticipated that Kevin will arrive at the park sometime next month.

    So be on the lookout for Kevin. We’ll update you here on Disney Dorks as soon as we spot her, and remember, adventure is out there!

  • Disney Worker Accused of Voyeurism in Animal Kingdom Employee Restroom

    Disney Worker Accused of Voyeurism in Animal Kingdom Employee Restroom

    A Disney World employee is accused of video voyeurism in a men’s restroom for employees, according to a Orange County Sheriff’s Office report.

    Charges of video voyeurism against Eric King, 21, of Polk City, have been filed with the state attorney’s office for its consideration after he was caught using a cell phone in an employee-only bathroom at Animal Kingdom.

    The victim, also a Disney employee, alerted authorities that another worker had filmed him at a urinal with a cellphone from underneath an adjacent stall.

    The police report says the employee confronted King, who told him that he had dropped the phone and was picking it up from under the stall when the employee saw the phone pointed at him. 

    Authorities did not see any videos or photographs on King’s phone, although the report questioned whether he might have deleted them. Later, King confessed to video voyeurism, according to the report.

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was confiscated and taken as evidence and a computer forensic analysis, the report said.

    A Disney spokeswoman says King is on unpaid leave pending the results of the investigation. 


  • Disney After Hours Events Now Expanding to More Disney Parks

    Disney After Hours Events Now Expanding to More Disney Parks

    Disney After Hours events have been such a huge hit at Magic Kingdom that they are expanding them to more parks. More event nights have been set for Magic Kingdom and for the first time, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also host Disney After Hours events.

    Disney After Hours events are your opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings! You can even enter the park early – at 7 p.m. on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and select beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

    Take a look below to see what you can expect at each park:

    Magic Kingdom Park
    Enjoy classic favorite attractions from Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain as well as newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event nights will run on: Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019.

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Imagine having little-to-no wait for newly opened Toy Story Land attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and other attractions will also be available. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    Enjoy the best Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer at night, including heart-tugging Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019.

    Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on-sale November 15. All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

     

  • UPDATE: Mother of Baby Abandoned at Animal Kingdom Lodge Has Been Identified

    UPDATE: Mother of Baby Abandoned at Animal Kingdom Lodge Has Been Identified

    A newborn baby was abandoned at Animal Kingdom Lodge early Sunday morning and according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the woman who walked into the Disney World resort claiming she’d been handed a baby by a fleeing stranger was in fact the child’s mother.

    Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge around 2:30 a.m. after a female guest reported that a woman approached her in the lobby, handed her the infant and then walked away.

    Reedy Creek Fire Rescue responded to the resort and transported the newborn to Celebration Hospital, where the baby is reportedly in good health, according officials.

    Sheriff’s office spokesman Jeff Williamson said police later determined that the woman who came into the resort’s lobby carrying the newborn was, in fact, the baby’s mom. Detectives located the woman and she was transported to a facility for evaluation and treatment.

    The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified.  The agency is “actively assessing and working with the family,” a DCF spokeswoman said. “The child is safe and receiving medical care.”

    Florida has a Safe Haven law that allows a parent to drop off a newborn at any fire station or hospital in the state, no questions asked.