Category: Animal Kingdom

Guests Will Get A Chance To Touch A Rhino At Animal Kingdom Starting Nov. 1

As the second largest-land animal on Earth, the rhinoceros is a massive sight to behold – from their horns to their hoofs and thick armored skin – all of it. Disney announced today, that guests will have a chance to make a real connection with white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom through an exciting new backstage animal experience called “Up Close with Rhinos.”

Starting Nov. 1, this 60-minute guided adventure will give guests a behind-the-scenes look at how our dedicated animal team cares for the white rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris and how Disney is helping save endangered rhinos in the wild.

As part of this intimate experience, guests may even get a chance to touch a rhino. It is an appreciation like no other, and Disney hope it will inspire guests to aid in their conservation.

The keepers are as excited about “Up Close with Rhinos” experience! “I love talking to guests about how unique each individual rhino’s personality is. I know once guests come and meet the rhinos, they are going to see just how amazing they are and will want to help us secure a future for them,” said rhino care team member Caitlin Miller.

Rhinos in the wild are found in bush country and open grassy flatlands in Africa and Southeast Asia. They are among the most endangered animals in the world due largely in part to poaching. Disney is proud to support rhino conservation efforts around the world, including those of Sumatran rhinos, which are found only in Indonesia and are critically endangered. To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2 million to support rhino conservation efforts around the world.

The tour of “Up Close with Rhinos” will be offered each day. The booking window for the one-hour experience opens Sept. 22, which is World Rhino Day. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate, and the cost is $40 (plus tax). Discounts are available to select passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

September 19, 2018
Disney World Has a New Baby Giraffe! Meet Aella

Meet Aella! She is a two-month-old Masai giraffe calf was born at more than five-feet tall back on June 29. She is now a foot taller and finally making her debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna at Animal Kingdom!

Aella (pronounced “eye-la”), has spent the past couple of months bonding and nursing with her mom Lily in a backstage habitat. Disney Parks said guests aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom should be able to easily spot her as she is the youngest and smallest giraffe in the herd.

Named after an Amazon warrior, Aella is known to be a brave and bold young giraffe with a curious and independent spirit. She’s adventurous enough to explore on her own, sometimes leaving mom a few paces behind.

Aella’s birth marks a first for her parents – mom Lily and dad George. The pair was chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. Breeding this pair is important to the long-term survival of the species because it adds more genetic diversity to the giraffe population, which helps ensure future generations.

Aella will nurse for about a year, and then, as a herbivore, she will move to the lush vegetation available throughout the savanna. When full grown, she will use her 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 Disney Conservation Fund supports conservation efforts in Africa to protect wildlife habitats, including those of giraffes. Earlier this year, several Disney animal care experts went to Uganda to help relocate a herd of giraffes across the Nile River to establish a newer, safer habitat away from oil-drilling fields. Another team went to Kenya to support a giraffe and zebra population census.

August 29, 2018
A Baby Mandrill Was Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Yesterday

The family at Disney Animal Kingdom just got a little bit bigger. A baby mandrill was born on Aug. 8 at the park to mom Scarlett and dad Winston.

Mandrills are the largest species of monkey, but you wouldn’t know that after seeing the newest member. Scarlett, Winston and their new baby are three of the mandrills that guests can view on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Mandrills are a vulnerable species found in African rainforests along the equator, where their habitat is disappearing because of deforestation and poaching.

This birth is another example of how Disney’s dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which ensure responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species, in order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of such animals for years to come.

With this birth, Disney has had the advantage of expert advice right in the park. Rebecca Phillips, Animal Operations manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also a Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator for mandrills with the AZA. In this role, she not only supports animal births like this at our park, she also spends time advising animal care teams at other zoos around the world about the species and helps them take the first steps to introduce mandrills to their zoo.

“There are many reasons why I’m excited to be an SSP coordinator for mandrills. I love helping zoos, including our own, and I love the success stories. As a two-time mom and also a surrogate mother, Scarlett is an example of how we’re helping a vulnerable species thrive, and it’s thrilling to watch her family grow,” said Phillips.

Disney’s work to support mandrills doesn’t stop there. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $6.5 million to support conservation of mandrills and other primates in 29 countries.

As far as the new baby mandrill, the gender and exact birth weight is unknown because Disney is giving Scarlett and her baby plenty of time to bond.

Guests may catch a glimpse of the pair on Kilimanjaro Safaris where you will likely see the baby hugging Scarlett’s stomach, a natural bonding behavior that as the infant grows will transition to mom’s back. We hope to see you out on the Safari!

August 9, 2018
Festival of the Lion King Dining Packages Coming to Animal Kingdom

Two all-new Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Simba and his friends are inviting you to join in the festivities with a delicious meal at Tiffins Restaurant followed by special VIP seating at one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For both dining packages (Tier I and Tier II), savor a delectable lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island. Here, you’ll enjoy a world-class three-course meal that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and your choice of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage.

This seasonally-inspired menu features unique dishes from around the world. On the appetizer menu, you’ll find items such as Avocado-and-Tomato Salad, Spiced Chickpea Falafel, and Charred Octopus that serve as a grand way to kick off your feast! And for the main course, you’ll get to choose from a selection of mouthwatering entrées like Kamo Ramen (duck confit, soft-poached egg, spiced coconut broth, alba mushrooms, and chili-lime cashew), Shrimp and Grits (with Gulf white shrimp, Anson Mills grits, applewood smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and smoked pepper jam), Surf and Turf (with grilled local beef tenderloin, butter poached lobster tail, Yukon gold potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and Cape Mountain Whiskey butter), or Fort McCoy Beef Tenderloin (with char-crusted beef tenderloin, loaded crushed potato, seasonal vegetables, bacon-sherry vinaigrette, and crispy shallots).

Of course, you’ll have to save some room for a decadent dessert. Try the Guava Mousse, South American Ganache, or the Whipped Cheesecake among other sweet dishes sure to make everyone in the family a happy camper!

Along with your meal, you’ll receive special vouchers for priority reserved VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, a Broadway-style show filled with pageantry, puppetry, and popular songs from the film. You’ll even receive a commemorative cast photo that captures the moment forever.

With the Tier I dining package, you’ll get to continue the fun with a unique safari tour through the African outback, where over 34 distinct wildlife species seemingly roam free. Escorted by a special guide, you’ll ride through rugged terrain to see some of the world’s most exotic animals in their unique habitats. Tour guides will provide interesting information on the land and its residents for an expedition you’ll never forget!

The Tier I Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant, priority VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, and a safari tour) is $99 per adult and $49 per children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Tier II Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant and priority reserved seating at Festival of the Lion King) is $74 per adult and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages are available daily starting August 13 through November 21, 2018. Space is limited – so be sure to book your experience in advance! 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!

August 1, 2018
‘Rivers of Light’ Dessert Party coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Summer

Each night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can embrace the magic of nature during a beautiful nighttime experience called “Rivers of Light.” With captivating special effects, music, and animal folklore, this incredible show celebrates the beauty of all living things. And now, you can celebrate the beauty of sweet desserts with the new Rivers of Light Dessert Party.

With this new dining experience, you can add a sweet ending to your day by enjoying a beautiful buffet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom-themed desserts, snacks, and drinks before enjoying VIP views of “Rivers of Light.”

You’ll start by checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace located across from Expedition Everest. Here you’ll enjoy house-made desserts, snacks, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, iced tea, lemonade, and water. When the show is about to start, head down to the VIP Seating Area, where you’ll enjoy exceptional views of Rivers of Light.

This exciting new dining experience will take place on select nights starting on Monday, August 6, 2018. Price is $79 for adults and $47 for children and must be paid for in full at the time of booking.

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!

July 17, 2018
Couples Can Now Get Married In Front of The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom
The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the newest romantic venue available to happy couples looking to “tie the knot” at Walt Disney World Resort. With magical locations inside theme parks and across the resort, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons make that special day truly unforgettable.

New and Exciting Venues for Incredible Weddings
- Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – The iconic centerpiece of Disney’s Animal
  Kingdom serves as the picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Lush trees and exotic flowers surround the space, creating an enchanted setting.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – The resort’s 750 acres of pine
  forest make for a rustic, yet elegant location for a fun and adventurous wedding. Couplesmcan enjoy the timeless beauty of nature in an open-air space with breathtaking views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
- The Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The glitz of Hollywood Boulevard helps set the stage for a glamorous wedding. The Chinese Theatre makes an elegant and unique backdrop when couples exchange vows.
Limitless Venue Options

Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, located steps away from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is the crown jewel of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings ceremony locations. Guests are treated to enchanting views of Cinderella Castle while the couple exchanges their vows in a fairy-tale setting. Inside this picturesque venue, couples will find white pews, vaulted ceilings and a wall of arched windows with seating for up to 250 guests.

Other locations include unique areas at all four theme parks, as well as ballrooms, restaurants and more at many of the luxurious resort hotels on property.

Options Beyond Walt Disney World Abound

Walt Disney World Resort is just one of the destinations that offers Disney’s Fairy Tale
Weddings and Honeymoons. Other options include:
- Disneyland Resort in California
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii
- Disney Cruise Line ships, or at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay
July 6, 2018
Disney World is Offering A Chance to Go Glamping In Animal Kingdom
Have you ever wanted to actually sleep in a Disney World Park? If you’re lucky, you just might get a chance! Oh My Disney is partnering with Walt Disney World Resort to bring you an amazing chance to glamp under the floating mountains of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

This is an experience like none other and done like only Disney could deliver. For the first and only time, one person and his or her plus one will get the chance to win it! The amazing experience includes catering, tents, and Park passes, people! Here’s what you and your plus one will get if you are the Grand Prize Winner:
- A 4-day, 3-night Walt Disney World Experience package, including round-trip airfare and accommodations.
- A 1-night tent stay with an exclusive VIP after dark experience at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
- Two (2) 4-Day Magic Your Way® Tickets with a Park Hopper® Option, including access to Disney VIP Tour Guides.
- A $250 Disney Gift Card.
- One (1) Memory Maker Package including unlimited Disney PhotoPass® Service photographs.
This is all part of Disney Parks D-Camp: The Ultimate Escape to Your #HappyPlace. To enter for a chance to win, you simply need to share in a video why you want to win the ultimate glamping experience at Pandora – The World of Avatar. It’s that easy! Here’s some additional details you should know:
- You must be the only person appearing in the video.
- The video must be two (2) minutes in length or less.
- The video file size cannot exceed 200 MB.
- The video must be in one of the following formats: .avi, .mov, .3gp, .mp4, .mpg, or .m4v.
Once you’ve done that, if you’re a finalist, you will be scheduled for a phone or Skype interview on either July 9, 2018 or July 10, 2018. FYI the interview may be recorded for internal judging purposes or for use in advertising and publicity! And if you end up being the Grand Prize Winner, you must take your trip between July 28, 2018 and July 31, 2018. You should also know that if you win, portions of your Grand Prize Trip might be filmed for a segment to be shared on the Walt Disney World website or social channels, which is pretty great!

Check out disney.com/dcamp for more information on the prize deets and how to enter – hurry up and check it out now!
June 11, 2018
Celebrate The Dads This Father’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is the place to give Dad the special treatment this Father’s Day. Day or night, it’s all about celebrating Dads, husbands and all the special guys who deserve the very best on their special day.

DAYTIME WITH DAD
If Dad’s an adrenaline junkie, start the day with exhilarating rides and shows at any of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- For the ultimate out-of-this-world adventure, take Dad to Pandora – The World of Avatar to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. Fly on the back of a banshee and soar between floating mountains in this one-of-a-kind journey.
- After returning to Earth, guests can grab their passports and head to Asia for a thrilling, high-speed climb into the Himalayas on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
Epcot
- Car aficionados will get their fix on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, where guests design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-octane spin. Afterwards, Dad can pose for a picture with a Chevrolet dream car.
- Head over to Soarin’ Around the World for a breezy, airborne adventure above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Only a boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! In this show, viewers can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. Dad can even volunteer to be part of the action.
- Take a trip down memory lane on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, where Dad can relive his rock star days in a super-stretch limo featuring songs by Aerosmith.
SPORTS AND SNACKS
If sports are Dad’s thing, head over to the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. With nearly 100 video monitors, each featuring global satellite feeds, families can watch virtually any televised game while enjoying a pub-style menu that includes popular items such as wings, loaded tots and craft-beer batter fish & chips. Dad can relax with delicious specialty cocktails and craft beers on tap, while surrounded by the best in televised sports entertainment—including a 108-square-foot video wall!

A Round of (Foot) Golf with Dad
What’s better than hitting the course with Dad? This Father’s Day, golfers 18 years-old and under play for free with Dad at all Walt Disney World Golf courses.

And for the very first time, Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, is proud to offer the game of FootGolf on Disney’s Oak Trail golf course. The 18-Hole FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States.

SUMMER NIGHT DELIGHTS
After a day of park-hopping and sports, head to Disney Springs and treat Dad to specialty shops, amazing dining and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:
- The Boathouse is the only place in the world where Dads can thrill to a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar that drives on land and enter the waters of Lake Buena Vista with a splash. The Boathouse is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of fully restored Dream Boats from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s – from classic Chris-Crafts to a one-of-a-kind jet boat that once reached speeds of over 200mph.
- Live Entertainment – Treat Dad to great music and entertainment with any of the 25 live performers and acts that appear nightly at Disney Springs.
- Tommy Bahama, the retail location known for its island flair and garden-grove ambiance, is celebrating Dads and the “Boys of Summer” with MLB® With its new MLB Collection, on the field or in the stands, Dads can be game-ready in ball club gear.
- The Art of Shaving serves up high-end grooming greatness for the modern man. Fathers can choose from essentials that go from brushes and creams to razors and travel kits.
With over 50 food and beverage locations, including five restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Disney Springs is the go-to place for a lunch or dinner date with Dad.
- Start with a meal fit for a champ at Paddlefish. This on-the-water restaurant will serve a special “T-Bone & Tail” Father’s Day meal – a 20oz T-Bone and cold water lobster tail with a classic béarnaise sauce for $59.
- Families can treat Dads to tasty drinks carefully paired with delicious dishes in the new Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs experience. Whether Dad is a bourbon aficionado or just enjoys sipping and savoring new drinks, this experience is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening out with family.
- For a sweet snack, Amorette’s Patisserie will offer dipped “Tuxedo” strawberries and special treats honoring a beloved Disney Dad – Geppetto from “Pinocchio.” The treats will be available June 14-17, 2018.
May 28, 2018
Two Baby Zebra Born at Walt Disney World Resort
The folks over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are seeing stripes today! The park has just announced the births of two female Grevy’s zebra foals. Originating from Africa, Grevy’s zebras are the most endangered species of zebra, with approximately 2,500 in the world.

The first foal was born April 26 to Laylee, and the second was born May 1 to Zuri. Currently, the foals are nursing and bonding with their moms backstage. All will join the herd on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail overlook soon.

These zebra births mark another success for Disney’s animal care experts and the Species Survival Plan, a program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that helps ensure a diverse, healthy population of threatened and endangered species. These zebra foals are making an important contribution toward the worldwide conservation and understanding of the Grevy’s species, which will help ensure a future generation for these endangered animals.

Our commitment to the care and conservation of Grevy’s zebras goes beyond our park. Through the Imperiled Species Conservation Project (ISCP), which gives our cast the opportunity to personally support the species they love through existing conservation programs, Disney has made contributions toward the care and protection of Grevy’s zebras in the wild. Recently, two of our zebra keepers traveled to Kenya through the ISCP to participate in the Great Grevy’s Rally, a population survey used to document the total number of Grevy’s zebras in the wild.

The conservation work our cast has contributed with Grevy’s zebras is just the beginning. Later this year, several other cast members will travel across the world to support endangered animals such as painted dogs, dolphins, gorillas, Guam rails and kingfishers, rhinos, sharks and vultures.

Our cast is the most valuable resource we have in delivering on world-class animal care and conservation. It makes us proud to see our cast making a difference, developing stronger interaction and partnering skills, and sharing their experiences with our Guests.

Take a look back on some of the recent births and conservation efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
You can learn more about zebras and Disney’s efforts to reverse the decline of at-risk animals in the wild by visiting DisneyAnimals.com.
May 3, 2018
Pandora Utility Suit Officially Debuts At Pandora – The World of Avatar

The 4.2-ton Pandora Utility Suit officially debuted at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this past weekend, just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Perched ten feet high, a human pilot straps into the cockpit of this exo-carrier and controls its powerful, yet agile movements. The giant walking suit was designed with articulated hands and a shoulder span of more than five feet. It also bears claw marks and battle scars from a Thanator – an alpha predator on Pandora.

But the Pandora Utility Suit was actually designed for restoration, while the film’s AMP suits were created for infantry missions of destruction. Its streamlined structure and technical upgrades make it the perfect tool to collect plant samples, study flora and survive Pandora’s wild terrain.

Like all the lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora is rooted in nature and the Pandora Utility Suit showcases that in dramatic fashion. As the suit’s pilot traverses the land daily, he’ll interact with guests, sharing details about the land’s otherworldly landscape, and highlight the importance of preserving nature. Check out the video below to hear what guests have to say about this amazing addition the Pandora.

You can encounter the Utility Suit pilot in Pandora – The World of Avatar daily.

April 23, 2018