An endangered white male rhino calf was born earlier this week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney had shared a sneak peek of the newborn.
The yet to be named beautiful baby boy white rhino was born to mom Kendi. He is curious, loves his afternoon naps and has started sparring with his mom.
The video below features endearing moments as mother Kendi bonds with her playful new baby:
Kendi was paired with dad Dugan through one of the Species Survival Plans, which are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered species. White rhinos are an endangered species with a near-threatened status.
Typically, a rhino calf can weigh up to 140 pounds at birth, and as expected, this baby was nursing, standing and walking around right by mom within the first hour of being born. The two will spend the next several weeks bonding backstage before joining the rest of the herd.
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.
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.
This is the first of several rhino births on the horizon. Two other rhinos at the park are also expecting; Jao is due fall 2021, and Lola will likely give birth in fall/winter 2021.
Since its debut last year, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has proven to be one of the most popular attractions at Disney World and to to help alleviate wait times and shorten lines Disney to created a virtual queue that could only be accessed while inside Hollywood Studios. Now Disney has changed the procedure and you can access the virtual queue outside the park.
To better help guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios plan ahead for their day at the park, they’re piloting a new approach to the virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Starting Nov. 3, 2020, here’s how it will work:
Guests with a valid ticket or annual pass and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to access the virtual queue system and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before you leave your Disney resort hotel, or wherever else nearby you might be at that time.
Just as we do today, the virtual queue will reopen daily at 2 p.m. for anyone who wasn’t already able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Note: Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access this second virtual queue opportunity, and access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Disney is hoping this new approach will make a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios more enjoyable and relaxing, as guests no longer need to be inside the park each morning to request a boarding group for the first virtual queue opportunity. As a reminder, you need to be inside the park to request the 2 p.m. boarding groups.
To try to maximize the number of boarding groups Disney’s able to accommodate while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, they recently added a clear barrier between the two rows of seats on each First Order Fleet Transport vehicle inside the attraction. This enables them to invite more guests to board Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance each day.
The attraction’s virtual queue is only accessible via the My Disney Experience mobile app. To maximize your opportunity to secure a boarding group, here are some tips we recommend you check off your list prior to your day at the park:
Register an account in My Disney Experience
Download the My Disney Experience mobile app on your smart device or ensure you’re using the most updated version of the app before you arrive at the park.
Link and assign all park tickets in your party to a My Disney Experience account
Have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the day you’re visiting
Select one member of your party to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group; if multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may complicate your ability to secure a boarding group
Remember, virtual queue boarding groups are limited and subject to availability
This new pilot approach to the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue is designed to give guests the best possible experience during a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
A new sweet spot is coming to Disney World and today, Disney shared a first look at — Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew — the new specialty food and beverage location opening soon at Disney Springs West Side.
Disney Springs recently shared a sneak peek at a few of the delicious donuts that will soon be baking at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. These beauties are over-the-top and will only add to the amazing variety of sweet spots you can find on property.
The overall design of this sweet spot will have a unique spin on a classic donut shop featuring graphic pops of color, iconic signage, and a beautiful outdoor seating area in the “donut garden.” Take a look below at the new renderings released by Disney:
Before guests enter the venue, they may catch a glimpse of a culinary experience unfolding through the windows of the exposed kitchen where hot and fresh donuts will bake daily.
“We like to say our little oasis of indulgences is going to be where ‘Happiness is Glazed Daily,’” says Mark Gibson, co-owner of Everglazed. “The menu will be full of sweet surprises and a unique spot for guests wanting a quick treat, cold brew or nitro-infused chilled coffee.”
Everglazed will specialize in hand-crafted donuts featuring mouthwatering yeast and cake donuts with an assortment of cold brew lattes and coffee cocktails and a few sweet-yet-savory sandwich bites.
“The humble donut has truly become a global phenomenon. The fried circle of dough is a simple concoction with the ability to showcase chef-inspired flavors and toppings,” says Guy Revelle, co-owner of Everglazed. “We can’t wait to offer guests at Disney Springs our robust menu of sweet delights, but you are officially warned: We spoke to your diet – and it’s taking some time off when we open our doors.”
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew will be located adjacent to Splitsville and near the west entrance and exit of the Orange Parking Garage.
Starting today, the iconic entrance into Walt Disney World Resort is getting a makeover.
These magical gateways to a Disney vacation are about to get some pixie dust as they begin to adorn them with a new color palette that complements the recent royal makeover of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park.
When you arrive at Disney world the very first bit of magic you experience is actually driving underneath these grand arches stretching over the roadways that tell you, yes, you’ve finally arrived at The Most Magical Place on Earth. You are here!
The rendering above gives you a first glimpse at what the entrances will look like when they’re finished; in addition, you’ll see these colors appear on the Magic Kingdom Park Auto Plaza as we bring a new shimmer to that iconic entryway.
These refreshed gateways will continue to set the tone for all the stories you’ll tell and the memories you’ll cherish long after your visit. They’re also part of the broad tapestry of new experiences happening across Walt Disney World as part of the resort’s historic transformation that includes expansive themed lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, new attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and new places to stay like Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Disney World has just announced that it will be offering extended hours for Guests to experience the magic this holiday season at all four of its theme parks.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Disney World has made several adjustments to its normal holiday plans over the past several months. While the park may not be holding its normal Christmas celebrations, it will have extended hours during the Christmas season.
According to the Disney World website, the Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. from the beginning of December until the week of Christmas. Starting on Sunday, Dec. 20, the Magic Kingdom will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
These hours will continue until Dec. 30. On New Year’s Eve, the park is still listed as being open only from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom will also have extended hours. Similarly to the Magic Kingdom, these extended hours appear to end on New Year’s Eve.
Disney World also has the hours for the first full week of January listed on its website. The Magic Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Epcot from noon until 8 p.m., Hollywood Studios from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Animal Kingdom will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It’s exactly two months until Christmas for those counting the days and in honor of the occasion, Disney has given us a first look at some merry merchandise coming soon to shopDisney.com and select Disney Parks around the world.
Whether you are visiting Disney Parks this holiday season or just looking to bring the holiday magic home, there are some festive new collections featuring apparel, accessories and even homeware, coming your way.
Take a closer look below:
Disney Parks ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Collection- Select products available beginning Oct. 26 and throughout the holiday season at shopDisney.com, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort & Walt Disney World Resort
The latest spirit jerseys, headbands, mini backpacks by Loungefly and face masks are sure to be on your Christmas list this year! From peppermint plaid to an all-over print wonderland, you’ll love these spirit jerseys perfect for the wintery weather. Don’t miss out on the peppermint twist cloth face mask and bold red and green cloth face mask by Spirit Jersey.
For the headband and mini backpack collector, the newest additions are sure to be coming down your chimney this holiday season. Just look at that all-over print mini backpack from Loungefly and adorable gingerbread Minnie Mouse ear headband!
The kiddos can get in on the jolly fun as well with new spirit jerseys, hats, sweatshirts and cloth face masks! Oh, and did I mention the first-ever snow blower?! Perfect for those in the South wanting some wintery fun!
Holiday traditions with your family don’t have to stop in the Parks… Get the whole family together in the matching onesies featuring Mickey and Minnie ears, and complete the look with fuzzy clogs by Crocs!
Cuddle up with loveable plush like Forky or Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in gingerbread form (bonus, they smell like gingerbread too!)! Then bake your own gingerbread with an adorable baking set complete with a bowl, spatula and cookie cutters of course, plus a matching apron and kitchen towels!
Disney Parks Silver and Gold Collection- Select products available beginning Nov. 2 at shopDisney.com, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort & Walt Disney World Resort
Those looking to don their holiday finest, will love the all-new Silver and Gold collection featuring spirit jerseys, a Minnie Mouse ear headband and more. It’s perfect for walking in a winter wonderland or around the Parks!
Disney Parks x BaubleBar Holiday Collection – Available beginning Nov. 2 at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and online at shopDisney.com
Disney Parks x BaubleBar is back with an all-new collection themed to the holidays. Get ready to deck your ears, arms and neck with festive earrings, a sweet necklace and a jolly bracelet!
Aloha Kalikimaka from Aulani! I don’t know about you but growing up in Florida, my holidays were spent lounging on the warm sand watching waves crash upon the shore and looks like our Disney friends over at Aulani Resort in Hawaii feel the same way! Check out this all-over print spirit jersey, plushie headband and colorful ornament featuring ‘Olu Mel and StellaLou.
Disneyland Paris 2020 Holidays Collection- Coming this Nov. to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is preparing for the holidays with an assortment of adorable décor! My favorites include ornaments celebrating “Bambi” and “Brother Bear,” a figurine featuring Mickey and Friends caroling and the mischievous Stitch wishing everyone a ‘Merry Stitchmas’ on a mug perfect for hot cocoa.
Tokyo Disney Resort 2020 Holidays Collection- Coming Nov. 2 to Tokyo Disney Resort
Those located near Tokyo Disney Resort can prep for the holidays with new products to enjoy at the park and even at home including a peppermint-twisted take on the classic Minnie Mouse ear headband, an adorable Mickey ear Santa hat and even a huggable plush of Pooh himself.
Shanghai Disney Resort 2020 Holidays Collection- Coming Nov. 3 to Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort also has a plethora of holiday cheer with new Minnie Mouse ear headbands, plush and so much more waiting for you in a winter wonderland.
Get ready for festive fun this holiday season with the latest products from Disney Parks. We can’t wait to see you rock them and add them to your collections. Whether you’re at home or visiting one of our parks, we wish you a very happy holidays!
If the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to your Disney “I do’s,” then you’ll be excited to hear that Disney has announced that weddings have resumed as part of the phased re-opening at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
“The Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings team has been working diligently with our health and safety team, looking at our experiences in detail so our couples and wedding guests can celebrate in a magical way. With health and safety in mind, we have implemented a combination of new measures that consider the guidance of local government and health officials,” their website said.
Disney made the announcement on thier twitter account as you can see in the post below:
The new safety measures include face coverings, which will be required for all guests and members of the wedding party. During the ceremony, the couple may be able to remove their face coverings for a limited period of time, while proper physical distancing can be maintained.
Their events will also include measures to promote physical distancing among guests and cast members. Upcoming weddings will have limited guest counts, and they are working with couples to find creative ways to set their ceremonies, receptions and more.
Disney recently shared some exciting news for Florida-registered car owners – For the first time ever, a specialty Walt Disney World Resort license plate is available for purchase in honor of our 50th anniversary.
This now gives Disney fans a way to be part of history and to help grant wishes for children who need them most.
Proceeds of the license plate will go to Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida.
Disney has a longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980, and since then, more than 140,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted, with more than 8,000 taking place each year at Walt Disney World Resort.
While the design of this specialty plate will be revealed at a later date, interested car owners can purchase a presale voucher now for $25 plus applicable state administration fees by appointment at local County Tax Collector’s offices and license plate agencies (DMVs) across the State of Florida. Online pre-sale will be available soon.
The new Star Wars resort coming to Disney World is set to open in 2021. Construction for the massive project is of galactic proportions and these are the updates you are looking for.
Twitter user Bioreconstruct shared some amazing aerial photos of the new resort that shows that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel is still progressing throughout the pandemic.
“Aerial look at the Porte Cochère of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser (hotel). One of the recent changes is the walkway at [the] arrow,” Bioreconstruct tweeted Sunday, as you can see in the post below:
Aerial look at the Porte Cochère of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser (hotel). One of the recent changes is the walkway at arrow. None of the show building will be visible to guests. An instant forest and the high walls will be in the sightline. pic.twitter.com/acRhxVvJts
You can see in the photo that has a small yellow arrow denoting the referenced walkway. “None of the show [buildings] will be visible to guests. An instant forest and the high walls will be in the sightline,” they noted.
Aerial look at construction activity at Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser (hotel). Tents are up for break/lunch space. Unclear what the nearby crates might contain. pic.twitter.com/CwnreMKEjN
In another post Bioreconstruct shows “construction activity.” They wrote that lunch break tents are set up at the 201 South S Studio Drive site in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Aerial overview of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser (hotel). Cabins are in the section at left. Decks of the ship are in the show building at center. Guests will check in and be transported up the the ship for 2 days of adventure inside the Star Wars timeline. pic.twitter.com/4Ipc1s7OgD
“Cabins are in the section at left. Decks of the ship are in the show building at center,” they wrote in another tweet that shows the entire construction site. “Guests will check in and be transported up the ship for 2 days of adventure inside the Star Wars timeline.”
This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.
Continuing Disney’s trend of turning classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbeanand Jungle Cruise into blockbuster movie franchises Disney is now developing a live-action Space Mountain movie.
Space Mountain is an indoor rollercoaster in the dark based on Jules Verne’s 1865 novel From the Earth to the Moon. The ride first landed at Disney’s Florida theme park, Walt Disney World Resort, in 1975. Two years later, the ride was implemented at California’s Disneyland.
Logline details for the project, which is still in the early stages, are being kept under wraps, but it is described as a family adventure and is intended for theatrical release.
Helming the project as producer and writer is Joby Harold — who is also currently writing and executive producing the upcoming Obi-wan Kenobi series for Disney+ — and his wife, Tory Tunnell, who is producing the film under their shared company, Safehouse Pictures.
