Animal Kingdom – Page 19

BREAKING: Rivers of Light Debut Date Set for Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dining Package Information

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

We have been wondering when Rivers of Light, the much delayed nighttime show for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, might be debuting since it was first delayed back in April of this year. Well, it seems today we have finally gotten our answer…

DisneyWorld.com today added information on Rivers of Light dining packages

According to dining packages available for the show on DisneyWorld.com, Rivers of Light will officially debut on or around May 1st, 2017. The dining packages offering reserved viewing space for the show will begin to be offered on May 1st, so the show would have to debut by then. Dining packages will be available for booking 180 days in advance should all go according to plan this time.

For some reason, the Tiffins package is not actually listed along with Flame Tree Barbecue and Tusker House, but the official information confirms that 3 restaurants will be a part of the dining package.

Rivers of Light dining package information

UPDATE: The page has since been removed from DisneyWorld.com, so we will have to wait and see if this was an error on Disney’s part or if we are really going to have to wait until May for Rivers of Light to debut.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Testing Addition of Second Guest Relations Location

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

Similar to the test currently running at the Magic Kingdom which has added another guest relations location in Tomorrowland, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now testing out the addition off a second location where guests can find help with ticketing, reservations, and other issues or concerns.

The new test location is adjacent to the entrance of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. The main Guest Relations is still located at the very front of the park in the Oasis.

The test will be running today, October 13th, 2016, through November 5th, 2016.

Closure of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Has Been Extended

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will not open from its lengthy refurbishment as scheduled. The ride was scheduled to reopen on October 17th, 2016.

DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Guests are reporting that their FastPass+ reservations have been cancelled for anytime in the next 30 days. Disney has yet to announce when the ride will reopen.

UPDATE: The closure of DINOSAUR has been extended over a month to November 20th, 2016.

REVIEW: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Undergoes Massive Menu Overhaul

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

4 months after opening, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has shaken things up with a rather major menu change. For more information on this establishment, please check out our original review, but if you have already seen that, then let’s dive right on in to what’s new…

Nomad Lounge Small Plate Menu

So what has changed? New to menu are the beef sliders and the fish tacos. The seasonal fish balls and the wagyu beef were removed from the menu altogether. Other than that, some item prices were changed: Pork Ribs are down $1, the chicken wings are also down $1, but the head cheese plate went up $5 for some reason. Portions did in fact grow in several dishes, which we will show you below. You can refer to the old menu in our original review, if need be.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Completely new to the menu are the African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders. While they are $14, they are quite good. Tender, well-cooked beef on a soft, flaky bun with a tomato sauce on top makes for a perfect combination. Still a relatively small dish, but one of my favorites.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

The fish tacos were kind of a letdown. I honestly think that the counter service fish tacos at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot are better. The fish tasted well prepared, but there was nothing added to the flavor by anything accompanying it. I would not order these again.

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

The Vegetarian Summer Roll was doubled in size with no price increase, but it also tasted and looked far different than it did the first time. The rolls, to me at least, had a strange “plasticy” flavor and texture. The accompanying dipping sauce is great, but these rolls aren’t what you’ll want to dip in them.

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

These wings still aren’t very good, but at least you get more than 3 now (and the price was decreased, which is nice). There’s still something off about these. I feel like I’m still expecting a lot of spice, but it just never happens.

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

Still my personal favorite small plate at Nomad Lounge, the portion size for the ribs adds 2 ribs, now making this something I will likely order overtime I come here. A sprits of lime makes these unforgettable, with the ribs themselves cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. If you try one dish here, this is my recommendation.

Pork Ribs ($9)

OVERALL

Per my original review:

The food menu is really solid and may even improve as the days progress (our server was surprised to hear we did not like the wagyu beef). The drink menu might be second to none quite honestly. I can’t think of a specialty drink menu at Walt Disney World where I would have a more difficult time picking a beverage. There is a lot on this drink menu and a lot of it is absolutely phenomenal. Nomad Lounge will without a doubt will be a regular drink destination for us, and the bread service and ribs will likely be on the must-order short list overtime as we visit. The atmosphere alone is worth your money, never mind anything they will serve you. Kudos to all involved in the creation of Animal Kingdom’s latest masterpiece.

I still love Nomad Lounge, and nothing has changed my feelings on their stellar drink menu. These changes to the food menu are overall an improvement, adding some value for your dollar. I do still wish that the wings were better, and the vegetarian roll was definitely not as good as it was previously, but the addition of the sliders and the improved rib and chicken portions are a good start. The food menu here isn’t perfect, but I would still also recommend the bread service and the Taste of Tiffins dessert from here as well. After 15 or so visits now, the drink menu is still my favorite on property, and still very much the main reason to go to Nomad Lounge.

If you want a guaranteed amazing meal, there’s always Tiffins next door…

REVIEW: “Secret” Double Bacon Cheeseburger Now Offered at Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Did you know that there is a new item that isn’t even on the actual menu boards at Restaurantosaurus? Well, it seems Disney’s Best Kept Secret isn’t the Vacation Club, it’s actually a double cheeseburger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Ordering two of these bad boys set us back $34.58, so yes, just one of these meals is $17.29.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

From this angle, the burger look rather unassuming, but I assure you, there is a lot of cholesterol hiding under that bun.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (outside of the bun of course). The bacon was crispy, the burgers were fresh off the grill, and the cheese was melted nicely. This was not one of the worse counter service burgers I have ever had at Disney World.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

It’s still no D-Luxe Burger, but it really wasn’t bad. I just wish the counter service bun would change to something like they have at D-Luxe.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

If you would like to curtail your cardiac arrest a little longer, the fries can be substituted for apple slices.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

So, there is a really good value to be had here. If you ask (upon ordering the double burger) for a second hamburger bun, Restaurantosaurus will provide it at no additional charge. That means that this meal can be split rather easily, making the $17.29 a very good value as opposed to ordering an entire separate meal. There is also a full “fixins bar” filled with condiments and other goodies you can add to your burger to bulk it up.

While not my first recommendation for counter service dining at Animal Kingdom (but neither is Flame Tree Barbecue), the secret double cheeseburger at Restaurantousaurs is a surprisingly decent double cheeseburger that packs as much value as it does hamburger meat.

Disney Cast Members Will Need to Speak Na’vi to Work in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Disney theme park experiences are all about immersion and bringing guests into a another world, but I’m not sure they have ever gone this far before…

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

An internal casting call for “proprietors” (basically the leaders of each land in Disney theme parks) has gone out at Walt Disney World for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

“Pandora: The World of Avatar is committed to becoming the most immersive and engaging land in the history of The Walt Disney Company. Through unparalleled storytelling, place-making and attention to detail, this role will be critical in leading and inspiring our Cast as they set the standard by which all other experiences are measured.”

The more interesting part is the basic job qualifications for the role, which include a proficiency in a new language…

“Ability to understand, articulate and teach Na’vi and Pandora culture and its connection to the Disney’s Animal Kingdom brand”

“Willingness to learn a new language: learnnavi.org”

“Inspire, educate and hold Leaders and Cast accountable to be an active participant in an immersive experience”

“Develop and deliver a plan to premier Pandora: The World of Avatar as the most immersive experience ever accomplished”

Now, I’m not the biggest fan in the world of the AVATAR film, but this even sounds exciting to me. Could you imagine a theme park land that requires every cast member “living” in it to actually know and be a curator of the history and culture of the mythical realm they work in? Seems like the kind of storytelling you always hope for as a guest.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Regardless, the fact that this casting call has gone out also means that Pandora: The World of AVATAR can’t be that far way from finally being completed and that we are very likely well under a year away from the grand opening (or maybe even soft openings) for this new theme park land.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Alien Lamppost Installed at Pandora – The World of AVATAR, Latest Progress

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Pandora: The World of AVATAR seems to be coming along nicely at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In a lot of ways, it looks like the project is speeding along now, appearing likely to open by the middle of 2017 should all go according to plan. While visiting Animal Kingdom over the weekend, I captured some pictures and video of the latest progress on the project, including the arrival of a new and intriguing decorative piece inside of the land.

From most angles, it has simply become a lush landscape. While beautiful, it makes it impossible for us to really see what is going on in the construction site anymore.

From the back patio of the Nomad Lounge, something of interest has become visible.

It is an alien lamppost, appearing to constructed of materials one would not find on Earth (in story off course, I’m sure it is made of wood or resin in actuality).

For a better look this strange, alien decorative piece, I invite you to watch the below video update of construction that i recorded over the weekend:

New Monkey Species Being Added to Maharajah Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

A new species of Monkey is coming to the Maharajah Jungle Trek walk through exhibit at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Lion-tailed macaque coming to Animal Kingdom

An area of Maharajah Jungle Trek has been behind walls for several months now as a new home is built for these creatures, the lion-tailed macaque. The monkeys have been living backstage already for several months now. They have also been added to the attraction signage recently.

Updated sign outside of the Maharajah Jungle Trek

The exhibit under construction

The exhibit will be home to three females and one male of the species. Here is some background information on these particular monkeys:

The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), or the wanderoo, is an Old World monkey endemic to the Western Ghats of South India.

The hair of the lion-tailed macaque is black. Its outstanding characteristic is the silver-white mane which surrounds the head from the cheeks down to its chin, which gives this monkey its German name Bartaffe – “beard ape”. The hairless face is black in colour. With a head-body length of 42 to 61 cm and a weight of 2 to 10 kg, it ranks among the smaller macaques. The tail is medium in length, about 25 cm, and has a black tuft at the end, similar to a lion’s tail. The male’s tail-tuft is more developed than that of the female.

Gestation is approximately six months. The young are nursed for one year. Sexual maturity is reached at four years for females, and six years for males. The life expectancy in the wild is approximately 20 years, while in captivity is up to 30 years.

RUMOR: Animal Kingdom’s “Rivers of Light” Nighttime Show Debut is Imminent

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

A few weeks ago, we told you that Rivers of Light was aiming for a Fall debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom after being delayed from an April 2016 debut. Today, we have some more information on the show for you.

Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If all goes according to plan, Rivers of Light should finally debut at Animal Kingdom sometime between October 2nd and mid-November 2016. While this has not been confirmed by Disney as of yet, both dress rehearsals and technical work on the show are both scheduled to be wrapping up over the next week. After that, the show could technically debut at any time, it’s just a matter of when Disney chooses to do so.

As always, stay tuned for more information on the imminent debut of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 9/23/16 (AVATAR Kind Of, DINOSAUR, New Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

In our latest Animal Kingdom photo report, Pandora rises, the monkeys arrive, and DINOSAUR is still closed. SOUNDS EXCITING RIGHT? SO LET’S GO!

Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Rather than bore you with the same pictures twice, please check out our AVATAR photo update from earlier in the week to see the latest progress, or watch the video below.

Flame Tree Barbecue Expansion

The expansion of Flame Tree Barbecue continues, but work seems to be moving at a snail’s pace.

Speaking of Flame Tree Barbecue, we recently posted a review of the restaurant that you may want to check out.

Some lighting fixtures were installed recently. They look nice enough.

Expedition Everest Merchandise

I hadn’t noticed some of the newer women’s shirts at the Expedition Everest gift shop, but they are pretty unique.

This and That

All signage with the former Pangani Forest Exploration Trail name are gone, everything has now been updated to reflect the Gorilla Falls name.

Along the Wildlife Express Train, banners have gone up to promote the Disney Junior series The Lion Guard.

We decided to visit the Affection Section area, which is always a treat.

I’m not sure that I have ever been in the bathrooms at Planet Watch, but there are animal related trivia questions above the urinals and on the bathroom stall doors…