VIDEO: “Winged Encounters: The Kingdom Takes Flight” Debuts at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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A spin-off of the popular Flights of Wonder show at Animal Kingdom, guests are now invited to experience “Winged Encounters: The Kingdom Takes Flight”, performed four times daily on Discovery Island. This short show showcases six types of macaw: hyacinth, green-winged, blue and gold, scarlet, blue-throated and military and talks about how these birds have become endangered out in the wild. The show is performed just outside of Dinoland U.S.A. and to the right of the restrooms, near Disney Outfitters. They currently offer four shows a day at 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Here’s a full video of the show:

6/20/14 Aerial Pictures of AVATAR Construction at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Nick LoCicero took to the skies over Disney’s Animal Kingdom this morning to see the progress on the AVATAR area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and lucky for us, he brought a camera with him to snap some shots of the work completed so far:

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A look from afar

As you can see, there is nothing left of Camp Minnie-Mickey at this point, all of the land is cleared

Two large cranes stand at the site

You can see the new Harambe Theatre in the distance

Stay tuned as we’ll be continuing these aerial updates as work progresses on the AVATAR land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

6/24/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Polynesian Resort, Magic Kingdom, & Animal Kingdom)

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporters Joe Hogarty and John Corigliano visited Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s animal kingdom over the last few days and have plenty of exciting pictures to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Concept art for the changes at the Polynesian are decorating the walls that cover up the work in the lobby

The entrance to what will be the Disney Vacation Club wing

TRADER SAM’S!!!

Another look at the DVC building

The new look lobby in the Great Ceremonial House

Captain Cook’s new look

Seating area by the outside pool bar

More Trader Sam’s

Captain Cook’s is still closed

Work outside the arrival area at the Great Ceremonial House

A look at the bungalows

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, Anna and Elsa now meet on one side of Fairytale Hall alone, they are also no longer posing with each other

Plenty of Frozen merchandise inside Sir Mickey’s

If you’re afraid of your children going deaf from loud music, buy these

This store really needs a name change… Sir Mickey’s has nothing but female character merchandise

A long line to buy Frozen merchandise…

The Astro Orbiter and the TTA are both closed for refurbishment

The entire Astro Orbiter has been dismantled

Work continues on the massive hub overhaul at the Magic Kingdom

The Gaston fountain is starting to look a little funky… not sure if they’ll leave it for the more realistic look

Aurora now greeting guests next door to City Hall

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Moving over to Animal Kingdom, there are walls up all over the park

The KODAK sign is still up…

Walls near Flame Tree Barbecue

The gate along the path from Asia to Africa, has been demolished…

Maybe a new pathway?

Walls up on Discovery Island

Walls up in Africa where the new pathway should lead

The construction area for the path goes very close to the Wildlife Express Train tracks

The path would go around Tamu Tamu Refreshments and the adjacent seating area

Thanks for the report John and Joe!

VIDEO: New “It All Started With a Mouse” Show Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently started a new show at Rafiki’s Planet Watch called “It All Started with a Mouse”. “It All Started with a Mouse” showcases Walt Disney’s lifelong love of the animal world and his belief that “what everyone will learn who studies it is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants.” During the show, Conservation Station’s “animal ambassadors,” including sheep, parrots, porcupines, birds of prey and Kunekune pigs help tell stories and make appearances in, around, and even above the audience, as the cast members share natural history fun facts, conservation messages and inspiring (and fun) calls-to-action. We have a full video of the new show to share with you today:

The show is much longer than and probably more worthwhile than the heavily hyped Winged Encounters show which also debuted last week at the park. After the show, guests have an exclusive opportunity to meet and talk to some of the stars of the show and are encouraged to capture once-in-a-lifetime memories with plenty of photographs.

When you plan your visit, allow at least 15 minutes of travel time to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch via the Wildlife Express train to get to the 20/25-minute show which is currently performed once a day, at 11:30 a.m.

Dirk Wallen’s 4/7/14 Animal Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park on Monday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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We can see the new Festival of the Lion King theater from high above Expedition Everest

The KODAK picture spot outside of DINOSAUR seems to be the last one remaining

Donald Duck has moved to a new meet and greet location near DINOSAUR temporarily



One of the Fossil Fun Games is being refurbished

MagicBands seem to be on sale everywhere now

Dirk Wallen’s 4/22/14 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s animal Kingdom yesterday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The lobby lives on…

Still no visible progress at the old Wyland Gallery

The temporary Captain Cook’s is what is usually where Cast Members eat at the resort

The Disney Vacation Club bungalows are progressing nicely

Not hard to believe these will open by next year, they have progressed quickly

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Hub

Some temporary popcorn and ice cream carts have been added as they demolish the old locations in the hub

Tarps up on some of the buildings in the Agrabah section of Adventureland

Tarps came down, but walls are still up outside of the Tiki Room

Walls still up across from the Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland, related to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction

The DVC kiosk got a name…

Most of the walls around Seven Dwarfs Mine Train have come down

Some remain near the entrance

The sign for the attraction is now up

Moving over to Animal Kingdom, work continues on the Harambe Theatre, new home to Festival of the Lion King

Walls still up near the stroller parking in Africa

Walls are also up along the Wildlife Express Train route, not sure if the two are related

Festival of The Lion Kingdom Returns in June

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Festival of The Lion King will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this June in it’s new home in Africa. No specific date was given but you can stay tuned to WDWNT for more details on the re-opening of FoTLK. For now, enjoy this new concept art of the new theater.

“Rivers of Light” Nighttime Spectacular Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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As part of the largest expansion to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new nighttime spectacular has been announced. “Rivers of Light” promises to be an innovative show unlike anything ever seen in Disney Parks, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. The show will magically come to life on the broad, natural stage of the Discovery River, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Harambe Nights Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Harambe Nights will be a hard ticketed event taking place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting June 7 through August 9. It all begins with a Welcome Reception in the park’s Harambe Village, including mouth-watering appetizers and African-inspired wine and beer. Then it’s time for the ‘mane’ event! Take your seat inside the newly built Harambe Theatre for an unforgettable performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” This all-new, never-before-seen theatrical experience features a live orchestra and choir, dancers, digitally projected movie moments, and dramatic lighting and scenic elements – all hosted by a celebrity guest narrator. The show brings to life the humor, heart, and stirring emotional power of Simba’s journey to find his place as the Lion King. The lineup for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” will include:

  • June 7 – Viola Davis: “The Help,” “Ender’s Game”
  • June 14 – TBD
  • June 21 – Montego Glover: “The Following,” “Memphis”
  • June 28 – David Alan Grier: “Porgy & Bess,” “In Living Color”
  • July 5 – Michael Beach: “ER,” “Third Watch,” “Sons of Anarchy”
  • July 12 – Harry Lennix: “The Blacklist,” “The Five Heartbeats”
  • July 19 – Joe Morton: “Scandal,” “American Gangster,” “The Good Wife”
  • July 26 – Alfre Woodard: “Desperate Housewives,” “Miss Evers Boys”
  • August 2 – Patina Miller: “Pippin,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”
  • August 9 – Brian Stokes Mitchell: “Ragtime,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Glee”

After the show, the celebration continues with the Harambe Nights Street Party, filled with music, characters, and live performers, encouraging everyone to join in and “Go wild!” You can enjoy an all-inclusive buffet of sophisticated and flavorful African cuisine and gourmet desserts. Exclusive Lion King merchandise and collectibles will be available for purchase during the event, and you’ll want to stick around for a special finale to bid “kwaherini” to a magical evening that could only happen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

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Harambe Nights takes place every Saturday from June 7 – August 9, 2014, with the Welcome Reception starting at 7 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. show time. Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Tickets with premium floor seating are $134 for adults, $94 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Capacity is limited, so you’ll want to go ahead and get your tickets by visiting Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights.

Final Performance of Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade on May 31

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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The final performance of Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on May 31, 2014. There is currently no new parade scheduled to take its place but this will be due to heavy construction happening around the park including around the parade route. In the meantime, Rivers of Light is scheduled to debut sometime in the future with no current timeframe set.

If you’re a fan of the parade at Animal Kingdom, go check it out before it goes away forever!