tree of life – WDWNT Archive

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 4/18/17 (Pandora, Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries, Anteater Returns, Etc.)

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Animal Kingdom as it draws nearer and nearer to the opening of its largest expansion in its 19 year history…

Welcome to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Annie theÂ Anteater returned to the Oasis recently. She was removed when the construction of Pandora began as she would have been bothered by the noise and such.

Lots of Animals

The Tree of Life is trail is closed while Disney is doing some work on the Tree. You can walk up both sides, but you can’t go under the tree.

And now a gorilla in a bowl…

BABY DUCKS!!!

Sleepy lizards…

A trip to the Maharajah Jungle Trek isn’t complete without seeing tigers.

Pandora: The World of AVATAR

The opening of Pandora looms over the park, just a few weeks away on May 27th.

Walls off to the left of the bridge leading to Pandora were taken down recently.

The second pin in the countdown to Pandora series was released recently.

A look at the bridge from Nomad Lounge. Not much change to see these days as the project nears completion.

Nighttime lighting tests continue to happen in the area once night falls:

This and That

NOW THE BABY DUCKS ARE SWIMMING!

Some animal socks for sale.

The Taste of Tiffins menu for lunch was significantly diminished as far as options.

An up close look at the work happening at the Tree of Life.

The projectors for the back of the Tree of Life can be seen from the path along the backside of the structure.

The Mahindi stand in Africa is selling the Lotus Blossom glow cubes now.

A new carousel horse pin set for sale around the Resort.

The Digital Disney mystery pin set was also released recently.

The Feeding Ground on Discovery Island also has the glow cube.

Trilo-Bites now has a Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake.

Mr. Kamal’s in Asia now has a seasoned-fries dish…

Let’s ignore the misspellings…

I expected this to be one of the worst theme park snacks I’ve ever had, but it honestly wasn’t bad.

Some new cooling towels for sale at the parks, $16.90 each.

The bar outside of Rainforest Cafe is now open regularly.

It’s a nice spot to enjoy a drink.

Hmmmm, looks familiar…

It seems to have a giant hole in it it, just like a volcano at a certain water park under construction…

PHOTOS: Tree of Life Awakenings Projection Show is Expanding to the Back of the Animal Kingdom Icon

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Since debuting in May 2016, the Tree of Life Awakenings show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been a popular nighttime offering at the park, arguably the most positively received overall of the many additions. It appears as though the back of the Tree of Life was forgotten in the process as it was barely even lit in the evenings while these shows were going on over on the front side of the Tree. Well, that is about to change…

Behind the Tree of Life, along the pathway between Africa and Asia, several mounts have been installed which will eventually be home to the projectors for the backside of the Tree.

A nearby rock has been ripped open to accommodate the installation.

Disney has not commented on the additions to the back of the Tree of Life as of yet, and it is still unclear if the full shows will take place back there or if it will differ in some way from the Awakenings shows that take place on the front of the structure.

“it’s tough to be a bug”, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Maharajah Jungle Trek, & More Refurbishments Happening Over the Next Month at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Multiple areas of Animal Kingdom will be under construction in the coming weeks.

Construction to enhance the Serka Zong Bazaar merchandise location at Expedition Everest began on April 17th and will continue through May 12th. During construction, the location will remain open.

In addition to that, the FastPass+ touch points and entrance queue area at Kilimanjaro Safaris will undergo refurbishment from April 17 through May 12. A secondary queue will be used during the entire duration of this construction project.

“it’s tough to be a bug” will be closed April 24th through the 28th to accommodate work on the Tree of Life structure.

Finally, the tiger exhibit in the Maharajah Jungle Trek will undergo habitat enhancements through Friday, May 5. During this time, the tigers will be kept backstage and the viewing areas will be inaccessible to Guests.

Dirk Wallen’s 6/8/15 Animal Kingdom Photo Report (Tree of Life, Lots of Construction, Nighttime Safari, ETC.)

WDWNT on December 7, 2015

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

Work continues on the Tree of Life facade as they prepare for some nighttime lighting upgrades

A strange new structure has appeared on the left side of Disney Outfitters

Same for the right side where some sort of tower is going up next to a new building, possible a new guest relations location

Work is still underway to bring hyenas to Kilimanjaro Safaris

More walls, these for what should be a small seating area by the Starbucks location opening June 18th

Not much to see outside of the Starbucks

The Disney Vacation Club kiosk that used to be on the way to Camp Minnie-Mickey is getting an overhaul

More Tree of Life work

More walls outside of Island Mercantile

CONCEPT ART & VIDEO: Disney Previews “Rivers of Light” and the Tree of Life Nighttime Projections for Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Today, Disney is finally sharing more about the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular coming to Animal Kingdom in 2016:

In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

In addition to the show, you’ll also notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.

To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature. According to Imagineer Joe Rohde, the addition of “Rivers of Light” to the park’s offerings will serve as that huge “wow” moment that ends a guest’s visit to the park.

Disney also released a video with Imagineer Joe Rhode discussing the project:

Tom Corless’ 9/30/14 WDW Photo Report (Big Hero 6 Art, Backlot Tour, Rivers of Light, New Frozen Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

It was quite the busy weekend at Walt Disney World, so I managed to visit all 4 parks to see what was new and have a ton of newsworthy photos to share with you in today’s report:

The Studio Backlot Tour closed forever on Saturday

A Big Hero 6 exhibit can now be found at the Magic of Disney Animation

Moving over to Epcot, menu changes have been made a the Electric Umbrella

I decided to try the French Dip burger

It was surprisingly good!

I also tried the Pumpkin Macaroon from the France ice cream parlor and it was amazing.

Over at the Magic Kingdom, this low clearance was added in the bus stop to ensure busses go the right way through the loop

The awning on the boat dock at the entrance was replaced, it’s now red instead of green

The latest progress on the hub at the Magic Kingdom

The Astro Orbiter reopened this weekend, but you can read more about that here

The leave-your-phone charging stations in Tomorrowland have all been closed, the test period came to an end and we’ll now have to wait to see if it was a success and is brought back

New Space Mountain ladies’ shirt

New men’s “I conquered Space Mountain” shirt

This artwork was previously on a black t-shirt and slightly different

Dumbo character sketches are now being sold at Big Top Souvenirs

New Beast plush for sale at Bonjour Village Gifts

Instead of selling generic items, there is a now a Beauty and the Beast shield toy

If you don’t have a FastPass for it, prepare to arrive at Be Our Guest at park opening to get a return time to eat lunch there or you’ll be turned away

Even more of Sir Mickey’s has been taken over by Frozen merchandise, even Ariel merchandise got pushed out

Some new Frozen artwork for sale

A two-sided Olaf ceramic ornament was just released

Queue work continues at Peter Pan’s Flight

We thought it would only be at Disneyland, but the Zero popcorn bucket was released at the Magic Kingdom! It costs over $13 but has a light-up nose feature

Strange new t-shirts…

LOVE this new sweatshirt!

Odd new Magic Kingdom shirt

Simple, but nice

Halloween 2014 Duffy

Some of the Haunted Mansion 45th anniversary lithographs have made it to Florida

An awesome new print by Alex Maher

In preparation for “Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!”, video screens are being installed on the floats

Moving over to animal Kingdom, it’s still a mess

At least all of the construction walls are decorated now

The UP meet and greet has seen better days

“it’s tough to be a bug” re-opened this weekend

Most of the nets installed to protect guests from falling particles have finally been removed from the queue

There are still nets by the base of the tree, not sure if these will stay here

work is picking up on the new nighttime show, Rivers of Light

The Everest shrine is behind walls and probably will be until the construction is done in late 2015/early 2016

Since one of the Wilderness Explorers’ answers is behind walls, they made a copy and placed it on the walls

The walls wrap around most of the river

We can peek through and see that the construction vehicles are already in place, ready to start working on the show and viewing area

Some sort of new structure is going up by Flame Tree Barbecue

An Oswald Christmas ornament was released

Dirk Wallen’s 8/28/14 WDW Photo Report (Animal Kingdom, All-Star Resorts)

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort earlier this week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

The Tree of Life behind walls as work is being done to repair it and prepare for the new nighttime lighting that will illuminate the tree in the evening.

A new pathway is being cleared out behind Disney Outfitters, likely a new path to help guests exit faster when leaving after Rivers of Light

The path will cut straight through to the other side near Flame Tree BBQ

Walls are also up at Flame Tree BBQ

“it’s tough to be a bug” is closed for a few more weeks until work is completed at the Tree of Life

The new path around the marketplace in Africa is also still behind walls

We can see cranes, but not much else happening over in AVATAR-land

The food court at All-Star Music is getting an overhaul, so you can either dine in the temporary dining location or grab a bus to All-Star Movies

The temporary dining location is in the arcade

Dirk Wallen’s 6/27/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Animal Kingdom, the Villas at the Grand Floridian, and Epcot earlier today and took some great photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Starting at Animal Kingdom, Kodak signage is gone from the Camera Center

With FastPass+ currently testing, It’s Tough to be a Bug once again has a FastPass queue

There are still some construction walls up under the Tree of Life, meaning they are still installing nets under it

Wow, they’ve caught plenty of stuff…

Over at Camp Minnie-Mickey, this theater is still just stroller parking

Since it isn’t closing in this location just yet, they are using FastPass+ at Festival of the Lion King

Pocahontas has moved into one of the greeting trails at Camp Minnie-Mickey

Chip and Dale have moved into another

Work continues on the new Festival of the Lion King theater in Africa

Still not much to see

Work is wrapping up on the FastPass+ queue at Finding Nemo: The Musical

The signage is now up

Leaving Animal Kingdom, work continues on the Villas at the Grand Floridian

I’m not crazy about the plain white sides, but I’ll hold my judgement until the building is finished

Scaffolding is down on the water side and it looks fantastic

Work continues on the new bus loop at the Magic Kingdom

More turnstile conversions happening at Epcot

The middle section that is typically the exit is walled-off

Some touch-point entrances are going to be here soon

In other news, they are still patching up the landscaping from the Flower and Garden Festival

Joe Hogarty’s 4/2/13 Animal Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Work being done on the bridge to Africa, believed to be connected to the work on the new Festival of the Lion King Theater

This could be extended queue for the show

We haven’t checked on the Tree of Life nets in a while

Seems most of the paths are covered now

There is one small section still not completed

Mickey-shaped snacks?

A look at the Africa bridge from the other direction

PINE CONE!!!

I am Batman!

Awwww, kitty!

They were being active

SLURP!

RAWR!

More…

Almost done…

The Adventurers Outpost still has not opened

Maybe soon…

Adam Roth’s 6/30/12 Animal Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

This photo report is a little late as we have been preparing for our fifth anniversary festivities here at WDW News Today, but better late than never. WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Animal Kingdom on June 30th to catch one of the last Sundowner Celebrations held at the park. The celebration only lasted a month but was a unique offering, almost like the food and wine festival at Epcot. Let’s take a look:

A truck is used as an information board at the front of the park

Things going on in 3 lands

It is Animal Kingdom after all…

Wow… not very crowded…

Some fairly new Animal Kingdom merchandise available

Cool ear hat

Carnotaurus knit cap

Russel and Dug from UP meeting in the old “It’s Tough to be a Bug” FASTPASS area

Work continues on some of the side paths near the Tree of Life after the branch falling of a few weeks back

You can still get plenty of good photos of this…

On to Camp Minnie-Mickey

The dragon waterfall is still there

Hey, Meeko is out and doesn’t have a line!

It’s pretty empty

Word is the greeting trails are going away and these characters are moving to the former Beastly Bazaar in a few weeks

It wouldn’t be a trip to Animal Kingdom if we didn’t stop at Pizzafari to visit the greatest mural ever…

Psycho lion and incredibly nervous Zebra!

On to Harambe

Temporary signs inform guests of the festivities

There’s a wine walk

Beer

There are also some cultural demonstrations

The Henna booth was about the only one that wasn’t free

All kinds of special treats available

Fruit salads available as well

Let’s take a walk to Asia

You can learn how to play this instrument

The carts leading to Asia had special menus for the event

You can learn how to make summer rolls

Ta-da!

You can take home a recipe card

The boneless chicken wings are back!

I guess you can just call this place Anandapur Wild Wings! GET IT?

Huh?

I think I’m gonna be sick…

Live music

What is your Asian language?

Plenty of specialty drinks

Learn how to make fried rice!

They had dancers teaching dance moves to guests as Bollywood style music played in the area

I love the DJ’s decorated computer

Dragon Hollow? Now you’re just rubbing it in…

The water play area in Asia is being refurbished

Another Henna booth

Adam got a drink and decided to hang out in a secluded spot

Let’s see what’s going on at Kilimanjaro Safaris

Wilson is still featured in the queue even though his narration and story is gone from the ride

“WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”

JUMPING GAZELLES!

Oh, it’s poachers…

It was…

Hiding, Hiding Hippos

“NOM-NOM-NOM”

Holy giraffes!

Here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the backside of giraffe!

No, the bridge doesn’t collapse right now

Hidden Mickey

Awwww, sleepy cheetahs…

That turtle was moving so fast Adam couldn’t get a picture of him

Blurry, but some work was being done on the bridge

Work on the new finale scenes is visible

This is where Little Red once stood, but soon it will be a home to Zebras

A natural barrier being dug-out

Back to Harambe

The dance party is in full swing

Unlike the hated dance parties at the Magic Kingdom, this band performs music from their culture and teaches you their dances, a much better fit for a Disney park