Go Backstage at Disney with This New Tour
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
As a part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can get an insider’s look at some of the ways Disney brings the magic of nature to life in a new limited-time experience called A Path Less Traveled – Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary tour.
Go backstage to tour the Vet Hospital and Animal Nutrition Center, perform a nest check on a purple martin birdhouse as part of a Disney’s conservation project, gaze at some of the park’s largest inhabitants during Caring for Giants and end the day with VIP viewing of Rivers of Light.
A Path Less Traveled will be offered daily from April 1-May 5, 2018. Tours can be booked in advance for $59 per person, plus tax, by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (407- 939-7529).
Be sure to check out our exclusive hotel offers for Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
New VIP Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
I'm excited to announce the newest addition to the Enchanting Extras Collection — the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
You can prepare for an adventure like no other as this tour gives you the opportunity — as the park transitions from day to night — to experience the magic of nature in a totally unique way. Tour guides share detailed knowledge while you explore the Disney’s Animal Kingdom lands to observe the critters, creatures and other denizens of the park. Plus, you get to enjoy certain attractions with expedited FastPass+ access. The Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour is a great way for you to make the most of your time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
The tour takes approximately four hours, and there is a discount available for Disney Visa cardholders and Annual Passholders.
Separate park admission is required. For more information about the Enchanting Extras Collection or to make reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529)
A New Way to Order Food at Walt Disney World
Satu’li Canteen at Walt Disney World to feature Mobile Order
Mobile Order will be available at Satu’li Canteen restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park on opening day – May 27 – and then expanding to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus during the summer. And better yet, more Mobile Order fast casual and quick service locations across Walt Disney World Resort are on the way.
Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You can select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.
It’s easy to do. After you place your order, pre-pay in the app and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you'll tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick-up sign.
Please note during the initial launch period of Mobile Order, the only form of payment accepted will be by credit card. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Another Behind The Scenes Look at Pandora - World of Avatar
Friends at Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared another video on the construction of Pandora - World of Avatar new land, which gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the project team has partnered with Lightstorm Entertainment and many of the original AVATAR filmmakers – including James Cameron and Jon Landau – to bring the new land to life. In this video, several members of the Pandora “Super Team” share what the experience of bringing Pandora – The World of Avatar to life has been like for them, and some of the amazing moments that have exceeded even their imaginations.
Watch carefully at the background footage as the video doesn't explicitly point out new reveals!
Disney Resort Guests Have Extra Time to Explore Pandora
Special Extra Magic Hours Available to Disney Resort Hotel Guests.
For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.
Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This offering will provide you with an additional opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Please note valid Theme Park admission and a Resort ID will be required.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
FastPass Availability for Pandora | Walt Disney World
When you can begin making FastPass+ selections at Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Today Disney announced that Guests staying at select Walt Disney Resort hotels can reserve Disney FastPass+ selections for attractions, including those in Pandora – The World of Avatar, up to 60 days prior to check-in beginning March 24, 2017. Disney FastPass+ service will be available at the two attractions within Pandora – The World of Avatar during regular Theme Park hours. Guests may select only one of these two attractions in their first set of Disney FastPass+ selections, subject to availability.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 27, 2017, will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains, bioluminescent plans and all kinds of immersive adventures.
Sneak Preview of Pandora on Popular ABC Shows - March 9
Tune into ABC March 9 for an inside look at Pandora – The World of Avatar
Four ABC shows will offer sneak peeks into the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort. As “The View” broadcasts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week, several other ABC shows - including "Good Morning America" and "Nightline" - will be joining forces on Thursday, March 9, 2017 for a look into the highly-anticipated Pandora – The World of Avatar.
By Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations
Get a Closer Look at Disney's Elephants With This New Tour
Now you can get a closer look at the African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and learn what it takes to care for them during Caring for Giants – a unique family-friendly backstage viewing experience at Walt Disney World Resort.
During this 60-minute tour, you can meet with animal care specialists who provide for the care and wellness of Disney's elephant herd. African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts. Throughout this experience, you will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away!
Caring for Giants will be offered several times daily beginning March 12, 2017. Groups depart throughout the day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Guests must be 4 years of age or older to participate. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Cost is $30 per person (tax included).
Rivers of Light Opening Date Set for February 2017
For more than a year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing new nighttime experiences. And today, I'm happy to announce one of the park’s newest nighttime experiences, “Rivers of Light,” will make its official debut on Feb 17, 2017.
“Rivers of Light” combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.
Dining and FastPass+ reservations for this new show are now available.
And don’t forget that the next step in the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the grand debut of Pandora – The World of Avatar – will take place on May 27, 2017.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Pandora - World of Avatar Opening Date Announced!
Today I'm excited to share that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park on May 27, 2017!
This new land will transport you to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Here, you will wonder at floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, and can join the Na’vi on two attractions that take adventure to the next level.
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Check out the Late May Exclusive Offer for select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
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Video: Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Video: Behind the Scenes at Pandora – The World of AVATAR
Today I'm excited to share this amazing sneak peek into one of the Walt Disney World Resort’s most exciting expansions: the construction of Pandora – The World of AVATAR, which will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer (stay tuned for an official date).
As you can see in the video, Pandora – The World of AVATAR will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, first unvelied to me back in November. This new land will feature two never-before-experienced expeditions. The family-friendly Na’vi River Journey sends you down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. The journey ends in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion offers the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
View special offers available for summer travel to the Walt Disney World
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Details Emerge About New Pandora Attractions
This past weekend I attended D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation where details were shared about the opening of Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in summer 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Na’vi River Journey – A family-friendly experience that will send you down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest.The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. Na’vi River Journey will open with Pandora.
AVATAR Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.
Windtraders - The merchandise location where travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more
Pongu Pongu – A special drink location with a design that is a eclectic as its Expat owner
AVATAR Flight of Passage – Excursions that offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
Satu’li Canteen – The main restaurant in Pandora – The World of AVATAR that will feature Na’vi art and cultural items
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Reservations now available.
Beginning May 28, 2016 Disney will open its newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort – Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, featuring cuisine and beverages from places that inspired the creation of the Park. Reservations open May 21, 2016.
Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins is situated near Pizzafari on Discovery Island, near what will be the entrance to Pandora – The World of AVATAR, when it opens in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features waterfront views in addition to hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.
Here's a look at Tiffin's Menu
The park’s culinary team is working on special dining packages which will begin May 28 at Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant for the new limited-engagement nighttime show, The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic.
Similar to the popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Dining Package includes reserved seating for the nighttime show. At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House Restaurant, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you have to dine at least 2 1/2 hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.
At Tiffins, the package includes the choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at either lunch or dinner. The Dining Package is $67 for adults, $32 ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits.
Reservations will open May 21, 2016 for Tiffins restaurant as well as Dining Packages for The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic nighttime show, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist atMagical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.
FastPasses Available Now for Disney's Animal Kingdom Nighttime Events
FastPass+ and dining packages for Disney’s Animal Kingdom night experiences are available now!
Kilimanjaro Safaris and Harambe Village
After the sun sets, you will be able to explore Kilimanjaro Safaris and see the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune in to the unique vocalization of the animals like never before. Among the new experiences, the village of Harambe in Africa will become the place to enjoy “Wildlife Parti” and the spirited community of Discovery Island will come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discover Island Carnivale.
Tree of Life
Beginning May 27, animal spirits will be brought to life each night at the Tree of Life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment along with other amazing sights and lighting effects at the tree.
DISCOVERY RIVER
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, Discovery River will become a stunning stage for performances of the limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, inspired by the live-action film Disney’s The Jungle Book. Shows will feature memorable moments from the film, including the iconic Shere Khan, and will be filled with music and special effects that celebrate the movie and classic songs, infused with an Indian influence.
Related
Animal Kingdom Nighttime Attractions
Tiffins Restaurant Coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom
Sneak Peek at Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
Disability Access Service at Walt Disney World
The Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World is available if a disability makes it difficult to wait in a conventional queue environment, providing the opportunity to receive a return time similar to the posted wait time for the given attraction. Once you receive a return time, you are free to enjoy other theme park offerings such as meeting a character, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying entertainment or even visiting another attraction until your designated
return time. This service can be used in addition to Disney FastPass+ service.
If you need any assistance during your upcoming visit, including issuance of the DAS, please visit a Guest Relations location once you arrive at any Disney Park. Our Guest Relations Cast Members will work directly with you to discuss your overall needs, and they are ready to help.
In the meantime, to help you plan your visit, we've developed a guide for our Guests with Disabilities that provides pertinent information as well as answers to many Frequently Asked Questions. You can access this guide by visiting the following link:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilitie
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What Happened to Rivers of Light?
Disney released a menu of attractions and entertainment coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom Park this summer but what happened to Rivers of Light? The show was originally supposed to open tonight but Disney later announced that it would be delayed. And now, it's not even in the summer lineup of attractions and entertainment.
But even without Rivers of Light, I'm excited to see some new nighttime experiences coming to Animal Kingdom.
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
- “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Show – For the summer, Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film “The Jungle Book.” “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
- The Tree of Life Awakens – The park’s iconic Tree of Life undergoes an extraordinary “awakening.” You can expect to see animal spirits come to life throughout the evening by magical fireflies. Each scene appears to emanate from within the tree itself and reveals stories of wonder.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris After Dark – You can enjoy Kilimanjaro Safaris in the evening hours, thanks to special lighting that will allow them to explore the savanna – and its inhabitants – well into the night.
- Harambe Wildlife Parti – Guests can turn into “party animals” at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and enjoy lively African music, exotic foods and drinks, and explore the local marketplace.
- Discovery Island Carnivale – On Discovery Island, you can join the local community in your celebration of you love for nature in this party that features music, dancers, stilt walkers, food and more.
- Tiffins – Guests can enjoy the park’s newest eatery, Tiffins, for both lunch and dinner. Check out this previous post for a peek at what to expect from the menu.
- Nighttime Attractions – The park’s attractions, which will be operating in the nighttime hours, will take on a whole new life. For the first time, guests will be able to experience the thrill of attractions like Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids – surrounded by darkness. They’ll also be able to enjoy colorful midway games and attractions in DinoLand, U.S.A.
“The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Show – For the summer, Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film “The Jungle Book.” “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
The Tree of Life Awakens – Here's a first look at Animal Kingdom's iconic Tree of Life as it undergoes an extraordinary transformation. You can expect to see animal spirits come to life throughout the evening by magical fireflies. Each scene appears to emanate from within the tree itself and reveals stories of wonder.
Harambe Wildlife Parti – Guests can turn into “party animals” at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and enjoy lively African music, exotic foods and drinks, and explore the local marketplace.
Discovery Island Carnivale – On Discovery Island, guests can join the local community in their celebration of their love for nature in this party that features music, dancers, stilt walkers, food and more.
Nighttime Attractions – The park’s attractions, which will be operating in the nighttime hours, will take on a whole new life. For the first time, guests will be able to experience the thrill of attractions like Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids – surrounded by darkness. They’ll also be able to enjoy colorful midway games and attractions in DinoLand, U.S.A.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Rivers of Light Opening Date Set
UPDATE: Rivers of light will not open on April 22, 2016. Stay tuned for a new opening date.
Update: Photo from live testing of Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Photo of an actual rehearsal of Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
We’re excited to share that “Rivers of Light,” the first-ever night-time show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, will officially debut at the Walt Disney World Resort on April 22, 2016.
The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.
Get a first look at some of the illuminated lanterns, water screens, moving fountains and other amazing elements that will be featured in “Rivers of Light” in this video!
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel.