Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20 Years

On April 22, 2019 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary - the day is also Earth Day! The park will have an expanded “Party for the Planet” celebration April 22 - May 5, 2018.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch will take center stage for the celebration, which will offer backstage experiences that allow you to learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital, or hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation.

You can also commemorate the park's anniversary with special photo opportunities and kids can earn a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer program. Six different Tiffins Talks, themed-dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins full-service restaurant will be available to Guests who want to learn more about the animal residents at the park. And limited-edition merchandise will also be available for purchase, with one piece being a special-edition print created by renowned Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. (He will be available to sign prints on April 22, 2018 from 1-4 p.m. at Discovery Trading Company. Quantities are limited). 

Other experiences coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this spring include:

• April 22 will mark the debut of a brand-new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure featuring Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated comedy-adventure film “UP.” The show will give you the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his fuzzy friend Dug in a new adventure that includes encounters with exotic birds from around the world. This free-flying show will be performed multiple times daily.

• A “dino-tastic” celebration with Donald and his friends will also premiere Memorial Day weekend in DinoLand, U.S.A. This dinosaur-themed party celebrates Donald Duck’s discovery that his bird ancestors were actually dinosaurs. DinoLand U.S.A. will feature colorful new décor and playful character greetings with rarely seen pals like Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and more. A DJ-powered dance party will mix tunes from the truck-o-saurus stage, capping the nighttime festivities.

• Memorial Day 2018 commemorates the one-year anniversary of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Here, travelers are transported to a mystical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Inspired by the blockbuster film, AVATAR, the epic land invites guests to explore a glowing landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi Shaman of Songs and soar on the back of a banshee. 

There is still plenty of time to book your Walt Disney World Spring Vacation, email me (a trained and experienced Disney Vacation Planner) at lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Rivers of Light Dining Package at Tiffins

When it comes to nighttime entertainment, there’s nothing quite like the spectacular Rivers of Light nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, with talented live performers, mesmerizing music and stunning water effects. And, the best way to make sure you have a reserved seat for the show is with a Rivers of Light Dining Package at Tiffins.

Located on Discovery Island, Tiffins boasts a menu that will take you on a culinary expedition of international cuisine. Plus, Tiffins is just steps from the entrance to Pandora – The World of Avatar opening May 27, 2017.

With the Rivers of Light Dining Package, you can enjoy a fabulous three-course meal including a choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage. Cost for the dining package is $67 for adults, and $26 for ages 3 to 9, or two table-service meal entitlements on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Want a travel agent to book your Disney vacation, Dining Reservations (including this Rivers of Light dining package if you'd like to eat there), Fast Pass+ selections and more - all at no extra charge? Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - a Disney Vacation Planner. 

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get more help and advice than you would if you booked on your own.  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and free tips and tricks!  

Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a free Disney Gift card and more! With all of these things from me, and all of the great things happening at Walt Disney World in 2017 - you're bound to have a magical vacation!

"Rivers of Light" Dining Packages

“Rivers of Light,” the new nighttime show will debut February 17, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This new show will wow you with live performers, a soaring musical score, grand theatrical imagery and innovative water special effects that celebrate the relationship between animals and nature. "Rivers of Light" comes to life on select nights after dark on the Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest.

The park’s culinary team is working on special dining packages at both Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant to add to the special evening.

Similar to the popular “Fantasmic!” Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, the “Rivers of Light” Dining Package includes reserved seating at the new show. At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you will have to dine at least 2 ½ hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.

At Tiffins, “Rivers of Light” Dining Packages are available at both lunch and dinner. You can choose your favorite appetizer, entrée, dessert plus a non-alcoholic beverage. Dining must take place at least two and a half hours prior to showtime. Cost is $67, $32 ages 3 to 9 plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins accepts the Disney Dining Plan, and counts as two table-service meal entitlements.

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - a Disney Vacation Planner. 

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get more help and advice than you would if you booked on your own.  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and free tips and tricks!  

Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a free Disney Gift card and more! With all of these things from me, and all of the great things happening at Walt Disney World in 2017 - you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge Opening Date

The countdown to the opening of the newest Disney signature restaurant at Walt Disney World® Resort – Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - has begun! Tiffins will feature cuisine and beverages from places that inspired the creation of the Park and will open May 27th.
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.

Tiffins will be open for both lunch and dinner, here’s a look at the menu for both Tiffins and Nomad Lounge.

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 for adults and $23 for children ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity.  The Tusker House dining package for lunch and dinner will cost $49 for adults and $30 for children 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 dining 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 for children ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits.
 

Want to see the new Animal Kingdom show, The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic? Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the form below – or click here to open it in a new page! As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awakens at Night With New ‘Jungle Book’ Show, Parties & Attractions Starting Memorial Day Weekend

Starting this Memorial Day Weekend, you will be able to enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park in a whole new way – after the sun goes down! Whether it’s riding Kilimanjaro Safaris at sunset, venturing down Kali River Rapids at twilight, dancing alongside African performers in Harambe, or reveling in a live musical celebration of Disney’s hit film “The Jungle Book,” Guests have a lot to look forward to.



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 – Your Clients 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 their celebration of their 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.

With all the new exciting things at Disney's Animal Kingdom and at Walt Disney World in general, I hope you're interested in visiting the Walt Disney World Resort! If so, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the Disney Vacation Quote form found below or click here to open in a new window!  As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation!

Tiffins, at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Menu Preview!

Disney Parks Blog released a sneak peak of the menu that will be available at Tiffins. 
According to Disney Parks Blog, Tiffins will have an inventive menu starring cuisine from around the globe and a wine list that focuses on ‘environmentally’.

Curried Vegetarian Stew

Tiffins, the newest restaurant in the Discovery Island area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opens this summer, and the Disney chefs have been hard at work to create inventive dishes inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators.

Berber Spiced Lamb Chop

From the familiar to something new, the menu offers something for everyone – from a berbere-spiced lamb chop to a New York strip steak or beef short rib with potatoes. Starters include a Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup with Basil and Peanuts (Asia/Africa) to marinated grilled octopus (Europe). Sustainable seasonal fish crudo (South America) and a salad of roasted baby beets and goat cheese with walnut granola and a sun-dried cherry vinaigrette Discovery Island (North America) round out international creations.

Archeologist Salad

Entrées include Berber-Spiced Lamb Chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and Mint Chutney (Africa); Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce (South America); Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choy with Turmeric Sauce (Asia), and Grilled Head-on Shrimp with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce (Europe). For vegetarians, the Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney brings a taste of Asia.

Black Eyed Pea Fritters

Beverages focus on Africa, Asia and South America, including handcrafted cocktails and beers. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit- flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania. “With a focus on South American and South African wines, the beverage program is very special – we don’t have another one like it at Disney,” said Master Sommelier Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts. “The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture,” he explained. “Environmentality is a core value at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this beverage program is a great way to share that with our guests.”

South American Chocolate Ganache

With 55 seats inside, and 46 seats in a covered outdoor area, Nomad Lounge offers a half- dozen small bites such as a vegetarian summer roll, a seared Wagyu beef skewer, honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs, Indian butter-chicken wings, seasonal fish balls with shishito peppers and house-made head cheese and chicken liver pate with chutney.

Calamine Mousse

Like Tiffins, the lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit- flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania.

Stay tuned to the for further details about Tiffins, including opening date and reservation information.

If you're interested in visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or simply fill out the Disney Vacation Quote form found below or click here to open in a new window!  As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation!

Source: Disney Parks Blog