The Rohdes, Less Traveled: Inside the Design and Inspiration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Join Joe Rohde and family on their tour around Disney’s Animal Kingdom; posted on DisneyParksBlog

“Our family has been at home together since March, and life can get repetitive at times. So, to pass away the hours and give ourselves something to do as a family, we decided to create a five-part video series about design at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 

In our family of four we have multiple writers, a director and cameraman, a producer…and a talking head (me). Plus a house full of  (as the saying goes, ‘one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!’) that we’ve dragged back from all over the world during the last 40 years. The challenge is to work with what we have, therefore limited only to the photographs and video clips that I have on my own laptop and snapshots that I found in a box in my studio, plus settings we’ve improvised in our house and yard. Since we are not going anywhere, it’s new #DisneyMagicMoments called “The Rohdes, Less Traveled”…”

Magic Kingdom Takes First on Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Amusement Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

It’s no surprise to us Disney fans, but we’re still excited to share the news that Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom takes first place in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Amusement Parks 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award!

Tripadvisor’s rankings have come out and Magic Kingdom is nestled beautifully at the top listed with the statement: “If you can only see one park, it should be the Magic Kingdom”.

The site goes on so share, “Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom Park. Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. areas. Zoom through space, become a swashbuckling pirate and watch fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle.”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios also make the top 25 list, as well as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California. Here’s the full 25 parks ranked below as shared by Tripadvisor:

  1. Magic Kingdom Park, Orlando, FL
  2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL
  3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, FL
  4. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, FL
  5. Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
  6. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
  7. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA
  8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, FL
  9. Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
  10. Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, CA
  11. Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay, WI
  12. Fun Spot America, Kissimmee, FL
  13. Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg, PA
  14. Santa’s Village, Jefferson, NH
  15. Seabreeze Amusement Park, Rochester, NY
  16. Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL
  17. Funland, Rehoboth Beach, DE
  18. Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, PA
  19. Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH
  20. Silverwood Theme Park, Athol, ID
  21. Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY
  22. Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington, MN
  23. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
  24. Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH
  25. LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad, CA

Way to go Magic Kingdom! Truly, if you can only visit ONE park… it’s the place to be.

New Baby Mandrill Monkey Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

New baby animals are the cutest… especially monkey babies! We are so excited about the news from Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment. Dr. Mark took to Instagram to announce the newest bundle of joy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Dr. Mark Penning shared on Instagram:

Today (July 26), I’m overjoyed to share a sweet surprise with you all. This weekend, we welcomed a baby mandrill monkey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! When the Animal Care team at Animal Kingdom arrived at work yesterday, they found mom, Scarlett, had just delivered this adorable little one. Both are doing well and quickly bonding.

I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up #AnimalCareAppreciation Week than to see their work in action to help this baby into the world.

WDW Updates Face Covering Policy to Officially Ban Masks with Valves, Mesh Material, or Holes of Any Kind

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is changing, adapting, and modifying as needed since their phased reopening. We recently shared that an update to Disney’s face covering policy includes remaining stationary while eating or drinking. Now, Disney has caught on to another issue regarding masks with valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind and has made an update to their policy.

When Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., begin their phased reopening July 11, 2020, all guests 2 years of age and older will be required to wear an appropriate face covering at all times, except when eating and drinking while dining. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

As shared on the Walt Disney World website under “Face Coverings”:

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

  • Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
  • Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free

At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

Face Mask Policy Updated to Reflect That Guests Must Remain Stationary While Eating or Drinking with Masks Off

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Guests are being asked to stop and remain stationary, standing off to the side, while consuming drinks and snacks while in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Now, an official policy has been added to the Walt Disney World “Know Before You Go” Face Covering policy webpage.

In the updated policy, it reads “You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.”

What do you think about this new policy regarding face masks? As a reminder, there are multiple “relaxation stations” located in each Walt Disney World theme park, where guests may remove their face covering and have a socially-distanced sit-down.