Inclement Weather Rips Through Disney’s Animal Kingdom Knocking Down Trees, Guests Stuck on Kilimanjaro Safaris

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via wdwnt.com

Inclement weather yesterday in the Orlando area brought heavy winds to Walt Disney World. Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were in for a surprise when the gusts caused trees around the theme park to fall, even causing some guests to become stuck on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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Katie Alvarez (@thetinydisneydetails) sent an image of a large downed tree due to the severe weather at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Given a closer look, it’s very fortunate that the tree did not fall the opposite way onto the pathway on which guests walk.

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The DAK Guy (@thedakguy) on Instagram sent a photo of bamboo fallen over a walkway.

Luckily, it didn’t seem as though guests were in the area at this time.

Chelsea Angelis (@chelsea_angelis) sent video that she and other guests were stuck on Kilimanjaro Safaris for 35 minutes due to bamboo falling on top of the safari truck.

Though inclement weather roughed up Walt Disney World today, we’re glad that we haven’t heard reports of guests who had been injured.

Disney Cast Members Celebrate 15th Anniversary of Expedition Everest

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Believe it or not, Animal Kingdom’s towering coaster, Expedition Everest, has reached 15-years-old this month! Disney Cast Members took to social media to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of this ever-so-popular attraction with photos and a special keepsakes in honor of the milestone!

As shared via Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page: “Yeti or not — here we come! Yesterday (April 7), Cast Members at Expedition Everest celebrated the attraction’s 15th anniversary alongside Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sarah Riles – and of course our Disney Ambassadors! The morning was filled with legendary tales from the mythical mountain and its monstrous inhabitants as Cast received keepsakes in honor of the milestone celebration. #DisneyCastLife #ExpeditionEverest #15Years”

Located in the Asia portion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you simply can’t miss the towering size of Expedition Everest. Or, you could simply listen out for the screams to find your way to this one! How many times have you taken on the Yeti? Happy 15th Anniversary to Expedition Everest Cast Members!

Park Hours Extended From April Through June 19, Hours Released Through June 26

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

Walt Disney World theme park hours have been extended for almost every day at all four parks through June 19. Park hours have also been released from June 20 through June 26.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom was previously scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April 25 through June 19. It will now be open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

It is also scheduled to be open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM from June 13 though 19.

EPCOT

EPCOT was previously scheduled to be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from April 25 through June 19. It will still be opening at 11:00 AM daily. It will close at 10:00 PM from April 25 through May 8 and at 9:00 PM from May 9 through June 19.

It is scheduled to be open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM from June 20 through 26.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios was previously scheduled to be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from April 25 through June 19. It will now be open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

It is scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from June 20 through 26.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom was previously scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from April 25 through June 19. It will now be opening at 8:00 AM daily. It will close at 8:00 PM from April 25 through May 1 and at 7:00 PM from May 2 through June 19.

It is scheduled to be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from June 20 through 26.

Former Disney Imagineer Sells Disney Memorabilia on eBay

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via DisneyTips.com

Remember former (and very famous) Disney Imagineer, Joe Rohde? Well, of course! Joe retired in January 2021 after working 40 years with Disney. He was the lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with major influences on Expedition Everest. He was also one of the lead designers behind the Disney Vacation Club property Aulani in Oʻahu, Hawaii. As he’s cleaning out, he’s finding Disney memorabilia that he has decided to sell via eBay!

As shared via Joe Rohde Instagram: “Retirement involves downsizing a bit which has surfaced a pile of old Disney memorabilia from 40 years of “Oh that might be worth something.” These are now emerging from plastic bins and cardboard boxes in basement, attic, garage, studio, and dark corners of closets where no one has been since before Friends was cancelled. All of it is now in the hands of a friend who is selling it off. eBay. Link in bio. So much you might ask. “what are you keeping?” Well…my various trophies, a few Disney’s Animal Kingdom bits, an Aulani lamp, and social harmony in the household.”

Interested in checking out the merchandise? Currently, various items are available on eBay via Joe’s friend’s account: fairytalerachel. Check them all out at the link here.

Walt Disney World Park Hours Extended for Select Dates in April, Hours Added Through June 19

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

Operating hours for all four Walt Disney World theme parks have been extended for select days in late April. Dates are also now tentatively available through June 19, although theme park hours are subject to change.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom was originally scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April 18 through April 24. It will now be open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

It is scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from June 13 though 19.

EPCOT

EPCOT was originally scheduled to be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from April 18 through April 24. It will now be open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

It is scheduled to be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from June 13 through 19.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios was originally scheduled to be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from April 18 through April 24. It will now be open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

It is scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM from June 13 through 19.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom was originally scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from April 18 through April 24. It will now be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

It is scheduled to be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from June 13 through 19.