In recent years at Walt Disney World, certain PhotoPass spots turn a regular photo into an interactive experience with a Disney Character.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King, you can celebrate with the Disney PhotoPass photographers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney’s PhotoPass service is offering special new photo opportunities, including four brand new Magic Shots. The new photo opportunities are already available from 10 AM through 5 PM each day throughout the summer.
One of the drawbacks to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was that it would always close at 5:00 pm and then you would have to figure what to do with the rest of your evening; No More!
Animal Kingdom park comes alive at night with a fantastic nighttime show along with great experiences throughout the park.
Last weekend brought the debut of an updated Rivers of Light show, along with more magic at the Tree of Life. The show take place at 9pm and 10pm which means the park will remain open into the night.
“This reimagined version of the show introduces additional, stunning imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films, along with a colorful tapestry of classic moments from Disney animation.
Also starting this weekend, the Tree of Life awakens each evening with a new story inspired by this summer’s release of “The Lion King.” Moments from Simba’s journey are depicted in a beautiful artistic style, set to an evocative musical score comprised of new arrangements of familiar tunes.
And all summer long, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating “The Lion King,” from the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party and unique photo opportunities to the ever-popular “Festival of the Lion King” and special décor throughout the park.”
The holiday season is a fantastic time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. There are so many things to see and do during this time at the resorts and the parks.
Disney World goes all out when it comes to decorating the parks, with once exception. Compared to the other parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always been a little light on the holiday entertainment and decor.
Well, this year that is going to change. Disney has announced new holiday offerings in Animal Kingdom.
According to Disney Cast Members;
“Everyone will be feeling extra merry and bright at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season, with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land!
It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area. And during the day, Discovery Island springs to life with a holiday gathering of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.
As day becomes night, the rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns all around Discovery Island bring a warm and festive glow to the entire village. At the center of everything, the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life continues to shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.
Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.
In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have decorated the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, home to authentic cultural performances.
The village of Harambe in Africa welcomes visitors with a unique holiday presentation, blending the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations. The various groups appearing throughout Harambe introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, including costume additions and new music, to their performances. The holiday fun continues inside Tusker House for dining with Disney friends, where Mickey and his pals spread holiday cheer throughout the meal.
The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.
It’s going to be an extra magical holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across Walt Disney World Resort, filled with wonder and delight in all four parks! Make plans to join us, starting November 8, 2019.”
Mountains attractions have been a staple at Walt Disney World since 1975 with the opening of Space Mountain.
Since then, others have been added and while there can be an argument for which attractions should be in this category, there is no denying that these rides are some of the best that WDW has to offer.
I will argue that there are 4 Walt Disney World mountain attractions; Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
What is your favorite?
What other attractions do you consider to be Disney Mountains?
These attractions all give you something different and are some of the longest running and longest wait-time rides at WDW.
Space Mountain
The original mountain of Walt Disney World, Space Mountain has been thrilling riders for nearly 45 years. This classic ride, found in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, blasts Guests into outer space. Passengers board a rocket-shaped vehicle, seating three single-file riders, climb the 180-foot mountain past Mission Control, and propel through the dark universe at a top speed of 28 mph (it feels faster, right?).
Space Mountain continues to be a fan-favorite at Magic Kingdom and due to its unique indoor, in-the-dark feel, it shows no signs of slowing down. The Tron roller coaster is currently being built right beside Space Mountain which should only boost attendance in Tomorrowland, but giving some needed wait-time relief to the original WDW mountain.
Splash Mountain
We have all seen log themed rides at various them parks, where they all end with a wet plunge down a giant hill. Splash Mountain is that and so much more.
This attraction in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom tells the story of Br’er Rabbit and his adventures is told with a flare and precision that only Disney can attain. This ride is full of animal animatronics that give the riders more than just a wet and thrilling ending. It com
The story told throughout this ride is just as important and exciting as the thrilling final plunge itself. By the way, chances are, you will get wet!
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain joins Splash Mountain as the 2 main attractions in Frontierland. It is an old school train ride on a rickety railroad through a replica of the red stone of Arizona’s Monument Valley. This the roughest mountain in terms of how the ride feels. It is jerky and jumpy but a fun experience nonetheless.
Special care was taken by the Imagineers to make it appear that the rocks were there originally, and the track was built around the rocks, which gives a more genuine landscape feeling. There is also a dinosaur skeleton that the train passes by, built into the side of the mountain. A cracked eggshell is nearby, and there is a pleasant lake with water that is shot up while the train passes on the warmer days.
Sound effects of a typical locomotive operation are piped into the surrounding scenery to add realism to guests viewing the ride from observation platforms, including the steam whistle sounding, even though there is no whistle displayed on the locomotives.
This ride is meant to give an old west feel and delivers.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Kingdom
Dare to climb the Forbidden Mountain, and you will find yourself facing down a beast so monstrous you’ll never question the legend again. Standing 18-feet tall, the Expedition Everest Yeti is the largest audio-animatronic figure ever created. He does his job well, though, twisting the tracks and rerouting coasters, hurling them through dark twists and turns before allowing their safe return to base camp.
This ride begins soaring through the mountain but then runs out of track and must go backward through a portion of the attraction only to find the Yeti and soar through the remainder of the course.
This ride, for me is the most thrilling of all of the mountains. The creativity that is used to increase the amount of thrills on this coaster is second to none. (Also, my daughter’s favorite ride)
Other Mountains???
There has been some controversy about whether Mount Gushmore is considered a Disney mountain, as well as, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
My opinion is “no” on both.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, while it looks like a mountain, has more of feel of entering a miners cave. This is a fantastically smooth ride and one of the favorites to do at Magic Kingdom, but I think we need to give it some time to see if it holds up over time the way the 4 main mountains have.
Mount Gushmore, located at Blizzard Beach water park has the look and feel of more like a staging area for multiple water slides than an actual attraction. Mount Gushmore is not the title of the ride itself. Again, I am not willing to put it up on the Disney Mountain Mount Rushmore yet.
No matter what type of ride you like, these mountains offer a variety of sights and thrills. There is a reason some rides have come and gone but these remain staples of the Parks.
From September 1-November 2, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have EXTRA, Extra Magic Hours from 6–9 am that includes access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and other select attractions. (Please note that on August 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at6 am for all guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)
This is going to be a considerable advantage for guests wanting to visit Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has already announced there will be capacity limits for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge itself and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During those dates, Disney Resort guests will likely fill up the land. It is likely that non-Disney Resort guests may not be able to enter due to crowd limits.
Bottom line, if you want the best chance to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—stay at a Disney Resort.
Normally, on any given day, only a single park will have Extra Magic Hours. So, if Disney Resort guests want to take advantage of the extra time, they all head to the same park.
This fall, in addition to the extra hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Park will also offer EXTRA, Extra Magic Hours. From August 29-November 2 from 7–8 am, resort guests will be able to enjoy an extra hour in these parks. (Epcot will continue to offer Extra Magic Hours on select days).
This is also a great benefit. If you don’t plan on visiting Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll get to enjoy Extra Magic benefits in other Disney parks every day.
This fall is going to be very busy at Walt Disney World. Staying on Disney property will offer many significant benefits. If you’re looking to stay at a Disney Resort, we highly recommend booking with Michelle Waitt at www.bestmickeytrip.com.
