Disney Debunks Closure Rumors

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

As Disney fans prepare for the permanent closure of the beloved Splash Mountain water ride at Magic Kingdom Park, the fear of another Disney water ride being permanently closed caused rumors to form among the Disney fandom. Have no fear! Disney has set the record straight.

Not only is Splash Mountain preparing to close forever on January 23, 2023, to make way for the retheme of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but several other attractions and experiences have landed on the refurbishment list for January and February 2023.

Currently, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been unexpectedly listed as “temporarily unavailable” for multiple days. We’re also preparing for the refurbishment closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Even the Disney Skyliner will be closed temporarily for refurbishment soon.

Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park has been the center of attention in the news recently as a popular water ride, Kali River Rapids, prepares to undergo refurbishment. Listed on the refurbishment calendar beginning January 9, 2023, the lengthy, indefinite closure has created rumors predicting the attraction’s permanent closure.

But have no fear, Walt Disney World Resort fans! Disney has debunked any rumors of the attraction permanently closing.

Kali River Rapids

According to a recent report, Disney has confirmed that Kali River Rapids WILL REOPEN in the month of March 2023. Currently, Disney has yet to release a specific reopening date, but we’re still thrilled to hear of its “March” reopening timeframe.

Spring 2023 will be a great time to visit Walt Disney World Resort! TRON Lightcylce / Run roller coaster at Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to open in the Spring. Disney has also revealed several Resort Hotel discounts and a dining promotion for the late Spring into early Summer. Now, we know we can count on the return of Kali River Rapids this Spring as well!

Resident’s of Animal Kingdom Celebrate Halloween With Fun Jack-O-Lanterns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

It is officially the spookiest time of the year, and Guests are not the only ones at Walt Disney World who are getting in the Halloween spirit. Sure, there is trick or treating for them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party but, as you know, Disney likes everyone to feel like they are a part of the celebration. That includes some of the residents that live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. That’s right — we are talking about the animals!

Dr. Mark Penning — Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Division — shared an adorable video of multiple animals carefully investigating their pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns before digging in.

‘Twas the night before Halloween and from the Lodge to the Park, pumpkin enrichment continued from dawn until dark 🎃

Science has shown that pumpkins are one of the best treats for Disney Park animals to have, as they are filled with essential nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the B – complex group – Niacin, Folates, Vitamin B6 Thiamine, and pantothenic acid. Pumpkins are also rich in minerals like Calcium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Copper.

Animal Kingdom Halloween

Pumpkins are not the only Halloween snacks that the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park can indulge in. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see Cast Members feeding the animals other fruits like watermelon or vegetables like whole heads of lettuce. Most fruits and vegetables are a vital part of each animal’s healthy diet. Of course, carnivorous animals — like lions and cheetahs — also get the proper amount of meat that they need to stay healthy. 

Lion Disney's Animal Kingdom

Next up, Thanksgiving. And then, Christmas! We can’t wait to see how Disney gets its animals into the holiday spirit!

Disney KiteTails Takes Last Flight on September 30

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Disney KiteTails debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for the launch of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. After this first year, we will transition the entertainment on Discovery River Lagoon to the Flotillas. The last flight for Disney KiteTails will be September 30, 2022.

We look forward to seeing our guests continue waving to their Disney Friends cruising by on Flotillas, embracing Disney pals with up-close encounters, and more to come as we introduce our Festive holiday season offerings in the months ahead.

Disney Teases Overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A.

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Today, at Disney’s 2022 D23 expo, it was teased by Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, that DinoLand, U.S.A., could be completely reworked in an upcoming project.

Nothing was confirmed, nor were there any dates or specific themes given, but concept art was revealed from the “blue sky” idea. “Blue sky”  is basically a design process that allows Disney Imagineers to think outside the box and not worry about budgets, not yet at least.

Below is the concept art for a potential DinoLand U.S.A. overhaul:

dinoland

The Dinoland, U.S.A. section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is somewhat divisive among Disney Parks fans. Some love the carnival-themed area, while others feel that it should be rethemed to feature a recent Disney IP, such as Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).

It is worth noting that, at this time, Disney World officials have not confirmed what will replace the Primeval Whirl Wild Mouse-style ride or if Dinoland, U.S.A. will be rethemed at any point in the near future. For now, Guests can continue to visit the area where carnival games, the Restaurantosaurs quick service location, and the Triceratops Spin ride are all available.

DinoLand, U.S.A. features what is possibly Disney World’s scariest attraction with DINOSAUR, a time-traveling adventure. DINOSAUR opened alongside the Animal Kingdom Park in April of 1998, although it had a different name and offered a slightly different experience. DINOSAUR is an intense, exciting, and downright prehistoric trip through time, letting Guests witness the moments just before the dinosaurs were wiped out of existence due to an asteroid impact. As its slogan states, “It’s fast, it’s a blast, It’s in the past!”.

Joe Rohde Reveals His Favorite Restaurant In Animal Kingdom

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

There are a lot of things to love about Animal Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. From thrill rides like Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Avatar: Flight of Passage to one-of-a-kind experiences like the Wild Africa Trek and delicious dining experiences at places like Satu’li Canteen and Nomad Lounge, everyone is sure to have a great day at this newest Disney World theme park.

In addition to exciting rides and fun shows, there are also a ton of places to eat. For those who want something quick and delicious, Flame Tree BBQ is one of the most popular places to eat. Satu’li Canteen is another popular choice, known for its cheeseburger pods and build-your-own bowls. But what is the best restaurant in the Park? Well, there is sure to be some debate about that, but one former Disney Imagineer has named his pick — Tiffins Restaurant, located on Discovery Island.

If you are a big Disney fan, then you may be familiar with the name Joe Rohde. Rohde is one of The Walt Disney Company’s most prolific Imagineers — being the main creative force behind not only Animal Kingdom Park, but also Expedition Everest, Pandora: The World of Avatar, and Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa.

Rohde is very active on social media and was recently asked by a fan what his favorite restaurant in Animal Kingdom was. While Rohde admitted that it was difficult to choose, he ultimately decided on the high-end table service restaurant, Tiffins.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to dine at Tiffins, here is more information on the delicious eatery from the Walt Disney World Resort website:

Seek and you shall find a treasure trove of mouthwatering delights from far-off places for lunch and dinner.

Roam the road less traveled at Tiffins Restaurant, thanks to a globetrotting menu of artfully prepared fare fit for a weary traveler. Begin your expedition with Spiced Chickpea Falafel, Charred Octopus or our signature bread service, before planting your flag with the Tamarind-braised Short Rib or Surf and Turf. Seafarers, fortune hunters and vagabonds will no doubt find new discoveries in the shrimp and grits served with Applewood smoked bacon and heirloom tomatoes.

Leaving no stone unturned? Satisfy your sweet tooth with Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme or our signature dessert, South American Chocolate Ganache.

For an additional cost, Guests 21 years of age and up can pack additional provisions with a selection from the renowned wine list—many of which are available by the glass—in addition to a noble assortment of after-dinner liqueurs, dessert wines and specialty drinks.

No matter which direction your compass points, you’re sure to encounter an unimaginable abundance of delectable food at Tiffins Restaurant.

As you can see from Rohde’s tweet, there are a ton of great dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Whether you want a small snack, a quick meal, or a signature or character dining experience, you are sure to find something you’ll love at Animal Kingdom. You can read more about all of Disney Park’s dining spots by clicking here.