Tag: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Avatar set to premiere at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This has hit the Disney Fan Community! Here is the official announcement…

From the Disney Parks Blog…

From the moment AVATAR was released, people were captivated by the mythical world of Pandora. When we announced that we’d be working with James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring this world to life in our parks, we felt certain that this partnership and combination of talent and imagination would produce an experience unlike any other ever created.

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Artist Rendering of AVATAR-Themed Land During the Day, Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

Our combined team has taken huge steps forward in “imagineering” Pandora as a real place for our guests to see, hear and touch. At the first-ever D23 Expo in Japan, we shared an early glimpse of the plans for AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and I wanted to share some of these breathtaking images and a short preview of what’s to come with all of you.

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Artist Rendering of AVATAR-Themed Land at Night, Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

As these concept renderings show in epic scale, in the world of AVATAR guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bioluminescent plants that are alive with light and sound. Guests will also discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee.

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Guests Will Discover What it Feels Like to Soar into the Sky Riding a Banshee When AVATAR Comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

And the new AVATAR-inspired land won’t be the only change coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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Live Performers on Discovery Island Will be Part of New Entertainment Experiences Available to Guests as Part of Expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

As part of the largest expansion in the history of the park, we’ll be adding all-new entertainment experiences, including a new nighttime spectacular where live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery all combine to bring a show to Discovery River that will delight our guests and truly cap off their day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park will introduce more nighttime entertainment as well, including live performers on Discovery Island (pictured above) and a new nighttime version of the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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James Cameron, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs and Imagineer Joe Rohde View a Model of the AVATAR-Themed Land Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

As the world of AVATAR becomes real at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the energy and passion shared by our Imagineers and the Lightstorm team for this monumental task continues to be remarkable. I can’t wait to see the reactions of our guests as they step into a world that until now has only existed on the screen.

Writer’s Note:

There has been much talk about the introduction of Avatar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. My personal thoughts are simple! It seems that Disney has a fairly good track record at developing a story that fits the attractions. It is my hope that this will again be the case when Pandora comes to life. At this point, I am looking forward to see what develops over the next few years. I raise an ice cold glass of water in honor of this announcement!

First Impressions: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

My first visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was on February 4, 2012. And, I have to admit I had no idea what to REALLY expect. As I walked through The Oasis, I was impressed with a few of the animals they had out. Including some sort of lizard, the name of which escapes me, that one of the Cast Members was holding as we walked by him. We found a not so Hidden Mickey in a Honey Dew melon.

Is this really a HIDDEN Mickey?
Is this really a HIDDEN Mickey?

Unfortunately, I am not a big thrill rider, but my wife and daughters definitely enjoyed Exploration Everest several times, but I really like the authentic look of the attraction. I did do Dinosaur, and plan to ride again on our upcoming trip now that I have a better idea of what to expect. Kilimanjaro Safari is cool, but the story was a little annoying. I am hoping the new story is more interesting! Kali River was closed on our last visit, so I’m really looking forward to it! I liked Rafiki’s Planet Watch, but my wife (the nature lover) wasn’t too impressed. I wouldn’t mind seeing them work on an animal while I’m there, though. DinoLand USA sucked my kids in and didn’t let them go! That will be the LAST spot to visit this trip. And, our son really enjoyed wandering around the Tree of Life! I will have to pay closer attention.

We ate at Yak and Yeti and while the food was really good, our service not so much. We have decided to go counter service this trip at Flame Tree Barbecue. At least that’s the plan for now.

What I found most was the Disney in the Details! And, I think that calling Animal Kingdom a half-day park may be a bit understated. I will be spending every possible minute here on this trip. I believe my second impression may be better than my first. Stay tuned!!

Thanks for reading! Please feel free to share it with your friends! And, have Magical and Blessed Day, my friends!