Animal Kingdom is a theme park in Walt Disney World that is themed around the natural world and its creatures. As such, there are many animal trails that guests can explore to see a wide variety of animals up close and learn more about them. Here are some of the most popular animal trails at Animal Kingdom:
These animal trails provide guests with a unique opportunity to see animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring each trail and to observe the animals from a safe distance to ensure their well-being.
Maharajah Jungle Trek: This trail takes guests through the ruins of an ancient palace in the forests of Asia, where they can see tigers, bats, birds, and other animals native to the region.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: This trail leads guests through lush African forests where they can see gorillas, hippos, birds, and other African wildlife.
Discovery Island Trails: These trails wind through the center of the park around the Tree of Life and offer guests the chance to see a variety of animals, including flamingos, kangaroos, and lemurs.
Oasis Exhibits: These exhibits are located at the park’s entrance and showcase a variety of animals, including giant anteaters, wallabies, and sloths.
So many animals! Plan to spend some time enjoying these animal treks, this is what Animal Kingdom is all about.
Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a unique theme park located in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. The park is known for its educational and entertaining attractions, and it offers guests the chance to meet and interact with a variety of characters.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Epcot:
Disney Princesses – Epcot is the perfect place to meet your favorite Disney Princesses. You can interact with Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, Snow White, and other princesses in the World Showcase. Don’t forget to bring your autograph book! You’ll find Belle in France, Snow White in Germany, Jasmine in Morocco, Mulan in China and so on…
International Characters – Epcot’s World Showcase is home to characters from around the world. You can meet Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland in the United Kingdom Pavilion. You can also meet cultural representatives from various countries who share their customs, traditions, and stories.
Vanellope – Pose for a pic with the fastest racer this side of the internet inside Imageworks in World Celebrations.
Anna & Elsa – Chill out with royal sisters Elsa & Anna from Frozen at their charming summer cabin, Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavillion.
Joy – Meet Joy from the Disney and Pixar film Inside Out at her workplace—inside the head of Riley, an 11-year-old girl. You will find Joy at Imageworks
Meeting characters at Epcot is a magical experience that guests of all ages can enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your camera and autograph book, and be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime.
f you’re a fan of movies, television shows, and popular culture, you’ll definitely want to visit Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida. This theme park is dedicated to the magic of Hollywood and features attractions, shows, and experiences that allow you to step into some of your favorite films and TV shows. But one of the highlights of Hollywood Studios is the chance to meet and interact with some of the most beloved characters from the world of entertainment. Here are some of the characters you can meet at Hollywood Studios.
Mickey Mouse and Friends: No trip to a Disney theme park is complete without meeting the mouse that started it all. You can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and other classic characters at the park, either at scheduled meet-and-greets or in impromptu encounters around the park.
Star Wars Characters: If you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise, you’ll be thrilled to meet some of the iconic characters from the movies. You can pose for a photo with Chewbacca, meet BB-8, or even come face-to-face with the intimidating Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.
Toy Story Characters: Round up the gang and get those batteries charged! Shake the snakes out of your boots and say howdy to Sheriff Woody. Yodel a hello to Jessie the Cowgirl. Remember to greet Buzz Lightyear with your best Space Ranger salute—he’s always looking for a few good toys. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for the Green Army Drum Corps!
Disney Junior Characters: If you’re traveling with little ones, they’ll love the chance to meet some of their favorite characters from Disney Junior shows. You can meet Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Fancy Nancy, among others at Animation Courtyard.
These are just a few of the characters you can meet at Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney movies, Star Wars, Marvel, or more, there’s sure to be a character that will make your visit to the park unforgettable. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your day to make sure you don’t miss any of these exciting character encounters!
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, you’re in for a treat. Not only is the park home to a variety of exotic animals and breathtaking rides, but you’ll also have the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters in a setting that’s truly unique.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Animal Kingdom:
Mickey & Minnie: Join the globetrotting couple at the Adventurers Outpost as they prepare themselves for their next grand expedition. Peruse exotic mementos they’ve collected on their trips around the world before posing for a postcard-perfect picture with the pair.
Pocahontas – This beloved Disney princess can be found near the Tree of Life, where she’ll be happy to pose for photos and sign autographs.
Donald Duck – This feathered friend is a favorite of many visitors to Animal Kingdom. You can find him near DinoLand U.S.A., where he’ll be happy to take photos and sign autographs.
Kevin: Meet Kevin at the Character Landing by Flame Tree Barbeque
Dug and Russell – Fans of the movie “Up” won’t want to miss the chance to meet these two lovable characters. You can find them near the park’s entrance, and they’re always happy to make new friends.
Meeting these characters is a great way to add some extra magic to your visit to Animal Kingdom. Make sure to bring your camera and autograph book, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories.
Magic Kingdom is a magical place where dreams come to life and fantasies become reality. It is home to some of the most iconic Disney characters that have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. From the classic Mickey Mouse to the newer characters like Merida, there is a character for everyone at Magic Kingdom.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Magic Kingdom:
Mickey Mouse: Pop into Mickey’s rehearsal room at Town Square Theatre for the chance to greet Mickey! Discover props and posters from Mickey’s magical career in the theater and maybe even spot a disappearing dove or a rabbit coming out of a hat. The greatest magic of all happens when Mickey Mouse strikes a pose for a fun photo with you.
Cinderella: Cinderella is one of the most beloved Disney princesses, and she can be found at Magic Kingdom, at Princess Fairytale Hall, where she often greets her fans in front of her castle. She is always dressed in her signature blue gown and glass slippers, ready to enchant visitors with her grace and beauty.
Donald & Goofy: Step right up and say hello to the stars of this slapstick circus: snake charmer extraordinaire The Astounding Donaldo and his daring stuntman pal The Great Goofini! Share hugs, get autographs and snap pictures of your new friends—before the show’s over at Pete’s Silly Sideshow.
Winnie the Pooh & Tigger: Spend some time in a shady place deep in the Hundred-Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger love seeing new friends at the Thotful Spot and old to share hugs and maybe even a smackerel of honey.
Aladdin & Jasmine: Make your way into the exotic marketplace in Adventureland to meet Princess Jasmine and her prince, Aladdin. They’ll share stories of Agrabah under the shade of a colorful awning. You can recount your own tales of adventure in another magical kingdom you may know.
In conclusion, Magic Kingdom is a magical place where visitors can meet some of the most iconic Disney characters. From classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to newer characters like Merida, there is a character for everyone at Magic Kingdom. So, next time you visit this enchanting place, don’t forget to say hello to your favorite Disney character.
Disney World is a magical place where dreams come true for all ages, including toddlers! There are plenty of rides that are perfect for little ones, offering a fun and safe experience that will make their trip to Disney World unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best toddler rides at Disney World.
Peter Pan’s Flight
One of the most popular rides at Disney World, Peter Pan’s Flight, is also a great choice for toddlers. The ride takes you through scenes from the beloved story of Peter Pan, as you soar through the air in a pirate ship. The ride is gentle and smooth, making it perfect for young children who might be afraid of faster, scarier rides.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Another classic ride that is perfect for toddlers is Dumbo the Flying Elephant. This ride allows children to take control of their own flying elephant, as they rise and fall through the air. The ride is gentle and slow, giving young children plenty of time to take in the scenery and enjoy the experience.
It’s a Small World
It’s a Small World is an iconic Disney World ride that has been entertaining families for generations. The ride takes you through a world of singing dolls, each representing a different country and culture. The ride is slow-moving and gentle, making it a great option for toddlers who might be sensitive to faster or scarier rides.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a whimsical ride that takes you through the Hundred Acre Wood, as you join Pooh and his friends on a series of adventures. The ride is colorful and playful, with plenty of fun surprises along the way. It’s a great choice for toddlers who love the Winnie the Pooh stories.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
For toddlers who love all things Disney Princess, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is a must-see ride. This ride takes you through scenes from the classic Disney movie, as you follow Ariel on her underwater adventure. The ride is gentle and slow, with plenty of fun music and colorful visuals.
Disney World has plenty of rides that are perfect for toddlers. From classic favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World to attractions like Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, there are plenty of options to choose from. Your toddler is sure to have a magical and unforgettable experience at Disney World.
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One of the best aspects of a cruise is the food. Disney Cruise Line is a notch above the rest when it comes to food and they know how to make a dining experience special and employee the BEST servers that will help take that dining experience to the next level.
Let’s go through the options for filling your belly on a Disney Cruise.
Main Dining Rooms
There are three main dining rooms on the Disney ships, they vary by ship, but each one has 3 main dining rooms with 2 seatings. Usually, the times are 5:45pm and then 8:15pm. Each ship has Animator’s Palette, although they are a bit different on each ship. The other restaurants vary by ship, but each will have two other themed dining rooms.
Disney operates a Rotational Dining experience onboard all Disney ships. Each night of your cruise, you and your personal wait staff will “rotate” to one of the 3 distinctly themed restaurants onboard the ship, ensuring you enjoy a delicious meal catered to your liking in a unique setting nightly. And since your servers travel with you each night, they get to know you quickly and will take fabulous care of you. This is definitely a #DisneyDifference. Servers know just how to make you feel special and entertain the adults and the kids.
There are 2 dinner seatings each night of your cruise. Although specific times vary based on itinerary, dinner is served at approximately 5:45 PM (Main Seating) and 8:15 PM (Second Seating). Once onboard the ship, check the dining tickets that can be found in your stateroom for assigned seating time, restaurant schedule and table number.
One of the main dining rooms is usually open for breakfast and lunch if you don’t want to buffet or poolside options. This is open seating so you can sit anywhere and come in anytime during the opening hours.
ProTip:Order as many entrees or appetizers as you want. Can’t decide or don’t think one portion will be enough, go ahead and order two.
My son had 3 entrees nightly. The first night he finished his dish and wanted more so from then on, our servers would bring out a second and 3rd dish without us asking once he was close to finishing the first. He would pick something from the menu and then our server would bring him the basic chicken or steak and salmon dishes off the “offered every night” menu.
Buffet and Pool Deck
Cabanas is Disney’s buffet restaurant located on the pool deck. Breakfast and Lunch are buffets and offer an incredible selection. Cabanas is also open for dinner, but the interesting thing is it has table service at dinner, it’s not a buffet.
The pool deck also offers fast food options, there is a pizza window and burgers, chicken fingers, etc…window that are open most of the day and late into the night.
Palo is one of Disney’s specialty restaurants available on each ship and is adult-exclusive. Palo is Northern Italian themed and is available at an upcharge, currently $40 per person for brunch or dinner. This does need to be booked in advance and is popular and can be difficult to get into. See more about Palo here.
Remy is another adult-exclusive French gourmet dining experience aboard the Disney Dream and Fantasy. Brunch and Dinner are available to be booked in advance, again, it is popular and reservations can be hard to come by. Why yes, that is gold leaf on the chocolate dessert!
Eye Scream Treats is the ice cream shop available on all the ships on the pool deck. Self-serve soft serve is available here.
Room Service
Another #DisneyDifference is room service is available at no additional charge on all Disney Cruise Line ships. While room service is free, be sure to tip your servers.
ProTip: Mickey Bars are available at no charge from the main dining rooms and room service. All the Mickey Bars you can eat!
You certainly won’t go hungry on a Disney Cruise. Let’s get you on one soon!
Since we cannot be at Disney World right now, let’s take a look at some of the things that make it so special.
Another one of my favorites! This attraction opened its doors on July 22, 1994.
The story
The plot of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror follows the tragic night of Oct. 31, 1939, when lightning struck the building. Five people were aboard an elevator as the building was struck, causing the elevator to free-fall. The hotel was closed after these tragic events and now guests are permitted to visit the obviously haunted hotel.
The History
The Tower of Terror is basically a drop ride with an incredible themed story around it. As for the drops, it drops 130, or 13 stories down. The first smaller drop in darkness is about 8 stories, then back to the top for the 13 story plunge doubled. The speed of the drop is about 39 MPH, and the drop itself only lasts for around 2 ½ seconds, although it seems longer!
Early on Mel Brooks was involved and it started out as “Castle Young Frankenstein” which would have featured a Bavarian village with winding streets to the castle with a drawbridge. The idea later changed to “Mel Brooks’ Hollywood Horror Hotel”. Mel Brooks eventually left the project and Disney Imagineers had some ideas of their own and brought in the idea to have a moving elevator off its track and moving down hallways. Imagineers decided on Spanish-Renaissance/Riverside Mission Inn architecture because it would fit in on Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards. Disney also felt the attraction needed a movie reference and settled on the Twilight Zone theme making it an eerie and thrilling attraction.
The attraction uses an Autonomous Guided Vehicle. A self controlling, self contained ride vehicle, that can move without track. Although the 5th Dimension floor has guideways for traction, the vehicle itself runs on its own wheels along the floor. The AGV guides itself into the ride shaft to ascend to the boiler room (load) level, it slots into a larger elevator the VVC, or Vertical Vehicle Conveyance. This is a normal elevator car complete with cables and wheels. It is this that lifts the AGV up through the corridor scene, and to the 5th Dimension level. As the AGV transfers horizontally, the VVC returns to the basement level to receive the next AGV. The AGV then will get into another VVC for the drop portion of the attraction.
An informative video on how the Tower of Terror works.
Fun Facts
Our Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
The ride vehicle is an elevator car.
The storyline of the attraction sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.
The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn.
The building has 27,000 roof tiles.
The grounds of the Hollywood Tower Hotel were inspired by the look of California’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auction houses.
The Library room features a hidden nod to Mickey Mouse in this sheet music, which is for the song “What! No Mickey Mouse?”
The clip of film in which Rod Serling introduces the attraction was taken from a “Twilight Zone” episode called “It’s a Good Life.”
The young girl who disappears in the elevator carries a Mickey Mouse doll.
The attraction’s “Fifth Dimension” scene was inspired in part by the “Little Girl Lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
The drop is 13-stories.
The drop sequence for each elevator car is selected at random by the attraction’s computer system.
Measuring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
Since we cannot be at Disney World right now, let’s take a look at some of the things that make it so special.
Expedition Everest is one of my favorite atractions in all of Disney World!
The adventure begins in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, join the Expedition Everest team and embark on a trek through Anandapur. The trail leads visitors to the village of Serka Zong, which means “fortress of the chasm.” The Royal Anandapur Tea Company shipped its tea by train from Serka Zong through the Forbidden Mountain pass. The railroad was closed after several mysterious accidents, rumored to be from the hand of a Yeti. Today, the village of Serka Zong is thriving again thanks to the efforts of local entrepreneurs. The Himalayan Escapes, Tours and Expeditions company has partially refurbished the railway and now offers transportation for adventurers to the base camp at Mt. Everest.
Imagineers traveled to Nepal and surrounding areas to research local culture, architecture, food, and the legend of the Yeti. This massive feat was accomplished by building the ride track and the mountain completely independent of the other. The track and mountain never touch and were both built with superstructures that do not dependent on each other. When the attraction opened, the Yeti was the biggest, most advanced audio-animatronics figure to ever be created. He stands a whopping 25 ft tall and has the potential to move his entire body an astounding 5 ft horizontally in a few seconds flat. The figure was constructed to sit atop a 46 ft tall independent concrete base meant to hold its weight while allowing the beast to swoop down on passing train vehicles, terrifying riders and confirming the legends’ truth. Of couse, he hasn’t worked as he was meant to since that firt year, 2006. No explanation has ever been given as to why and stobe lights and fans to make his fur move have been put in place as a Plan B.
The queue for the ride is pretty incredible itself, try to take in as much detail as you can. The statutes featured outside, the flags hanging, the clothing in the cases, even the currency in the photos is all spot on with the Indian culture that exists at the base of the real Everest.
Building a Thrill Ride
Intestesting documentary on the building of Expedition Everest.
Fun Facts
The Forbidden Mountain’s rocky peaks and distinctive face are based upon the actual northwest face of Mount Everest.
More than 2,000 handcrafted items of wood, stone, and metal supplied by artisans in Asia are featured in the attraction.
At 199 feet, Expedition Everest is the tallest mountain at any Disney park.
The steam rising from the train after it pulls into the loading area actually comes from steam vents underneath the train station! These create the effect of an actual steam powered engine but the steam isn’t water-based to prevent rusting.
Expedition Everest reaches a top speed of 50 mph!
Notice the many hairbands thrown on the mountain when you stop at the broken track! It’s a weird tradition to throw hairbands here.
Climb aboard, let’s go to the base of Mt. Everest!
Since we cannot be at Disney World right now, let’s take a look at some of the things that make it so special.
The attraction is inspired by Walt Disney’s 1953 animated classic, Peter Pan, which in turn was based on J.M. Barrie’s play and book of the same name about a 12-year old boy who refuses to grow up.
Board your pirate galleon and follow Peter Pan as he beckons you to join him on the flight of a lifetime. Wave goodbye to Nana and join the Darling children on a gentle cruise over London, where Big Ben and Tower Bridge light up the night sky.
Descend into Never Land between glowing volcanoes and sparkling waterfalls. As you swoop into Pirate’s Cove, there’s danger ahead!
Can Peter Pan defeat the dastardly Captain Hook and return his young companions safely to London? Or will someone meet an untimely end… in the jaws of a ticking crocodile?
Set Sail Across the Sky
Peter Pan’s Flight was one of the original rides at Disneyland to open with the park in 1955. Magic Kingdom’s version opened two days after the park’s grand opening.
Imagineers Bill Justice and Bill Martin worked on the Magic Kingdom attraction. Peter Pan’s Flight opened with features that the Disneyland version didn’t have yet. This included the newest Audio-Animatronics and even had the Indians, Lost Boys and Pirates, oh my! It was similar to Disneyland’s ride, but with some upgraded effects.
Peter Pan’s Flight Fun Facts
You are only 17 feet off the ground while flying through Peter Pan’s Flight. The tiny-sized models below give you the effect of flying high in the sky!
Magic Kingdom’s version of Peter Pan’s Flight now has an interactive queue and travels inside Wendy, John and Michael’s bedrooms.
Look for a hidden word in the nursery scene’s blocks. You might see “Disney” spelled out.
Disneyland’s pirate ships stop at the platform to load, but Magic Kingdom’s ships are on an Omnimover system so they move continuously.
They use tiny styrofoam balls and blow air on them to make the volcano in Never Land seem like its bubbling.
The lights that you see in the city below are simply fluorescent dots on the floor, with black lights shining on them.
Board your pirate galleon and follow Peter Pan as he beckons you to join him on the flight of a lifetime. Wave goodbye to Nana and join the Darling children on a gentle cruise over London, where Big Ben and Tower Bridge light up the night sky.
Magical Travels with Barb 