Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Or just want to learn more about the parks and don't know where to start? Disney Darling breaks down the basics for you! Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World Disneyland and Disney World are two different parks, located on opposite sides of the country. As mentioned in this post , it is a common misconception that Disneyland and Disney World are the same thing. Disneyland is the first Disney theme park ever, opening in 1955. It is located in Anaheim, California, near Los Angeles. Disneyland has two different parks: Disneyland Park (with the castle), and Disney's California Adventure (or DCA). Disneyland also has three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping district. Walt Disney World is located in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. It opened in 1971, after Walt's passing. Walt Disney World has 4 different theme parks, 2 water parks, 28 hotels, and the Disney Springs shopping district. There are quite a few more differences, but lo
What to expect for Animal Kingdom in 2016
Mickey wants you to visit DAK!
For more info on planning your 2016 WDW trip, check out these articles:
Disney World is always growing. And no park will experience more growth in the year of 2016 than Animal Kingdom. The company is working hard to make sure this hidden gem gets to sparkle in the limelight. And as someone who used to call DAK their home, I’m very excited about what lies in store for my often overlooked park!
1. Later Hours!
Now you can spend more time in the best park of them all! Most people believe that the park closes a 5 every evening. This is false, and has been for months! One afternoon while working, I encountered a little boy slumping. “Why do we have to leave so early?” he whined to his mother. The mother replies, “Because this park closes at 5”. That’s when stepped in. “Actually, ma’am, the park closes at 6:30 tonight.” The boy perked up immediately, but unfortunately the mother already had other plans. How sad is it that her son had to miss out on an extra 2 hours in his favorite park because his mother was misinformed? Be sure to check park hour schedules before making plans!
2. The Tree of Life Comes to Life!
Why is the park staying open later? To make time for the new
night shows! One of the shows features the park’s breath-taking icon, the Tree
of Life. It will illuminate and light up, similar to how Cinderella’s castle
does for Celebrate The Magic. However, instead of princesses and fairy tales,
the Tree will tell of animal fables that have been passed down generations for
centuries. Instead of pixie dust, there will be fireflies lighting up the night
sky. And the show will play several times during the evening, so you can watch
it again and again. If you have already been to DAK in late 2015, you might
have already seen the new glow-in-the-dark leaves on the Tree shining in the
evening. They are just part of the preparation for future magic!
An artist rendition of the show
The glowing real-life Tree!
3. Rivers of Light!
The second night show is called Rivers of Light. If you have
been to DAK in 2015, you might have noticed green construction walls in Asia,
near Everest. That is the location of DAK’s new amphitheater and the location of
Rivers of Light. The show is expected to debut in late spring. The show will be
similar to Fantasmic, as there will be laser lights, music, dancing, and boats.
Instead of taking you inside Mickey’s make believe dream, this show will remind
us of the most magical magic of all – the magic of nature!
The theater, still under construction
What the show will look like
4. Nighttime Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safari is DAK’s most popular ride. It is one of
the best rides in ALL of WDW, receiving a 92% satisfaction rating. And if the
park will remain open later into the night for shows, the attractions will also
need to remain open! Most WDW travel sites will tell you that the best time to
ride the safari is in the morning because that is when the animals are the most
active. This is not true! A lot of the animals on the safari are naturally
nocturnal. Furthermore, nocturnal hyenas have been added to the safari. Wait,
how will you be able to see the animals in the night? This is the coolest part
– there has been special lighting added round the safari area. When they are
turned on, they will give the illusion of a sunset. So, the sun will never set
on the safari!
5. The Progress of Pandora
While DAK’s newest land is still under construction, taking
note of the progress is has made can still be fun! Towards the end of 2015, one
of the floating mountains was put up. And you, as a guest, can see it! As you
enter the turnstiles, go towards the stroller rental area. If you look to the
west, you will be able to see the floating mountain! There is supposed to be 2
more, so keep an eye out for them. You can also ask cast members about the
progress. As cast members, we hear of new information about the parks before
the general population does. So ask around. I loved explaining the new
additions to DAK, as it gave our guests a reason to come back. And hopefully, I
have done just that with this article!
The floating mountain
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