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Walt Disney World Parks: The Basics

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

Animal Kingdom 2017




You may want to check out What's New at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2023!

Animal Kingdom 2016 was Disney Darling's most popular post last year, and it's time to do an update! DAK definitely will have the biggest changes of all the parks in 2017. If you are planning a visit to Walt Disney World this year, make sure to check out Animal Kingdom.

Recently, three new baby otters were born at DAK. The public can now see them  swimming and playing in their exhibit near the Tree of Life. A baby elephant will also now be roaming the Kilimanjaro Safaris. They will not be babies forever, so make sure to see them when you can. 


Kali Rivers Rapids will be temporarily closed January through February 13, 2017. It will be refurbished to make sure the ride is running smoothly and looks good.

In March, The View will broadcast at DAK! The View will be celebrating its 20th anniversary under the Tree Of Life. The show will tape March 6 through March 10, 2017.

DAK at Night activities will resume in 2017. This includes entertainment on Discovery Island, the sunset safari and Awakens. The park will be staying open until 7:30pm - 8:00pm most days. 

The Rivers of Light opening date has been pushed back, but there was recently a Cast Member exclusive showing, so it will open sometime this year. Disney Darling predicts it to open in the summer, around the same time as the opening of Pandora.

The most exciting news for DAK is that Pandora will officially open in 2017! It has been announced to open in late May, in time for the summer season. As someone who has seen construction and models of the land, I can say that it will be incredible. When the land opens, there will be two main attractions, a boat ride with the latest animatronic technology and a simulator thrill ride that the Disney CEO says is nothing like he has ever ridden before. The land will have gift shops, a bar and a restaurant. It will also illuminate at night, unlike any other Disney themed land.  

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