Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Animal Kingdom’
Standing Tall
It’s a rite of passage for many smaller Disney guests – discovering that they are finally tall enough for the attraction of their dreams. For every adult who’s terrified of Disney’s mountains, there are three fearless young children begging to be allowed boarding privileges. They’ve stood and watched sadly as older brothers and sisters happily stepped into ride queues while they were left behind; victims of the dreaded “baby swap.” Or worse still, they might be forced to walk off with one parent to do allegedly “fun things” while the others went in a different direction to enjoy all the really cool stuff. Finally, their day has come; they are able to “hit the mark” and board that highly-anticipated ride!
Many of the most exciting rides have specific height requirements. These guidelines help ensure that all passengers are safe; tall enough to be protected by the headrests, belts and other safety features built into the ride vehicles.
Typically, there will be two checkpoints at an attraction and children must not be able to walk under the bar. Although shoes are allowed, this regulation is very strictly enforced and cast members do not make exceptions for “almost.”
We’ve included a link to Walt Disney World’s most recent official listing of height requirements for specific attractions:
Joining the ranks of the Big Kids – one of the many reasons families return to Disney Destinations year after year!
Face the Fun
Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature. Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.
One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.
Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background. Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts. Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .
Magic by the Month – December
It is a month of contrasts. The beginning of December is a favorite of Disney veterans who take advantage of the great weather and lower crowds during the first couple of weeks. The week between Christmas and New Year is the single busiest one of the year. During this holiday period, it’s not unusual for the Magic Kingdom to reach full capacity and close the gates to new arrivals as early as 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
It is festive and beautiful – perhaps the single most beautiful time of year to visit Walt Disney World – with parks and resorts dressed to impress and the daily schedules a whirlwind of special events, activities, and holiday performances. There are so many different things going on it’s impossible to list them all! As the calendar counts off the days until Christmas, each resort begins to add its own roster of special holiday happenings.
Fast Facts
Special Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues, typically until about December 19th, at which time the Christmas Parade replaces the daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom for the remainder of the season. The Castle Dream Lights sparkle and Wishes becomes Holiday Wishes for a few special days. There are regular performances of the Candlelight Processional and the storytelling of Holidays Around the World in EPCOT. Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights draws the crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Festival of Seasons offers seasonal entertainment and Santa meet-and-greets. In fact, Santa really gets around the Walt Disney World Resort!
The Voices of Liberty don their holiday finery for concerts of seasonal music at the American Adventure and many of the resort lobbies ring with good cheer as various choruses, choirs, bell ringers, soloists, and musical groups serenade guests.
Attendance levels: From the sublime to the ridiculous – expect lower attendance for the first couple of weeks escalating to the highest numbers of the year during Christmas week. Guests visiting for the first time after the middle of the month should understand that crowds will be fierce. The parks are crowded, the parking lots are jammed, the roadways are busy, the buses and monorails are full; it’s difficult to overstate just how massive the crowds are. Expect long waits for attractions and transportation; be prepared to wait at every turn. Be certain to make dining reservations well in advance and plan to visit with a relaxed attitude, knowing that this will be a time to slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes.
Weather: It can be breezy and balmy or crisp and cold. In the past few years, the temperatures have climbed well up into the 80’s and crashed into the 20’s. December of 2010 was the coldest ever recorded for this area.
Packing: If there was ever a time to pack for all possibilities, this is it. As the departure dates nears, we suggest checking the ten-day forecast at weather.com!
Delicious Discounts
Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort can take advantage of an early holiday gift this year in the form of special dining discounts at selected locations during specified hours.
Coupons are valid before noon or between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Click on these links to print your coupon for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or look for them in the Times Guide at Walt Disney World, the Holiday Entertainment Guide at Disneyland, and at the bottom of selected receipts at both locations.
At Walt Disney World, enjoy a 30% discount at these favorite Quick-Service spots from December 19, 2010 to January 1, 2011:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Columbia Harbour House
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Epcot
- Electric Umbrella
- Liberty Inn
- Sunshine Seasons
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Backlot Express
- ABC Commissary
- Studio Catering Company
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Pizzafari
- Restaurantosaurus
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments
If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland between December 19, 2010 and January 3, 2011, take advantage of the same savings at these popular venues:
Disneyland Park
- French Market Restaurant
- Hungry Bear Restaurant
- Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port
- Tomorrowland Terrace
Disney California Adventure Park
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
- Lucky Fortune Cookery
- Pacific Wharf Cafe
- Taste Pilots’ Grill
- Award Wieners
Frightful Photos!
A Disney Halloween isn’t only about pumpkins and parties. It’s about spooky sightings and devilish details. There are endless ways of capturing that “not so scary” spirit! Here are just a few of our favorites.
It’s the time of year when fireworks wear their autumn colors,
Villains come out to play,
and all the cool guys are hanging around.
Some old friends just fit right in;
while others get all dressed up
to celebrate!
We look at the everyday details; architecture,
attractions,
and ambience;
with new eyes.
And discover that some of the most spooktacular subjects of all
are the classic favorites!
The Swimmer
Photo by S. E. Smith
Safari Sideview
This is one way to take in the sights on the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Tiny One
A photographer with an eye for exquisite detail, Doug Saletnik shares his charming little Hidden Mickey, the smallest one in all the “World,” tucked away in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Can you spot it?
Character Reference – Pluto
VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Pluto
AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup
Favorite Sayings: “Bark! Bark!” “Grrrr” “Sniff, sniff, sniff”
Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”
Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time
Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun
Facebook Friends: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah
CHARACTER COORDINATES
Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.
Meet and Greet
- EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
- EPCOT, American Adventure
- Magic Kingdom, Town Square
- Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
- Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
Character Dining
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
- EPCOT, Garden Grill
- Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
- Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
- Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
- Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show
Shows
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!
Parades
- Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
- Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Miscellaneous
- Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub
The Acrobat
Photo by Candis Davis
