While visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom in early June, one of our must-do items was to try the new “Wilderness Explorers” activity.  Our group of explorers, all adults, was excited to earn badges with the help of our Badge Guides and Troop Leader!

When you arrive at Animal Kingdom, you will find the Wilderness Explorers Headquarters.  This is on your way to Discovery Island so it is easy to start right away!  Each explorer is given a Wilderness Explorers Handbook and a “W.E.” sticker to wear.  Then, you are taught the Wilderness Explorer Call.  Once you repeat the call, you have earned your first badge!  Each badge is a sticker affixed to a designated page in your handbook.

As you arrive at each badge location, you will have a requirement for that badge.  Usually you speak with a Badge Guide.  They will show you what badge you are earning, provide you with information, and ask questions to engage you and your group.  We were impressed with the Badge Guides.  They eagerly engaged our all adult group in the same manner as a family with young children.  As explorers we were asked to complete every activity and answer questions to earn our badges.  We loved being part of the troop!

Earning a badge may require you to write, draw, play music, speak to a cast member, or any of a variety of other activities.  The variety of badge requirements keeps the explorer on their toes!  Some badges, like the Asian Culture badge, provide a take away item.  I received a certificate that has my name written in Hindi… that’s a nice souvenir!

With about thirty badges to earn, you can tour the park as you normally do and earn badges along the way.  We followed our regular attraction plan and found most of the badges on our way.  The areas were clearly marked with the Wilderness Explorers badge location icon.  Some areas had several badges clustered near one another.  This made earning badges fun and easy.

Keep in mind that Badge Guides do occasionally step away for a moment.  If a badge location is missing its Badge Guide, you may need to return in a few minutes.

The format of the Wilderness Explorers Handbook is such that while it can be completed in one visit, it is probably meant to be done slowly over at least two visits to really enjoy what each location has to offer.  We earned twenty four badges during our visit and we are all keeping our books in a safe place until our next visit to complete our handbooks.

Having the Wilderness Explorers Handbook certainly plusses your Animal Kingdom experience.  It may take your troop to favorite places and to some you have yet to discover in the park.  As the focus of these activities is conservation, you will find a link on the last page to Disney’s conservation website.

Our troop of explorers all had fun on our Wilderness Explorers adventure!  The only thing we wanted to change was that we wished the shops sold actual badges or pin badges and explorer satchels!

I hope to see all our troop members off exploring the wilderness on their next visit to Animal Kingdom!

“THE WILDERNESS MUST BE EXPLORED!”          “CAW! CAW!”          “ROAR!”

 Liz Driscoll went to Walt Disney World for the first time when she was five years old, though her Disney passion began seven years ago.  She has visited Walt Disney World about twelve times in the past seven years.  In the non-Disney world, she is a teacher who enjoys bringing a little bit of pixie dust in the classroom each day

The post The Wilderness Must Be Explored!: A Review of the NEW Animal Kingdom Interactive Adventure appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Memorial Day is traditionally considered the kick-off of the summer travel and vacation season.  For many, this means spending time enjoying the “great outdoors” by camping, hiking and or visiting national parks.  Even Walt Disney liked to gather his family together for a time of respite at Smoke Tree Ranch in the San Jacinto Mountains east of Los Angeles in Southern California.  There they took pleasure in horseback riding, swimming, lawn bowling, campfires as well as other outdoor activities.  Walt enjoyed being there so much that he purchased a cottage on the ranch property.  By all accounts, he had a great respect and appreciation for the beauty and majesty of nature, especially here in America.  His admiration for God’s creation is evidenced in many ways throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.  There is no question that he was purposeful in his efforts to preserve the environment as well as protect the wildlife both on and around the property.  His legacy lives on as the Disney Company endeavors to emulate and expand upon his example.  As park guests travel throughout the property, they are surrounded by lush, indigenous plant life as well as a variety of animal species.

As is my challenge in each post, I will share several ideas to utilize when trying to sway a Walt Disney World skeptic.  In this case, the objective is to reveal the many ways in which WDW can appeal to lovers of the great outdoors.

Included with Admission 

One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors at Walt Disney World Resort is to simply spend time at the parks and various resorts.  There is no additional cost to leisurely stroll the beautiful walkways that wind throughout the expansive property.  Resorts such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian Resort have winding paths that lead guests over bridges and streams, along sandy beaches or even past a “savannah”.  Similarly, the various theme parks—especially the Animal Kingdom—offer visitors the opportunity to amble alongside tropical gardens and habitats, over pathways lined with beautiful flowers, lush foliage and swaying palm trees.  A quiet walk at dusk through the exotic Oasis Exhibits at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an experience park guests should not miss as subtle light gently illuminates this tropical paradise.

For those guests wanting to experience the great outdoors in more exciting ways, there are some attractions that provide just such an encounter.  One opportunity is Soarin’ located in The Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World.  Imagineers designed this attraction to take passengers on a simulated flight over California landscapes via the use of a large multi-person “hang glider” and a spectacular film projected on a giant IMAX screen.  The majestic scenes include views of Yosemite National Park, Death Valley, Napa Valley and many others.  The overall experience is enhanced by the perfectly timed wind blowing in the faces of the passengers and the fragrances of oranges, pine, and ocean spray.  The combination of simulated flight movement, incredible aerial views, masterfully composed music, and more are sure to cause the breathtakingly realistic sensation of soaring over California.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an expansive opportunity to encounter the great outdoors as well as observe the wildlife living there.   This 500 acre theme park features seven exotic lands, a safari, jungle trek, numerous thrill rides, and much more.  Consequently, thorough elaboration on this park is unrealistic in a simple post.  However, a visitor favorite worth mentioning is Kali River Rapids.  Situated in Asia, this attraction, which conveys a strong message about environmental destruction, was designed for those who enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting while exploring the great outdoors.  Initially, rafters float on the relatively slow-moving river, which is carrying them through the misty rainforest.   Everything changes as the raft encounters the effects of illegal logging that has been taking place. The choppy, rushing water eventually forces the raft into a treacherous descent down the mountain and passengers suddenly find themselves knocked about as they wildly careen through the rapids.  Disembarking dry is highly unlikely; therefore, those wishing to avoid a thorough soaking should be sure to wear a poncho.

Over at the Magic Kingdom in Frontierland, an even keeled raft ride across the Rivers of America takes visitors to Tom Sawyer Island.  Replete with places to explore, children and adults will enjoy the challenge of crossing the barrel bridge, visiting Fort Langhorn, searching Injun’ Joe’s Cave, and much more.

Where to Stay

               Covering more than 750 acres, it is easy to get lost—in a good way—at the Fort Wilderness Campground.  Guests interested in “getting back to nature” can meander along a winding trail amidst massive cypress trees where they will be surrounded by lush vegetation and may even cross paths with a variety of wildlife.  “Roughing it” at this Resort can be done according to preference by selecting one of the following: 1) Tent or Pop-up Campsite; 2) Full Hook-up Campsite; 3) Preferred Campsite; or 4) Premium Campsite.  Each of these offers electrical hook-ups, cable TV, water, a charcoal grill as well as a picnic table.  Note:  The Resort permits a maximum party of ten guests per campsite.  If you prefer a cabin to a campsite, the Wilderness Cabins sleep up to six guests and offer the following amenities: housekeeping, a full bathroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, patio and grill.  Opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors abound at this Resort property.  There are two swimming pools—Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool.  In addition, there are scenic jogging trails, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts along with movies under the stars and the Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long.

For those who enjoy a rustic atmosphere that draws upon the feel of the great outdoors—without actually camping in it, perhaps a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a better option.  This deluxe Resort and Villas replicates a magnificent Northwest American forest lodge from a bygone era.  It is tucked within a heavily wooded area complete with nature trails and two majestic pools—Silver Creek Springs Pool and Hidden Springs Pool (Villas), both of which are spectacular, authentic representations of the great outdoors.

Where to Eat

I would be remiss if I did not wholeheartedly recommend to lovers of the great outdoors that they treat themselves to a meal at Artist Point, a restaurant located in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  With its picturesque views of the awe-inspiring wooded landscape, South Creek Falls Pool and Fire Rock Geyser, the dining room’s atmosphere is inviting and bids patrons to stay awhile.  On its walls hang grand scale paintings inspired by German immigrant and artist, Albert Bierstadt, who traveled west in the mid to late 1800s painting landscapes of the American West that would become some of the most recognizable art pieces in the world.  Not to be eclipsed by the beauty of this fine dining location, the unique, authentic menu offerings include:  Smokey Portobello Soup, Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon, Slow-roasted Buffalo Strip Streak, Smoked Venison Loin and Artist Point Berry Cobbler to mention just a few.  Be assured, this restaurant is well-worth the trip to the Wilderness Lodge.

For those are looking for something less formal, certainly more relaxed, one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors while eating is to do the obvious, do so outside.  Several food kiosks are scattered throughout the four theme parks.  Once you have located the one that suits your preferences, make your selections and find a quiet place to rest and enjoy the scenery as you dine in the open air.  I suggest a visitor favorite, the smoked turkey leg found in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom.  It is the perfect “picnic” food.  I recommend finding a seat along the bridge spanning the Rivers of America there in Frontierland.  Here one can watch as rafts ferry guests to Tom Sawyer Island, listen as the water laps over the giant paddle wheel of the Liberty Belle Riverboat and feel the gentle breeze as it rustles through the canopy of trees overhead.

Something Extra

               At additional cost, there are several activities available at the Fort Wilderness Campground.

• Two and four hour fishing excursions can be taken on Bay Lake.  Two boating options are available:  a 21-foot Tracker pontoon accommodates five guests or a Bass Nitro seats two.  The fee includes an experienced guide, equipment, non-alcoholic beverages and a one-year BASS membership.  There is a strict catch and release policy, which is in keeping with Disney’s intention to preserve the environment and wildlife.  This policy makes for a well-stocked lake with plenty of largemouth bass.  For those who prefer to do their fishing from the beach, equipment is available for rent at the Bike Barn there at the campground.
• Tri-Circle-D Ranch on the campground property offers individuals age 9 years and up the opportunity to horseback ride through the woods on one of several breeds at a cost of $46 per person.  Departing from Pioneer Hall, horse-drawn wagon rides through the campgrounds are available at a cost of $8 for adults and $5 for children 3-9 years of age.  Note:  At no additional fee, interested parties can visit the stables where Cinderella’s ponies and the Main Street, USA horses are boarded.
• For those who wish to hit the target just like Robin Hood or Merida, the campgrounds offer the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience, which is a 90 minute program open to all guests age 9 and up.  Located at the Bike Barn, an instructor teaches participants how to use a compound bow; after which, patrons are free to shoot at the range.  The cost is $25 per person.
• The campground also has winding canals that can be enjoyed by canoe.  At a cost of $8 per half hour or $12 per hour, interested individuals can rent a canoe and paddles at the Bike Barn and cast off on a leisurely trip through the woods.

My challenge in this post was to share several ways to persuade lovers of the great outdoors to take a trip to Walt Disney World Resort where conservationists and Imagineers have created an environmentally conscious, breathtaking travel destination that offers accommodations, adventures, activities, and great eats to satisfy even the most skeptical outdoorsy travelers.

If you have experienced the great outdoors at WDW via any of the aforementioned opportunities or in some other way, please share with us in the comment section below.

Kendall began visiting Walt Disney World in 1991 with her family and has continued to visit the resort with her husband.  As a child, she and her family filled vacations with challenges such as “How many times can we ride Splash Mountain during SpectroMagic and the fireworks?” (Answer: 7)  Now, after marrying a converted Disney skeptic, she and her husband enjoy challenges such as “How many hours can we eat nonstop at the Food & Wine Festival?” (Answer: 4)

The post More to “The World” for the Great Outdoors Lover appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

by Don Myers

It’s a very special time at the Vacation Kingdom of the World, as one of the four parks turned 15 this week! So let’s get the festivities started and dive right in to the latest edition of the WDW Radio Newswire…..

We begin this edition of the Newswire with some birthday wishes for WDW’s fourth (and newest) park: Animal Kingdom. It’s hard to believe, but Animal Kingdom has been in operation for 15 years now! To commemorate this special occasion, Disney gave the park a 15th Anniversary celebration. The big day took place on Monday April 22nd, an important date Worldwide, as it also happens to be Earth Day. Festivities kicked off bright and early at 8:40am with a special Opening Ceremony at the base of the Tree of Life. Speakers for the ceremony included Jackie Ogden (VP of Animals, Science, and Environment for Disney Parks) and Josh D’Amaro (VP of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park). Other special events for the day included Party for the Planet activities in Africa, Asia, and Rifiki’s Planet Watch, and several artists and vendors were also on hand throughout Africa and Discovery Island. Special merchandise also played a part in the celebration, as various anniversary products such as shirts, hats, pins, and Vinlymation were available for purchase. There were also commemorative guide maps and keepsake postcards for Guests as well, and of course the party wouldn’t be complete without a delicious Earth Day cupcake! All in all it was a very special day and a very important milestone for Animal Kingdom, and I for one am extremely happy that Disney decided to honor the park for 15 years of service and memories.

Now it’s time to look ahead to the future of Animal Kingdom. For this newsbit we head into the heart of Africa, where construction walls have recently emerged at the site of the new theatre for Festival of the Lion King. The show will be relocating from its current home in Camp Minnie-Mickey to a new location in Africa later this year. The move comes in anticipation of the upcoming Avatar project at Animal Kingdom. Once it’s completed, Avatar Land will take up the space currently occupied by that of Camp Minnie-Mickey. This inevitable transition makes the Lion King’s upcoming move to Africa both a logical and necessary choice.

For more Animal Kingdom news, let’s venture over to the land of Asia where the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck has just closed up for refurbishment. The closure began on Sunday April 15th, and will last until Thursday May 23rd. This will put the total downtime for the frozen treat spot at just under six weeks.

Now it’s time to park-hop over to Magic Kingdom for some news on an Adventureland attraction. Last week, portions of the Swiss Family Treehouse were covered with large black tarps. As of now the attraction is still open to Guests, despite the presence of this cosmetic inconvenience. This appears to be a simple case of some minor touch-up work for the treehouse, as no upcoming closures are currently scheduled for the attraction.

Our final bit of news today is on the WDW Monorail System. Monorail Black recently hit the Express and Resort Beams sporting a brand new wrap. This new wrap is in promotion of the upcoming film: Iron Man 3. This is the third such wrap to adorn a WDW Monorail. From March 2010-July 2011, Monorail Coral was draped with a Tron wrap, and from March 2012-February 2013 an Avengers wrap covered Monorail Red.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today’s update.  We are having some trouble with our polling software but will get one up and running as soon as possible!

Don Myers covers news and recent events in Walt Disney World.  He has been enamored with the World of Disney since his first trip to WDW in 1986. As they say, the rest is history!  Don also has been a contributing writer for Celebrations magazine since 2009.

The post WDW Radio Newswire: Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

So here is the list of my favorite drinks in WDW!

Lapu Lapu – Taking the number one spot is my favorite drink which can be found at Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort. While it is a little pricy at around $13, this drink is strong, presented in a fabulous way, and tastes amazing! The Lapu Lapu features Meyer’s original dark rum and tropical fruit juices served in a fresh pineapple and topped with Bacardi 151. I fist tried this drink several trips ago after being enthralled by a picture I found of it online. While I usually dislike pineapple and rum, I decided to at least try the drink and was more than pleasantly surprised! Plus, I can’t get enough of the presentation in a fresh pineapple!

Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio – This is actually my favorite wine to drink at any time, not only when visiting WDW. Last year, I was able to purchase a glass from the Italy booth at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. The glass was reasonably priced around $6 and was as always, delicious. If you are a fan of Pinot Grigio, I encourage you to try this one as it is my favorite not only for taste, but also price. (You can find it in New York at Stew Leonard’s Liquor Stores for around $12 a bottle on sale!) I really hope they will be featuring Mezzacorona again at this year’s Food & Wine Festival!

Safari Amber – This beer is offered in essentially every dining location throughout the Animal Kingdom. It’s brewed by Anheuser-Busch specifically for the Animal Kingdom and is reasonably priced around $6. It offers a relatively mild taste, not too hoppy and not too bitter, and is pretty refreshing with a lot of the offerings in the park (especially the food at Flame Tree Barbeque.) The best part- the awesome giraffe tap that each dining location features! Doesn’t it look delicious in the picture on the right!

Blood Orange Margarita – If you love margaritas, then a stop at Cava del Tequila is a necessity during your WDW vacation. Offering tons of delicious options, the Blood Orange Margarita is my favorite, and usually offered at around $12. The drink features EL Mayor Premium Silver tequila, Triple Sec, blood orange juice, and hibiscus syrup and is rimmed with Himalayan salt. This drink is a wonderful balance of flavors and is a favorite of mine because the offering is so unique. I would definitely recommend stopping by Cava del Tequila one day and sampling it!

Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine – This ice wine was another offering at last year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Located at the Canada booth, this ice wine was pricey ($5.25 for a relatively small glass) but it made more than made up for the price in taste. You can see the size of the glass in comparison to Food & Wine offerings in the picture on the left. It was sweet, strong in apple flavor, and overall absolutely delicious. It was also a nice treat as ice wine in general can be very pricey, so this was a great opportunity to be able to sample it without having to commit to an expensive bottle.

Avocado Margarita – For the final drink on my list, we are returning once again to Cava del Tequila! I’m such a fan of margaritas and the drinks there are just so delicious I couldn’t help but include it twice on my list. The Avocado Margarita is definitely the most unique drink on the list and perhaps one of the most unique ones on property and is priced around $13. It features El Mayor Premium Silver tequila, melon liqueur, fresh avocado, agave nectar, and fresh lime juice and is rimmed in hibiscus Himalayan salt. I personally love avocados, and this drink does a wonderful job of balancing the flavor of both margaritas and fresh avocados in a way in which neither are overpowering, but rather perfectly balanced to offer a delicious and unique drink. If you love avocados or are feeling adventurous, I would definitely recommend this drink!

So there you have it, my favorite drinks in all of WDW! As I said, I am frolicking in Disney as we speak (and probably drinking something listed above!), so I would love to hear from you with some recommendations of other drinks to try!

Cheers!

What’s your favorite drink in WDW? What drink should I try next? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney From The Twenty-Something: The Best Drinks in WDW appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

The first time I experienced Dinosaur, I remember immediately thinking of how it reminded me in a way of the extinct (pun intended) Magic Kingdom attraction Alien Encounter. My basis for this theory is rooted in the attractions both being psychological thrillers. From the complete darkness at times to strange noises, sights, and smells, both attractions disorient the senses in order to create not only a physical thrill, but also a psychological one. Despite riding Dinosaur countless times, I always find myself surprised at what comes with each twist and turn and it’s that that keeps me coming back for more.

Dinosaur initially opened with Animal Kingdom in 1998 with the different name “Countdown to Extinction.” The attraction remained untouched until the Disney feature film Dinosaur premiered in 2000. At this point, the name of the attraction was changed to reflect the film, as many of the dinosaurs featured along your journey are also showcased in the film. Despite the change of name, there are still some small details which pay homage to the original title of the attraction. Be sure to keep your eyes open for several references including the letters “CTX” which stand for Countdown to Extinction. My favorite reference features the text “SECTOR CTX-WDI-AK98” which stands for Countdown to Extinction Walt Disney Imagineering Animal Kingdom and the park’s opening year of 1998. See if you can spot this great detail as you make your way through the pre-show and queue.

While you are waiting in the queue, take your time as you pass through the room featuring the full size T-Rex. Does that voice sound familiar? It belongs to none other than Bill Nye the Science Guy making his second appearance on property as he is also featured in Ellen’s Energy Adventure over in Epcot’s Future World. Nye narrates the sequence of how the dinosaurs came to become extinct with a great little demonstration of the meteor impact. As you circle this room and listen to the narration, look at the walls around you and notice the color difference in the soil depicted on the walls. That color difference represents the K-T Boundary which is the marked point in the Earth’s soil of distinguishing dinosaurs and mammals. This is just another great example of how Imagineers take great measures to create tons of details that many guests might not even notice.

When you finally enter into the pre-show room, you are introduced to the head of the Dino Institute, Dr. Marsh, who informs you that you will be traveling to the Cretaceous period. You are also introduced to (groan with me here) Dr. Seeker, Dr. Grant Seeker who seems to have other plans for you up his sleeve. Instead of traveling to the normal period, you will be headed back dangerously close to the impact of the asteroid in order to bring back with you a dinosaur which Seeker has tagged on a previous trip. As you take in the pre-show, you are also introduced to the ride vehicles, or Time Rovers. These vehicles are called Enhanced Motion Vehicles (EMVs) and were developed for the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Disneyland. They allow the vehicle itself to smoothly move along a path in the attraction, while simultaneously moving the section containing guests to create the sensations of bumping, turning, tilting, and pretty much any other movement possible.

As you enter into the loading area and are about to embark on your adventure, look for a set of tri-colored pipes that I mentioned in last week’s post. These pipes are red, yellow, and white and feature the chemical formulas for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. These pipes remain as homage to McDonald’s which sponsored the attraction from 1998 until 2008. They are yet another great little detail to point out to your friends and family. As your vehicle begins moving and enters into the tunnel which transports you back in time, check out the metal structures on the walls. When Imagineers were designing this part of the ride, they drew inspiration from the inside of a toaster! After this room, you are thrust into the world of the dinosaurs with darkness, sounds, sights, and smells that are all foreign to our world today. While at first you encounter dinosaurs that seem pretty tame, you will soon find your adventure taking a more ominous turn as you run into the menacing Carnotarus Robustus Floridana. This charging dinosaur was actually created by Disney and his name roughly translates to “meatbull.”

When you emerge from your adventure (hopefully in one piece!) double back to the small courtyard near the Fast Pass Distribution area and look up at the T-Rex hovering over your head. He is actually over 40 feet long and 20 feet tall and is an exact replica of Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex ever discovered. Sue was found by Susan Hendrickson in South Dakota in 1990 and currently resides at the Chicago Field Museum; however she once made her temporary home in the Animal Kingdom. When the park opened in 1998, the Chicago Field Museum sent some of Sue’s bones to be cleaned by their scientists while on public display. While I visited the Animal Kingdom in 1998, this is one detail I am really bummed that I missed out on!

No matter how many times I encounter the thrilling dinosaurs and adventure on this attraction, Dinosaur will never get old to me as its thrills and surprises will always keep me coming back for more. I would recommend either visiting early in the morning or obtaining Fast Passes when you want to experience the attraction, as its lines can become quite lengthy in the more crowded times of the year!

Do you love Dinosaur? Does it kind of remind you of Alien Encounter as well? Have a favorite dino inside? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney From The Twenty-Something: DINOSAUR! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

by Don Myers

As the bitter chill of winter continues to tighten its icy grip, we find ourselves seeking solace with news from the Sunshine State’s favorite vacation destination. So let’s get right to it, time for the latest edition of the WDW Radio Newswire…..

We begin this edition of the Newswire at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where a recent announcement was made pertaining to a brand new interactive game set to debut at the park this spring. Based off the Disney-Pixar film “Up,” Guests will take up the role of Wilderness Explorer scouts and venture around the park collecting badges. There will be over 30 badges to collect altogether, with each badge earned by completing a fun interactive challenge. The Wilderness Explorers game follows in the footsteps of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, and the now defunct Kim Possible’s World Showcase Adventure, but this will be the first time a game of this sort will be offered at the Animal Kingdom park. There is no official word on an exact start date for the game’s availability, as Disney has simply stated it will begin in “Spring 2013.” With February right on the horizon, you’d expect the testing period to begin within the next few weeks. I’ll be sure to report any news on the game’s testing or official start date right here on the Newswire.

Let’s park-hop over to Magic Kingdom now, where’s there’s a trio of newsbits to report. First up is the recent announcement of yet another interactive game coming to the parks this spring: A Pirates Adventure- Treasures of the Seven Seas. This will be the second game to be offered at Magic Kingdom, joining the ranks of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. However this new game will be exclusive to Adventureland, as opposed to Sorcerers which takes you through several of the lands. As you can tell from the title, the game will be centered around the world of swashbuckling buccaneers. And at the center of it all will be none other than Captain Jack Sparrow! You are of course at the center of it all, too, as this is an interactive game. Your goal will be to complete 5 pirate raids. The locations of these raids will be in various points throughout Adventureland, and hopeful crew members will be able to pinpoint these hidden locations with assistance from a special treasure map. But obtaining these spoils won’t be easy, as you’ll have to fight off Captain Jack’s foes in the process as well. As with the Wilderness Explorers game at Animal Kingdom, no official start date was given other than “Spring 2013.” But as I stated earlier, with February just days away, you’d expect the testing process to get underway very soon.

For our second bit of news out of Magic Kingdom, we follow the hub over to Fantasyland, where the refurbishment to the Mad Tea Party is officially back on. The refurb has been scheduled and scrapped several times now, but it looks like the attraction will finally see some downtime this spring. The teacups are currently scheduled to close for maintenance on Wednesday April 10th, with a re-opening date slated for Wednesday May 22nd.

Our third MK newsbit pertains to the Celebrate the Magic projection show at Cinderella Castle. With the Holiday season now in the rear view and Valentine’s Day right around the corner, a special “Romance Edition” of the show is now in place. The show  started its run back in mid-January, and it is expected to run through Valentine’s Day on Thursday February 14th. After that, the traditional Celebrate the Magic projection show will be back in place until the next “special edition” takes over the reigns.

Time to board the monorail and venture over to Epcot now, as there is some news to report out of Innoventions. One of the areas exhibits, Habit Heroes, has just re-opened with an updated storyline. The exhibit originally debuted on February 1st of last year, but closed down shortly thereafter for a storyline makeover. The exhibit still puts its main emphasis on the importance of exercise and healthy eating, but the message is now delivered in a far more sensitive manner. The two main characters of Will Power and Callie Stenics are no longer a part of the exhibit whatsoever. In their place, Guests will now find a trio of hero agents named Quench, Dynamo, and Fuel. But the villains got perhaps the biggest makeover, as they were all completely removed as well. In fact, the new antagonists are no longer presented in human form at all. For the revamped version, the enemies are simply referred to as dehydration, inactivity, and poor nutrition. The original exhibit had a initial run of just under a month before it closed down for re-imagining, so I think it’s safe to say the revamped Habit Heroes will have a far more successful run inside Innoventions!

Well, that’s gonna do it for today’s update. But before we call it a wrap, let’s take a look at the results of our last poll. The question was:

What is your favorite “sweet” spot in WDW?

Main Street Bakery

BoardWalk Bakery

Boulangerie Patisserie

Starring Rolls Cafe

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

And the winner is……

Main Street Bakery with 44% of the total vote! Second place honors went to Boulangerie Patisserie with 23% of the votes, and BoardWalk Bakery rounded out the Top 3 with 15% of the total vote. Starring Rolls Cafe finished fourth with 12%, and Sleepy Hollow Refreshments brought up the rear with 6%. I’d like to extend an extra special thank you to everyone that took the time to vote on this one, as it was our highest voter turnout for any Newswire poll to date! Okay, now it’s time for this week’s question:

Don Myers covers news and recent events in Walt Disney World.  He has been enamored with the World of Disney since his first trip to WDW in 1986. As they say, the rest is history!  Don also has been a contributing writer for Celebrations magazine since 2009.

The post WDW Radio Newswire: New Interactive Games Coming To Animal Kingdom And Adventureland And Disney Decades POLL appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

When the attraction first opened, Kilimanjaro Safaris was based upon the story of traveling through the reservation with the guidance of a warden to save Little Red and Big Red the elephants from poaching. As you continued through the preserve in “Simba One,” the warden would guide you on your mission to intercept the poachers who were on the hunt for ivory. You would be in time to save Little Red (sorry Big Red), an animatronic baby elephant located in the back of a truck at the end of the ride. There was even a scene depicting the poachers’ camp, and a final scene featuring cast members dressed as the captured poachers and a preserve worker holding them at gunpoint. During Cast Member testing before the official opening of the park, there was a bloodied carcass of what was supposed to be Big Red missing her tusks after being killed by the poachers. Obviously, many were horrified by the scene and due to the reaction this portion of the ride was removed before ever opening to the general public.

Over the years, the poaching storyline slowly has dissipated from the ride, currently only featuring the original warden in a video played in one area of the queue. The ride now focuses simply on taking in the beauty of each environment and the natural habitats and actions of the animals. The environments themselves are spectacular with the most breathtaking occurring early on in the attraction. The African Savannah scene, prominently featuring the giraffes, is one of the most beautiful views you will see in all of Walt Disney World. To be able to take a clear picture of the scene, try and be seated on the right side of the safari vehicle during your “two week excursion.”

While riding through, you may wonder how all of these environments can hold animals that would…well…eat each other in the wild? The answer lies in what you cannot see. Disney created cleverly hidden fencing systems and moats which ensure that the animals each remain in their own areas while allowing them to roam free where it is appropriate and safe. For the best example of theses hidden safety measures, pay attention when near the lion’s rock habitat. If you notice, you cannot actually see the ground run straight to their rocks. This is because there is a large moat/gap out of view preventing the lions from leaving their rocks and causing trouble elsewhere in the attraction. To a keen eye, you will be able to pick up on some of these hidden barriers throughout the ride.

If you are looking to experience a higher volume of animals, be sure to visit Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning, especially on an Extra Morning Magic Hours day. Since it is cooler earlier in the morning, more animals will be out roaming before the sun gets too strong. In addition, the animals are fed first thing in the morning by food hidden cleverly in plain view of the guests. This draws the animals strategically towards the ride vehicles in order to allow guests better glimpses. While passing through the savannah, look in the trees for subtly hidden boxes concealed in the trees nearest to the vehicles. These boxes contain food for the giraffes in an effort to have them spend more time in proximity to the guests. In addition to the early morning, visiting towards the late afternoon and evening will also offer better views of the animals as it is usually when the temperature begins to break and cool off for the day.

Did you know that Kilimanjaro Safaris is so large that the entire Magic Kingdom can fit inside this one attraction? That being said, it makes sense that Disney recently introduced an exclusive excursion inside the attraction. The Wild Africa Trek tour features the opportunity to cross a rickety old bridge suspended mere feet above the hippopotamuses and crocodiles. You then are able to board a safari vehicle which can travel freely throughout the attraction and visit many of the animals while stopping to take pictures and simply take in the environment. When Disney announced this tour, I was beyond excited as one of my dream vacations is to go on an African Safari and, being broke, this is probably about as close as I will ever get! If you read my post two weeks ago on Disney resolutions, you know that I am currently working my way through all of the tours that Disney has to offer, and this is the next one on my list. This tour truly sounds like a spectacular inside look at Kilimanjaro Safaris that I can’t wait to experience.

From wild animals, to breathtaking views, and a bumpy ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a quintessential experience in the Animal Kingdom to be experienced over and over again. Just be sure to always be on the lookout for those Tommys!

What is your favorite animal on Kilimanjaro Safaris? Have you ever had a special up close encounter with any of the animals? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney From the Twenty-Something: Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a lush oasis for exploring the animal world and nature that exists all around us. Full of rich details and with plenty of unique and entertaining attractions, the Animal Kingdom allows guests to feel fully immersed in the world of nature, animals, and adventure. Guests can experience everything from a forbidden mountain, to dinosaurs, to close encounters with tigers. No matter what type of attraction you enjoy the most, there is something for everyone in the Animal Kingdom.

As with past posts, I’ve broken down the attractions in the park into three categories; thrill, classic, and must see. Starting off the thrill category is Expedition Everest, a towering and foreboding mountain in the Asia section of the park. Everest begins with a slow paced journey through a valley on a tea train, however soon guests realize that entering the mountain may not have been the wisest choice. Will you survive coming face to face with the yeti, the mountain’s protector? In addition to being a thrilling ride, Expedition Everest has one of the most intricately themed queues on property and it is a true testament to the level of detail created in the Animal Kingdom. So be sure to have a good look around at the artifacts and items throughout the queue. You might just find that others who have explored the mountain before you haven’t fared so well.

Also located in the Asia section of the park is Kali River Rapids, a family raft style adventure down the Chakranadi River. While on the attraction, you’ll experience the lush landscapes of the rainforest, but soon discover something more sinister- illegal logging. After encountering a fire-ridden destroyed forest, your only option to escape is down a large hill, plummeting into the water below. This attraction is definitely sure to get your blood pumping while also stressing the importance of maintaining the beauty and existence of nature. If you are someone who does not like to get wet, I advise you to opt out of this attraction. You will not only get wet, you will get soaked. While there is a water tight bin in the center of the raft to store personal items, there is nothing to protect you from the plethora of oncoming waters. So I recommend wearing a poncho on the attraction if you do not want to come away completely soaked. Disney also recently announced that they will be offering free lockers outside of the attraction to store valuables in.

Another attraction that made the thrill list is DINOSAUR. Located in Dinoland U.S.A., this attraction is a heart pounding bumpy ride back in time to secure a dinosaur and bring him back to the present with you. You’ll soon realize that the ride sends you back a little too close to the extinction of the dinosaurs, leaving you to embark on a race to escape in time before the asteroid hits. Occurring vastly in the dark, this ride is as psychologically thrilling as it is physically. With sounds and creatures around every bend, you never know what you will run into or if you will make it back in time. One of my favorite details of the ride is the ironic name of the scientist who is leading you on the mission: Dr. Grant Seeker (insert groans here).

The most classic attraction in the park is Kilimanjaro Safaris, an attraction which puts guests in the middle of a vast savannah of wildlife making one feel as though they are truly on an African safari. With the ride being so large (you can fit the entire Magic Kingdom inside this one attraction alone!), you will get to experience animals such as giraffes, lions, and elephants at an up close and personal distance. Located in the Africa section of the park, be sure to visit either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon as these are the cooler times of day and also around feeding times. Visiting then will ensure that you will see more animals than during the middle of the day.

The other attraction in the Animal Kingdom which I consider to be a classic is It’s Tough to be a Bug! located in the Discovery Island section of the park inside the Tree of Life. This immersive 3D experience takes guests into the world of insects and dubs you “honorary bugs.” Narrated by Flik from the movie A Bug’s Life, the attraction introduces certain types of bugs in humorous scenarios. Be sure to look out for Claire de Room, a stink bug who may just send an unpleasant scent your way! Other great details that are worth taking the time to look at are the posters located in the lobby advertising other productions which have been shown in the theater. See if you can figure out what classics they refer to.

The “must see” attractions at the Animal Kingdom are of course the ones that provide an up close glimpse of the beautiful creatures that reside in the park. The first is the Maharajah Jungle Trek located in the Asia area of the park. This trail allows you to explore at your own pace and discover animals such as Asian tigers, numerous species of exotic birds, and bats. Surrounded by a beautifully detailed environment, this trail offers a great way to slow down, cool off a little, and enjoy the animals.

Like the Maharajah Jungle Trek, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail offers the opportunity to explore animal habitats and lush scenery at your own pace. Located in the Africa section of the park, this trail provides the chance to observe hippos, gorillas, and even more exotic birds. Along the way, the trail provides fascinating information regarding the animals, making the experience both informative and entertaining.

The final must see on my list is the Conservation Station which is part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch and can be reached by traveling on the Wildlife Express Train in the Africa section of the park. The Conservation Station allows you to experience a glimpse into the care and interactions that occur with the animals every day. With areas dedicated to veterinary care as well as interactive activities to enjoy, there is much to see and learn at the Conservation Station. Be sure to check out the all of large murals as they are one of the most concentrated areas of Hidden Mickeys in Disney World. See how many you can find!

So that wraps up my list of thrill, classic, and must see attractions in the Animal Kingdom, however there are numerous other experiences to be had. I recommend taking plenty of time to simply explore the park and take in the gorgeous environment, extreme attention to detail, and unique experience it has to offer.

What is your favorite attraction in the Animal Kingdom? Think I left something off my list? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney from a Twenty-Something: Animal Kingdom Attractions appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

by Don Myers

I just got back from a trip to the FuturePort (thanks to youtube), and while there’s no news to report on a Future World return for Brava Centauri, Sea Castle, or Mesa Verde, there is a ton of news to report out of Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot Center. So let’s dive right in to the latest edition of the WDW Radio Newswire…..

There’s some breaking news on the Fantasyland Expansion, as an official announcement has finally been made pertaining to the opening of Phase II. It looks like Christmas Dinner inside the Be Our Guest Restaurant will be a reality for 2012, as Disney has just said that the second phase, which includes the aforementioned Be Our Guest Restaurant, as well as Gaston’s Tavern, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Under the Sea- Journey of The Little Mermaid, will be open for the Holiday Season. This should mean an opening date somewhere between Thanksgiving and the second week of December! In addition, it was also announced that the remainder of Phase I, Storybook Circus, will be up and operational by July. The majority of the land made its debut back in March, and it looks like the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station, as well as Dumbo’s second spinner and interactive queue will be rounding out the first Phase this Summer.

Now it’s time to take the “Avenge-o-rail” over to EPCOT, where a brand-new exhibit was recently unveiled inside Innoventions East. After months of anticipation, the VISION House finally made its debut on Sunday April 22nd. Plans for the new exhibit were detailed back in my December 10th 2011 edition of the Newswire, where I mentioned things you’ll be able to find inside the VISION House. Things like ENERGY STAR certified home appliances by Bosch, as well as the newest water conserving fixtures, faucets, showerheads, and home standby generators by KOHLER. In addition, SYLVANIA showcases LED lighting solutions, and there’s also a Chevy Volt (courtesy of General Motors) at the VISION House, along with an electric charging station for the vehicle (courtesy of SIEMENS). A Cast Member is on hand to guide you through the exhibit, which is sponsored by Green Builder Media.

For more news out of EPCOT, let’s take the breezeway over to Future World East, where a quick-service dining location has been completely erased from the area. Guests visiting the Park on Monday April 16th were treated to quite a surprise, as they soon discovered that Cool Wash Pizza had completely vanished without a trace! Now this removal could very well be temporary, as it did coincide with the first day of construction walls at the neighboring Test Track. So we could be seeing a return of Cool Wash Pizza before all is said and done. Speaking of Test Track, there is a tiny newsbit to report pertaining to the attraction’s re-opening date. Originally scheduled for a September opening, it now looks like the revamped Test Track won’t be welcoming Guests back into the pavilion until December at the earliest.

Time to Park-Hop over to Animal Kingdom now, where last Sunday (April 22nd), WDW’s fourth Park celebrated Earth Day by ringing in their 14th Birthday. Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day back in 1998, and it’s hard to believe that the Park is almost 15 years old already! It will be interesting to see if any events will take place next year to honor Animal Kingdom’s 15th anniversary. A special ceremony was held in 2008 to commemorate the Park’s 10th anny, so one would hope that something will be on tap for 2013.

For more news out of Animal Kingdom, let’s take the Wildlife Express Train out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where it was recently announced that the Affection Section will be experiencing some downtime. The closure is scheduled to begin on Tuesday April 30th, with a re-opening date slated for Sunday June 10th. If this timetable stays on course, this will put the total refurb time at just under six weeks.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today’s update, but I’ll be back again soon with another edition of the WDW Radio Newswire…..

Don Myers covers news and recent events in Walt Disney World.  He has been enamored with the World of Disney since his first trip to WDW in 1986. As they say, the rest is history!  Don also has been a contributing writer for Celebrations magazine since 2009.

The post WDW Radio Newswire: Phase II of Fantasyland Expansion Expected To Be Open By The Holiday Season appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Did You Know?

April 22, 1998 – Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World opens.

-        Two of the three major lands opened this date – Africa and Dinoland U.S.A.; Asia will open in 1999

-        Animal Kingdom Park sits on 500 acres and costs 800 million dollars

Other Notable Disney Dates:

April 23, 1986 – In Walt Disney World, a groundbreaking ceremony takes place for The Grand Floridian Beach Resort which will open in June of 1988.

April 24, 2009 – Imagineering legend, Marty Sklar announces his retirement from Walt Disney Imagineering on July 17, 2009.

April 25, 2008 – Michael Eisner, CEO of Disney from 1984 to 2005, is honored with a  star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

April 26, 2005 – Hong Kong Disneyland introduces a new resort line train that takes guests to the center of China’s first Disney Park

April 27, 1991 – In Walt Disney World, Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D opens in the Disney-MGM Studios

April 28, 1997 – The restaurant in Disney World’s Cinderella Castle is renamed Cinderella’s Royal Table. (It was originally named King Stefan’s Banquet Hall, but King Stefan was Sleeping Beauty’s Father, not Cinderella’s!)

Question of the Week:

A section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park was originally designed to include “Beastly Kingdom” which would include fantasy creatures like dragons, sea monsters and unicorns. Although Beastly Kingdom did not come to pass, remnants of the original plans can be found throughout the park. Can you name any?  Post your comments below!

Candra Spirtoff and Megan Voisard are identical twins, born and raised in Cincinnati,  Ohio. They both graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Candra with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Assisting and Megan with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.  They currently work as a paralegals for a local law firm.  Their passion is anything and everything Disney, and they have visited WDW almost every year since 1988, at the age of four.

The post This Week in Disney History: Week of April 22 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.