NEWS: More Character Greetings Returning Soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This past June, Disney announced that more characters would return to their original greeting locations “in the coming months.” Thankfully, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests won’t need to wait long to greet with some of their favorite pals in DinoLand USA. Learn more below.
Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy:
If up-close encounters are more your thing, you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop in DinoLand U.S.A. when Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Chip ‘n’ Dale return on September 4 … and yes, the chipmunks will be in their iconic dino outfits! Just across the river at Adventurers Outpost, world travelers Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have once again opened the doors of their exploration headquarters and are ready to pose for a postcard-worthy photo as they prepare for their next expedition.
Throughout the day, Discovery River comes alive with fabulous flotillas featuring some of your favorite Disney characters. Beginning September 4, keep an eye on the water for the brand-new “Adventure Flotilla,” where you may spot Launchpad McQuack and Scrooge McDuck from Disney’s “DuckTales” setting sail, or Russell and Dug from Disney and Pixar’s “UP” exploring the wilderness.
RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Ways to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Disney World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” is an 18-month event bringing new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and other magical experiences. Thankfully, the fun isn’t just at Magic Kingdom. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the park is celebrating and you can join in on the fun! Learn about the six ways to celebrate the 50th-anniversary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom below.
1 – Disney’s KiteTails
New daytime entertainment is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as “Disney KiteTails” comes alive several times daily at the Discovery River Theater. Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie. These colorful creations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. Guests can now check out the kites all along the Discover River throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
2 – Tree of Life – Beacons of Magic
During the 50th anniversary celebration, icons at Walt Disney World theme parks transform at night into magnificent Beacons of Magic, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light emanates from the Tree of Life as fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
3 – Disney Fab 50 Character Statues
New “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” golden sculptures are spread across the four Walt Disney World theme parks in honor of the 50th anniversary. Fifty characters are featured in total and there are four statues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that are all located near the Tree of Life.
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- Bambi and Thumper
- Simba
- Timon and Pumba
- Nemo and Dory
4 – 50th Celebration Food & Drink
The 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort is a time to celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy and vision. Walt knew food could be much more than just something you eat, but rather an entertaining, experiential and essential element of immersive storytelling. New food and drink selections for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” honoring the 50th anniversary, bring Walt’s vision to life in new ways, offering nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places during the 18-month event.
Here are some of the items available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- 50th Anniversary Celebration Cupcake (Flame Tree Barbecue and Creature Comforts) – Lemon cake, lemon chiffon filling, and vanilla frosting with celebration sprinkles, splatter-coated chocolate Mickey, and a gold-dusted 50th-anniversary medallion.
- Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar (Drinkwallah) – The famous Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar receives a special 50th-anniversary touch with a blue raspberry “hat” and a bit of pixie dust.
- Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili and Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog (Restaurantosaurus) – Two of the restaurant’s nostalgic fan favorites, hot dogs and fries, topped with Walt’s favorite chili.
- 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteau (Tiffins) – Paying homage to Walt’s favorite chocolate desserts, this decadent delight features a cinnamon-chocolate gâteau, almond praline, ganache and chocolate cream liqueur sauce.
5 – 50th Decorations, Music, and New Cavalcade
In addition to the Disney Fab 50 statues, you’ll also see 50th banners and glittering decor in the park. Keep your ears open for “The Magic Is Calling,” an inspiring new song written especially for the 50th anniversary. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, catch the song by the Discovery Island Drummers.
6 – 50th Merchandise at Island Mercantile
Finally, new 50th-anniversary merchandise is available all throughout Walt Disney World. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can find a limited selection of 50th merchandise at Island Mercantile.
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