Exciting times at the Walt Disney World Resort as some recent construction is finishing up! Here’s a brief summary of what’s new:
In mid-February, Rivers of Light, the new nighttime experience at Animal Kingdom opened to excellent reviews. This 15-minute show celebrates the magic of nature and uses impressive technology and special effects of water, sound and light to create a unique and immersive experience. Rivers of Light operates on select nights, so be sure to check the Times Guide during your Disney World Resort Vacation.
Another recent addition to Animal Kingdom - a new Behind the Scenes tour called “Caring for Giants”. The tour will go backstage to meet with animal specialists about the care of the African elephant heard and will take a special convoy onto the Savannah to see the herd up close and personal at only 80-100 feet away. This tour costs $30 per person (in addition to regular park admission) and lasts approximately 60 minutes. Click here for more details.
New Character Meet and Greet opportunity at Animal Kingdom: Now you can meet Doc McStuffins at Animal Kingdom in front of Rafiki’s Planet Watch! Check the Times Guide for specific hours.
Beginning April 2, 2017, a new character dining experience will open at Disney’s Boardwalk! The “Bon Voyage Breakfast” at the Trattoria al Forno restaurant features Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as well as Ariel and Eric and is now accepting reservations! Note: character meal is ONLY at breakfast.
“Wishes”, the current evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is soon to be replaced. On May 12th, a new nighttime spectacular titled “Happily Ever After” will debut. Billed as the Grandest of Finales to your Disney day, this 18-minute show is slated to contain the latest in fireworks and pyrotechnics as well as state of the art projection mapping technology AND will feature more Disney characters than ever before! Tinkerbell will continue to fly down from Cinderella’s castle, one of my personal favorite parts of “Wishes”, so I’m thrilled they are keeping this!
Last, May 27th brings the official opening of Pandora- the World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom. Two new attractions will be contained within: Na’vi River Journey, a family friendly journey through a bioluminescent rainforest, and Avatar Flight of Passage, a jaw dropping experience exploring the world of Pandora on the back of a Banshee (think Soarin’ and Star Tours). No word yet on fast pass availability for these attractions. A new quick service dining location Satu’li Canteen will also be open for refreshment, and Windtraders, the shopping location in Pandora, will have Na’vi cultural items as well as toys, science kits and more. Time to brush up on your Avatar movie knowledge!
And while there hasn’t been an official date released yet, everyone’s favorite droid BB-8 is slated to have its own character Meet and Greet alongside Chewbacca and Kylo Ren at the Star Wars Launch Bay inside Hollywood Studios later “this spring”! I’ll update when a date is released.
And finally, for those who have asked me, Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios is projected to open in 2019, nothing more specific than that has been released. And Toy Story Land (also Hollywood Studios) doesn’t even have that much of a time frame yet. A bit more waiting on those I’m afraid!
Still, lots new to see and do if it’s been a while since you’ve visited the Mouse! Call UNIGLOBE at 304-232-5171 for your free no-obligation price quote of your next Walt Disney World vacation!