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Tag Archives: Animal Kingdom

August 24

August 24, 2006 – Disney Donates Two White Rhinos to Africa

“I think the four rhino already living in Ziwa can’t wait to teach the new arrivals a thing or two about living in the wild.” – Lilian Nsubuga, Uganda Wildlife Authority Spokesman

On August 24, 2006, two white rhinos took their first steps on African soil after living in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida. The rhinos were taken to Africa to help boost the dwindling numbers there, as only about 17,500 exist in the wild. They were released in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the Nakasongola district, located outside of Kampala. The rhinos, Nande (7-years-old) and Hasani (5-years-old), were a little wary once removed from the crate, but sanctuary workers were hopeful that they would acclimate to their new home and breed within the next year.

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May 28

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May 28, 2016 – The Nighttime Show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Premieres at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“…we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate The Jungle Book with this new live show. It’s going to be a perfect fit for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” – Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, Michael Jung

On May 28, 2016, the limited-engagement nighttime show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic premiered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The show featured clips from the live-action feature film version of The Jungle Book, projected onto massive curtains of water, accompanied by live music, special effects, and a variety of performers. The music in the show was reimagined, Indian-inspired arrangements of popular songs from the film, including “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.”

May 27

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May 27, 2017 – The Merchandise Shop Windtraders Opens in Walt Disney World

“Discover exotic merchandise and souvenirs celebrating the flora, fauna, and culture of Pandora.”

On May 27, 2017, the specialty merchandise store Windtraders opened in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park, in the Pandora – The World of Avatar land. The store sells Avatar-themed merchandise, including Alpha Centauri Expeditions apparel, science kits, and interactive banshee toys.

April 22

April 22, 1998 – The Tusker House Restaurant Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“At this colorful Harambe marketplace eatery, you’ll find a family-focused buffet brimming with African flavors.”

On April 22, 1998, the buffet-style restaurant Tusker House opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, located in Walt Disney World. Guests can experience character dining with Safari Donald Duck and friends, from breakfast to dinner, while enjoying African-themed dishes such as peri peri whole salmon, basmati rice and curry chicken, and banana bread pudding. Guests 21 and older can go to the nearby Dawa Bar, where they can taste South African wines and African beers.

September 28

September 28, 1982 – Annual Passports are Offered at Walt Disney World

“Enjoy a year of magic as a Walt Disney World Passholder and get discounts on dining, merchandise, recreation and tours.”

On September 28, 1982, the first annual passports are offered in Walt Disney World. Annual passports allow guests unlimited admission to the parks for a year, along with a variety of other perks, including a percentage off merchandising, select dining, and special PhotoPass downloads. They were then introduced to Disneyland in June 1983, followed by Hong Kong Disneyland on September 29, 2006. A special offering known as the Premier Passport was offered on March 11, 2010, which gave guests access to all Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.

June 17

June 17, 2015 – Zuri’s Sweets Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“After an amazing day of tracking animals and trekking forests, reward yourself with some homemade sweets and treasured treats!”

On June 17, 2015, the confectionary Zuri’s Sweets opened at the Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. As with many stores and attractions within Disney Parks, Zuri’s Sweets tells the story of Miss Zuri, the owner, who started her business decades earlier and is considered an inspiration to others in Harambe for her entrepreneurial and imaginative spirit. The shop features about 80 kinds of treats, including several kinds of candy apples, animal-themed sweets, and a gourmet cocoa set.

May 27

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May 27, 2017 – The Satu’li Canteen Opens in Pandora – The World of Avatar

“Indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside this former RDA mess hall, only at Pandora – The World of Avatar.”

On May 27, 2017, the fast casual restaurant Satu’li Canteen opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest expansion area Pandora – The World of Avatar. The restaurant features an internationally-inspired menu full of healthy dishes that include various proteins, grains, and plenty of vegetables. It also features a specialty dessert of Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse with a passion fruit curd.

May 24

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May 24, 2017 – Pandora – The World of Avatar is Dedicated at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Now, anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting this extraordinary world can explore the astonishing landscape and ecosystem, soar on the back of a banshee and actually become part of the Avatar adventure.”

On May 24, 2017, the new area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, known as Pandora – The World of Avatar, was officially dedicated. Based on James Cameron’s hit film Avatar, the area brings the world of Pandora to life, where guests can explore the rainforests by sailing down the Na’vi River, hike among the Valley of Mo’ara, and fly across the sky on the back of a mountain banshee. This area covers 12-acres of the Walt Disney World Park, and took several years, and a collaboration between Disney and Lightstorm Entertainment, to come to life. The dedication ceremony featured James Cameron and Disney CEO Bob Iger as they introduced the park and opened it up to guests.

May 4

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May 4, 2012 – A Male White Rhino is Born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“A rhino birth is a significant event because at one time the species was nearly extinct.”

On May 4, 2012, it was announced that a male white rhino calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This was the fourth white rhino born to 13-year-old Kendi, who was the first rhino born in the park. His birth is also significant as being the third generation of the line that started at the park. Disney is part of specialized conservation efforts to help save the declining rhino population, which has grown to over 20,000 worldwide.

April 22

April 22, 1998 – The Restaurant Pizzafari Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Make your appetite extinct with pizzas, salads, pasta, desserts, and more…”

On April 22, 1998, the quick service restaurant Pizzafari opened on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The restaurant features five themed rooms where guests can enjoy their single-serve pizzas, salads, and a variety of drinks.