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Did you know there are a few "secrets" to getting the best views at some of the attractions, parades and fireworks at Walt Disney World?  Well, there is and I'm here to help!  To get the most out of your vacation, here are a few inside secrets to getting better views at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park:



  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!: Best seats are in the back of the theater. Allow several guests to enter before you and chose a row towards the back of the theater.
  • Kali River Rapids: No way to tell which seat will and will not get soaked so bring ponchos if you don’t want to get wet! You will get wet on this ride!
  • Festival of the Lion King: Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early. Get into the shortest line and take the first few rows in possible. Don’t worry about which section you sit in (there are 4 different seating sections)...each offers an excellent view.
  • Finding Nemo-The Musical: Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the show and try and sit in the center section at least halfway up.
  • Kilamanjaro Safari: For those taking photos, make sure you are seated on the outside
  • Flights of Wonder: I personally don’t think there is a bad seat in the house but if you can get seated in the middle section, that is always nice.  


Most importantly, DON'T STRESS if you don't get the best view! You will still have a magical time, trust me, it's all in your attitude!

Do you have a best view tips?  Leave us a comment and share your experiences! 

For more information on this or to book your next Disney vacation, contact White Glove Destinations at 877-899-8912 or visit us online now!

Heidi Marlowe is a Disney College of Knowledge Graduate and CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor, but most importantly a wife and mother of two daughters.  She has been experiencing Disney vacations since her childhood and has taken her family on magical Disney vacations since her daughters were little princesses themselves.  Heidi specializes in providing best-in-class service to clients seeking vacations to Disney Destinations, cruises and Hawaii.  Follow her on Twitter at @Disney_Diva and contact her at Heidi@WhiteGloveDestinations.com.


 
 
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As you all may know James Cameron and Disney Parks teamed up in September 2011 to announce a partnership that would bring Avatar to Disney Parks around the world-- seemingly beginning with Animal Kingdom in Disney World

Well the rumor mill picked back up today on the project, known by many fans as "Avatar Land".

Seemingly leaked out where lay outs for the area, which is set to replace Camp Minnie and Mickey, that showed two new attractions.  One attraction seems to fit into the "E-Ticket" category with some type of 3-D flight simulation.  The second appears to be a water-based ride, perhaps similar to Living with the Land inside Epcot.

So what do you think?  Are you excited for Avatar to be coming to Animal Kingdom Park?  If not, what other concept do you think should be develop in place of Avatar Land?

 
 
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Walt Disney World Resort boasts 9 theme park attractions for which guests board boats for a floating adventure. 

Here are the 9 boat rides with a few honorable mentions:
1. Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom
2. Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom
3. Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom
4. Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom
5. It’s a small world at Magic Kingdom
6. Norway’s Maelstrom at Epcot
7. Living With the Land at Epcot
8. Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros and
9. Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom Park

Also notable: a raft ride across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island, and the flying pirate ships of Peter Pan’s Flight.  Which is your floating adventure at Walt Disney World? 

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 or visit us online now to learn more about these and other adventures at Walt Disney World in Florida!

 
 
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Walt Disney World Resort will pixie dust the night skies July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n'roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here’s how you can celebrate America’s birthday – Disney-style:
  • Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.” These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can catch Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 p.m.
  • At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.
In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to “Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert” and meet with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 for more information on this or visit us online to receive your free Disney World vacation quote.


 
 
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At Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, there are many opportunities to come face to face with nature and fascinating animals, that enrich our planet in these exciting attractions:

Affection Section:
Don't be shy! Enjoy this delightful animal encounter with goats, sheep, pigs, chicken, llamas and more. Watch for special guest appearances by some of the park's friendlier animals. This is a great way to help little ones begin to "open their eyes to the world around them."
Location: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Conservation Station®:
At trail's end, the discovery has just begun as you visit the center of Disney efforts to promote wildlife conservation awareness. Inside, there is a whole herd of wild animal experiences, interactive games and fun-filled shows. See animals up close in this rare behind-the-scenes adventure!
Location: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Discovery Island® Trails:
Saunter through these sumptuous garden pathways for glimpses of hilarious animal antics and captivating critters. Have face-to-face encounters with Galapagos tortoises, lemurs, cotton-top tamarin monkeys and other fascinating creatures.
Location: Discovery Island®
This attraction interacts with Pal Mickey

Habitat Habit!:
See endangered cotton-top tamarin primates up close. Trek down this adventure trail and help your animal friends in ways that you never thought possible. It's fun to share your world and your own backyard with animals!
Location: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Maharajah Jungle Trek:
Trek into the lush forests for an unparalleled adventure into the wilds of the mystical Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia. Have up-close encounters with Komodo dragons and tapirs. Make eye contact with stalking tigers. Wander among the ruins of an ancient palace inhabited by beautiful and exotic animals!
Location: Asia
This attraction interacts with Pal Mickey

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail:
Trek into the forest in search of gorillas! Along the way, enjoy a nature walk through a verdant African valley filled with Nile hippos, birds and fish. Enter an exotic bird aviary, an underwater hippo viewing area, a savannah overlook, and have an intimate up-close encounter with a magnificent troop of gorillas.
Location: Africa
This attraction interacts with Pal Mickey

The Oasis Exhibits:
Unwind as you enter this tropical oasis of Eden-like flora and fauna rich with cooling waterfalls and meandering streams. This idyllic setting sets the stage for your day. From here all paths lead to adventure.
Location: Oasis

Enjoy these attractions and more at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 to find our more or book your complete Disney vacation package online now!


 
 
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Beginning this spring, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will undergo some wild changes, aimed at giving guests the opportunity to see more of their favorite animals, specifically zebras, during the 20-minute open-air ride. The audio-animatronics “Little Red” elephant and related set pieces will be removed as the theme park adds a new savannah space, including a watering hole for live animals. Kilimanjaro Safaris will remain operational through the enhancement, scheduled to be completed by fall 2012.

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 to learn more about this and other Disney World attractions or visit us online and book your complete Walt Disney World vacation package now!

 
 
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Mickey Mouse, donning his festive expedition gear, waves to guests during “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Featuring whimsical floats, larger-than-life puppetry, Disney characters and a joyous world-beat soundtrack, the parade takes place daily at the theme park during the holiday season. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 to book your magical Disney vacation today!

 
 
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Mickey has invited a special group of friends to join him on a Holiday adventure! The parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is celebrated daily during the holiday season and is filled with Holiday atmosphere – the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the Holiday Season. Mickey and his friends are no exception. They’ve added Holiday accessories to their safari costumes. Add in some special Holiday music and traditional Seasonal favorites with a world beat twist and you have a combination that celebrates the Holidays as only Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park can.  Check the Animal Kingdom Park times guide for parade details.

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 for more information on this and other holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World. Or book your complete vacation package online!

 
 
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Some great news coming from Disney Dining!  Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park will begin character dining for lunch on December 4, 2011.   Currently, Tusker House offers character dining for breakfast only but beginning December 4th you can enjoy character dining for breakfast or lunch or hey, why not both! 

Breakfast features all-you-care-to-enjoy Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, honey-glazed ham and unique, flavorful dishes with an African influence.

At lunch , African flavors are drummed up in delicious buffets that include a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes, including:
all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted, carved meats, unique salads, hearty stews, decadent desserts and a special kids' buffet, sized for the little ones.

Contact White Glove Destinations at 281-380-3437 for more information on character dining at Walt Disney World or book your vacation package online!

 
 
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Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade is a special holiday parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World!   This parade is full of holiday music and celebration as the floats wind their way around the theme park.  You'll go wild as you see Disney characters all dressed up with added holiday accessories to their safari costumes. And you won't want to miss the larger than life animal puppets that dance and bring you laughter.  Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade is a "must see, must do" parade while visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom Park during the holiday season.

This parade runs daily until Jan 3, 2011.  Parade schedules vary by season so check out the Times Guide for exact parade times. Times Guides are available at the Park entrance, Guest Relations and most merchandise locations.

Contact us for more information on this and holiday holiday entertainment at Walt Disney World!