Video Tour of H2O Kids Zone Water Park on Oasis of the Seas

Your kids will LOVE the H2O Kids Zone Water Park on board the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Sea. There are plenty of places to swim, splash and play in this area that’s just for kids!

This area features a giant, colorful octopus sculpture with water-spraying tentacles along with a number of other sprayers and water cannons. There are also separate wading and current pools and a dedicated infant and toddler pool on board.

Take quick look at the H2O Kids Zone here:

Learn More About Royal Caribbean Cruises:
Royal Caribbean® Cruises are YOUR adventure! A story that has yet to be lived, but once experienced, will be told again and again. Royal Caribbean ships offer many exciting on-board activities, from zip lining to Broadway shows to surfing to ice skating to amazing dining and much more. Royal Caribbean has something to offer for your entire family!

With over 20 ships, sailing from all over the world, Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can find the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise for you, your family, and friends. No matter where you want to go, from Alaska to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond, Royal Caribbean and Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can take you there.

Besides the MAGIC you will experience staying at Disney World Resorts, it’s much more than that!

# 5. Vacation Packages: When you stay at a Disney World hotel, you have the opportunity to purchase a Magic Your Way vacation package. You can add your theme park tickets and even a dining plan to have an all-inclusive vacation experience. Plus, with the new Magic Bands, you have access to it all with just your band. You can customize your theme park tickets to include, the park hopper option, water parks, fun, and more option, or both and there are three dining plans available to fit your family’s plans and needs.

# 4. Complimentary Transportation: You can use Walt Disney World Resort transportation to take you from your hotel to any of the theme parks, the water parks, or Disney Springs, at no additional cost. If you have a vehicle, you will receive a complimentary parking pass for all four theme parks. You can choose from bus, boat, monorail, and other methods of transportation at Disney World to get to your desired destination.

# 3. Magical Express: Disney offers complimentary transportation from the Orlando International Airport to your hotel and then back. This can also help your family save because you won’t have to worry about the cost of a rental car or even a shuttle from the airport. Disney’s Magical Express runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

# 2. Extra Magic Hours: One (or more) of the Walt Disney World theme parks either opens an hour early or stays open two hours late exclusively for guests staying at Disney World hotels. You must be staying on-site to take advantage of this extra time in the theme parks.

# 1. Magic Bands and MyMagic+: You can plan and manage your vacation ahead of time with your My Disney Experience account and also, you can order your FREE Magic Bands (that you customized in your favorite color) that will serve as your room key and holds your dining credits, theme park tickets, and room charging privileges. The band will be programed at check in. Best of all, you have access to FastPass+ so you can schedule your FastPass selections before you ever leave home.

Would you like to stay at a Disney World resort during your next vacation? Let me help you plan your next MAGICAL vacation. Request you’re free, no obligation quote today.

Written by JoAnne Traczek: I am a retired Veteran who is enjoying helping people travel all over the world! I enjoy planning all your travel needs, no matter what you need or where you go. I have seen a great part of the world and love to share my knowledge with people who enjoy traveling. Contact me when you want to see the world. I will be happy to help you, one destination at a time. You can reach me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com.

DisneyBounding Disney Love Meets Fashion

Have you heard of Disney Bounding? It’s where you use items found in your own closet or at a local mall to create looks that represent your favorite Disney character with fashion! We love checking out the great looks on DisneyBound.co! Here are just a few great styles by Leslie Kay – for women AND men!

                 

As you can see, you don’t have to forego fashion and modern style to show your love of classic animated Disney characters. These looks are great for the parks or even everyday. If your style is subtle enough, only the keenest eyed Disney fan will notice!

Have you tried Disney Bounding? We would love to see what creative looks you have come up with. Share your favorite Disney Bounding photos with us on our Facebook page or Tweet them to us @WDWFAN for a RT!

A New Disney Princess Is Welcomed To Disney Parks

Disney Parks will welcome its first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.

Elena of Avalor Will First Be Introduced on Disney Channel

Kids and families worldwide will be enchanted by the story of Princess Elena, a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old who is ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of Avalor.  The series follows the story of Elena, who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council and some magical friends by her side. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders, while highlighting the importance of family and family traditions.

The inspiring story of Elena of Avalor will be shared in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide. And, Disney Parks, where universally enchanting stories come to life every day, will be the place where families can see Disney’s newest princess in person.  At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure.  The Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World Resort will welcome Elena in August. Her Disneyland arrival date will be announced in the near future.

Video Tour of Boardwalk Stateroom on Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise on the Oasis of the Seas features an amazing stateroom called the Boardwalk Room. The Boardwalk room on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships overlooks the Boardwalk area with views of the carousel, theater and show, ice cream shop, and more.

Take a video tour of a Boardwalk Room on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line:

Learn More About Royal Caribbean Cruises:
Royal Caribbean® Cruises are YOUR adventure! A story that has yet to be lived, but once experienced, will be told again and again. Royal Caribbean ships offer many exciting on-board activities, from zip lining to Broadway shows to surfing to ice skating to amazing dining and much more. Royal Caribbean has something to offer for your entire family!

With over 20 ships, sailing from all over the world, Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can find the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise for you, your family, and friends. No matter where you want to go, from Alaska to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond, Royal Caribbean and Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can take you there.

Call us at 877-918-8941 or visit https://www.destinationsinflorida.com to book your vacation. Book with the local experts!

Donald Duck made his first appearance in a Disney cartoon in the Silly Symphony, The Wise Little Hen, in 1934, some six years after the debut of Mickey Mouse. But don’t tell Donald he didn’t come first—in his eyes, he’s second to none. Just check out his autograph to see what he thinks about himself. You know he can be a hothead—you may not want to mention Mickey Mouse around him.

Donald clearly likes to dress in character depending on where he is in the parks. We are all familiar with his favorite sailor suit, so maybe you’ll run into classic Donald. But at Epcot, he likes to hang out at the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase (after all, he’s featured in the ride there). You might catch him there in his sombrero as Senor Donald Duck. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he gets decked out (“ducked” out?) in full safari gear.
Do you seek out this Number One guy during your character autograph hunts? He’s always worth the wait.

Are you ready to meet the top Duck yourself? Laura can help! Laura creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation, book with Laura at Laura@DestinationsInFlorida.com

Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary by Unveiling New Initiative to Protect the Planet

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), in honor of its 20^th anniversary, announced a targeted philanthropic strategy to help protect the planet by collaborating with leading nonprofit organizations that will help threatened wildlife and inspire a lifelong love of nature in young people. The new initiative, called Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time, is aimed at reversing the decline of 10 threatened species through scientific research, community engagement, and increasing the time kids spend in nature to inspire them to care for the planet.

As part of Reverse the Decline, Disney is supporting a network of leading conservation nonprofit organizations to develop strategic plans that aim to reverse the decline of 10 animals: elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, tamarin monkeys, great apes, sea turtles, sharks and rays, cranes, rhinos and tigers. These organizations employ experts who work with each species to address the protection of habitats, collect critical population data, and develop conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems around the world. Additionally, this initiative provides opportunities for Disney to apply the expertise and talents of its employees and cast members to help reverse the decline of these animals. Already, scientists, educators and veterinarians on Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team are collaborating with each organization to help protect threatened species and their habitats.

Increase the Time, the second part of the two-pronged commitment, comes on the heels of a 2012 Disney initiative to connect 35 million kids and families with nature experiences by 2015. Disney reached the target a year early based on its efforts to connect kids with nature through support from the Disney Conservation Fund to nonprofit organizations and nature experiences in Disney Parks and Resorts. The new Increase the Time initiative amplifies the philanthropic component of these efforts to fund projects with leading nonprofit organizations that engage young people in discovering the magic of nature and inspiring them to protect the planet.

Since 1995, DCF has provided $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in 115 countries.

What is Reverse the Decline and Increase the Time? 

In the next decade, Disney Conservation Fund’s commitment will be focused in two areas:

• Increase the Time kids spend in nature.
• Reverse the Decline of threatened animals in the wild.
• Disney aims to make measurable conservation impacts by inspiring the next generation to care about the planet.

Why Reverse the Decline?

The Disney Conservation Fund’s focus on the future builds on conservation accomplishments of the past. The Reverse the Decline initiative seeks to:

• Stabilize and increase dwindling numbers of threatened animals around the world by providing grants and applying the expertise of Disney employees and cast members to address threatened species.

• Engage leading conservation organizations to come together to create and implement comprehensive, measurable, strategic plans to reverse the decline of ten threatened animal populations in the wild.

• Build upon the significant work Disney’s team of animal experts has been doing for years: working to reduce human-elephant conflict to benefit people in Kenya; involving kids in coral reef protection; providing expertise on the care of orphaned gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; engaging communities in conservation of cotton-top tamarins in Colombia; and raising awareness about the endangered sea turtles that nest on Florida’s beaches. Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment cast members will work with each of the Reverse the Decline organizations to determine where the company can lend support from expert teams to advance efforts to protect threatened species in places where they live.

The 10 threatened species include:

Big Cats: The Sumatran tiger is critically endangered as a result of poaching, both of tigers and their prey species; high rates of habitat loss as a result of human encroachment, deforestation, and forest fires; illegal wildlife trade; and the killing of tigers involved in human-tiger conflict. A consortium of Sumatra-based organizations aims to increase Sumatran tiger population levels by reducing poaching and illegal trade, encouraging community engagement, and improving the management of protected areas.

Butterflies: In many cultures, butterflies are considered beautiful symbolic creatures; but they are also important pollinators and indicators of environmental health and model organisms for studying the impact of habitat loss and climate change. Butterflies are threatened by loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat. Disney is supporting work to identify the numerous at-risk butterfly species in Florida and California and to develop tailored conservation strategies for the most critical groups, including habitat restoration, captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

Coral Reefs: Living coral reefs are diverse ecosystems built by colonies of tiny animals (corals) that support a vast array of marine organisms and help provide natural protective barriers to coastal erosion. Numerous threats to coral reefs include coral bleaching, reduced growth and dying reefs as a result of climate change and changing ocean chemistry caused through acidification; in addition, widespread disease, coastal development, anchor damage, predation, and invasive species contribute to their decline. Disney is collaborating with experts in the Caribbean to protect the shrinking Bahamian reefs through a comprehensive study, training, and actions such as limiting harmful human contact with existing reefs, promoting natural coral reef ecosystem resilience, setting up coral nurseries, and experimenting with reef rehabilitation techniques.

Elephants: The African elephant is currently listed as a vulnerable species, due in large part to poaching driven by the illegal ivory trade. However, human-elephant conflict also contributes to elephant declines as many elephants are killed in retaliation for damaged crops and homes and even loss of human life. Disney is helping to reverse their decline by supporting work that addresses both poaching and human-elephant conflict, protects elephant habitat, promotes conservation legislation and helps train local conservationists.

Great Apes: Gorillas and chimpanzees are among our closest relatives, yet they are threatened as a result of human activities. Grauer’s gorillas and eastern chimpanzees are two endangered great ape species found in the Eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their populations have dwindled due to hunting for bushmeat, capture for the illegal wildlife pet trade, and habitat loss and fragmentation. Disney’s support will help nonprofit organizations work with communities to reduce hunting, explore strategies to reintroduce rehabilitated apes to the wild, increase protection of great apes by local communities, and fund analysis and implementation of additional conservation strategies.

Migratory Birds: Cranes are iconic birds, especially in China, where the Siberian crane overwinters before traveling to its breeding grounds in northern Russia. The Siberian crane is critically endangered due to the loss of wetland habitat along its migratory route. Disney is supporting work to monitor and protect the relevant stopover sites along the birds’ more-than-three-thousand-mile migration path.

Monkeys: Disney is supporting work to protect two kinds of tamarins (tiny forest dwelling monkeys) – golden lion tamarins in Brazil and cotton-top tamarins in Colombia. Golden lion tamarins are threatened by forest habitat fragmentation due to urban development and Disney is supporting efforts in Brazil to restore the connections among enough forest fragments and golden-lion tamarin populations to save the species from extinction. In Colombia, Disney’s support is helping to protect and expand forest habitat, reduce the illegal wildlife trade, recycle more than three million plastic bags, and create alternative income sources for community members.

Rhinos: The critically endangered Sumatran rhino is the smallest member of the rhinoceros family and is known for its distinct hairiness. While the exact number of remaining Sumatran rhinos is difficult to determine, some estimate the population at less than a hundred. Disney’s support will help nonprofit organizations to address the threats of habitat loss and poaching by improving the range and effectiveness of anti-poaching patrols, increasing population numbers through a conservation breeding program, working with local communities to stop forest encroachment, and working with the Indonesian government to implement a national protection strategy.

Sea Turtles: The five species of endangered and threatened sea turtles in Florida face numerous threats including death in fisheries bycatch, loss of nesting and foraging habitats, and climate change. Disney’s support to Reverse the Decline of Florida’s sea turtles helps nonprofit organizations to combat the many threats to sea turtles by increasing public awareness, monitoring populations, and restoring marine habitat and beach nesting areas.

Sharks and Rays: Many species of sharks and rays around the world are considered endangered, impacted by factors such as overfishing, loss of habitat, and pollution. Sharks and rays cannot easily overcome these threats because they are slow to mature and reproduce relative to other fish. Disney is supporting the recovery of sharks and rays by supporting the scientific management of fisheries, reducing the demand for shark and ray products, and advancing research to secure protected status for threatened species. 

Why Increase the Time?

The Disney Conservation Fund’s Increase the Time initiative supports the following nonprofit organizations to connect kids and families with nature. Children who are exposed to nature are happier and healthier, and it is widely believed that these outdoor experiences lead to kids caring about the planet over their lifetimes:

4-H: As part of the organization’s commitment to teach young people about science, technology, engineering and math, with Disney grants the National 4-H Council is engaging more than 8,700 youth in 14 urban communities across eight states in hands-on experiences through after school clubs and summer camps to inspire youth to protect and preserve the planet.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums: With support from Disney, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is removing barriers and apprehension for families to engage with nature by providing resources to families, educators and accredited zoological institutions to establish or expand nature play opportunities – providing and encouraging family nature play opportunities at zoos, aquariums and within local communities.

Children & Nature Network: The Children & Nature Network is leading a movement to connect children, families and communities to nature with innovative ideas, evidence-based resources, and broad-based support of grassroots leadership. The members of this coalition work together to curate current research and address the challenges it presents.

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): IFAW is hosting a Youth Forum for People and Wildlife in South Africa – bringing together young conservation leaders (ages 18-25) from across the globe to connect with experts, explore solutions and build skills to help them better understand and address wildlife conservation issues. The Forum is occurring just ahead of the CITES COP in South Africa – a convening of global experts to tackle the world’s biggest wildlife challenges and opportunities. IFAW is also creating a digital platform to engage thousands of school-aged children worldwide in the Forum.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots: Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots is the youth-led community action and learning program of the Jane Goodall Institute. The program builds on the legacy and vision of Dr. Jane Goodall to place the power and responsibility for creating community-based solutions to big challenges in the hands of the young people. Disney’s grants to the organization support programs in 13 countries, empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.

National Park Foundation (NPF): Disney is supporting the National Park Foundation’s (NPF) efforts to connect half a million kids with national park experiences by 2017 through NPF’s Find Your Park Campaign and the Open OutDoors for Kids program. The program provides grants to local schools to enable hands-on field trips to nearby parks and historical monuments.

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Disney, including Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN, are supporting NRPA’s Parks Build Community campaign, providing grants for local park projects in 16 U.S. cities to revitalize parks and improve kids’ access to sports, help families live healthier, and connect kids and families with nature.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF): The National Wildlife Federation encourages kids and families to pledge to be Butterfly Heroes and commit to creating backyard garden habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. Disney also supports the Great American Campout which encourages kids and families to immerse themselves in outdoor experiences together.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC): DCF supports school garden programs with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to provide online resources that integrate gardens into curriculum, while extending mini-grants to schools that build gardens as outdoor classrooms. In the past, Disney has also supported Nature Rocks, a TNC online platform for parents to find ways for their kids to get outside no matter what season, or where they live, as well as TNC’s Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF) program which provides summer internships for high school students.

Soarin’ Around the World Takes Flight This Summer at Epcot

New Version of Popular U.S. Attraction Debuts in China with Thrilling Bird’s-Eye Views Of Earth’s Scenic Wonders Imagine a wind-through-hair flight above The Great Wall of China, a lift-your-feet-or-they’ll-touch journey over the Great Pyramids of Egypt or a seat-of-your-pants dash through the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

These are just a few of the more than a dozen breathtaking – and innovative – ways guests will be able to experience the wonders of the world on the groundbreaking Soarin’ Around the World, which premieres June 17 at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, just after the attraction’s world debut at the Shanghai Disney Resort. In addition to the new film, a third theater and re-imagined interactive queue will be added to the attraction at Epcot.

As the next generation of the popular Soarin’ attractions, Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents.

Guests won’t just see these gorgeous landscapes with their eyes. They’ll use all their senses to feel, smell and hear the world through this thrilling experience that could only be created by Disney.

Employing high-definition, laser-projected footage and innovative motion-based ride technology, all developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Soarin’ Around the World lifts 87 guests at a time 40 feet aloft into an 80-foot projection screen dome. The effect is that guests’ entire field of vision is filled with panoramic beauty, giving them the sensation that they are actually flying over the globe’s grand landmarks, natural and manmade.

In Shanghai the attraction goes by a different name, Soaring Over the Horizon, to better fit its location in Adventure Isle at Shanghai Disneyland because of its spirit of exploration and discovery.

Soarin’ Around the World is also enhanced by its majestic musical score, composed by Bruce Broughton, based on the original Soarin’ score by the late film and television composer Jerry Goldsmith, and performed by the London Studio Orchestra.

 

For an evening unlike any other, the Blue Man Group show at Universal Orlando will amaze you. This high-energy, fast-paced show is exceptionally entertaining for all ages.
Blue Man group began about 25 years ago but opened at Universal in 2007. They present shows in several cities, including Las Vegas, New York, and Boston. Over the years, the show has evolved, and new technology has been added. It includes a crazy mix of comedy, music, science, bright lights and drums…lots of drums. Oh yes, it was also a mess.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I attended the show. Yes, I knew the entertainers were painted neon blue, and I heard it was loud, but that was about it. My mind was totally blown away during the hour and 45-minute production. It was like a giant party that kept me captivated and amazed. The show was filled with incredible technology including some rather interesting sound effects. There was fun audience participation with a little dancing and exercise as we batted around the huge, brightly-colored balls. Some might say the show is weird, but I say it was a feast for the senses and utterly amazing.

The Blue Man Group Theatre is located between the main entrance to Universal Studios and the Hard Rock Cafe in Universal CityWalk. Choose from tiered seating, premium seating, and the messy poncho seating area when purchasing your tickets. Seating is also offered for those using wheelchairs. You might also choose the Blue Man Group VIP Experience. It includes the best seats in the house, a theatre tour before the show, goodies and merchandise discounts and a private meet and greet with a Blue Man. Regular tickets discounts are sometimes offered when purchased online in advance.

Check out Blue Man Group and enjoy the crazy antics of these incredibly talented performers during your next visit to Universal Orlando. Blue Man Group – the enemy of monotony, the remedy for boredom, promoter of overjoy and elation. I promise that it will be a show that you will never forget.

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is the proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Introduces the Magic of Nature After Dark

Starting Memorial Day Weekend, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Introduces the Magic of Nature After Dark With First-Ever Extended Park Hours. Nightfall brings more mystery and majesty to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park as guests discover rich new experiences under the stars. Whether riding Kilimanjaro Safaris at sunset, rollicking aboard rafts on Kali River Rapids at twilight, dancing alongside African performers in Harambe, or reveling in a live musical celebration of Disney’s new hit film The Jungle Book, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy the park’s captivating new vibe and tone when it expands its offerings with extended hours and enhanced entertainment, scheduled to begin Memorial Day Weekend.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom is such a majestic and beautiful park,” said George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort, “With new experiences and new ways to experience favorite attractions, nighttime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be a can’t-miss experience for Walt Disney World guests.”

Like the animal world itself, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to evolve since opening on Earth Day in 1998. As the park shifts to nighttime, a magical ambiance emerges, inviting guests to share in its wonder with heightened senses. At nightfall the sounds of rustling foliage, animal calls, and colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind become even more distinct. Softly lit, once-familiar paths now cast in shadows make every twist and turn a new discovery. Most of the park’s popular attractions will remain open for guests to enjoy after dark.

The animal encounters shift at twilight, too, as darkness camouflages the boundaries between wildlife and guests. The kingdom comes alive with intriguing nighttime animal behaviors — never disappointing humanity’s enduring fascination with creatures of our planet.

Highlights of new experiences

The Tree of Life Awakens

The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment. High-tech projections of nature scenes take on a magical quality as they appear to dramatically emanate from within the Tree of Life.

Kilimanjaro Safaris after Dark

Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the glow of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore this attraction well into the night. During the expedition, guests can now encounter the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune in to the unique vocalization of the animals. Plus, there are two new species to discover: African wild dogs and hyenas.

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

For the summer, Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Harambe Wildlife Parti

When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside a variety of entertainers and local street musicians, and enjoy the lively rhythms of African music. Guests can also partake in exotic foods and libations, and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants in the vibrant marketplace.

Discovery Island Carnivale

The spirited community of Discovery Island has come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale. This nightly experience will captivate guests with lively music, jubilant dance, vibrant costumes, stilt walkers and tasty culinary creations — winding from one end of the island to the other.

Tiffins Signature Restaurant

In addition to the diverse new entertainment offerings, guests will enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new signature eatery, Tiffins. Open for both lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

New Adventures with Favorite Attractions

Most attractions remain open at nightfall, and will shine like never before. At sundown, Kali River Rapids will reveal mysterious twists and turns throughout the rainforest with dramatic and drenching fun. Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of the Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. Amidst the colorful midway games at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in DinoLand U.S.A., the thrills turn up aboard the zany Triceratop Spin or Primeval Whirl under the lights.

More Magic to Come with “Rivers of Light”

The nighttime will grow even more magical with the premiere of the majestic nighttime jewel, “Rivers of Light.” This illuminating musical experience – currently in development with a premiere date to be announced soon – will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery.  The Disney creative team collaborated with the award-winning filmmakers at Disneynature to bring never-before-seen footage, telling dramatic and compelling stories from the animal world to the show.

On the natural stage of Discovery River, guests will marvel as a timeless custom comes to life before their eyes in a stirring performance. The ceremony begins with the arrival of a pair of mystical hosts, two complementary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light. They set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels, engaging in a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits. With these storytellers as guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” unfold, building to a magnificent finale with bursts of light as animal images soar to the heavens– signifying the ancient belief that when animals passed from one world to another they danced in the sky and became beautiful rivers of light.