April 2018 – Griswold's Magical Memories Blog

Marking 20 years of Milestones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 30, 2018) – From creatures wild and whimsical to Broadway-caliber shows, from unparalleled adventures and experiences to award-winning conservation efforts, from exotic lands to cuisine that celebrates a global park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is marking an anniversary of 20 unforgettable years. And the best is yet to come!

(April 30, 2018): Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., marks its 20th anniversary today, on Earth Day, April 22, 2018. A special celebration commemorated the day with Disney characters, entertainers and executives. Over the years, the theme park has grown to include new attractions, animal conservation programs, and day and nighttime experiences such as Pandora – The World of Avatar. Guests who have visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom have also helped the Disney Conservation Fund direct more than $70 million to reverse the decline of wildlife in more than half the countries around the world. Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened at Walt Disney World Resort on April 22, 1998. (David Roark, photographer)

Here’s a look back at a few of the milestone dates in the evolution of Disney’s adventure park at Walt Disney World Resort:

June 20, 1995: Plans for “Wild Animal Kingdom” announced
August 4, 1995: Groundbreaking for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
December 5, 1995: The first tree, an authentic African acacia xanthophloea, is planted
June 12, 1996: Miles the giraffe is the first animal to arrive
October 5, 1996: A baby kudu is the first animal to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
November 4, 1997: Hope, a 14-year-old gorilla, gives birth to a male named Jabari
April 22, 1998 (Earth Day): Grand Opening for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
January 1999: Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly American Zoo and Aquarium Association)
March 1, 1999: Grand Opening of Asia, which includes Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek
July 1999: Tarzan Rocks! debuts
May 2000: Reproduction of Dino-Sue, the rare 65 million-year-old tyrannosaurus rex, on display in DinoLand U.S.A.
October 2000: Rafiki’s Planet Watch premieres
December 2000: Safari Village renamed Discovery Island
June 4, 2001: Colobus Monkey Habitat Opens on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (formerly Pangani Forest Trail)
October 2001: Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade premieres
November 2001: First phase of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama opens with TriceraTop Spin attraction and midway games
April 18, 2002: Primeval Whirl opens at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama
April 22, 2003: Plans announced for Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
May, 2005: Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronics figure capable of walking and moving independently, makes special appearances
April 7, 2006: Expedition Everest opens
April 2006: Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund achieves $10 million milestone since its 1995 creation
January 2007: Grand opening for “Finding Nemo – the Musical”
April 22, 2007: Inaugural “Party for the Planet” event takes place on Earth Day
February 2008: Paws in the Park event. Disney’s Animal Kingdom/Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives raises more than $13,000 for SPCA of Central Florida
April 2008: Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit visits the park on Earth Day
January 2011: Wild Africa Trek opens
June 2013: Wilderness Explorers program debuts to guests
June 1, 2014: Festival of the Lion King debuts in its new home, the brand new Harambe Theatre.
May 2015: Harambe Market opens.
May 2016: Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge open, nighttime experiences debut – Harambe Wildlife Parti, Discovery Island Carnivale, Tree of Life Awakenings and nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris
May 2016: The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic live show debuts
December 2016: Lion-tailed Macaques debut
February 2017: Rivers of Light debuts
May 27, 2017: Pandora – the World of Avatar opens
August 2017: Sumatran tiger cubs, Jeda and Anala, are born,
January 2017: Augustus, a baby hippo, is born
March, 2018: Contributions to Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund total $70 million since 1995
April, 2018: 20^thAnniversary milestone marked with Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration, premiere of UP! A Great Bird Adventure and debut of the Pandora Utility Suit

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FastPass+ for Toy Story Land Now Open to WDW Resort Hotel Guests

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 23, 2018) – (April 23, 2018) – The FastPass+ reservatoin window for Disney resort hotel guests is now open for attractions at thesoon-to-open (June 30) Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Disney Parks Blog reports:

We have thrilling news for those of you counting down the days until Toy Story

Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl from Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story” films will interact with guests in the new Toy Story Land when it opens June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (David Roark, photographer)

Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30 – FastPass+ reservations are now open for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

FastPass+ reservations are available for attractions in the land. Guests who are up to 60 days from their Walt Disney World Resort hotel check-in can choose one FastPass+ reservation for one of the Toy Story Land attractions, plus two other attractions in the park such as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and more, depending on availability.

But FastPass+ reservations are just one of the ways guests can experience Toy Story Land. Beginning July 1, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also operate from 8 a.m-10:30 p.m. for a limited time. In addition, even more Extra Magic Hour opportunities will be available including daily morning Extra Magic Hours, plus evening Extra Magic Hours offered once per week.

Pixar Play Zone Now Open at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 17, 2018) – Kids, ages 4–12, can now star in an adventure-packed evening filled with interactive fun, arcade games and dinner. It’s all part of the new Pixar Play Zone that opened April 13 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a nightly immersive childrenÕs experience that transports kids, ages 4-12, to a world of exciting adventures with their favorite characters from Disney Pixar animated films “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!” The experience features an evening of interactive fun, arcade games and dinner. While the kids play, parents can enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

While the kids play, parents can enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

The new Walt Disney World entertainment experience is a pilot program that takes place nightly from 6-10:30 p.m. It transports young guests to a world full of excitement and adventure with their favorite characters from Disney Pixar animated films “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!”

Pixar Play Zone encompasses several elaborately themed spaces.

Big time fun awaits in The Living Room. There’s Space Ranger Training where kids learn what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to master the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!”

Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time.

Around the corner, toys of all kinds are waiting to play in Bonnie’s Play Room.

Radiator Springs Racetrack is where youngsters can build their own racecars and send them down a soapbox derby racetrack in the Piston Cup Derby Races.

The evening builds to an Incredibles Super Dance Party where kids learn super sweet moves with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible.

Doors open for registration at 5 p.m. nightly. Children must be toilet-trained. Activities and entertainment are subject to change.

The immersive Pixar Play Zone experience costs $65 plus tax per child. Availability is limited and reservations are strongly recommended, by calling 407-824- KIDS (5437).

Tasty Meals with a Side of Sentimentality: Woody’s Lunch Box Puts Modern Spin on Timeless Menu Favorites

When Toy Story Land opens June 30 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up classic on-the-go menu items with a creative twist. A signature item, the lunch box tarts will be a modern interpretation of a breakfast toaster pastry as a hand-held dessert. (Disney)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 16, 2018) – In the new Toy Story Land that opens June 30 at Walt Disney World Resortin Florida, the fun extends to food, and meal time comes with a heavy helping of nostalgia. Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up classic on-the-go menu items with a creative twist.

Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new 11-acre land brings to life all the magic and fun of the hit Disney Pixar animated “Toy Story” franchise. In this land – inspired by Andy’s backyard from the films – guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and set off for thrills and laughs on three signature attractions.

“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World. “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey, cheese-filled one?”

Here’s a sampling of menu items. With apologies to mom, lunch box cuisine was never like this!

S’more French Toast breakfast sandwich. Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.
Grilled three-cheese sandwich. To ensure a soft gooey middle, Disney chefs created a sharp cheddar cream cheese spread, layered in provolone and cheddar and wrapped the sandwich in garlic butter-grilled French bread.
BBQ brisket melt. With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, BBQ sauce and garlic butter-grilled sourdough.
Totchos. Bite-sized potato barrels, corn chips, chili and queso. ‘Nuf said.
Lunch box tarts. A modern interpretation of a breakfast toaster pastry as a hand-held dessert, these feature a uniquely delicate crust. Layer in high-quality ingredients for fillings, add a decorative garnish, and these tasty tarts beat anything mom packed. Choice of Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon

Healthier menu options include:

Smoked turkey, tomato, and lettuce on multigrain bread. The quintessential lunch box sandwich. To give it a kick of flavor, Disney chefs add a creamy Dijonnaise.
Banana Split Yogurt Parfait. Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious way to start the day!
Other healthy options available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.

Also on the menu for lunch is a Monte Cristo. Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown. Kids’ offerings include grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, potato barrels and Mini Babybel® snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition to fountain drinks and refreshing lemonade, beverage offerings include a classic Barq’s root beer float and a Mystic Portal Punch (PowerAde Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine). For the big kids there’s a Grown Up’s Lemonade with cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée.

Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will dish up nostalgia daily beginning June 30 from park open until the toys close up shop – that is, park close. Disney Dining Plan accepted.

Pandora Utility Suit Will “AMP” Up the Excitement at Animal Kingdom Starting April 22

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 9, 2018) – A 4.2-ton, towering mechanical suit is sure to stop guests in their tracks when it debuts at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22. The new Pandora Utility Suit is inspired by the iconic Amplified Mobility Platform (AMP) suits of power armor from the epic film AVATAR.

Perched ten feet high, a human pilot straps into the cockpit of this exo-carrier and controls its powerful, yet agile movements. The giant walking suit was designed with articulated hands and a shoulder span of more than five feet. It also bears claw marks and battle scars from a Thanator – an alpha predator on Pandora.

But the Pandora Utility Suit was actually designed for restoration, while the film’s AMP suits were created for infantry missions of destruction. Its streamlined structure and technical upgrades make it the perfect tool to collect plant samples, study flora and survive Pandora’s wild terrain.

Like all the lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora is rooted in nature. The Pandora Utility Suit showcases that in dramatic fashion. As the suit traverses the land daily, its pilot will interact with guests, share details about the land’s otherworldly landscape, and highlight the importance of preserving nature.

The Pandora Utility Suit continues the collaboration between Disney and Lightstorm Entertainment that first brought Pandora – The World of Avatar to life nearly a year ago. The suit will debut April 22 as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.