As we quickly approach the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a day time park to a all day park with the opening of Rivers of Light on April 22nd we thought we would take a quick tour of the park.
With Rivers of Light being the main thing on everyones mind right now it is hard to not look to next year and Pandora: The World of Avatar opening, especially with the two very large cranes looming over the park.
Heading towards Discovery Island and the Tree of Life the path widening project is clear of the center to provide one of the most beautiful views in all of Walt Disney World.
But with such major projects still coming you don’t have to walk very far to find more construction walls. This wall, blocking the former entrance of Camp Minnie-Mickey now holds the guests at bay from the floating mountains taking shape in the distance.
Africa currently is the only section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom without any work being done in the main public areas.
No visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom would be complete without a Kilimanjaro Safari, of course this sign will be removed soon with the expansion into the night time safaris coming in April also.
With the days getting longer and warmer so the animals become a little more active, or inactive but wanting to be in the sun depending on which you see.
Along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail the gorillas, including the babies, we all out enjoying the day.
The Flights of Wonder show in Asia is also getting a much needed facelift, going from a “caravan stage” with tarps and temporary roofing to a more permanent steal structure.
The main focus, as of now, is on Rivers of Light viewing area. Taking over the banks of the Discovery River in Asia this 5,000 space amphitheater will be home to a very impressive show from all we have been teased with.
It seems no area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is without construction at this time, the Boneyard in Dinoland U.S.A. is currently closed for its yearly refurbishment also.
One of the things that we have overlooked in our recent visits is the new paint job the buildings of Discovery Island have received, going from bright and whimsical in nature to a more muted and bland color palette, most likely due to the need for constant upkeep from the harsh Florida sun.
But no visit to DAK would be complete without taking a look at the beauty of the floating mountains of Pandora: The World of Avatar.