Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom!

“Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water.

Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?”

– Walt Disney

Walt Disney always had an appreciation for nature, and the preservation of it. Walt also acquired a love for animals, which he demonstrated through the animated films he produced, including Lady and the Tramp, The Jungle Book, Bambi, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, and more.

On April 22, 1998, there is no question that Walt Disney was smiling from above as he watched Walt Disney World Resort open it’s gates to it’s newest addition and park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This park is now celebrating it’s 17th anniversary today, and is beloved by animal lovers and all alike. The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life, which is a 145-foot tall artificial structure that is adorned with over 330 animal carvings. This tree commemorates all living things in the great “Circle of Life,” and includes a lion, deer, eagle, monkey, pelican, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, bear, tortoise, lemur, scorpion, dolphin, and more, to show the intertwine of Earth’s many amazing creatures.

The largest Disney theme park in the world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is based on the idea of animal conservation by Walt Disney himself. The park represents Walt’s dedication to “conservation, and is committed to animal care, education, and research,” according to the Walt Disney World Resort webpage. In honor of Walt, The Walt Disney Company purchased over 3,500 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades to be set aside for conservation to create a natural preserve. This Disney Wilderness Preserve has since expanded to 11,500 acres, and has become a “national model for sustainable development and state-of-the-art conservation management.”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is divided into six adventurous themed lands, with the seventh being built: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand, and soon to be Pandora: The Land of Avatar. Each land has it’s own unique theme and animal habitats.

Oasis, the park’s main entrance, is the home to several animal habitats, including various birds, ducks, iguanas, and anteaters.

Discovery Island is where the iconic Tree of Life can be found, and is the central hub of the park, with various surrounding animal habitats. Discovery Island is also home to the 4D film “It’s Tough to Be a Bug,” featuring Flik from A Bug’s Life.

Harambe is the fictional African village based in the Africa land, containing the main attraction Kilimanjaro Safari, where you are taken through in a safari vehicle and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s wild animals. These African animals that roam freely on a savannah include African elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, hippos, giraffes, and the kings of the jungle themselves, lions (think Lion King animals.) You can also view the Festival of the Lion King extravaganza here.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is especially made for kid’s of all ages to enjoy, and includes a petting zoo with goats and sheep. This place is all about conservation, with a conservation station that gives a glimpse inside of the animal care facilities.

Asia is where you can find the two thrill rides: Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. Aside from these rides, one can find various wildlife, including various birds, Komodo dragons, and more (you may also see the Yeti in Asia!)

Last but not least, DinoLand U.S.A. is inspired by the animals of the past, which would be dinosaurs. The ride DINOSAUR is present here, and that takes you on a wild adventure  through time to the Late Cretaceous Period. There are also family friendly carnival-like rides here, all within the dino theme. One can also sit and watch Finding Nemo: The Musical here too.

The latest addition to be added into Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a seventh land themed after the successful movie Avatar (I’m not too happy about this, but oh well.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is truly a magical place where one can make a difference with conservation while enjoying the lands of the park. One can donate throughout the park during their visit to The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and be rewarded with a collectable button.

The dedication to the park on April 22, 1998 by Michael D. Eisner, former Disney CEO, went as follows: “Welcome to a kingdom of animals… real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn.”

Fat Tuesday: Top 5 Sweet Snacks at the Walt Disney World Resort

For everyone celebrating the Lenten season, Happy Fat Tuesday! Eat your heart out. Today is a day dedicated to eating all your favorite foods before the ritual fasting of Lent. I always used today as an excuse to eat much more chocolate than I should. In honor of the day, I made a list of, in my opinion, the top 5 sweet snack foods at the Walt Disney World Resort that I WISH I could be eating today. If you are fortunate enough to be at Disney for Fat Tuesday, make sure you grab a bite (or more) of each!

1. Dole Whip– This classic and refreshing snack is just what one needs on a hot day. This pineapple-flavored soft serve dessert is an icon, and quite delicious. Aloha Isle in Adventureland or Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Village Resort are the best places for these!

2. Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar– You can never go wrong with this favorite. My sister is absolutely obsessed with these, and refuses to leave the parks until she gets one. The rich and creamy vanilla ice cream covered by a nice bite of chocolate hits the spot, not to mention it’s shaped as the leader of the pack!

3. Zebra Domes– So basically what this is a spongecake with dark chocolate ganache, mixed with an espresso taste as well as a creamy taste. These are shaped in small domes with a zebra pattern on top, making them easy to pop in and to easily eat more than you may plan to at once. These are found at the Boma Restaurant or the Mara quick service at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Don’t miss this chance to settle your chocolate cravings.

4. Mickey Mouse Cake Pops– Last time I went to Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom, I devoured two of these. I repeat, TWO. My personal favorite is the red velvet. These are shaped like Mickey Mouse (shocker there), with a chewy cake core, and marshmallow ears, covered in chocolate. These are amazing.

5. Candy Apples– These are absolutely delicious, and can be found all around the parks. These apples are dipped in a layer of caramel, covered in chocolate, and often a design of a famous Disney character. I am completely addicted to these, and the adorable designs on them. I promise that they are not poisonous, and way better than the one that Snow White ate!

Favorite Things Friday

FINALLY! We made it to Friday! Every Friday, I plan to end the week on a positive note. I want to do that by making lists every Friday of some of my favorite Disney things!

This week, I made a list of my favorite Walt Disney World resort hotels to stay at!

1. The Boardwalk— This has got to be my all time favorite place to stay at Disney World. This resort is walking distance from Epcot, and has everything you could ever want right there on the boardwalk, set to represent the original in Atlantic City. From restaurants, to stores, to bakeries, this boardwalk has it all. Not to mention a huge carnival-themed pool with slide, the perfect way to cool off after a long and hot day spent playing at the parks. We would stay here all the time when I was little, and my fondest memory here is playing in the kid’s pool area with elephants all around spraying water. I thought all the elephants were Dumbo, and I would have a blast playing there.
2. The Yacht and Beach Club—This resort definitely lives up to its name. With sandy pools, and the smell of salt air filling the lobby, this resort has its charm. This resort is
   

   My sister Ashley and I join Pooh Bear for breakfast at 1900 Park Fare restaurant at the Grand Floridian Hotel

   walking distance to Epcot, and has a beautiful beach view. There is even a sunken pirate ship attached to one of the pools, adding to the ocean side flair. One of my favorite places to go while staying here is the Beaches and Cream Ice Cream shop!

3. Grand Floridian— Arguably the most beautiful Disney World Resort hotel, the Grand Floridian is classical. This sophisticated resort is one monorail stop from Magic Kingdom (my FAVORITE park), and has a stunning lobby, with hints of Cinderella. Even if you opt for a more casual resort, it’s a must to stop and visit this beautiful resort. I love grabbing breakfast, especially my favorite Mickey waffles, at the 1900 Park Fare restaurant character breakfast!
4. Animal Kingdom Lodge—This African Safari themed resort is fun and entertaining for the whole family. African wildlife roams in your own backyard, which you can see from your very own room. I remember staying here when I was little and being amazed every morning when I would wake up and see a giraffe off the balcony!
5. Art of Animation— This is Disney’s newest resort, and although I have never stayed there, the pictures have me swooning. You can pick between the themes of Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. This resort looks fun and inviting and definitely a must stay for any Disney film fan. Next time I head down to Disney, I MUST stay in The Little Mermaid themed room!