Review: Learn About the Giants of Animal Kingdom with the Caring for Giants Tour

Two weeks ago thanks to my amazing girlfriend, my mother and I got to experience the Caring for Giants Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom while on our quick trip. I was just going to add this into my trip report, but I knew just a few short sentences wouldn't do this tour justice to explain how awesome it truly was and the amazing learning experience it was in just one hour.

If you listen the podcast I am on, the MouseLife, you already know this review is going to be gushing with my love for not only just elephants but baby elephants. Being able to see Baby Stella interact with her new world being just born just over 6 months ago was truly jaw-dropping getting that close to all the elephants.

Before the tour gets started you check in for the tour just outside of Kilimanjaro Safaris about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. There was about 12 of us on the tour that morning at 11. As the tour begins the tour guide lets guests know that no photography can be taken while backstage until you get to the area where the elephants are. Guests are taken backstage and are lead to a parking area where a bus is waiting to take you to the Elephant watch area.

The ride to the Elephant overlook is about 5 minute ride where you will pass multiple animal barns on the way. Once you get off the bus you walk up to the overlook and here is where you will have free reign on pictures and video of the amazing African Elephants. This is also where the main learning experience begins.

Animal Kingdom currently has 10 elephants or 3.7 as the animal care specialists will tell you. 3.7 meaning 3 males and 7 female elephants including their newest addition to the family in Baby Stella. You also learn about day-to-day care of the elephants along with some amazing facts you would never dream about learning about elephants. Probably the most fascinating part of the whole experience was when Phil our African culture representative who taught us Disney's conservation efforts to save the elephants and also how we can help save the elephants. 

The experience was absolutely amazing overall I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals and anyone going to Animal Kingdom and wants to experience one of these tours. It only takes 60 minutes and every one of those minutes is worth the $30 per person you pay to take the tour. It's $30 and every single cent of that money goes to the Disney Conservation fund. I would like to thank our guides Ashley, Amber, and Phil they were absolutely amazing. I just want to close out with some more photos from the tour. Seriously, if you have the chance take the Caring for Giants tour, you won't be disappointed.

The Caring for Giants Tour happens daily at the Magic Kingdom with tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. I took the 11 a.m. tour on June 9. 

Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Announced; Ron Howard Named Director for Han Solo Film

Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Officially Announced:

Kenny G will bring his act to Food & Wine for first time.

Summer has just begun, but soon the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will begin. It's official start is August 31 through November 13 for a record 75 days. Today, we learned what the Eat to the Beat Concert series lineup will look like including 11 new acts. Here is this year's lineup:

• 8/31 – 9/1 – Delta Rae (“Bottom of the River”)
• 9/2 – 9/3 – The Hooters (“And We Danced”) NEW
• 9/4 – 9/5 – Baha Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out”) NEW
• 9/6 – 9/7 – Fuel (“Shimmer”)
• 9/8 -9/10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
• 9/11 – 9/12 – Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”) NEW
• 9/13 – 9/15 – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”)
• 9/16 – 9/17 – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
• 9/18 – 9/20- Air Supply (“All Out Of Love”)
• 9/21 – 9/22 – David Cook (“Light On”)
• 9/23 – 9/24 – Everclear (“Santa Monica”)
• 9/25 – 9/27 – Sugar Ray (“Every Morning)
• 9/28 – 9/29 – 38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
• 9/30 – 10/1 – Mark Wills (“19 Somethin’”) NEW
• 10/2 – 10/3 – American Authors (“Best Day of My Life”) NEW
• 10/4 – 10/5 – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
• 10/6 – 10/8 – Devon Allman (“Ragged & Dirty”) NEW
• 10/9 – 10/11 – Dennis DeYoung: The music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
• 10/12 – 10/13 – Taylor Dayne (“Tell It To My Heart”)
• 10/14 – 10/15 – Jeffrey Osborne (“On The Wings of Love”)
• 10/16 – 10/17 – Postmodern Jukebox (Various Hits) NEW
• 10/18 – 10/20 – 10,000 Maniacs (“Because the Night”) NEW
• 10/21 – 10/22 – Toad The Wet Sprocket (“Walk on the Ocean”)
• 10/23 – 10/24 – Kenny G (“Songbird”) NEW
• 10/25 – 10/26 – Billy Ocean (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”)
• 10/27 – 10/29 – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
• 10/30 – 11/1 – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
• 11/2 – 11/3 – Blue October (“Into The Ocean”) NEW
• 11/4 – 11/5 – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)
• 11/6 – 11/8 – Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”)
• 11/9 – 11/11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
• 11/12 – 11/13 – Squeeze (“Tempted”) NEW

There will be 3 shows each night at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m., admission to Epcot is included. (Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ron Howard Named New Director of Untitled Han Solo Film:

Everyone was shocked Tuesday night when news broke out that directors for the Untitled Han Solo film,  Phil Lord and Chris Miller had been fired for getting into a disagreement with Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy. Today, Lucasfilm has already named the new director to lead the way for the film that is due out May 2018 in Ron Howard. Here is the new release from Lucasfilm:

FILMS // JUNE 22, 2017

RON HOWARD TO ASSUME DIRECTORIAL DUTIES ON THE UNTITLED HAN SOLO FILM

Lucasfilm is pleased to announce that Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard has been named director of the untitled Han Solo film.

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.”

Howard has made some of the biggest hits and most critically-acclaimed movies of the modern era. Among his many films are Lucasfilm’s Willow, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind (winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director), The Da Vinci Code, Frost/Nixon, and Rush. He also narrated and produced the beloved comedy series Arrested Development, starred in George Lucas’ American Graffiti, and remains a TV icon for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days.

The untitled Han Solo film is slated for a May 25, 2018, release.

Source: StarWars.com

Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule; Dining Reservations for Holiday Parties Now Available

Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule:

The 4th of July holiday is fast approaching and Walt Disney World will have several events on both Monday, July 3 and Tuesday July 4. Here is a rundown of nighttime spectaculars occurring at each park:

Magic Kingdom:

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky -

Magic Kingdom commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9 p.m.

Epcot:

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth -

This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular -

Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Rivers of Light -

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Other activities happening over the holiday:

• The talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50 p.m.
• Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
• The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30 p.m. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

Source: WDW News Today

Dining Reservations Now Available for Holiday Parties:

Reservations are now open for table-service dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table and The Crystal Palace for times during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place select nights August 25 through November 1. Also, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens select nights November 9 through December 22.

Reservations for the frightfully fun HalloWishes Dessert Party and festive Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party are also now available. The cost for either of these dessert parties is $79 plus tax per adults and $47 plus tax per child.

Reservations for either dining or dessert parties can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. To make dining or dessert party reservations that take place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you must have a valid event ticket for that night.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

2018 Walt Disney World Packages Out Plus Changes Confirmed to Disney Dining Plan

It's here, it's here, the day has finally arrived. 2018 Walt Disney World Magic Your Way packages are officially out and as previously reported the changes to the Disney Dining Plan have been confirmed. Specialty alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages have been added to the 2018 Disney Dining Plans. Prices have slightly increased from 2017 but overall not to bad with alcoholic beverages being added to the adult portion of the dining plan. Here is what guests can expect:

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the following beverage options with their Dining Plan meal:

• Artisanal milkshakes
• Fresh Smoothies
• Premium hot chocolate
• Soda, coffee, or tea

Guests 21 and over will be able to chose the following to enjoy with their Dining Plan Meal:

• Beer or cider
• Wine or Sangria
• Mixed drinks and specialty cocktails such as a Rum and Coke

Here are the price changes for adults purchasing the Disney Dining Plan. This is per day.

                                  

                                    2018                   2017

Quick Service:           $52.49                  $48.19

Disney Dining:           $75.49                  $69.35

Disney Deluxe:          $116.24                 $106.68

So overall not to bad a $4 and change increase to the Quick Service Dining Plan. A $6 and change increase to the Basic Dining Plan and almost $10 increase to the Deluxe Dining Plan.

2018 Magic Your Way Packages are officially out, where guests can now book through October 31, 2018. Here are some other changes to note to Magic Your Way packages for 2018.

Disney has also added to their Magical Extras options. Magic Your Way guests can now receive discounts at Planet Hollywood, EARL OF SANDWICH, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, JOHNNY WAS, Live Trends, Set the Bar, Sublime Gifts and Finds, Sugarboo & Co., UGG, Vince Camuto and Basin. Discounts at The Hairwraps Company and Shore were removed from the 2018 options. Disney has also addressed tee times in the Magical Extras options, guests may book tee times up to 180 days in advance (subject to availability). Disney also notes that the last date of a Guest’s 2018 Magic Your Way Package may not be more than 499 days in the future and most airlines can not be booked more than 331 days in the future.

So contact your local travel agent or your favorite Disney travel agent to begin booking your 2018 Walt Disney World vacation.

Evening Extra Magic Hours Extended at Animal Kingdom; Two New Shorts Added to Disney/Pixar Film Festival

Evening Extra Magic Hours Extended for Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Good news Pandora fans, evening extra magic hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom have been extended past July 4. Before the new world opened Disney announced that guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort would be able to enjoy Pandora: The World of Avatar would stay open for Extra Extra Magic Hours from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. nightly from May 27 through July 4.

Today, it was revealed that Pandora: The World of Avatar and the evening Extra Magic Hours have now been extended through August 19. From July 5 through August 19, the park will remain open from 10 p.m. through 12 a.m. 

Source: WDWInfo

Two New Shorts Added to Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival:

The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival re-opened after a week long refurbishment last week at Epcot. The film festival which opened last year has added two new shorts both Academy Award-winning shorts.

Both "Piper" and "Feast" were added for guests to enjoy in 4D replacing "La Luna" and "For the Birds." "Piper" opened ahead of Pixar's "Finding Dory" last year. It tells the story of  young bird learning how to find food and overcoming her fears to do so.

"Feast" opened ahead of "Big Hero 6" in 2014. It is about a dog dealing with his owner’s many issues, including a breakup and depression, all the while enjoying an array of foods that mimic the respective themes of the short.

Check out both "Piper" and "Feast" now at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival at Epcot.

Resort Review: Disney's Pop Century Resort

It's been a week since I've returned from my quick trip to the World and its time to review my stay at Disney's Pop Century from June 8-11. I had nothing bad to stay about the resort getting there was quite the trip though. We arrived at Sanford International Airport around 12:30 and our pickup service was 45 minutes late then after multiple drop offs at Universal and some resorts off-property, we didn't get to Pop until around 4.

Our room was in the 70's section of the resort in Building 10 on the third floor in room 351. It was a beautiful room, only thing was that we had a handicap accessible room which for once we didn't need. It was good enough though as we weren't in the room much. Before we headed over to Disney Springs we enjoyed a late and light lunch at Pop's Everything Pop quick service. We just shared the chicken nuggets and fries to hold us off until dinner.

After a few hours at Disney Springs, we headed back to the resort for a quick dip in the pool before turning in early because the next day was Animal Kingdom day. The water was on the cool side but was a refreshing way to end the day.

After what seemed like a short night's rest, we were up early and down for breakfast by 6:15 for of course some Mickey Waffles and bacon (a normal on any Walt Disney World vacation). We were in line for the bus to Animal Kingdom by 6:45. This was a long day as I will explain in my trip report in the future we were at the park for 17 hours that day. A day well spent at the park. We didn't arrive back at the resort to sleep until 1:15 in the morning on Saturday.

Waiting for the bus to Animal Kingdom

After sleeping in on Saturday, or at least what felt like sleeping in we were down for breakfast by just after 8 and in line for the bus to Magic Kingdom by 8:40. We amazingly got to the Magic Kingdom by 9:00. It was another beautiful day at the park where we spent over 12 hours there that day. Despite some rain showers, it really was a perfect two days at the parks. We left the park right after Happily Ever After and made it back to resort to unfortunately begin packing for our early flight in the morning. 

Overall, Pop Century is much like Art of Animation with its layout. It was a very nice resort for a quick stay and as always Disney theming is on point. One thing I do wish was that we received one of the newer rooms that have just been finished. They add a nice modern touch to the resort. I can't wait for my next trip out there, it just may be at Pop Century. To close out here are some photos I took with my phone as were leaving the resort. 

Stay tuned for my trip report on Pandora: The World of Avatar, the Caring for Giants Tour, plus seeing Happily Ever After live for the first time. 

New Photo Capture Coming to Pirates of the Caribbean; Classics Set for Return to Disneyland

New PhotoPass Capture Coming Aboard to Pirates of the Caribbean:

Ahoy there Mateys! Beginning this Monday, June 19 guests jumping aboard the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction should be ready for a new photo capture being added to the attraction. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning June 19, Disney PhotoPass Service will be at the helm ready to capture whether a pirate’s life is for you, or if you’re more likely to strike your colors and run up a white flag.
As you prepare to exit a haunted grotto and dive into the Golden Age of Piracy, a Disney PhotoPass camera will capture the perfect treasure of your swashbuckling voyage. Properly warned ye be, says I!
To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing an active MagicBand linked to your My Disney Experience account. Your photo will be automatically associated to your account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

Be prepared to set sail and smile on your next voyage.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Fantasmic!, Rivers of America, and Disneyland Railroad Set for Return to Disneyland:

Fantasmic!, Rivers of America, and Disneyland Railroad are all set to return to Disneyland this Summer and now we know the dates for their official return to the park. Fantasmic! is set to return on July 17 in celebration for the park's 62nd anniversary and it will bring new magic to the classic and beloved nighttime spectacular. 

"The treasured Disneyland park experience guests have loved for years, complete with its original fanfare and theme song, will be taken to brilliant new heights. New mist screens will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before, and the show will feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”

The classic Rivers of America attractions will reopen, starting with Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island this Friday, June 16, followed by Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes on July 29. For decades, guests have traveled the landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande; each carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife. The return of these watercraft will bring even more breathtaking views for guests to discover, including an enhanced adventure featuring the new Columbia Gorge section, highlighted by five picturesque waterfalls.

This new waterfront will also include several elevated trestles over which the Disneyland Railroad will travel when it reopens along with the Rivers of America attractions on July 29. An icon for more than 60 years, the Disneyland Railroad holds a special place in the hearts of guests, and it will once again take them on the grand circle tour of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom. This classic experience will also feature new and enhanced adventures! For the very first time, the Disneyland Railroad will make a left-hand turn to continue around Disneyland park, and Walt Disney’s legendary dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World have been carefully restored to their original splendor, with a bit of new magic added to both.

Source: Disney Parks Blog