For Yak and Yeti information - CLICK HERE
For Expedition Everest information - CLICK HERE
For information on Finding Nemo - The Musical - CLICK HERE

12 July 2008: Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends show to close

Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close on September 27, 2008. Pocahontas will still be doing meet and greets at Planet Watch and the Main Entrance.

9 July 2008: Primeval Whirl refurbishment

Primeval Whirl is closed for refurbishment from September 2, 2008 to November 15, 2008.

22 April 2008: Happy 10th Anniversary Animal Kingdom

Disney held a special anniversary event at park opening this morning in front of the Tree of Life. In attendance and giving speeches were Erin Wallace (Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort), Dr Jane Goodall, and the park's lead designer and Senior Vice President, Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, Joe Rohde.

 
Above Left: Joe Rohde
Above Right: Erin Wallace (left) and (right) Dr Jane Goodall

View a video of the 10th Anniversary celebration from this morning
33MB, 320x240, WMV

After the 15 minute opening event, a special presentation in the Theater in the Wild was held by Joe Rohde. He discussed in detail some of the things that went into the planning and design of Animal Kingdom 20 years ago. As well as some great stories, he presented some never-before seen concept art and plans.

Video of Joe Rohde's 45 minute presentation on the evolution of Animal Kingdom
102MB, 320x240, WMV

Above: The Theater in the Wild just prior to the presentation.

10 January 2008: New automated touch-free soap dispensers

A slightly strange update this one, but news worthy none the less. Disney have just introduced new automatic, touch-free soap dispensers in the new Yak and Yeti restrooms. As you can see in the photo below, the soap dispenser is installed on the edge of the basin, and dispensers liquid soap as the users puts their hand under the spout. It's great for the guest, and great for custodial, as the days of soap all over the counter are now gone. The new restroom also features touch-free motorized paper towel dispensers and air blowers.

13 November 2007: Photos inside the new Tusker House Buffet

Above: The buffet area in the former counter service and cash register area.

Above: The seating area remains largely unchanged from the counter service days.

29 November 2007 Tusker House Restaurant new entrance

Since the reopening of the new Tusker House buffet, the entry location has been changed to incorporate the check in podium. The photos below show the new entrance.

Above: The former entry area.

30 September 2007: Finding Nemo -The Musical increases number of shows to 5 per day

Finding Nemo - The Musical now has an additional daily performance, bringing the total to 5 shows per day. 10am, 11:30am, 1:45pm, 3:15pm, 4:45pm.

26 September 2007: The new Tusker House buffet menu and pricing

The Tusker House is now accepting reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner beginning on 11/16/07.

TRAVELERS! Take a break from your Safari and enjoy a "Taste of Advenure" in this colorful and bustling Harambe Marketplace Eatery, offering a Family Buffet with African Flavors for lunch and dinner and a special character breakfast.

“Awaken the day” with your favorite Disney Characters at Donald's Safari Breakfast. Typically appearing will be Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey and Goofy.

HOURS:
Breakfast - 8:00am - 10:30am
Lunch - 11:30pm to 3:00pm
Dinner - 3:30pm to varies with park closing

(All menus subject to change without notice)

Breakfast Buffet:

Holiday Pricing – (For all reservation arrivals on 11/18/07 - 11/24/07; 12/16/07 - 1/5/08)
$22.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $12.99 Guest (3-9)

Regular Pricing
$18.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $10.99 Guest (3-9)

Variety of fresh fruits, freshly baked pastries and breads, carved spit-roasted honey-glazed ham, frittatas, scrambled eggs, Yam casserole, hot and cold cereals, biscuits and sausage gravy, bacon, sausage, waffles, warm bread pudding, breakfast potatoes and potato tots. Non-specialty, non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, coffee, tea, juices, iced tea, milk, etc.

Lunch Buffet:

Holiday Pricing – (For all reservation arrivals on 11/18/07 - 11/24/07; 12/16/07 - 1/5/08)
$23.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $12.99 Guest (3-9)

Regular Pricing
$19.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $10.99 Guest (3-9)

Assorted salads, spit-roasted carved meats, chicken and fish creations, stews and soups, roasted vegetables, deli-style meat and cheese, freshly baked breads, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, chicken drumsticks, PBJ’s, corn medley, green beans, mashed potatoes, assorted pastries and cakes, fresh fruit, cookies and brownies. Non-specialty, non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, coffee, tea, juices, iced tea, milk, etc.

Dinner Buffet:

Holiday Pricing – (For all reservation arrivals on 11/18/07 - 11/24/07; 12/16/07 - 1/5/08)
$30.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $14.99 Guest (3-9)

Regular Pricing
$26.99 Guest (10 and older) -- $12.99 Guest (3-9)

Assorted salads, smoked salmon, spit-roasted carved meats, chicken and fish creations, stews and soup, roasted vegetables, deli-style meat and cheese, freshly baked breads, macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, chicken drumsticks, PBJ’s, corn medley, green beans, mashed potatoes, assorted pastries and cakes, fresh fruit, cookies and brownies. Non-specialty, non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, coffee, tea, juices, iced tea, milk, etc.

DISCOUNTS:
Disney's Dining Experience 20% discount on ALL Food & Beverage for members & up to 10 Guests. DDE Discount not available on Holidays.

2007 PACKAGES:
Magic Your Way Plus Dining
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package

2008 PACKAGES:
Magic Your Way Plus Dining
Magic Your Way Deluxe Dining
Magic Your Way Premium
Magic Your Way Platinum

Note:
Donald's Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus will host their last Character Breakfast on the morning on 11/8/07. Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant will begin on 11/16/07. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park will not offer any character breakfast between 11/9/07 – 11/15/07.

Restaurantosaurus will continue to offer lunch and dinner as a quick service location.

20 June 2007: Animal Kingdom July 4 entertainment schedule

"Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Expedition" parade (4 p.m.). Park hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

20 June 2007: Yak and Yeti Restaurant

For latest construction photos and information on the new Yak and Yeti Restaurant visit the new dedicated section at http://www.wdwmagic.com/yakandyeti.htm.

12 June 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

Construction is still moving. The basic shape of the two story building is now becoming clearer, with some of the architectural details being added.

6 June 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

Thanks to no2apprentice for the photos.

23 May 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

21 May 2007: Changes to Kilimanjaro Safaris

The left side loading dock now has the new additional 9th row. It is not currently in use, but is now available for the large capacity vehicles. See the photo below.

The new audio script for the exchanges between the driver and the airborne wardens has been in use over the weekend. It isn't certain whether this is final, or still being tweaked. The main changes are:

• Wilson initially checks in with the driver almost immediately into the ride.
• The voice actor used appears to have changed from the original Wilson. Whilst the voice is similar, it does appear to be a different actor.
• The main concept of the story is that a little elephant has been spotted wondering around on it's own, and there is concern for the baby elephants mother and poachers.
• There is no mention of the elephants being called Big Red and Little Red.
• In general, there is less talk between the driver and the warden, giving more time for the driver to give more details about the animals.
• Ms Jobson is completely removed from the audio.
• The "Tommies... TOMMMIES" line is gone.
• The African radio station music now plays between the Mandrill area and the bridge collapse scene.
• The story of helping to force the poaches towards Wilson's plane is still in place.
• The truck with the baby elephant has been repositioned, making it much more obvious that the elephant is in the back. See the photos below.
  
   

9 May 2007: Tusker House being converted from a quick-service restaurant to a buffet restaurant

To further update the rumor we posted back on 2nd November 2006 (see below), Tusker House is now confirmed to being converted to a character buffet location.

The Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom is being converted from a quick-service restaurant to a buffet restaurant. This location will soon offer a character breakfast buffet and a non-character lunch/dinner buffet, starting on November 18th.

Donald's Safari Breakfast Buffet will be offered from 8:00 am to 10:30 am featuring Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Goofy (characters subject to change without notice.) The lunch / dinner buffet (no characters) will be offered from 11:30 am - park close. Reservations for all meal periods will be accepted by calling 407-WDW-DINE up to 180 days in advance.

In order for Tusker House Restaurant to be converted to a buffet restaurant, it will be closed for refurbishment from August 20 until November 17.

After the refurbishment, Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery will continue to serve patries and coffee from the outdoor window.

With the character breakfast opening at Tusker House Restaurant, Donald's Breakfastosaurus character breakfast at Restaurantosaurus will be discontinued after November 5.

Restaurantosaurus will continue to be open for lunch / dinner as a quick-service restaurant. Hours of operation will be 10:30 a.m. until park close.
 

7 May 2007: New Kilimanjaro FASTPASS tickets

Kilimanjaro Safaris is now serving up a new style of FASTPASS ticket.  The date and time lines are larger, and most significantly, the ticket features a barcode. It is expected that the new barcode will be used to provide enhanced FASTPASS features in the future.

3 May 2007: Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah construction

A fairly large, deep hole has been dug into an area of the Kilimanjaro Savannah for what looks like some drainage/pipework maintenance. The area is fenced off, and there are some themed signs giving the impression it's a research project. It is located just past the Baobab tree scene.

2 May 2007: Kilimanjaro Safaris loading area refurbishment

The first dock at the loading area is currently closed off, and as you can see from the photos below, is having some considerable work done. Reports indicate that the intention is to add an additional row to the vehicles to increase capacity.

2 May 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

13 April 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

Work continues on the construction of the new restaurant with steel work now going vertical, as well as the blocks.

8 April 2007: Quick service locations now offering expanded menus

Drinkwallah and Tamu Tamu at Disney's Animal Kingdom are now offering expanded menus, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Previously these locations only offered drinks and snacks.

31 March 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

Work continues on the construction of the new restaurant. Thanks to ScottJ for the photos.

20 March 2007: Latest Yak & Yeti construction photos

Progress is continuing on the construction of the new Yak and Yeti Restaurant in Asia. Thanks to Shaman for the photos.

20 February 2007: Yak and Yeti Restaurant opening 2007 sign

The new Yak and Yeti Restaurant now has a an 'Opening 2007' sign on the construction wall. See the 27 February 2006 update below for the details of the new restaurant. Thanks to Imagineersrock for the photo.

10 January 2007: White Rhinoceros birth at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Copyright 2007. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

The Walt Disney World animal care team welcomed a healthy baby White Rhinoceros to Disney's Animal Kingdom family last week. Kendi, an eight year old White Rhino gave birth to her second baby – a male named Tom, early the morning of January 4th. Tom is the sixth White Rhino born at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and his mother, Kendi, was the first. Tom, the Rhino, was named in honor of Dr. Tom Foose, President of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is remembered for his leadership, growth and strengthening of the IRF, and the continued survival of the world's rhinos for future generations to enjoy. There are five Southern White Rhinos in the herd at Disney's Animal Kingdom – three males and two females of various ages. A Rhino birth is a notable event – in the past two years there have been 29 births in North American zoos. At one time White Rhinos were nearly extinct, numbering less than 100 animals. They were protected and managed well thanks to conservation efforts are now approximately 11,300 worldwide, with 196 in North American zoos. Many of the older animals in the population have not bred and it is critical to the long term survival of the North American population for this species to continue to reproduce. The gestation period is 16 months and normally results in a single birth. Look for Kendi and Tom to join the other rhinos on the savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom soon. # # # Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org .

2 November 2006: Tusker House to become Character Buffet

The Tusker House restaurant in Harambe is being prepared for some significant changes. It is expected that the restaurant will change from a counter service to a character buffet dining experience. The conversion seems to be reasonably permanent, as plans call for the registers to be removed. Whilst this plan looks certain to go ahead, remember that until officially confirmed, it should be treated as speculation.

29 October 2006: Giraffe birth at Animal Kingdom

The Walt Disney World Resort's animal care team welcomed a six-foot-tall, 110-pound bundle of joy on Oct. 7, 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Aibuni, a nine-year old giraffe, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The calf was Aibuni's first. Both the calf, who is named Imara (which means "strong" in Swahili), and Aibuni are doing great and are expected to rejoin their herd on Disney's Animal Kingdom savannah in the next few weeks. Aibuni became pregnant through natural breeding in the summer of 2005. A normal gestational period for giraffes is 15 months. Giraffe’s at the Walt Disney World Resort are bred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Population Management Plan which is a consortium of zoos and wildlife parks working together to conserve and breed animals. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are accredited by the AZA. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President, Dr. Beth Stevens currently serves as AZA President.

3 June 2006: Construction about to begin on new restaurant in Animal Kingdom's Asia

Work is about to begin on the new restaurant in the Asia area of the park. The current Chakranadi Chicken Shop will be closing on June 4 2006, with construction on the new location continuing for the next year. See the 27th February update below for more details of the restaurant.

7 April 2006: Conservation Celebrities Recognized as Disney Fund Reaches Milestone $10 Million Investment in Wildlife

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 6, 2006) -- Five renowned conservation celebrities joined with Disney Thursday night to celebrate a $10 million milestone for the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF) -- a program that has benefited nearly 500 wildlife projects around the world.

Actor/comedian John Cleese; elephant expert Iain Douglas-Hamilton; primatologist Jane Goodall; actress Isabella Rossellini; and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai accepted awards of $100,000 each for their conservation causes in a ceremony at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

“These very special people, who have devoted their lives and lent their voices to conservation, are the key to engaging the public in caring for animals,” said Jerry Montgomery, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Public Affairs. “The adventures and excitement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom help us share conservation stories with our guests, and we are thrilled that many of them join our global conservation efforts through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Together, we are making a difference for wildlife and wild places -- we are helping to create the next generation of Disney's conservation legacy.”

The conservation focus is a large part of the park’s mission as a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Since 1998, the DWCF has been supported by donations from guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and enhanced by company contributions. The $500,000 awarded at the celebration will be divided among several charitable organizations working in the U.S. and abroad:

• Cleese, who founded an organization called Conservation Matters, plans to support the Jersey Wildlife Trust (UK) and Santa Barbara Zoo species survival programs.
   
• Douglas-Hamilton, through his Save the Elephants group, will use the funds to continue studies of elephants in Kenya that have spanned more than 30 years.
   
• Goodall will direct Disney’s gift through her institute to support a variety of efforts, including the Roots ‘N Shoots program, a global effort to engage children in caring about animals, with chapters in more than 90 countries.
   
• Rossellini will share the funds with the Andean Cat Alliance/Wildlife Conservation Network and The Howard Gilman Foundation, where she serves as trustee and plays an active role in supporting developing entrepreneurs internationally.
   
• Maathai, the first African recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, created the “Greenbelt Movement” which mobilized thousands of women in Africa to plant trees. She expects to expand her efforts to focus on cultural diversity, greening the Earth, and good governance.

“Animals have been a part of Disney history since Walt’s first sketch of Bambi, and today we celebrate Disney’s conservation contributions by providing support to those who are making a difference for animals and the environment,” said Dr. Beth Stevens, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “We selected these special individuals because each brings a personal passion to studying and saving endangered species and lands.”

22 March 2006: Animal Kingdom forecasting new attendance records

Boosted by the massive new Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom is expecting record attendance over this Easter period. The previous highest attendance at Animal Kingdom is being forecast to be beaten by almost 10,000 additional guests on some days.

27 February 2006: New restaurant opening in Asia

HOUSTON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Landry's Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: LNY - News), one of the nation's largest casual dining, entertainment and hospitality companies, announced that it has acquired 80% of the restaurant concept T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover® from Schussler Creative, Inc. for approximately $7.6 million, including reimbursements for research and development costs, accounts payable, construction draws and preopening expenses. In addition, under the agreement, based on the ultimate success of the venture (combined profits of all stores exceeding $20 million), Landry's can acquire Schussler Creative's 20% interest for an amount up to an additional $35 million.

T-Rex is a unique concept that features dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice -- guests visiting T-Rex will be greeted with life size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more. Locations are planned domestically and internationally, the first of which is slated to open this spring in The Legends mall in Kansas City, Kansas; with another opening in Downtown Disney® (near Orlando) in early 2008.

In addition to the T-Rex concept, Landry's has acquired the majority interest in Schussler Creative's new Asian themed eatery (which is expected to open by summer 2007) inside Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This Asian-themed restaurant with retail is reminiscent of the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, featuring a rural village called Anandapur in a jungle with a tiny town-like mass at its center. Asia will offer full service table dining, as well as quick service food. This Asian-Fusion concept will feature Asian decor, complete with Asian antiques, as well as a retail component that will offer Asian goods ranging from Sushi plates to chopsticks and fine teapots.

"One of the major factors that drew us to this transaction was the chance to expand our operations with Disney," said Landry's President, Chairman and CEO Tilman J. Fertitta. "Our existing three Rainforest Cafes located at Downtown-Disney®, Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disneyland Resort in California generate approximately $80.0 million in revenue. We feel that the T-Rex and Asian theme concepts are a perfect fit with Disney's unmatched entertainment offerings." Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler was the founder and creator of the popular Rainforest Cafe restaurant concept, which Landry's purchased in 2000, and has since grown to be one of Landry's most successful concepts. "Landry's is the perfect strategic partner to turn our dream into an ongoing reality," said Steve Schussler. "Landry's has done an excellent job of maintaining the Rainforest Cafe brand as the premier themed eatery in the world. T-Rex uses elements familiar to Rainforest Cafe fans such as animatronics and special effects to create a whole new type of dining experience that takes visitors back in time in an educational and entertaining way," added Schussler.

About Landry's Restaurants, Inc.
Landry's Restaurants, Inc., is one of the nation's largest and fastest growing casual-dining and entertainment companies. Publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Landry's owns and operates more than 300 properties, including Landry's Seafood House, Joe's Crab Shack, The Crab House, Rainforest Cafe, Charley's Crab, Willie G's Seafood & Steak House, The Chart House and Saltgrass Steak House. Landry's also owns several icon developments, including Downtown Aquarium complexes in Houston and Denver, Kemah Boardwalk, a magnificent 40-acre, family-oriented themed entertainment destination and the Golden Nugget hotel-casino properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada. The Company employs over 30,000 workers in 36 states.

24 February 2006: Kilimanjaro Safaris maintenance

It seems that Kilimanjaro Safaris is getting some needed maintenance work on the finale scene. Many of the geysers are now fully working again, including the geyser on the upper level where the poacher's jeep appears. The only main effect remaining to be functional is the jeep itself. Hopefully this is also being worked on.

27 January 2006: Finding Nemo Musical

More information has emerged on the new Nemo show, set to replace the now closed Tarzan Rocks. The new project has a dedicated section at http://www.wdwmagic.com/nemo_musical.htm

25 January 2006: Tarzan now closed and construction work underway

Following the recent closing of Tarzan Rocks, construction crews moved in right away to begin work on clearing ground around the existing theatre. There is still no official word on the replacement for Tarzan, however, according to a source back in May of 2005 (see update below), the new show is to be based around Finding Nemo. Thanks to peter11435 for the photos below.

17 January 2006: Tarzan Rocks final performance

Further to the 7 February 2005 update below, Tarzan Rocks is now set to have its last performance on January 21st 2006.

21 December 2005: Elephant birth at Animal Kingdom

Donna, a 21-year-old African elephant, watches over her calf, Nadirah, 30 hours after birth. Donna and the calf are bonding and should be introduced to the rest of the herd sometime in the next few weeks. Nadirah, which is an African name for precious and rare, was born early Monday morning after only 16 minutes of labor and weighed a healthy 233 pounds. Soon, guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be able to see Nadirah's progress on camera monitors at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

27 August 2005: Titan Arum blossoming

Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

For the second summer in a row, a rare species of plant that produces the largest, smelliest bloom in the world is on the verge of blossoming at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It's the Titan Arum -- or corpse plant -- and its on track to surpass a world record at 9 feet tall when it fully blooms around Labor Day Weekend. Pictured is last year's plant that soared to more than 5 feet high with the bulb alone weighing a hefty 40 pounds. Six years ago Disney gardeners began cultivating the plant when a collection of seed was donated to Walt Disney World Resort from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Fla. The original seeds were gathered from an expedition to Sumatra in 1992. In May 2004, Disney's collection of four Titan arums were repotted. Titan blooms only last for a few days before they topple over; it may take another year for the next bloom to come. The foul-smelling Titans can grow to reach more than twice the length of a human and the blooms can expand as big as 15 feet. The bulb itself can weigh up to 170 pounds.

14 May 2005: Tarzan Rocks to be replaced by a Finding Nemo show

Further to the 7th February update below about Tarzan Rocks closing, it is being speculated that a new Finding Nemo show will be the replacement. Remember this is no yet officially confirmed, and may be subject to change.

21 April 2005: Lucky

Lucky makes some test appearances in DinoLand, ready for his official arrival on May 5th 2005.

 
Copyright 2005. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

17 April 2005: Lucky information

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Lucky is playful, affectionate, responds to his name, loves his toys and weighs a healthy 450 lbs. Lucky is a dinosaur: an Audio-Animatronics dinosaur and the first Disney character of its type to walk freely and personally interact with children and families.

After a prototype test period in California, Lucky the Dinosaur will make his "on stage" debut at Walt Disney World Resort in May 2005, kicking off a 3-month visit to the theme park.

Lucky's new habitat? DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom, of course, where he'll be cared for by Chester and Hester Diggs, the wacky "proprietors" of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama! a "mini-land" with midway games and rides.

When he made his first appearance at Disney's California Adventure, Lucky the Dinosaur had crowds in "prehysterics." No bones about it, he's one of several high-profile attractions being imported to Walt Disney World Resort from Disney theme parks around the world in 2005 as the Florida Vacation Kingdom honors the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," a global salute to 50 years of Disney theme parks.

After five years of experimentation, Walt Disney Imagineers in 2003 unveiled this major breakthrough in the creativity and technology of Audio-Animatronics figures known throughout Disney theme parks. Up until then, these figures could sing, talk, move and duel with swords -- but they could not walk freely. With this latest innovation, Audio-Animatronics figures have the capability to walk and move independently.

"Lucky the Dinosaur represents a leap in our ability to deliver stories in ways that are personal, up-close and interactive -- and as a result, more magical," said Bruce Vaughn, vice president of Research and Development, Walt Disney Imagineering.

The next-generation Audio-Animatronics figure is the latest step in the technology pioneered in Disney theme parks 40 years ago. In 1963, singing birds and flowers made their debut at The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Resort. Some of the best-loved Audio-Animatronics figures found in Disney theme parks and resorts today are Mr. Lincoln, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Hopper the grasshopper from "It's Tough to be a Bug."

Advances in computers, software, miniaturization and electric actuation, combined with determination and creativity, enabled Imagineers to achieve what many said simply could not be done. By shifting the technology behind Audio-Animatronics figures from hydraulic to electric, Imagineers "freed" the figures from large hydraulic pumps and motors.

Lucky the Dinosaur is the latest innovation of the "Living Characters" initiative of Walt Disney Imagineering -- a focus on creating increasingly life-like characters capable of engaging in personalized experiences with guests. Lucky was created by a team of engineers, animators, computer programmers and artists.

Lucky walks on two legs, stands approximately 9 feet tall and measures 12 feet long. He loves people and balloons. Lucky can laugh, sneeze, snort, grin, bray, bellow and occasionally get hiccups.

Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique innovative organization that creates -- from concept through construction -- all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments and regional entertainment venues worldwide. Imagineering's unique strength comes from the teamwork and syntheses of more than 1,400 creative and technical professionals representing more than 140 diverse disciplines.

Fun Facts

Lucky the Dinosaur is 9 feet tall and weighs 450 lbs.
Lucky is the first Disney Audio-Animatronics figure to walk freely.
Lucky can sniffle, burp, hiccup, sneeze, yawn, cough, giggle, snort, purr and talk.

9 April 2005: Lucky now at Animal Kingdom (Thanks to Yen_Sid1)

Lucky has now arrived at Animal Kingdom and has made several appearances in the park after hours. He is set to begin his appearances near DinoRama in Dinoland USA.

7 February 2005: Tarzan closing?

There are unconfirmed rumors that the Tarzan Rocks show will permanently close around October 2005.

9 January 2005: Lucky update

Further to the 5 May 2004 update below, Disney have now confirmed that Lucky will be in Dinoland from May to July, 2005.

4 August 2004: Rehab updates

Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends will be closed for refurbishment Tuesday, September 7 through Saturday, September 11, reopening Sunday, September 12, 2004.

- Festival of the Lion King will be closed for refurbishment Thursday, September 16 through Saturday, September 18, reopening Sunday, September 19, 2004.

- The Boneyard will be closed for refurbishment Monday, September 20 through Thursday, October 14, reopening Friday, October 15, 2004.

8 July 2004: Elephant born at Animal Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 7, 2004) -- The Walt Disney World Resort's animal care team welcomed a 230 pound bundle of joy to Disney's Animal Kingdom earlier this week. The female African elephant calf arrived Tuesday evening to join its 18-year-old mother Vasha after 22 months (gestation) in the womb. Kianga is her name, which means "Sunshine" in Swahili.

Both Kianga and her mother appear to be doing well according to veterinarians and elephant managers, who are cautiously optimistic about the calf's likelihood for survival. The first-time mother experienced a very short labor. With assistance from the animal care team, the newborn became comfortable using her "newly-discovered" legs and began nursing successfully from Mom soon after her birth. She is already feisty and very active.

"African elephants are endangered and difficult to breed, and having a successful birth is a significant event both for the species and for our talented and experienced team of elephant experts who have been working on this breeding program for more than five years," said Dr. Beth Stevens, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Vasha, who is on loan from the Dallas Zoo, became pregnant through natural breeding on October 4, 2002, when she mated with Jackson, a bull here on breeding loan from the Pittsburgh Zoo. This arrangement is part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP), a consortium of zoos and wildlife parks working cooperatively to conserve elephants.


"The next critical milestone is for Kianga to continue the bonding process with her mother who will teach her important lessons and protect her as she is introduced to the heard," said John Lehnhardt, animal operations director for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Going forward, the focus of the elephant managers and veterinarians at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be on the health and welfare of Kianga and her mother.

In the near future, Guests will be able to see the Kianga's progress on camera monitors at Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It will be several weeks before the calf and her mother will join other elephants on the savanna.

Lehnhardt noted that breeding African elephants is a challenging process, so it is especially exciting that this is the second African elephant to be born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. A male calf, Tufani, was born in May 2003 and has gained nearly 600 pounds in its first year of growth. Lehnhardt said that because many of the elephants giving birth in zoos and wildlife parks are first-time mothers -- just as several of the elephant cows at Disney's Animal Kingdom are -- it is not unusual for the animals (both in the wild and in wildlife parks) to lose their first calf, either through a still birth or following the birth. He is optimistic that observation and interaction with Tufani has helped the other elephants gain additional maternal knowledge, thus improving the success rate for the Animal Kingdom breeding program. Two other elephants at Disney's Animal Kingdom are pregnant and due in 2005; one is expected next spring and the other in late winter.

Importance of Breeding Programs

African elephants are classified as endangered species by IUCN, the World Conservation Union, and their future in zoos and wildlife parks is complicated as the aging pachyderm population in North American zoos passes its reproductive prime.

Disney's Animal Kingdom has a breeding program that is part of a cooperative effort coordinated by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) that is focused on sustaining the elephant population in North America.

AZA's Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP) has called for a five-fold increase in African elephant reproduction efforts -- using both natural and artificial breeding methods -- in order to create a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers.

Preparing for a newborn

In the same way that people prepare their homes for a newborn baby, the staff at Disney's Animal Kingdom took steps to "baby proof" the elephant habitat to ensure that there were no hazards for a young elephant calf. The team has taken a critical look at the habitat and made many changes including planting more trees and shrubbery for shading purposes, closing gaps between boulders, and the installation of a shallow pool behind-the-scenes where the calf will be able to explore the water and learn to swim in a safe environment.

High Tech Pregnancy

Vasha received extensive pre-natal care during her pregnancy. In addition to regular ultrasounds, veterinarians and elephant managers monitored her hormonal levels on a daily basis to help them determine when she would give birth. She has been receiving around-the-clock attention from the animal care team over the past few weeks as the birth became imminent.


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Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org
 

30 May 2004: Dinosaur rehab (Thanks Chape19714 )

Dinosaur has reopened after its rehab ahead of schedule. Apart from general rehab work, the exterior Fastpass queue and distribution has had a change around. The exterior garden area is now serving as part of the queuing system.

10 May 2004: Dinosaur rehab (Thanks Chape19714 )

Dinosaur is completely fenced off across the entrance gates for its major rehab.

5 May 2004: Lucky heading to Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney Imagineering will introduce Lucky the dinosaur, the first-ever free-roaming Audio-Animatronics creation. After successful play-testing at Disney's California Adventure, Lucky will walk the streets of DinoLand U.S.A., greeting guests and even signing autographs. The startlingly lifelike creature -- which can laugh, sneeze, bray and even get the hiccups -- was named one of the year's top inventions by Time magazine and represents the next step forward in Audio-Animatronics technology.

7 April 2004: Dinosaur rehab

Dinosaur will be closed for refurbishment Saturday, April 24 through
Friday, June 4 reopening Saturday, June 5, 2004.

For previous Animal Kingdom News and Rumors, Click Here

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