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Category Archives: Attractions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates Cotton-Top Tamarin Month
Disney Chef Andreas crafted a chocolate mold to cast both white and dark chocolate to create the cotton-top tamarin face. Dark chocolate shavings replicate the miniature monkey’s mane atop a generous dollop of butter cream. The cupcake is rich, dark chocolate.
The delicious sweets are $3.99 at the Coffee Kiosk at the entrance to Discovery Island, just across from the Cotton-top display. They’re also at Kusafiri Bakery and during August, at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where all the cotton-top tamarin activities are centered.
In case you’re wondering just why there’s a cotton-top tamarin month at Disney’s Animal Kindgom, Aug. 15 is a national holiday in Colombia, South America – the “Day of the Cotton-Top Tamarin” – and Disney is doing its part to help save the endangered species.
Check out the posts below for more on the Cotton-Top Tamarins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Wildlife Wednesdays: Do the Cotton-Top Tamarin Dance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Wildlife Wednesdays: Cotton-Top Tamarins Return to Tree of Life
Source Disney Parks Blog
Related articles
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates White Rhino Birth in Uganda (chipandco.com)
- Afternoon Game Drive Paired with Dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (chipandco.com)
Events and Attractions coming to Walt Disney World Fall of 2011
For fun-seekers with any of those passions and special interests, fall 2011 is a season to make some memories at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s a look at what’s in store from Labor Day through Thanksgiving …
A ‘Tropical Serenade’ rekindling memories
The Sunshine Pavilion, featuring a show variously known as “Tropical Serenade” and “The Enchanted Tiki Birds,” debuted on Oct. 1, 1971, in Magic Kingdom. In 1998, following substantial refurbishment, it re-launched as The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, with two famous Disney birds – Iago from Aladdin and Zazu from The Lion King – taking control and trying to spruce up the show.
The “new management” has been let go and the future of the Adventureland landmark is in the wings and wit of José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre – four crooning parrot hosts who ushered in sophisticated Audio-Animatronics technology at California’s Disneyland in 1963 at The Enchanted Tiki Room.
In time for fall 2011 vacations, The Enchanted Tiki Room (as the Magic Kingdom attraction now will be called) is being prepared to reflect the show at Disneyland that represents a milestone in Disney theme park entertainment. While Walt Disney’s creative team previously had produced movable figures, none had the sophistication of the bird-brained cast of the Tiki Room. José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre produce movements when solenoid coils hidden inside receive signals recorded onto magnetic tape and are regarded as the first “true” Audio-Animatronics figures.
They introduce a musical presentation by more than 200 birds, flowers and tikis. Even the audience gets into the act, joining in during the musical ditty “Let’s All Sing Like the Birdies Sing.”
The Enchanted Tiki Room reopens August 15th 2011.
Sweet views and a whole lot more
Fourteen floors up in the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort tower, guests who don’t want to take a vacation from a wellness lifestyle will have a new haven – 23 luxury rooms and suites that exude relaxation and fitness, complete with panoramic views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon.
The luxury accommodations (scheduled to be available beginning late fall 2011) will feature eco-friendly décor like bamboo flooring, 100-percent cotton linens and non-allergenic wrapped mattresses. Bathrooms will be equipped with rainwater showers and tea tree oil.
Fourteenth-floor guests also can enjoy the benefit of having cardio equipment right in their room. And they’ll have daily access to seasonal and organic fresh foods at the concierge lounge and can enjoy yoga sessions and spa treatments at the resort’s renovated wellness studio.
Booking information is available from the Disney Reservation Center contact Pixie Vacations for details.
Events to suit all sorts of tastes
Some of the most popular and enduring special events at Walt Disney World Resort happen during the fall. Here are snapshots:
Disney’s Night of Joy – TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet will headline one of the most-decorated lineups in the 29-year history of Disney’s contemporary Christian music event Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011, in Magic Kingdom. The 16 artists have a 20-year legacy of accolades – 70 GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY® Awards including reigning Christian music Artist of the Year (Francesca Battistelli). Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. More information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – The headless horseman romps down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard his steed, ghostly apparitions flit among the buildings of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle is draped in eerie hues and the night sky is painted with bursts of orange and green fireworks during this popular after-hours Magic Kingdom party on 23 select autumn evenings between Sept. 13 and Nov. 1, 2011. The special-ticket event features trick-or-treating throughout the park, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” – including Disney characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction – and the opportunity to experience popular attractions. Information about dates and tickets is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – A veritable world of culinary adventures is on the menu Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, during the 16th edition of the festival presented by Vanity Fair Napkins. The journey along the promenade around World Showcase Lagoon includes more than two dozen marketplaces where everyone from neophytes to epicures and aficionados can nibble and sip their way across six continents of food and beverage adventures. Talented culinarians from across America and around the world will be involved with specialty dinners, seminars featuring cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, the popular Saturday night grand tastings – Party for the Senses – and more.The festival also will feature the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series each evening. Details are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic – PGA TOUR thrillers have been the norm in this $4.7 million season-ending event on Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses. Twelve of the most recent 16 editions of the pro golf event have been decided by one stroke or a playoff. A field of 128 players will tee off in the 41st Classic Oct. 20-23, 2011. The 2010 winner was Robert Garrigus. More information: www.ChildrensMiracleNetworkClassic.com.
Festival of the Masters – Nearly 150 award-winning artists who turn clay, wood, metals, oils, watercolors and more into creations that treat the eyes – such as paintings, jewelry, sculptures and photographs – will show off their works Nov. 11-13 at Downtown Disney. One of the Southeast’s most highly regarded juried art festivals since 1975, Festival of the Masters features live entertainment and family-friendly activities each day. Admission and parking are complimentary.For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.
Old Spice Classic – The eight-team college basketball tournament again will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Nov. 24, 25 & 27, 2011 – at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Arizona State, Dayton, DePaul, Fairfield, Indiana State, Minnesota, Texas Tech and Wake Forest make up the field. Seven of the teams reached the 2010 postseason. The Old Spice Classic will feature 12 games over the three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 27. Additional information can be found on the Old Spice Classic website at www.OldSpiceClassic.com.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 select evenings between Nov. 8 and Dec. 18, 2011, guests can experience the enchantment of Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle plus two special entertainment extravaganzas, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and the holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.”The special after-hours party, which requires a separate admission ticket, also features live Disney character stage shows, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.More details are available at www.DisneyWorld.com/holidays.
Related articles
- Disney World Refurbishment Schedule August 2011 ()
- Snack Options at Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Enchanted Tiki Room’ Returns to Magic Kingdom August 2011
Disney sent out a press release yesterday talking about the reopening of the Enchanted Tiki Room in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. If you remember Anonymouse broke this news story back in May. But with her you can never tell if it is fact or fiction so today we lay that mystery to rest.
Here is the official word.
The Sunshine Pavilion, featuring a show variously known as “Tropical Serenade” and “The Enchanted Tiki Birds,” debuted on Oct. 1, 1971, in Magic Kingdom. In 1998, following substantial refurbishment, it re-launched as The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, with two famous Disney birds – Iago from Aladdin and Zazu from The Lion King– taking control and trying to spruce up the show.
The “new management” has been let go and the future of the Adventureland landmark is in the wings and wit of José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre – four crooning parrot hosts who ushered in sophisticated Audio-Animatronics technology at California’s Disneyland in 1963 at The Enchanted Tiki Room.
In time for fall 2011 vacations, The Enchanted Tiki Room (as the Magic Kingdom attraction now will be called) is being prepared to reflect the show at Disneyland that represents a milestone in Disney theme park entertainment. While Walt Disney’s creative team previously had produced movable figures, none had the sophistication of the bird-brained cast of the Tiki Room. José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre produce movements when solenoid coils hidden inside receive signals recorded onto magnetic tape and are regarded as the first “true” Audio-Animatronics figures.
They introduce a musical presentation by more than 200 birds, flowers and tikis. Even the audience gets into the act, joining in during the musical ditty “Let’s All Sing Like the Birdies Sing.”
The Enchanted Tiki Room is slated for opening in August 15th 2011. I would expect a soft opening earlier that week.
Related articles
- The Enchanted Tiki Room Reopens August 2011 (chipandco.com)
- Coming to Disney World Fall of 2011 (chipandco.com)
Jennings Osborne creator of ‘Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights’ Dies at 67
Jennings Osborne whose Christmas light displays drew international attention at both Disney World and his home, died on Wednesday at the age of 67. Osborne was battling complications following heart surgery.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Family spokesperson David Bazzel said Osborne passed at 3:30 p.m. surrounded by family and friends.
The Fort Smith native with the larger than life personality often called himself “the luckiest guy in the world” for all that he was able to do with his wealth, which he made in the medical testing business.
The Osborne family released a statement on Jennings Osborne’s passing.
“My father was an amazing man who all my life showed what a big heart he had for everyone, young and old and regardless of background or wealth,” Osborne’s daughter, Breezy, said in a statement. “Sadly, my father’s big heart finally gave out. But knowing my “Dadoo”, there will be fireworks at the gates of Heaven. We want to thank everyone from Arkansas and across the country for all their well wishes and prayers. It meant so much to my dad, me and my mom.”
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Around the “Disney” World: Epcot Norway Pavilion
Epcot Norway Pavilion
Norwegian architects and historians worked closely with Walt Disney Imagineers to intertwine the natural environment into the design of Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Aged stone, stucco and wood surfaces enhance the rustic, earthy facades and create an authentic Guest experience. The plaza’s cobbled walkways and grass-covered roofs, like those of Alesund, Bergen, Oslo and the Setesdal Valley, center around a Stave church—or Stavkirke—a pagan building of worship once found in almost every Norwegian town and village. The twenty-eight still standing today are some of the oldest wooden structures in the world. Epcot’s version is a faithful reproduction of Hallingdal’s Gol Stave Church, right down to the use of dovetail joints and lack of iron nails that would rust in maritime air.
And of course, there’s the regal Akershus, modeled after the medieval castle by the same name located in Oslo. Built in 1299, the original castle was renovated in the mid-17th century, acquiring its present appearance. Epcot’s Akershus houses a Character dining experience, serving fine Norwegian fare to the Park’s young Princes and Princesses and their parents.
Epcot Norway Pavilion
The nation’s seafaring heritage resonates throughout the Norway Pavilion. Guarding the north entry stands wreckage of a dragon-headed Norse ship (formerly a children’s play area) tucked into foliage. The vessel itself mimics the ones Guests board to ride the Maelstrom, one of only two rides on World Showcase. (Mexico hosts the other.) The Maelstrom boat ride through Norway’s folklore and culture is almost as exciting as the name suggests, boasting a backward drop over a waterfall, which was a unique feature at its debut, and a three-headed troll who protects the forest.
Trolls, very common in Scandinavian myths and tales, are hidden throughout the Pavilion. Do you like to find hidden Mickeys? Well, try finding the hidden trolls in Norway! According to Norwegian tradition, trolls vary in size and form. Some can have up to 9 heads! They are generally unpleasing to the eye, often big, hairy and slow. Any courageous and quick-witted human, they say, could easily outwit a troll. Trolls often live in mountains, under bridges or at the bottom of lakes. At one time, the Norway Pavilion was said to be inhabited by more than 20 trolls who hid well and often changed locales. Not to worry, though! All of Epcot’s trolls are friendly, and those that might be feisty turn to stone when exposed to sunlight.
Kids can take the magic home and create a troll pencil topper like this one using sculpting clay, beads and feathers. Simply insert a pencil eraser into a ball of softened sculpting clay and shape troll to your liking. Make him as cute or as ugly as you want by adding beads, feathers or other decorations. Remove from the pencil and set out to dry completely (follow directions on sculpting clay package). When the clay is set, replace on pencil to keep classmates from peeking at your homework!
Troll pencil topper
*Author’s note: Our thoughts are with the people of Norway after the tragedies that have occurred there this week.*