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It’s one of the most enchanting moments in all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But, if you don’t know to look for it, you might miss it. Throughout the day you can catch a quick mini-show, the Winged Encounters experience. It’s a short experience, but one that is sure to be memorable.

Like many the character cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Winged Encounters does not have published showtimes. This is a COVID-19 precaution so that guests do not gather ahead of time. You can find the Winged Encounters “stage” to the left of three Tree of Life. A large log that resembles the Tree of Life acts as a platform for brightly colored macaws.

You can tell the show will happen soon if you see a group of two to three Cast Members head toward the stage area and set up a few things. Then they typically head backstage for a few minutes before coming back out again right as the brief show begins.

The two greatest moments in the brief encounter is right when the macaws arrive and fly onto the stage area. They stick around for a few moments for pictures and viewing. Soon they’re on the move again as they make their exit, which is the best part of all as the come very close to any guests gathered in the immediate area.

If you want to get photos or video of their arrival and departure, you may find it easiest to let your shutter click away and then pick out the best pictures afterwards. Anytime I have seen the show I take a video and use the white circle on the screen while the video is recording to snap a few photos at the same time.

We’ve noticed that the show is typically every hour and usually not too long after the top of the hour. If you happen to catch the experience at the very end of the encounter and want to catch the entire show, just come back to the stage area around an hour later and you’ll most likely catch it. There is generally a lunch time break around noon, and the last show is usually in the three o’clock hour.

We’re in the parks daily to help make sure our tools and resources are up-to-date so you can get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation. Don’t miss out on the best experiences in the parks, both big and small, by becoming a TouringPlans Subscriber.

Have you ever watched Winged Encounters? Do you think it is worth stopping and enjoying it for a few moments?

The post Tips for Watching the Winged Encounters Mini-Show at Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Trip Planning, animal kingdom attractions, animal kingdom shows, animal kingdom tips

Visiting Walt Disney World in this age of COVID-19 precautions is certainly a different experience. But, there’s still lots of magic and fun to enjoy. One of our favorite changes at Walt Disney World is the implementation of character cavalcades at each of the four theme parks. Animal Kingdom has some of the most creative cavalcades as they take place on the Discovery River that loops around the interior of the park.

 

Since these character cavalcades do not have a published schedule, as a safety precaution, it takes some spontaneity and some awareness to be able to catch them. It’s fun to catch an appearance of beloved Disney characters without the hassle of a meet and greet line, or waiting around for a scheduled parade. Here’s some of our trips for viewing the character cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• Music comes from each of the decorated boats that the characters appear on, so if you hear music on the river then head to a bridge or spot along the water to view the characters as they go by.
• If you’re on a bridge remember that you can view them coming on one side of the bridge, and going on the other. The boats enter the river near Expedition Everest and the Rivers of Light ampitheater, then circle the park and head back. If you’re facing toward the back of the park they’ll come from the left side of the bridge, and go from the right. If you’re facing the front of the park, reverse that.
• Be aware and maintain physical distancing from other groups.
• The appearances are not scheduled, but they seem to be every hour. It takes about ten minutes for each boat to loop the park.
• There are five different character boats, plus a percussion group. The character groups include:
  • Mickey and Minnie on safari
  • Donald and Daisy Duck, and Launchpad McQuack
  • Rafiki and Timon
  • Chip and Dale, and Goofy in their Dino-Bash outfits
  • Pocahontas and Meeko

Character Cavalcade Viewing Locations

In my opinion, it is best to just go about your day and enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom without worrying about the cavalcades. Chances are you will see multiple appearances throughout your day. Besides viewing the cavalcades as you happen to be walking around the park, there are a few spots in the park where you can sit and relax.

On the walkway between Africa and Asia there are multiple clearings and landings on the water’s edge. There’s even an official Relaxation Station along this walkway with tables and chairs so you can sit, relax, enjoy the view, and take a break from wearing your mask if you wish.

Two other great viewing spots are near Dinoland U.S.A. and Rivers of Light amphitheater. The amphitheater is a nice option which provides lots of room for physical distancing. The one downside is there is no shade here, but you’ll have a nice wide open space, with stadium seating where you can watch each of the boats arrive and depart the waterway.

On the other side of the lagoon is Flame Tree BBQ. This quick service restaurant is a great place to grab lunch. Place your mobile order early and grab a table at the waterside pavilion, closest to the lagoon. There’s a limited number of tables here so if you head here at peak lunch time you may be out of luck. But, if you are able to snag a table here you’ll be treated to views of all the boats as they come and go, all while in the shade and nibbling on delicious food.

Maximize your day at Animal Kingdom and avoid long lines by becoming a TouringPlans Subscriber. You’ll gain access to our Lines app where you can use pre-made plans to tour the park in the most efficient way possible, or build your own plan. Plus, you’ll be able to see Expected Wait Times versus Disney’s Posted Wait Times. With the time you’ll save you’ll have more time to enjoy special moments like the character cavalcades.

Have you seen any of the character cavalcades yet? Where’s your favorite place to watch them?

The post Tips for Catching the Character Cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, In the Parks, Trip Planning, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, disney’s animal kingdom characters, disneys animal kingdom parade

It’s a minor inconvenience, but I have been waiting for the day that Disney Park Pass Reservations can be made in the MyDisneyExperience app. That day has arrived today!

You can now access the interface to make a Disney Park Pass Reservation through the MyDisneyExperience app. Once I clicked into the option on the MyDisneyExperience menu, however, I was a little disappointed that it just takes you to the website for reservations rather than being fully native in the app. So really this new menu option in the app is just a shortcut. You still need to log into the website and go through the steps from there.

Still, it is nice to have access in the app so everything is in one place. It’s nice to just got to the app when it’s time to secure a park pass reservation.

Speaking of convenient apps, our Lines app gives you the power to avoid crowds and long lines, using real-time data so you know which attractions to ride at what time to reduce your time in line. You’ll also gain access to our Crowd Calendar so you know which park to visit on which day for the lowest crowds. That way you can have the information you need to know when to make your Disney Park Pass Reservation for which park.

 

What do you think of this new feature? Do you think it adds a little convenience?

The post NEW – Disney Park Pass Reservations Can Be Made In MyDisneyExperience App… Sort Of appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, News, Trip Planning, disney covid, Disney News, disney reopening, disney reservations

Disney is celebrating 40 years of wish granting in a new and unique way — bringing magic to wish kids and guests through an all-new merchandise collection, Wishes Come True Blue, benefitting Make-A-Wish

BURBANK, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2020) — Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is unveiling its very first collection inspired by and benefitting Make-A-Wish® — the Wishes Come True Blue color collection. This new offering commemorates the 40-year relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish, with even more special product offerings to come later this year.

Wishes Come True Blue is the first-ever Disney color collection that pays tribute to a nonprofit’s impact and supports the ongoing collaboration between Make-A-Wish and Disney. The Wishes Come True Blue color collection is the latest in the popular series of Disney color collections and features the debut of two all-new products, including the first-ever adjustable Mickey Mouse ear headband for kids of all abilities to wear with comfort and joy, as well as the first cloth face masks by Spirit Jersey®. In honor of this launch, Disney is donating 10,000 cloth face masks from the collection to Make-A-Wish to provide to wish kids across the United States.

For the purchase of each item in the collection now through World Wish Day 2021 (April 29, 2021) in the US, Canada and across Europe, Disney will donate 25 percent of the purchase price (up to US $500,000) to Make-A-Wish. This collection will be available starting Oct. 22 at select Disney Parks around the world, Disney store locations in North America and on shopDisney.com and shopDisney.co.uk.

Following the Disney Parks fan-favorite color collections, Arendelle Aqua and Belle of the Ball Bronze, this new collection features the distinct Make-A-Wish blue hue and reminds people around the world of wish granting. This collection offers a wide assortment of products including: spirit jerseys, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ear headbands, a mini backpack and wristlet by Loungefly, leggings, baseball caps and more.

“It’s been an honor to work with Disney to grant wishes and create priceless memories for so many families. I hope this new collection of Make-A-Wish-inspired items will bring joy to guests much like Disney wishes have brought joy to wish kids for the last 40 years,” said Make-A-Wish president and CEO, Richard K. Davis. “Disney is the largest wish-granter on earth, and we’re thankful for everyone who helps transform lives by supporting our organization and making wishes come true.”

For the past 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have been providing magic to wish kids and their families when they need it most, starting with the very first wish granted at Disneyland park in 1980. Disney is the largest wish granter in the world, having fulfilled more than 140,000 wishes globally, and one out of every two wishes granted by Make-A-Wish in the United States.

Over the next two months, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will reveal even more global product offerings that will benefit Make-A-Wish and celebrate the 40-year relationship.

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For hi-res images CLICK HERE.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, Twentieth Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 53 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia with more than 170,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022 and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney Imagineers are the creative force behind Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships globally.

Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing includes the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 300 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

Media Contact:

Melissa Britt
Director, Global Public Relations
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Melissa.B.Britt@Disney.com

The post Disney Celebrates 40 Years Supporting Make-A-Wish® Through Debut of All-New Product Offerings, with a Portion of Proceeds Helping Grant Wishes appeared first on Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

From our friends at dpep.disney.com
Filed Under: Citizenship, Consumer Products, Parks and Experiences