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Disney Parks

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom have reopened for a special Cast Member preview today and we’ve been bringing you along with us — all day LONG!

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Pandora

We’ve already gotten to ride a newly reopened Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and took our first plunge on Splash Mountain since mid-March! Now we’re hopping over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the other Disney World Cast Member preview is currently underway.

Since we couldn’t be in two places today, our friend @allisonxella on Instagram let us know what’s was happening over at Animal Kingdom! First of all, we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw Avatar Flight of Passage only had a five-minute wait time! Is the My Disney Experience app broken or something?  This ride usually has a least a two-hour standby line!

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Screenshot From My Disney Experience App

But the reports actually appeared to ring TRUE! Our friend pretty much walked straight through the line in record time! We’ll be curious to see how the wait times hold up for the rest of the week once Annual Passholders and the general public return!

Waiting in Line

At present, every ride at Disney World is only utilizing standby queues during the initial phased reopening. That means there’s currently no FastPass option to ride Flight of Passage “and, uh… fly!” But, with a five-minute wait, who needs a FastPass?!

Social-distancing markers have been placed at roughly 6-foot intervals throughout Flight of Passage’s rather lengthy standby line space. They’re prominently positioned outside along the winding mountain trail…

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Social-Distancing Markers

…as well as inside! Guests were being moved quickly through the laboratory area of the queue. Normally we don’t mind spending a little extra time in this room to appreciate all the details and science experiments that are happening, but our friend said the line moved so FAST that the room was all a blur!

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Flight of Passage Queue

And just like that, she reached the end of the line! A plexiglass barrier has been installed in this section where the queues break apart and guests are assigned to their boarding groups.

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Flight of Passage Queue

We were wondering what would happen next since Flight of Passage has a rather long pre-show experience before your journey officially begins.

Pre-Show

Before you get to “SIVAKO!” (That’s Na’vi for “Rise to the challenge!”), you normally have to pause in a briefing room. That’s where your body is scanned for “Pandoran micro-parasites” and ultimately, you’re paired up with an Avatar!

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Pre-Show Skipped

For now, guests will walk straight through this part of the pre-show — but Dr. Jackie Ogden still wants to have a word with you right before you board the ride.

The Ride Experience

Cast Members hand out 3D glasses (like they normally do). Two link chairs are left empty between each party and up to three parties are seated per row.

Here’s What It’s Like to Ride Flight of Passage at a Reopened Animal Kingdom

Flight of Passage Link Chair

Aside from having to wear a face mask the entire time, our friend reported that the rest of Flight of Passage looked and felt just as she remembered it! You know — breathtaking visuals, lots of swooping and diving, all while feeling your banshee panting and flapping its wings! At the end of the ride, 3D glasses get returned in the same bins they normally use for sterilization before being redistributed.

We still can’t quite get over only having to wait FIVE MINUTES to ride one of Disney World’s most popular attractions! It remains to be seen if those wait times increase during Annual Passholder previews and during the official park opening to all guests on July 11th, but we will be there to check it all out firsthand and will most definitely keep you posted!

What’s your favorite attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Featured, Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom reopening, Avatar, Avatar Flight of Passage, Disney World reopening, disney’s animal kingdom, flight of passage, Pandora, Pandora — The World of AVATAR

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Disney Parks

First look at the Discovery River Character Cruise in the Animal Kingdom

First look at the Discovery River Character Cruise in the Animal Kingdom Discovery River

Today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened for a special preview day for Cast Members to visit the theme park. Due to the new social distancing procedures, Disney has temporarily changed how we will see popular Disney characters in the park. For instance, those visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom will now see characters aboard watercraft in Discovery River instead of the former meet and greet opportunities for guests.

Below you can watch a demonstration of the new character cruises at Discovery River. A visitor, Tradzak, shared a video of their experience today on Instagram. We see popular Lion King characters Timon and Rafiki saving to passengers as they journey down the river.

More characters!!  Swipe to see both videos! #discoveryriver #discoveryrivercharactercruise #charactercruise #discoveryisland #reopenwaltdisneyworld #castmemberpreview #castmemberpreviews #covid19 #facemasksrequired #dak #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #disneyanimalkingdom22 #dak22 #treeoflife #thetreeoflife #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneyboy #disneyparks #disneyside #disneyworld #passholderlife #ilivewhereyouvacation #disneygram #instadisney #nowmorethanever #disneymagicmoments #disneymagicalmoments

A post shared by Thomas Radzak (@tradzak) on Jul 7, 2020 at 8:09am PDT

Seeing the characters from afar is certainly both entertaining and great for Disney fans who missed seeing their favorite characters. This new procedure helps ensure the health and safety of Disney guests by maintaining an appropriate social distance.

First look at the Discovery River Character Cruise in the Animal Kingdom

We also see Mickey Mouse and his friends are cruising down the river as well! Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto were joyfully greeting guests as they walked through the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially reopens to the public on July 11, 2020. We hope our fans stay tuned as we provide coverage on the reopened theme park!

Photo Credit: Tradzak

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Characters, Walt Disney World, animal kingdom, discovery river, Disney characters, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safari

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Disney Parks

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

Can you believe that we’re just a week away from Animal Kingdom’s official grand re-opening on July 11th!

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

Animal Kingdom Entrance

While we’re packing our trekking bags to head back into the parks, we’ve been looking at a sneak peek of Animal Kingdom’s new bag check area and temperature screening tents. And, now we have first look inside the park too!

The President of the Walt Disney World Resort Jeff Vahle has released photos of what the health and safety measures look like in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (wow, we missed seeing all that greenery).

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

©Jeff Vahle

There are distancing markers on the ground to direct guests where they are able to stand…

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

©Jeff Vahle

…and both Cast Members and guests will be required to keep six feet apart from one another when they’re in Disney World.

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

©Jeff Vahle

Everyone will be asked to wear face masks during their time in the parks to make sure that people are kept healthy and safe when they are in the parks.

Photos! First Look Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Before It Re-Opens Later This Week!

©Jeff Vahle

On top of this first (early!) look inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ll be taking you along with us next week as we head back into the parks during Annual Passholder Previews throughout the beginning of this week. And, then we’ll be heading back to Disney World for the start of the grand re-openings. Check back for full coverage of Disney World’s big reopening.

When will you be heading back to Animal Kingdom next? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney, disney news, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Disney Guides Disney Parks

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Just moments ago, registration for Disney World’s Special Annual Passholder Preview Event went LIVE!

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Main Street, U.S.A.

And even though the event has already filled up, we’re back to share all the important details you’ll need to know if you’re going!

Previously, Disney World announced July 9th and July 10th as the dates of its Annual Passholder previews at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom giving APs an opportunity to visit the parks BEFORE they reopened to the general public on July 11th and 15th.

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Passholder Entrance

Weekday Select, Theme Park Select, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders were all eligible to register for the AP previews, and we learned a few new SUPER-important details when we snagged out spots today!

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Magic Kingdom

You Needed to Choose…

Annual Passholders could only register for ONE day (either July 9th or 10th) and ONE park (either Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Animal Kingdom) meaning you COULDN’T attend both previews. Registration was fairly simple. Guests selected the day and park they would like to attend the preview for, attached guests, and then confirmed. Keep in mind, you couldn’t make modifications after registering.

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Spots Were Limited

Even though reservations to attend the Special Annual Passholder Preview Event are required, spots were limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You needed to have an activated annual pass for AP preview registration and if you wished to bring a guest, they also needed to have an active annual pass.

Note: once you added a guest to your reservation, the system would not allow them to register themselves for the Annual Passholder preview.

What You’ll Need to Bring

If you were able to snag a spot to one of the Annual Passholder preview, do note that each person must bring their Annual Pass and a government-issued photo ID with them. You’ll also need to bring a copy of your confirmation page.

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Screenshot from Disney World’s Website

Passholders should expect to receive additional emails from Disney for their reservation 3 to 5 days prior to the event and if guests are planning on staying at a Disney Resort hotel, regular Disney transportation will not be available. Guests will need to provide their own transportation to and from the theme parks.

Here’s EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Disney World Annual Passholder Previews!

Disney World’s Bus System Will Not Be Fully Operational During AP Previews

Keep in mind, you will need to bring your own face covering which must be worn by everyone (ages 2 and up) at all times, except when dining or swimming.

And while Disney World has released some details about which restaurants, shops, and attractions will be open starting July 11th, some experiences may be limited or modified during the Annual Passholder previews.

Did you register to attend one of the Special Annual Passholder Preview Events? Let us know which park you’ll be heading to in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, annual pass, Annual Passholder, annual passholder preview, buses won’t be running, copy of your confirmation page, Disney World, disney’s animal kingdom, face coverings, filled up, important details, mandatory, must provide own transportation, photo id, register, required, sold out, special annual passholder preview event, transportation

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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! Disney World’s Annual Passholder Previews Are Already FULL!

A little over an hour ago, Annual Passholders began receiving emails for the registration of the Disney World reopening Passholder Previews.

NEWS! Disney World’s Annual Passholder Previews Are Already FULL!

Annual Passholder Invite

Passholders apparently rushed to their accounts to secure their spots for the preview days in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 9th and 10th. Now, in what feels like no time, BOTH Passholder Preview days are full.

If you attempt to register for the Disney World reopening previews now, you will be directed to this screen that notes “Event Is Full.”

NEWS! Disney World’s Annual Passholder Previews Are Already FULL!

Event is Full

Wow! It seems like the event booked up in almost no time. If you weren’t lucky enough to get a spot at the preview, you’ll have to wait just a few more days to the official reopening so that you can get in.

Did you get a spot in the previews or were you left hanging? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney parks, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, annual pass, annual passholders, Disney World, Disney World reopening, Disney World reopening passholder previews, Passholder Previews, Reopening Passholder Previews