Animal Kingdom

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Animal Kingdom Family Welcomes Baby Elephant

Heading to Disney's Animal Kingdom in the future? Keep your eyes peeled for the newest member of the park's elephant family. A new male calf was born into the herd on August 24.

The male elephant's birth is the sixth to occur at the Animal Kingdom. He weighs in at 311 pounds and joins a seven-year-old big sister Kianga and their mother Vasha.

The baby is a result of the artificial insemination of Vasha in October 2009. It's reported that Vasha received "excellent pre-natal care" that included monitoring around the clock since early August.

Currently, the baby remains unnamed.

Disney Names New DVC Exec

Just a few days ago, we reported that Disney had let go its top DVC executive. It looks like they now have a replacement in Claire Bilby.

Ms. Bilby was appointed by Disney as the senior vice president of the Disney Vacation Club on Monday. The announcement came about three days after Disney fired the previous president Jim Lewis as well as two other executives. Financial difficulties concerning Aulani, a Hawaiian-based Disney resort set to open soon, may have lead to the dismissal of the executives and appointment of the experienced Ms. Bilby to the position.

Celebrate the Cotton-Top Tamarin This August at Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom will be celebrating the cotton-top tamarin during all of August. Turns out, the adorable one-pound monkey has its own Columbian national holiday on August 15, so the AK is turning it into a month-long celebration.

Rafiki's Planet Watch will be the site of activities planned around the monkey. All ages will be able to participate in learning more about the tamarin's behavior and biology as well as how scientists study the tamarin and efforts to save this endangered species. In addition, guests can pick up moves to the cotton-top tamarin dance!

Jiko Named One of the Nation's Best Wine Restaurants

Congratulations are in order to Jiko - The Cooking Place for making Wine Enthusiast magazine's top 100 list of best wine and fine dining restaurants in the United States.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge's African-inspired restaurant boasts an impressive, award-winning wine list that features a large collection of South African vintage wines.

A few more Florida restaurants made the list as well, including Prime One Twelve in South Beach, Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Bern's Steak House in Tampa, Baires Grill in South Beach and Angle Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach.

Celebrate International Year of the Forests at Animal Kingdom

2011 is the International Year of Forests, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, and Disney's Animal Kingdom will help celebrate this in a special festival Wednesday, July 27.

The International Year of Forests brings to light ways to manage, conserve and develop forests. The celebration at the AK later this month will extend on this theme, giving guests a chance to "discover the wonders of forests and learn more about the variety of wildlife that depend on them."

Primeval Whirl To Remain Closed Throughout Summer

The Primeval Whirl roller coaster in Disney's Animal Kingdom is expected to remain closed until September. The ride, which was initially closed in January for refurbishment, has been the subject of a federal investigation following the death of a park mechanic in March of this year.

Russell Roscoe, 52, was struck while working on the ride March 13 and died after suffering massive head injuries. Since that time, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been conducting an investigation into the ride and the worker's death.

25 Percent Off Dining at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Who doesn't like saving time and money, especially when it comes to dining at the Disney parks? Back by popular demand is a voucher good for 25% off of select quick-service restaurants at both Disney World and Disneyland during the busy week of April 17-23, 2011.

This week, one of the busiest in the parks, can make for long waits during peak dining times; the voucher encourages diners to eat on "off" or "down" times for lunch and dinner. The fine print? You must purchase an entree and also must eat before 11:30 a.m. for lunch or between 3:00-4:30 p.m. for dinner.

Is Australia Coming to the Animal Kingdom?

G'day, mate! Disney cast members at the Animal Kingdom may have some Aussie lingo to learn in the future as rumors surface about a possible expansion at that park.

"The Village Beatniks" Leave Animal Kingdom

After twelve years of entertaining guests at the Animal Kingdom, the "Village Beatniks" have left Walt Disney World. The five-person percussion ensemble, which performed vivid African music at the "Discovery Island" section of the park, performed their last show on September 25, 2010.

The "Beatniks" have delighted thousands of park-goers over the years " and had a knack for encouraging guests to play along and engage in the full experience. Part musicians, part storytellers, the "Beatniks" told many mythical stories of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund

There are many ways that the Walt Disney Company helps to contribute to the good of our planet. From the impressive VoluntEARs, to the Florida Green Lodging Program, Disney is always looking for ways to lead the industry in corporate social responsibility.

Guardian of Forbidden Mountain

Animal Kingdom is home to the tallest Mountain Range in all of Disney Parks, it's snow-capped peaks reminiscent of the Himalayas. The star of the show, is not Mount Everest as the name can suggest, that can be seen as a peak in the distance to the far right. This family thrill ride is all about a trip through the formidable, but fictional, Forbidden Mountain.

Pineapple Reigns Supreme at Walt Disney World

Are you looking for a tropical summer treat to enjoy while touring the Parks at Walt Disney World? While fruits in general can be a major attraction, there's one that sits as the pinnacle of hospitality. The pineapple is a true celebrity and it's use in recipes across Disney's culinary panorama show off it's sweet diversity. We love pineapple! and thought we'd share some of our favorite sweet, tangy treats with you.

It's Pollinator Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is celebrating conservation events all year long! As a zoological park it is regularly engaged in ongoing research and conservation efforts involving its animal species. Today the folks in the Park are celebrating Pollinator Day! Guests who stop by Rakiki's Planet Watch can participate in Pollinator Day activities that include the opportunity to see two different types of bees and to learn how to create a pollinator garden at home.

Escape the Weather at Disney World

Florida weather can be unpredictable, one minute its sunny and the next its pouring down rain. Unfortunately, Disney World is no exception so you should be prepared with an "in case of rain" plan! We've compiled a list of places to escape the weather at Disney World for you.

Eat while it Rains! Grabbing a bit to eat while its raining is a great way to stay dry, kill time, and enjoy some of the delicious eats available in the parks!

Timon and Pumbaa are Wild About Safety

Have you ever picked up a counter service meal in Animal Kingdom and found a trading card on your tray? I was puzzled by this during my last trip and admittedly, the card went into the trash with the rest of my garbage. However later in the day I discovered just what that card was and how much fun it is being a kid again at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

My Favorite Disney's Animal Kingdom Parade Spot

We polled our Facebook Fans to find our where their favorite spot to watch the Parade in Animal Kingdom was, and though there were a few responses there's an overwhelming number of people who just don't make a special stop to watch this parade. With that in mind, I'm going to share with you my favorite spot to watch this parade and why I think it's worthwhile!

Muziki Drums in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Across the path from the Dawa Bar in the Harambe Village section of Disney's Animal Kingdom you'll find one of those lovely spots that have a way of bring strangers together for a fantastic Disney moment. Sitting out along the path for anyone to stop and explore are the Muziki Drums. This little stand, sometimes occupied by talented cast members creating stunning African rhythms, calls out to old and young alike to play a djembe.

Disney Animal Kingdom's Anandupur Quality Beverages

Within the colorful building that houses Animal Kingdom's Yak & Yeti restaurant you'll find one of two full service bars located in Disney's Animal Kingdom. However that's not where we're going to stop today for our featured bar. Today we're headed around to the back of the building, past the Anandupur Local Food Cafes counter service. Back towards the secluded garden near the bubbling fountain, where we'll find the last service window of Quality Beverages.

It's the Walt Disney World Marathon's 20th Anniversary

Coming in 2013 the Walt Disney World Marathon will be celebrating it's 20th Anniversary Race during a fun filled weekend of activities for all ages. Race weekend (January 10th-13th, 2013) hosts fun events for families to enjoy that stress the importance of physical fitness for every age.