Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World now offers guests a new experience – night. The park magically transforms into a nighttime destination for guests visiting WDW. There’s no need to exit the park at dusk. With plenty of things to do and see after the sun goes down, Animal Kingdom is filled with even more thrills and excitement.

The Kilimanjaro Safari at night is a completely different experience than during the day. Watching the animals in their habitats in the dark brings guests right into their lives and with the knowledgeable guides pointing out where and what animals are in view, it’s almost like being in Africa on a quiet night. Just seeing the giraffes walking next to the open vehicle or the lion majestically lying on a rock is a thrilling experience in itself. And listening to them in the quiet of the darkness is an experience not quickly forgotten. This is definitely a different safari ride at night, and animal lovers will undoubtedly enjoy every minute of it.

Expedition Everest, the thrill ride that takes guests through the mountain with a close encounter with the Abominable Snowman, is now a nighttime “must do” for those who enjoy the ride in the daytime. There’s something to be said for the darkness of night adding a different element to this attraction. This is definitely a thrill ride, so the little ones, and those who aren’t comfortable with this kind of ride, should avoid this attraction.

The Kali River Rapids is a heart-pounding whitewater adventure that also takes on a different dimension after dark. Yes, expect to get wet on this ride.

The “Harambe Wildlife Parti” fills the marketplace with authentic African music, acrobatics, and fun for the whole family. When the sun goes down, the party starts!

The Tree of Life is the focal point of the park. This majestic tree is beautiful during the day, but when it awakens at night it is stunning. Colors light up the tree and the spirits of the animals come to life. Visions of hummingbirds, a fox, a doe, a bunny, apes, fish and others demonstrate the circle of life with extraordinary images on this amazing tree, all with the Disney magic touch. The Tree of Life at night is truly an amazing spectacular for everyone to watch. It’s something you have to witness before leaving Animal Kingdom.

And finally, the newest nighttime light show, “Rivers of Light,” will be premiering this summer. This is a visual extravaganza that combines light, lasers, and animal spirits in a show filled with beauty. Lotus flowers, water fountains, lanterns, and color fill the lake while at the same time telling the story of the animal spirits. Sitting in the amphitheater with fireflies flickering around as the story unfolds on the water with music and visual effects will not only amaze guests, but also engage their senses. They have outdone themselves with this nighttime experience on the Discovery River Lagoon, giving one more reason to make Disney’s Animal Kingdom a great way for families to experience the hours after dark at WDW.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Night has new evening experiences for everyone, from young to old. The rides at night are unlike experiencing them during the day, and the colors and magic of the “Rivers of Light” show and the awakening of the “Tree of Life” are completely awe-inspiring and the best way to end a day at WDW.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Recently Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Opportunities, and Ken Potrock, Senior VP and GM of Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club told members of the media about several new projects ahead. Before a lavish lunch at Walt Disney World, the two men shared the views of the Disney Company and their respective divisions.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Holz began by proclaiming, “The Disney Cruise is the ultimate ocean-going vacation for families.” He explained the cruises take guests to “a fantasy world” onboard the ships, while also visiting ports of call and of course, Disney’s Castaway Cay, it’s own secluded island.

The cruises definitely have the Disney touch, and next year they will have 15 Star Wars themed days at sea with sailings from January to April 2017.

While offering families plenty of activities aboard the ships, Holz said they also have “Broadway quality shows” that entertain the entire family.

Two new Disney ships will be joining the fleet in 2021 and 2023, and currently there are updates concluding on the Disney Wonder. Each one of the ships (Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder) has unique offerings for all the guests, however they share one thing in common. That is the Disney touch with plenty of fantasy, magic, wonder, dreams, and fun. Hence the names of the ships!

New destinations that will be served by the Disney Cruise Line are new ports in Alaska, Europe, Norway, the British Isles, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Amsterdam.

DISNEY VACATION CLUB

Ken Potrock described Disney’s Aulani Hawaiian resort as a “multi-generational” destination. The resort, which was opened five years ago, immerses guests in the “beauty and the spirit of the islands.”

Disney Vacation Club currently has 14 resorts, with the newest at the Wilderness Lodge in WDW as well as waterfront cabins. The other locations in this ownership program include 8 other resorts in Walt Disney World, one in Disneyland, one in Vero Beach, one in Hilton Head Island, and one at Aulani on Oahu. Members of the Disney Vacation Club not only get special treatment in the resorts, but also get special Magic Bands to wear in the theme parks which identify them to cast members as being special guests where they receive individual treatment in the parks.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY

Adventures by Disney is a unique vacation experience for couples or families. Now in its tenth year, the program immerses travelers in activities and experiences around the world. The groups consist of about 30 people, making the tours small enough for a more individual experience. With 40 itineraries covering six continents in 2017, Adventures by Disney has the world covered.

New domestic destinations include Philadelphia where visitors see the birthplace of the nation, Montana, where guests experience a dude ranch, and Yellowstone National Park where guests experience “glamor camping,” as Potrock explained.

RIVER CRUISES BY DISNEY

Disney has joined with AMA Waterways, a high-end river cruise company in Europe, to bring two famous rivers to Disney vacationers: the Rhine and the Danube. The new AMA Kristina, debuting in 2017, will be a luxurious ship for families and is touted to be a milestone for Disney River Cruise ship.

There’s no doubt the folks at Disney are looking far ahead to bring the most fun to all their guests. As they explained, a Disney vacation is a special and memorable experience for the whole family.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Goodbye Downtown Disney. Hello Disney Springs. Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs (formally Downtown Disney) is undergoing the largest expansion in its history. This is a fun area of WDW in which guests can eat, be entertained, drink, shop, have fun, and even take a ride in a hot air balloon – tethered, of course.

Disney Springs consists of four neighborhoods, each serving its own purpose and each with its own architecture, but revolving around a “natural” Florida Springs like towns of the past. Disney isn’t just slapping together buildings and calling it Disney Springs. Plenty of thought has gone into this newest region of Walt Disney World. It is meant to immerse guests in the history of old Florida while taking them through different eras as they walk around the property.

The Landing neighborhood is set in the 1900-1910 period with building facades that reflect that time. The Town Center neighborhood consists mostly of shops and looks like a town did around the 1920s, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Next, the Marketplace neighborhood reflects the 1930s. These new neighborhoods will open to the public on May 15, 2016.

The West Side is already open and is the place we think of when we hear “Downtown Disney.” This “neighborhood” is built in the character of the 1950s. Here is where you can ride the balloon, go bowling in Splitsville, dine in a variety of eateries, watch a show, and just have fun.

Disney Springs is “a special and magical place,” said Keith Bradford, Vice President of Disney Springs. Besides the activities, the Disney folks wanted to “focus on storytelling like the parks and the cruises.” Bradford exclaimed, “this is the largest growth we’ve ever experienced in the history of this property.” With the expansion, Disney Springs is going to be a major destination for visitors to WDW.

Cirque du Soleil has it’s own theater here and presents its spectacular show La Nouba. This is a show for all the senses and engrosses visitors in a magical experience. Aerial ballets above the stage mesmerize guests while plenty of amazing acrobatics are playing out on the stage. This is truly a fascinating experience. As they said, this show has been given “an extra push.”

While you’re walking around Disney Springs, why not test out a water car. These are authentic Amphicars that can drive on land and float on the water. This is the only place in the world guests can experience the Amphicars.

And for shopping for Disney items, the World of Disney here is the largest in the country with separate areas designed specifically for the different characters. How fun is that? Answer: really fun.

Plus, let’s not forget Disney Quest. This is where virtual reality makes its mark. Create your own excitement and experience a variety of virtual experiences. There are areas in this gigantic building designed just for preschoolers, so don’t think this is only for adults. It’s a great place for family fun.

A variety of dining experiences await you in Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia recently opened. This is the place created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and offers a variety of Asian selections with a few kid-friendly options. After all, this is Walt Disney World.

Whether you want Italian food, steaks, seafood, fish and chips, American food, sandwiches, coffee, or all kinds of sweets, Disney Springs has it.

Disney Springs is a nice little change from the other theme parks. Whether you are driving yourself or accessing it from the Disney Bus Transportation System or the Disney Boat Transportation System on the waterways that serves Port Orleans, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs resorts, Disney Springs is an area for all kinds of family fun.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Yes, Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with rides, but there are plenty of other activities to do and see here in this Buena Park, California theme park.


First of all, there is a Ghost Town that transports visitors back to the days of the old west. There, you can see how work was done by hand in the “old” days. Demonstrations throughout the day have blacksmiths at work, and you might even get to see some authentic weaving being done. An old jail and other buildings provide a step back in time. It’s kind of like going to the backlot of a movie studio, but these buildings are not facades, they are places visitors can enter and experience for themselves. And while you’re there, why not pick up a sarsaparilla to whet your whistle, or some famous Knott’s boysenberry punch. By the way, throughout the park you can find places to get a special boysenberry Icee. Can you say “delicious” and “refreshing?”

Excitement enthusiasts take note: there are plenty of roller coasters throughout the park. Many of them have height requirements and might be too scary for the little ones, but if you love to be taken to the limits, you’ll be satisfied with all their coasters. They have the “Silver Bullet,” “Xcelerator,” “Bomerang,” “Montezooma’s Revenge,” “Coast Rider,” Pony Express,” “Sierra Sidewinder,” “Timberline Twister” (created for kids), and the “Jaguar.” You’ll have to take a look at each of these for yourselves to decide whether you want to take the plunge!

Besides coasters, there are plenty of other thrill rides that either turn you around or drop you from above.

The Sky Cabin is something most families can do together. It’s a slow-moving elevator-type enclosure that takes visitors up 180 feet then slowly turns to give everyone a 360-degree view of Knott’s Berry Farm and the surrounding areas.

Of course there is the obligatory Carousel. This one is an authentic century old merry-go-round. The Ferris wheel and several other rides are also great for families to experience together. At the end of The Timber Mountain Log Ride you will drop down a waterfall, so yes, you will get a little wet. But it’s a fun way to go.

The Calico Mine Ride is a slow-moving train that transports riders deep into the mountain to see how a gold mine operated. While there are some dark areas, this is not a scary ride for kids.

And speaking of kids, Camp Snoopy was designed just for them. They have a “Flying Ace” ride where the little ones can sit in their own WWI plane while Snoopy keeps watch. The “Linus Launcher” is definitely unique. Guests lie on their stomachs and spin around 10 feet in the air. Think of the time Snoopy grabbed Linus’ blanket and the little guy was taken on the ride of his life. Well, this is it.

The “Camp Bus” lets the little ones take an interesting ride on the bus that raises and rotations them around – slowly – so they get to see what life is like when you’re a bird – like Woodstock!

“The Grand Sierra Railroad” takes the little ones (and big ones) through the area where all the Peanuts gang plays and explores. You’ll see their campground and you’ll have no problem figuring out which tent belongs to Charlie Brown.

A cute live show with Lucy and her friends entertains Peanuts lovers of all ages. There is plenty more for kids to enjoy in Camp Snoopy. You might even get to meet Snoopy himself!

If you are in the mood to shop, there are several places to get a souvenir or some delicious treats. And, do not leave without dining at the newly designed Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Cap off your dinner or lunch with a piece of fresh boysenberry pie or some refreshing boysenberry sherbet.

Summer 2016 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Ghost Town. There will be several new adventures and entertainment in the little Ghost Town of Calico.

If you’re coming to Southern California this summer, check out Knott’s Berry Farm for some excitement, entertainment, and family fun.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Walt Disney once said, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” The Imagineers are those people and the newest additions to Walt Disney World in Florida show just how creative these folks are. This summer several new attractions will be opening and, as Disney also said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

FROZEN

Let’s face it; Frozen is a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, no pun intended. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf are beloved characters and have taken their place among the other Disney characters that have entertained generations. The World Showcase in EPCOT is bringing these characters to visitors in the Norway pavilion. “Frozen Ever After” transports visitors to Arendelle where they will see the North Mountain and Elsa’s Ice Palace. The original cast from the film provides the voices on this magical boat ride and the classic songs from the film accompany the excursion, “with a twist,” as the Imagineers revealed.

The idea to change the Norway pavilion began in November 2013, before the movie even premiered. The creative people at Disney knew the relationship between Norway and the film was something that would appeal to visitors to EPCOT. They are lengthening the original boat ride that has been part of the pavilion since it opened. The ride also builds on the songs with the characters, and, as was explained to me, everyone is friendly now, even Marshmallow (the big snowman that guarded the Ice Palace in the film).

Besides the boat ride, visitors to Norway will see the summer home of the royal family. This is the place where Elsa and Anna spent their childhoods and contains plenty of artifacts from that time in their lives.

STAR WARS

In 2012 Disney announced the company was acquiring Lucasfilm, which meant the Star Wars franchise would now be part of the company. Star Wars fans have plenty to be excited about in Walt Disney World. Disney’s Hollywood Studios now has several attractions to take visitors to a galaxy far, far away.

At “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” guests are now taken to a new destination from the latest film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Plus a new live show brings the characters up close and personal to visitors. There is also Jedi training area, which young visitors to the park especially enjoy.

At the “Star Wars Launch Bay” items from the films are on display. It’s here you’ll see the uniforms and the droids. And of course, there is a store where all kinds of Star Wars items are available to take home.

The piece de resistance for Star Wars fans is the new nighttime fireworks spectacular, “Symphony in the Stars.” Imagine standing – or sitting – and hearing the music we all recognize accompanied by an amazing light and fireworks show. As the tempo swells the fireworks explode, bringing a rush of excitement to all the fans. But that’s not all. There are sound bites from the films that also accompany this nighttime extravaganza. There’s no one that can put on a fireworks spectacular better than the folks at Disney! And thank you, John Williams, for composing that theme song that is impossible not to hum while leaving the park after the show.

There are plenty more new additions coming this summer to Walt Disney World. These are just the tip of the iceberg (again, no pun intended)! May the force be with you.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter