Some of the details of the new Starbucks

Well, the last of the Disney World's Starbucks has now opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Still called Creature Comforts (which I think works), the coffee joint seems to be a hit. Our good friend, Melena Perry (follow her @MelenaPerry on the twitters), grabbed some great photos of some of the details of the place.

Like I said before, I think the place looks great, but also looks out of place. It seems more suited for Harambe or, perhaps even more so, the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Discovery Island has a distinct look. A combination of various island styles like the Caribbean and Bali and this ain't that. These more earthy tones seem out of place. But again, it is pretty - I like the paint schemes, the geometric patterns...

and the single lights above the queue.

The African décor expands to behind the counter. Beautiful baskets and vases highlight certain areas.

 

 

The counters have a nice African inspired look.

And there is plenty of merch available

These themes extend to seating areas, as well. Again, it looks like Kidani Village.

The menu is any old Starbucks menu. It should be noted though that a portion of the proceeds from sales of the flat white latte goes to help the cotton top tamarin, which can be seen nearby.

There are some obligatory specialty cupcakes sold here including a cotton top tamarin version and one with a tree of life design.

Thanks again to Melena.

By Safari Mike

More Prep for the Coming Crowds

We have seen quite a few indicators in recent months that Disney expects a significant increase in attendance numbers at the Animal Kingdom in the not-too-distant-future. New food offerings, additional pathways around the park, as well as the obvious construction of major new attractions. Over the past week, we have heard about a couple of the more subtle variety of these indicators.

Late last week, OrlandoParkNews.com reported on some new night time entertainment being tested after hours on Discovery Island. There is little in the way of specifics in this report, but they do mention these are “dress rehearsals”, which means to me these are definite future additions and not just auditions for something being considered. With the Rivers of Light nighttime show coming, a new night Safari, and Avatar looking like it will be a real draw after sundown, having other options within the park will be a pressing concern for Imagineers.

But it isn’t just after sunset Disney is concerned about. These new additions will most likely keep the turnstiles spinning throughout the day, even at rope-drop. We are hearing, and it has been reported on many outlets, that Disney will begin testing a new opening procedure for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the next few weeks, guests will no longer be in long lines snaking around the ticket booths and into the direct sunlight of the courtyard there. Instead, thirty minutes before park opening, guests will be allowed to pass through the turnstiles and enter the Oasis. The “rope” will now be at the top of the Oasis trails by the bridge leading into Discovery Island.

This is a terrific idea, and one that has many benefits. The Oasis is very shady, so if you are like me and can’t stand being stuck on a line with the sun beating down on you, this puts an end to that. But more importantly, the Oasis is amazing and is probably the most under appreciated area of the park while also being the one place most missed by guests. Now, if you get there early, and when it’s busy you should do just that, you can have a full half-hour to see the great animals on exhibit, experience the beauty of your surroundings, and interact with the Cast Members there as well.

These may both be small changes, but if they are another indicator of the future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom then count me in! I love both of these ideas.

by Dave Mcbride (@RadioHarambe)

Disney's Animal Kingdom News Round-Up for June 24, 2015: One Word...Poop

It’s All About the Poop: It isn’t often when something as trivial as a novelty snack at Disney theme parks makes the national press. But when they decide to sell poop, it seems even publications as prestigious as Time Magazine gets on the scoop…the poop scoop if you will. (You walked right into that one!) It seems Zuri’s Sweet Shop has decided to market a few of their new creations as poop…really, read the article and you’ll see what I mean. I just hope this isn’t a trend that catches on.

Starbucks Opens: Late last week the Starbucks location opened at Disney Animal Kingdom, in the former Creature Comforts gift shop on Discovery Island. Oddly enough, they decided to keep a sign that read “Creature Comforts” over the front door. On a positive note, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the “Flat White Latte”, whatever that is, will go toward cotton-top tamarin conservation efforts.

Pocahontas Makes Her Move:  For the character meet-and-greet fans out there, it seems Pocahontas has now moved to the Discovery Island Character Landing. While it is nice to still see the character meeting guests, she must long for a return to her days at Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Park Hours for this week are...

Wednesday: June 24 9am -8pm (Extra Magic Hour 8 - 9am)
Thursday: June 25  9am - 7pm
Friday: June 26  9am -7pm
Saturday: June 27  9am - 7pm
Sunday: June 28 9am - 6pm (Extra Magic Hour 8 - 9am)
Monday: June 29  9am - 7pm
Tuesday: June 30  9am - 7pm

Check Out Kenny the Pirate for this week’s Entertainment Schedule!

Attraction Closures:
Sunrise Safari: discontinued
Flame Tree Barbecue: closed until June 29

Have A Wild Time this week!!

The Posters of Harambe Market

In the old port of Harambe, there are some amazing posters and wall art that really step up the aesthetics. This theming device was used at the theater district that opened last year. Harambe Market is no exception to the rule of great posters.

Here are some of the posters for your enjoyment.

Even the signs for the service are cool

 

Clearly this sign is dedicated to me

 

 

There does seem to be plenty of seats

 

 

No idea who this is supposed to be

 

Um, ok. With ribs?

I always liked this one which is in other parts of Harambe too

I hear Bill is good at shoe repairs

 

Cool ads for the Festival of the Lion King

 

More ads, this one for the Tusker in "Old Harambe"

 

A nice note to end with. Also, two more randomly placed bikes.

By Safari Mike

Harambe Market: The Details

Thanks to friend of the blog and show, Ken Cabot, we have a ton of cool pictures from Harambe Market. These show you some of the amazing details of the area.

A good look at the "market" section. This fake little stand gives you the feel of being in a real market where people set up stands to sell their wares, like pottery, hand woven shirts and baskets.

And just like in a real market, there is all sorts of water jugs and old containers.

Here's a look at the nearby train tracks. At the back of the market, you can see the Wildlife Express make its way to the Conservation Station.

You can see the train passing by.

The train is a great aesthetic for the market.

This reminds of Restarauntosaurus, with its chairs on the roof.

I love the water tower and its wires.

And it wouldn't be Animal Kingdom without some randomly placed bikes.

and some fruit, apparently.

You will probably recall Hotel Burudika which is in the old port section of Harambe. Here at the market, the proprietors of said hotel are advertising to the recently dropped off tourists.

And more places to stay at Harambe. Note the tiny Pangani sign.

More market rules.

And the theming keeps going. Telephone poles and wires are still prevalent here like they would be in this part of Africa.

Thanks again to Ken Cabot. Coming soon will be a detailed look at the wall art and posters of Harambe Market.

By Safari Mike

A Close Look at Zuri's offerings

Thanks again to Scott Campbell at Dixie Landings Radio for the great photos. Here is some specific items for your perusal. Lets start with barbecue suace.

I need this in my life like yesterday

Not only are the bags cool but African spice popcorn? YES

Cool packaging

This looks amazing and such a cool product

I'm buying these chocolates

I love berbere spices

No idea what this is but I'm in

These are all great. I'm glad its not just a candy store

speaking of sweets, gourmet cocoa looks great and unique

I'm into these unique coffee blends too

Now for the candy counter and these guys

And these cool looking dudes

I really want these cookes

So everything you just saw can be found in Zuri's Sweet Shop. And, at least at this moment, only Zuri's. I find that a fantastic thing. A store that carries a lot of unique items is a must browse for me. So I know I will be here often.

By Safari Mike