Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Gorilla Falls

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Gorilla at Disney's Animal KingdomIt was Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail for just three months after Animal Kingdom first opened.  Then Gorilla Falls became the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.  Now, after 18 years, the trail’s name has been changed back to the original. No matter what you call it, this is an awesome place to explore in the Africa section of the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Gorilla Falls

I could give you all the reasons there are out there for all the name switching, but none of that matters.  What’s important about this particular trail is that it is fantastic and deserving of a solid slot in your Animal Kingdom (full day!) touring plans. (AND the gorillas are wonderful!)  RM-Pangani-ForestIt seems to me that a lot of people will, if they go on the trail at all, squeeze it in between Kilimanjaro Safaris and whatever’s up next on their FastPass+ schedule.  Rushing through this collection of animals, precisely crafted atmosphere, and information is not advised! You need to allow ample time (I prefer early in the day) to make the most of this opportunity.  The Safari is great, but the trails are where you can take as much time as you like to watch and learn (and photograph!) Animal Kingdom’s animals.Hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom

What do I love about Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail?  I’m glad you asked!  Like so many other Disney experiences, it’s not one thing alone, but rather the individual parts coming together to make the whole so wonderful!  Underwater hippo viewing, naked mole rats, meerkats, not one, but two separate gorilla viewing areas and so much more!Gorilla-Mother-and-Baby Gorilla at Animal Kingdom WDW RM-Gorilla-and-Baby-in-Grass

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is themed around animal conservation and research, so there’s a ton of interesting information all around (animal list, exhibit details and full backstory here).  The research building is packed with details and fun opportunities for further exploration – open drawers, look around, check out the minutiae of the carefully designed Disney details.  Cast Members are always available to answer questions or provide fun facts about the animals along the way.RM-Meerkat-Feast

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a must-see for me every time I visit Animal Kingdom.  What’s your favorite part of this experience?

Hallmark 1972 Walt Disney World Book

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Hallmark 1972 Walt Disney World Book

A Fun Filled Visit to Walt Disney World with Mickey Mouse: A Hallmark Pop-Up Book.

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By Nick

Like much of my collection, I cannot recall when and where I got this book. It’s copyright is 1972.

It isn’t in the best condition, with stains and tape marks, but the pop-ups all work pretty well.

Our first pop-up is the Ferry Boat to the Magic Kingdom. But that isn’t how we are getting to the park.

We’re taking the Monorail with Mickey. Lift the door tab, and Mickey gets on board.

Interestingly, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea has been reduced to just “Submarine Voyage” here. There is a rotating wheel that rotates and shows wreckage, treasure and sea life.

Next, the Country Bear Jamboree pop-up.

It’s a Small World. Pull the tab on the right, and the drummer drums while the camel nods in unison.

The Mad Tea Party. pull the tab to see Mickey “Spin”. On one side he’s smiling, on the other, he looks as if he may be ill, which is the same reaction I have as this ride goes on.

A Jungle Cruise pop-up.

The Mickey Mouse Revue, which was housed in the space that is now home to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Pull the tabs and the whole gang rocks out while Mickey orchestrates.

The Swiss Family Tree House. Lift the flap and see the Jungle Cruise Ruins in the distance.
Not very exciting.

Maybe the creator of this book was lulling you into a false sense of security, and then, wham!
Pull the tab on the Haunted Mansion page, and a ghost pops up! Thrilling.

And to cap off a fun filled day at the park with Mickey, fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.

I hope you enjoyed your time with Mickey Mouse.

You can follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends on all their many Disney adventures:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.  You can listen to Nick, our friend Dave and me on The Disney Exchange Podcast where we talk about all things Disney.

Happy (Disney) World Elephant Day!

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Who doesn’t love elephants?!? I’m a huge pachyderm fan myself and my favorites, the most lovable elephants around, can be found at Walt Disney World. 

Happy (Disney) World Elephant Day!

Dumbo Magic Kingdom

photo credit: Nicholas Maglio

Dumbo!  Has a cuter elephant ever been imagined?  I think not!  While I can’t say I’m a fan of the ride in Fantasyland (I did try to ride it once), I can wholeheartedly claim a love for Dumbo that stretches all the way back to the 1960’s.  That’s a long time!  Dumbo even holds a place of honor on our Disney Christmas tree.Dumbo Christmas Ornament

The Jungle Cruise Gang – What bunch of good looking elephants.  Old and young, fierce and adorable – these guys (and the Skipper’s commentary) make this a must-do ride for me. I love the babies the best and if Disney ever makes a statue of this one… I will buy it at once for my home!Jungle Cruise Elephant Baby Jungle Cruise Elephant Family Jungle Cruise Elephant  WDW Jungle Cruise Elephant

“And look at all the elephants out here today! This comes as a complete surprise to me cause I had no idea these guys were going to be here. If you want to take pictures go ahead- all the elephants have their trunks on.” – Jungle Cruise Skipper IMG_5328Animal Kingdom’s African Elephants – Nobody I know loves Kilimanjaro Safaris more than I do! I’m crazy about seeing all the animals, but the elephants are the icing on the zebra dome  to me.  It’s simply awesome to see Animal Kingdom’s African elephants in person and I’m fascinated by the care they receive from their food to foot-care to enrichment activities provided by the staff.  You can find more information about these gorgeous animals here.RM-Towel-Elephant-DCL

Honorable Mention (not at WDW) – DCL Towel Elephant – One of the best stateroom perks on Disney Cruise Line is the way your Stateroom Host leaves you chocolates, Personal Navigators (itineraries for the next day), and towel animals!

Which Disney elephants are your favorites?  Happy World Elephant Day, Disney Friends!!!

Disney Collectibles – Bambi & Flower

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Disney Collectibles – Bambi & Flower

By Nick

The very first movie I can recall seeing was “Bambi” in my hometown movie theater. Some of the images and emotions of this classic have remained with me my entire life, and it is near the top of my all time favorites. I have several Bambi items in my collection, and I am happy to share one I just recently added. 

Back when the Walt Disney Classics Collection started, I was much younger, and didn’t have the resources to buy many of the WDCC figures I so desired.

Fast forward almost 20 years (!), and my finances have improved, while, often, the prices for WDCC figures have come down, and are more in a price range I’m comfortable with.
Such is the case with this Bambie figure.

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]This is one of those pieces that makes me smile every time I look at it, and makes me ask myself why I waited so long to get him.

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He stands 6″ high, and carries the 1993 Treble Clef production mark. The official title of this piece is “Purty Flower”.

Who is Bambi looking for? Why, the Purty Flower of course!

And here he is now!

I’ve had Flower since 1993. I picked him up because he was a more affordable price, with the hopes that I’d be able to get Bambi at some point in the future.

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Watch it!

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Flower stands 3″ high, and also carries the 1993 Treble Clef production mark. “Oh…Gosh” is his response to Bambi’s “Purty Flower” comment.

And here they are together, finally, after almost 20 years!

 

You can follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends on all their many Disney adventures:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.  You can listen to Nick, our friend Dave and me on The Disney Exchange Podcast where we talk about all things Disney.