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- Disney has officially announced the name of the new boat ride for Pandora – The World of AVATAR for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction will be called Na’vi River Journey and during it, Guests will set out in canoes down a mysterious sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an up-close encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. Na’vi River Journey will join the previously announced AVATAR Flight of Passage in the new land, which is planned to open in 2017.
- Pizzafari will reopen to Guests on November 18 with an updated menu.
- Primeval Whirl will reopen to guests on November 13 after its lengthy refurbishment.
- Beginning November 12, Guests can meet their favorite Disney characters dressed in their seasonal best at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They will find:
- Donald Duck in DinoLand U.S.A
- Mickey and Minnie Mouse on Discovery Island
- Chip and Dale at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Baloo and King Louie in Asia
- Santa Goofy in DinoLand U.S.A
- Guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can stop by Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom locations on Main Street, U.S.A., and Liberty Square to pick up an exclusive spell card only available at the event. This year’s limited edition card features Olaf and the Snowgies from the short film “Frozen Fever” and performs Charming spells for use in the game.
- The Jingle Cruise is officially sailing. This holiday overlay finds the Skippers homesick for the holidays, so they attempt to bring in the holiday spirit with homemade decor for the queue and boathouse, corny holiday themed jokes, and decorations that didn’t quite make their target.
- The parking lots at Disney Springs have been renamed. The lots are now named after different types of Florida fruits. They are:
- Strawberry – O, P, Q
- Watermelon – M, N
- Grapefruit – L
- Mango – K
- Orange Garage – West Garage
- Lime Garage – East Garage (opening in spring 2016)
- Lemon – A
- The second pedestrian bridge across Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Buena Vista Drivehas opened. This new bridge providse easier and more convenient access to and from Disney Springs, enabling Cast Members and Guests to cross Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Buena Vista Drive without waiting for traffic.
- Disney has introduced a new line of Disney-branded snacks and treats to accommodate requests for dietary alternatives called Snacks with Character. These alternatives will include treats from Ocean Spray, Enjoy Life Foods, Way Better Snacks and WOW Baking Company and are expected to handle these particular dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-friendly
- Nut-friendly
- Milk-friendly
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- This year’s holiday gingerbread house for Disney’s BoardWalk is inspired by early century concession stands that dotted the boardwalks of yesteryear with details that are reminiscent of seashore inns and bungalows and a color palette directly from “Atlantic City Salt Water Taffy.” The Gingerbread house will be up on November 19.