Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we are off on safari at Animal Kingdom to check in on the park’s changes and some unfortunate delays.

You can see Avatar progress from the entrance to the park.
You can see Avatar progress from the entrance to the park.
There is a Jungle Book sand sculpture right at the entrance as well.
There is a Jungle Book sand sculpture right at the entrance as well.

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The film arrives on Friday, and has apparently already been given the green light for a sequel.
The film arrives on Friday, and has apparently already been given the green light for a sequel.
More Pandora, this time from near the Rainforest Cafe.
More Pandora, this time from near the Rainforest Cafe.

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Beautiful day!
Beautiful day!
Work moving quickly on the exterior of Tiffins.
Work moving quickly on the exterior of Tiffins, the highly anticipated new table service restaurant.

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Tree of Life Garden still off limits to guests.
Tree of Life Garden still off limits to guests.

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Beautiful colors in the park!
Beautiful colors in the park!

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My Disney Experience got a big update this weekend.  You can now make individual Fastpasses, ones for different parks, and after experiencing your three originals, you can make more from your phone as opposed to a kiosk in the park!
My Disney Experience got a big update this weekend. You can now make individual Fastpasses, ones for different parks, and after experiencing your three originals, you can make more from your phone as opposed to a kiosk in the park! So far, so good. What are your thoughts?
Fastpass is needed when you've got 70 minute waits.
Fastpass is needed when you’ve got 70 minute waits.

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Popcorn lights in the queue for the Safari. Are these new for the nighttime safaris?
Popcorn lights in the queue for the Safari. Are these new for the nighttime safaris?

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These signs advising against flash photography are new for the nighttime safari. But, with Rivers of Light being delayed, we aren't sure when these nighttime rides will start.
These signs advising against flash photography are new for the nighttime safari. But, with Rivers of Light being delayed, we aren’t sure when these nighttime rides will start.

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Kilimanjaro Safaris is still one of the most impressive Disney attractions.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is still one of the most impressive Disney attractions.

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Progress on whatever is happening near the Tree of Life.
Progress on whatever is happening near the Tree of Life.
A view of the work that was done to the Caravan Stage.
A view of the work that was done to the Caravan Stage.
Flights of Wonder is back on schedule.
Flights of Wonder is back on schedule.
Spotted in the wild: a cherry picker!
Spotted in the wild: a cherry picker!

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Some walls have come down in Asia once again revealing the Yeti shrine.
Some walls have come down in Asia, once again revealing the Yeti shrine.

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You can also see a Rivers of Light float.
You can also see a Rivers of Light float.

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I love having these views back, although it will never be the same now that there is essentially stadium seating there.
I love having these views back, although it will never be the same now that there is essentially stadium seating there.

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A view of one of the seating areas.
A view of one of the seating areas.

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A better look at the float. Disney announced last week that this show will not make its original April 22nd premiere date. They also have not said when it will actually be ready. We've just been told to keep an eye of sometime in May for more info.
A better look at the float. Disney announced last week that this show will not make its original April 22nd premiere date. They also have not said when it will actually be ready. We’ve just been told to keep an eye of sometime in May for more info.
Scrims up near Flame Tree BBQ.
Scrims up near Flame Tree BBQ.
Time to head out!
Time to head out!

 

Other Walt Disney World News

  • Starting this Friday, April 15th you can add several new Haunted Mansion style Tsum Tsums to your collection … Madame  Leota, The Bride and a Tsum Tsum that closely resembles the Hostesses that operate The Haunted Mansion will be available alongside the previously released Hitchhiking Ghosts. Locations throughout Walt Disney World resort will be debuting these new spooky  collectibles.
  • If you have to opportunity to book a stay at Port Orleans- French Quarter, you will discover an all new area filled with water slides and an interactive aquatic play area geared to  guests 48 inches and under. Located next to Doubloon Lagoon pool, you’ll be able to traverse back and forth between these 2 fun filled aquatic locations.
  • The Epcot International Flower and Garden festival is in full bloom for Spring. So many exciting outdoor kitchens and events are hosted each weekend. Don’t miss out on any of the fun. This weekend the America Gardens Theater, located at the American Adventure in World Showcase, will be hosting Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice… This is a new addition to the Garden Rocks Series Schedule!

That does it for this week. Did the Rivers of Light delay catch you off guard? Many Disney fans booked trips to be the first to see the new show. Looking forward to evening Safari rides? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.