Orlando Parkhopper

Welcome to Florida. Home of sun, sand and some of the best theme parks on the planet. This week the Orlando Parkhopper crew turns an eye on the Safari at the Animal Kingdom and we'll share more pictures of the new interactive game being tested at the Magic Kingdom. We also have big news from Sea World Orlando, where the construction of their next big attraction is causing more than a few headaches. Lastly, we stop by Universal Orlando to check on the progress of their new Lagoon show and to have a look at the amazing new miniature golf course now under construction. Today's update is a lot of fun, let's hop to it. . .

THE ART OF ANIMATION RESORT:
The photos of the Art of Animation resort are taken from Disney's Pop Century Resort. Lots of work has been completed on the first few phases of the resort (phase 1 - Nemo opening May 31st 2012, and Phase 2 - Cars opening Late July 2012)

All of the Suite buildings appear to have an internal hallway with no balcony for all rooms. Each building shows how animation goes from Sketch Pad (stairway farthest from courtyard) to sketches (side of building) to colorful background (stairways on either side of the courtyard) to complete animated work in the courtyard.

Later phases (Lion King and the Little Mermaid) have yet to have their exterior identity develop yet.

Exotic Driving Experience Opens at Walt Disney World Speedway
The Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway (Richard Petty Driving Experience) officially opened to guests on January 16. Guests can choose from one of 5 luxury cars to drive or ride with a pro around a custom designed track.Cars you can choose from are:
• Ferrari 458 Italia
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
• Porsche 997 S
• Audi R8

Prices start at $99 for a ride-along and goes up to $389 to drive yourself (price is based on the car you choose). Would you pay $389 to drive a Lamborghini around a track? We're curious who the target is for this experience . . . is it you?!




Main Street is in refurbishment mode, as we shared last week, with several facades getting some much needed attention. That means that some fancy photographic tarps have been installed.

The Chamber of Commerce (aka Package Pick up and launching point for several of MK's tours) is also getting a face lift.

SORCERERS OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM:

Over at the fire Station, we where able to get a peak inside to see the launching point for Magic Kingdom's new interactive game: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (or SotMK for short).

Under the Train Station a new beautiful prop for SotMK has appeared with some great Disney references

TOMORROWLAND:
Some minor work in Tomorrowland that appears to be sections of the walk way getting repaved.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:
Over at PotC we told you about the horrible quality of the Blackbeard effect and how on our previous ride through the attraction, Blackbeard could be heard but not seen. The mist screen has since been turned off, but Blackbeards voice can still be heard. Now, as you pass through this dark section of the cave, you can clearly see where a large chunk of the rock work on the ceiling has been ripped out so that they can work on this effect. In the hole is the large device that creates the mist, stripped to its bare frame and surrounded by painter's scaffolding. While it may be too dark to take a photo of this work it can still be clearly seen by guests and draws the attention of everyone in the boat since the caves in this part of the ride lack anything else to look at. It's a shame they wont simply cover the hole with a black tarp or blanket during operating hours. Hopefully the effect will be either fixed or reverted back to the original version of the ride (which we'd be find with as well) sooner rather than later.

TRASHY QUEUES:
While in line for Pirates of the Caribbean, we couldn't help notice how dirty it was. There was trash everywhere and it appeared to not have been cleaned for several hours. Adding to this, several guests at some point during the day had taken it upon themselves to move a trash can blocking one of the stairwells in the queue so that they could get through faster. Well, this then caused one line to become two and added mass confusion to the line. When we reached the grouper at the dock we notified him about the state of the queue, and the news was met with reluctance. As we were taking our seat in the boat, another CM walked over to us to ask what was wrong. We let the cast member know about the trash and queue line issues. The news was met with disbelief and dismissal by the cast member. It's becoming quite clear that the decision to pull custodial out of the attraction queues and make the attraction cast members responsible for cleanliness is a huge mistake. It's hard for us to fault the Cast Members for failing to keep their queues clean when they are already so busy. Safety before cleanliness. Which is exactly why custodial needs to be returned to their duties in the attraction queues. We will keep a close eye on this developing change in the way the park maintains the queues. We ask that you keep your eyes open as well and share your thoughts and photos on the forums.

This morning the new Katsura Grill opened at EPCOT. On hand for the celebration were Mickey and Minnie; Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot; and Hideaki Morooka, general manager International Business Operations for Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

The menu closely resembles what was there before but holds a few new interesting surprises. They did add edemame, which is one of our favorites along with Okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese pancake. Okonomiyaki is kind of like a Japanese pizza, topped with veggies and a tangy sauce. There is also a panko-breaded chicken sandwich, and a cold ramen noodle dish with shredded crab stick in a sweet soy dressing. We will be offering a full review in next weeks article.

THE BEST TIME TO SAFARI:
By ABOMIBOT

You may have heard stories of angry guests complaining to CMs at Kilimanjaro Safari that there weren't many animals to see on their late afternoon, mid-summer journey through this Animal Kingdom signature attraction. Real animals with real notions about what they will and won't do, make it very difficult to provide a consistent show, especially in 100-degree weather. Animal Kingdom has come up with a bunch of tricks over the years, such as chilled rocks and hidden feeding stations to modify animal behavior in ways which make the attraction more satisfying for guests. For the most part, these techniques mean better summertime safaris. But nothing prepared us for a recent January trip where we saw chilly weather bring with it more animal activity than we've ever seen before.

Our guide spoke excitedly about how rare it is to see hippos out of the water and ambulatory. A guy in front of us said, "I bet he says that to everybody." Come back in August, friend, and see for yourself!

Giraffes were out everywhere. This juvenile was running up and down the hillside before he literally began running circles around our vehicle.

Here, he is photo bombing my attempt at wildebeest photography.

A Waterbuck having a munch on some tasty winter grass.

Don't be fooled by these cool heads. Because just behind them brewed a clash of titans.

Kids were pointing and yelling, "Elephant fight!" And while it looked pretty crazy, we're pretty sure it was play time. Surely a bull isn't threatened by such a whippersnapper, right?

I can't tell you the number of times we've passed the lion rock and seen much of the latter but none of the former.

His Highness seemed downright annoyed when we passed. Next time, I'll be sure and wear my Eau de Tuna toilet water. I'm sure he will love it.

As the day flies away our tour ends along with our magical day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

If you've never had a chance to come down to Walt Disney World in the colder months, definitely give it a try sometime. Sure, there are more refurb closures, chilly water parks and you may even need gloves and a scarf from time to time. But there are also rare opportunities like our unusually active animal safari.

JOURNEY TO ATLANTIS:
Atlantis is under its annual refurbishment. If you've been on the San Diego version, the Florida version is extremely different and has a lot more story and dark ride elements behind it. It also uses the Danny Elfman's Score from Beetlejuice, though we've never been able to figure out why.

We like the themed refurbishment signs.

ANATRCTICA:
Antarctica is SeaWorld's answer to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney's New Fantasyland. This project is huge and will take two years to finish. Unfortunately, Antarctica is being built in the very middle of the park, and this causes a massive problem for guests. The only way to access The Kraken roller coaster is to walk all the way around the footprint for the construction, or go all the way around from the Key West side of the park. Even harder to find is the Pacific Point Preserve, home to SeaWorld's Sea Lion population. SeaWorld changed the map to show the construction, but many guests still seem to be getting lost.

To keep most people from getting completely lost, SeaWorld has stationed a team member near the dead end walkway to The Kraken.





The old Penguin Encounter Building is still there, not much work has begun yet.

JUST FOR KIDS:
Just for Kids is a new kid-friendly promotion going on for the next month. It features concerts from Kid-friendly groups such as Lazy Town. (You are a Pirate) Seriously. Best. Song. Ever.

KRAKEN:
Kraken is the only attraction open in the back of the park. Thank goodness it's worth the trip back there.

MAPS:
The new maps show the new construction area on the front, and the back shows that the SkyTower is now free!

The Just For Kids Guide:

SKYTOWER:

The SkyTower is one of SeaWorld's oldest attractions. A holdover from the days when only exhibits were free, you paid to experience the only ride in the park (besides the paddleboats). Even though the park has added many attractions (rides) since those early days, for some reason the SkyTower STILL charged for admission. Well, as of last Thursday, admission is now included with park admission, just like all the other rides (except the paddleboats). You can even make reservations to ride, sort of a free manual Quick Queue System. For some reason, you also get your family photo taken before you ride. (We're a little confused as to why, but hey, it works we guess.) The view as always is spectacular.

SkyTower Boarding Pass (For Reservations)








Family photo time!


But WHY?

TURTLE TREK:
TurtleTrek opens later this year at SeaWorld to replace the aging Manatees exhibit. These construction photos seem self-explanatory.

Concerts, parades, special food offerings (authentic Cajun dishes) and music (with musicians direct from New Orleans)... and more! That's how the Universal Orlando Resort does Mardi Gras!This year's concert lineup features:

February 11: The B-52's
February 18: Kelly Clarkson
February 19: Boyz II Men
February 25: Diana Ross
March 3: TBA
March: 10: Big Time Rush
March: 16: J Cole
March 17: Jill Scott
March 23: Hot Chelle Rae
March 24: B.o.B
March 30: Plain White T's
March 31: Prince Royce
April 7; Cyndi Lauper
April 14: KC and the Sunshine Band


All concerts are included with admission to Universal Studios.




CITYWALK HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN GOLF:
We continue to be impressed by the ornate work and detail going into the newest Mini-golf course in Oralndo. let's have a look at what's going on.

Hollywood Drive In Golf - with a super hip retro looking neon sign.





Kids are going to totally dig this!

DESPICABLE ME:
A new framework for a sign has popped up in front of the building.

The street out front is now "Minion Way".

LAGOON SHOW:
The infrastructure for the new lagoon show is coming along nicely, but it's massive.

JAWS:
The area around Ammityville is slowly being moved out.

"if you build it, they will come."

Soon, Harry Potter will be expanding into this area.






BUSCH GARDENS "REAL MUSIC SERIES" RETURNS JANUARY 18TH!
Real Music Series | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Real Music Concert Series, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest running Big Bands concert series, returns to the Stanleyville Theater Wednesdays through Saturdays with incredible swing, blues, pop, jazz, rock ‘n roll and disco from some of music’s most memorable eras.This year we have The Terry Myers Orchestra with The Swing Sisters, The Glenn Miller Orchestra with the Diamonds, Tony Orlando, Frankie Avalon, The Osmond Brothers, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Ventures, Rita Coolidge, The Grass Roots, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.The Real Music Concert Series kicks off on January 18 and runs through March 24. Concerts are held each day at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Stanleyville Theatre.

January 18-21 Terry Myers Orchastra with The Swing Sisters
January 25-28 Glenn Miller Orchestra with The Diamonds
February 1-4 Tony Orlando
February 8-11 Frankie Avalon
February 15-18 The Osmond Brothers
February 22-25 Peter Noon and Herman's Hermits
February 29-March 3 The Ventures
March 7-10 Rita Coolidge
March 14-17 The Grass Roots
March 21-24 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

"Let's Dance!" Featuring Burn the Floor Returns to Busch Gardens January 18!



ANIMAL CARE BECOMES PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY:
New State-of-the-Art Facility Educates Guests, Offers One-Of-A-Kind Access To Park’s World-Class Animal Care

Busch Gardens welcomes guests to closely observe and even take part in the animal care experience when the Tampa park opens its new Animal Care Center on Jan. 23, 2012. From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, much of Busch Gardens’ animal care will be conducted in guest view in this new state-of-the-art facility.

“We are proud of the care we provide our animals,” said Mike Boos, vice president of zoological operations. “We welcome the opportunity to share our level of care with our guests, and to continue our mission of connecting guests to animals and the natural world. No other zoological facility can offer the unique, up-close experience that this new facility will provide.

”The major guest components of the new facility include a nutrition center, treatment rooms, a clinical lab and an interactive diagnostic activity. The nutrition center will feature a kitchen similar in set-up to a cooking show on television. Educators will lead demonstrations several times a day on the planning and preparation of animal diets. Guests will even have the chance to assist in preparing and doling out the range of food the park provides its animals, from fruits and vegetables to crickets and mealworms. Nutrition demonstrations will take place during scheduled times each day.

The treatment center will allow guests to watch as Busch Gardens’ skilled vets do preventative checkups, treatments and surgeries on animals. Guests will be able to see into the rooms through glass walls, and audio capabilities will allow guests to talk to vets working behind the glass. Cameras placed over the exam table will show unique vantage points to guests who can watch on monitors. During treatments and surgeries, zoo educators will also be on hand to talk about what’s taking place. Since it is a working center, procedures will vary daily, and will not take place during all scheduled park hours due to field work, office work and other projects requiring the vets’ time and attention. Daily schedules will be subject to change.


In the clinical lab, staff will perform tests on samples collected from the animals, such as blood, urine, and feces, using the same types of laboratory equipment used in human hospitals and veterinary clinics. A camera connected to the laboratory’s microscope will allow guests to see exactly what the staff who are looking under the microscope see. Guests can also participate in a diagnostic exercise by scanning an interactive activity card at several stations as they follow an animal from diagnosis to treatment to blood and lab work to a final outcome.


In addition to the guest views, the new facility will also include animal recovery and holding rooms and vet offices. The new, nearly 16,000 square-foot facility replaced the rhino exhibit in the Nairobi area of the park. The park’s former animal care center was located behind the scenes. Busch Gardens, and its parent company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, are world leaders in animal care, caring for more than 60,000 animals, one of the world’s largest zoological collections. Busch Gardens Tampa cares for more than 2,000 animals representing 307 species.

Busch Gardens senior veterinarian technician Mary Port works with senior veterinarian Dr. Pete Black to prepare a greater anteater for a cardiology exam at the Animal Care Center.

Busch Gardens Senior Veterinarian Dr. Pete Black consults with Dr. Cathy Lynch-Buckhorn, Associate Vice President for Women’s Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine, while performing an ultrasound on a white-cheeked gibbon at the Animal Care Center.

Senior Veterinarian Dr. Alex Cole carefully sutures a fire-belly toad’s ulcerated eye in the treatment room at Busch Gardens’ new Animal Care Center.


Dr. Pete Black performs an annual teeth cleaning on a muntjac at Busch Gardens’ Animal Care Center.

The animal care program at Bush Gardens Tampa is exceptional.



Cogratulations to Jakester for guessing last weeks parkhopper in posting...

"The hidden image is part of Stitches great escape."

Look into the magnifying glass below and see if you can figure out where the park hoppers are this week. Post your guess in the comments area below. If you are the first to guess the answer you will be featured in next week's update. GOOD LUCK!

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Want to meet up with other Disney fans while at Disney World? Several of the Orlando Parkhopper team members are part of a group that meets every weekend.

Join the public Facebook group and get notified of events (the locations are different every time). Drop by to visit the "attraction of the day" with us. Newcomers are welcome!



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We want your photos! Contribute to the Orlando Parkhopper by emailing [email protected] with your submissions. We welcome volunteers for single contributions as well as permanent "Parkhopper" staff.

Please join us in thanking the fantastic and talented crew of writers, photographers and news contributors who worked so hard this week to bring you the latest information from the parks. This week's team included:

• Professor Brainard
  
• ​Eric M. Davis
  
• ABOMIBOT - Personal Photo Blog
  
• Eric M. Davis
  
• SparkintheDark
  
• Disnyfan89
  
• Aimster - Pictures by Aimster
  
• Editors: SummerinFL, Fishbulb, Dustysage

Thank you for reading, we hope you've been inspired to explore Orlando's many wonderful attractions. We'd love to hear your comments below.