Anyone who frequents Walt Disney World enough knows that the Magic Kingdom has a famous barbershop ensemble called the “Dapper Dans,” EPCOT has its patriotic “Voices of Liberty” & the plaid-laden group “Off Kilter,” and Disney’s Animal Kingdom has the colorful “Village Beatniks.” Entertainment at Walt Disney World has always been an appreciated highlight to guests who visit from all over the globe; to Walt Disney World enthusiasts the groups feel like local celebrities who make them feel ‘at home’ in the parks. Unfortunately, “The Village Beatniks” are getting ready …

Vultures are often overlooked in the animal kingdom but ecologists, animal experts, & conservationists are the first to point out what an extremely important role they play; they’re “nature’s clean-up crew.” Helping to keep the earth cleaner & disease free, vultures are unfortunately dwindling in numbers due to loss of habitat, electrocution on power lines, declining food sources, and poisoning of food carcasses. Global vulture populations have declined by more than 50% over the past 15 years.
Disney’s Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) has been working to help vultures thrive since …

Several weeks ago we reported about a new experience coming to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park, personalized treks into Kilimanjaro Safaris. Small groups of guests will go more ‘in depth’ into the safaris with specialized guides, see parts of the savannah unavailable to the general guest population, and learn more about the animals which call the savannah home. Rumored to start in December 2010, the treks are being talked about all over the Disney web and some more details are starting to emerge.
As many avid Disney Parks fans know, …

Several weeks ago we reported about two endangered sea turtles with pneumonia that were relocated from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi to Walt Disney World. The turtles were sent to Disney World’s animal care team for medical attention & rehabilitation in an effort to make room at the Mississippi Institute for sea turtles impacted by the Gulf oil spill. As those turtles are being nurtured back to health by Disney animal care experts, new oil spill affected turtles have arrived.
Six Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles – among …

Those who brave the wild “Expedition Everest” ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom know the beast well; a 25-foot tall, snarling, 20,000-pound Yeti who, at one time, would give guests an unexpected thrill as they passed by his impending perch. Unfortunately the Yeti hasn’t been working properly for at least a year now & Disney Imagineers are struggling to ‘unfreeze’ the beast. This complicated animatronic still sits motionless, only lit by strobe lights giving the illusion of movement.
Frustrated fans have started a group on Facebook entitled “Disney Fans who want …

On Thursday, July 28th Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be celebrating the “International Year of Biodiversity” at Rafiki’s Planet Watch from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The goal of this internationally celebrated event, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, is to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss around the globe. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to animals of great diversity; animals from all over the world, in all sizes, and all requiring a unique set of environmental needs.
“Biodiversity is essential to sustaining the living networks and systems that provide …

Disney recently announced 10 Florida-based projects that will be the recipients of the 2010 “Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund” awards to protect vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. Awarding $1.5 million in grants will enable Florida non-profit groups to continue their research and protection efforts for more than 45 species, including sea turtles. Over the past 10 years the “Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund” has provided more than $15 million in grants for the study of wildlife, protection of habitats, community conservation, and education.
“As part of Disney’s longstanding commitment to the environment, the …

The winter holiday season is perhaps one of the most special times of the year at Walt Disney World. Every nook & cranny is topped with holiday merriment & festive decor, including the dazzling Cinderella’s Castle. Disney has released it’s official roster of special events and activities for 2010 sure to leave any mouseketeer on a hot summer day wishing for snowmen & candy canes. Set your countdown timers!
Please note that many of the hard-ticket events, like “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” & spots for the “Candlelight Dinner” packages, …

For guests who’ve always wanted to go more in-depth with the animals & environment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom “Kilimanjaro Safaris” attraction the time is coming. Disney announced the addition of personalized guided treks through the safaris for an intimate number of guests per tour. One highlight will be the opportunity to experience the previously unexplored “Harambe Reserve” undeveloped forest area in open-sided safari vehicles.
Specialized Disney guides will provide guests with information about the safaris, the animals, and animal behavior more in depth than the regular park attraction provides. Additional …

Three baby warthogs were born recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This was the first liter for their mom who’s recovering well from delivery; the babies are expected to be released back into the savannah within several weeks. The three new baby boys will join a population of now 6 warthogs in the Disney family; 4 males and 2 females. That’s not including their portly animated friend, Pumbaa.
Several weeks ago Disney’s Animal Kingdom also welcomed two male scimitar-horned oryx calves into their animal population. Two of the …