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Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

Animal Kingdom has some of the most distinct merchandise of any Walt Disney World theme park. From the off-world wonders of Pandora – World of Avatar to hand carved figures made in Africa, there’s some interesting goods to be found. To help you plan your time in Animal Kingdom, let’s look at some of the merchandise you can find in many of the park’s shops.

At the hub of the park, Discovery Island, you’ll find a wide selection of merchandise. Like other Disney theme parks, the heart of the park has some of the largest merchandise shops with a well-rounded selection of merchandise that represents a variety of lands and attractions in the park itself. Island Mercantile fits this bill. There’s merchandise from a variety of attractions and lands, and merchandise dedicated to the park itself. This is a great shop for commemorating your day at Animal Kingdom.

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Island Mercantile – Animal Kingdom Merchandise

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Island Mercantile – Animal Kingdom Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Island Mercantile – Animal Kingdom Merchandise

Also in the Discovery Island area is Discovery Trading Company. Here you’ll find lots of collectibles as well as special items like designer purses and jewelry. There is also adult apparel, much of which is fashion and lifestyle inspired. This shop is great for special gifts, even if they’re gifts for yourself.

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Discovery Trading Company
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Discovery Trading Company
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Discovery Trading Company

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

Over at Dinoland U.S.A. you’ll find the zany Hester’s and Chester’s shop. This place is fun to see even if just for a quick stroll. It’s so campy and silly. The merchandise here is primarily toys, children’s clothing, and other novelty items. We found some good sale items in here too.

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Hester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Hester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Hester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA Merchandise

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

Near the Yaki and Yeti restaurant you’ll find an open air merchandise shop with merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else. Much of the apparel will appeal to yogis and people who enjoy the Eastern influences on mindset and mindfulness. There’s also interesting toys including dragon figures.

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Yak and Yeti Merchandise Shop
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Yak and Yeti Merchandise Shop
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Yak and Yeti Merchandise Shop

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

Finally, at Pandora – World of Avatar you’ll find merchandise you can’t find any place else. Themed after the wonderous creatures and plant life found on the planet of Pandora, some items are beautiful, while others may leave you asking “who approved that?” One such item is the plush tail guests can wear to resemble the Na’vi. Windtraders is located at the exit of Avatar Flight of Passage and is worth a stroll even if you don’t make it onto the ride.

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise
Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise

Don’t forget about Disney’s merchandise delivery and package pick up. If you are staying at a select Walt Disney World resort hotel you can have your merchandise purchases sent back to your hotel. You can pick it up the next day at your hotel’s gift shop. Or, any park guest can have their items sent to Merchandise Pick-Up at the front of the park. Your purchase will be sent to the front, and held for you at the end of the day. That way you don’t have to carry your purchase around all day, freeing you up to spend more money, of course.

Do you like to shop around at Animal Kingdom? What’s the most interesting merchandise you’ve found?

Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops

The post Here’s What You Can Find in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Merchandise, Shopping, Disney Collectibles, disney merchandise, disney shopping, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats

You can never have the same exact ride aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris twice. Thanks to the incredible African animals, there’s always new behavior to witness. And now you can view playful Nigerian dwarf goats at the edge of the reserve.

Once the home to a chase scene with poachers that had captured Little Red the elephant, that scene is long gone. This last portion of the ride has been pretty anticlimactic ever since.

PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats
NEW Nigerian dwarf goat area on Kilimanjaro Safaris
PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats
NEW Nigerian dwarf goat area on Kilimanjaro Safaris

This new area demonstrates how domesticated animals can help curb human interference with wildlife in Africa. This habitat is said to be designed after real outposts that Disney researchers saw during research trips in Africa. These small goats are full size and their milk is high in protein, making them a valuable and helpful animal.

PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats
White Rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris

PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats
PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats

Of course, while riding the safari to see these little additions, our field team couldn’t help but to snap a few photos of the other awesome animals at this attraction.

Are you excited about this new addition to Kilimanjaro Safaris? What’s your favorite part of this ride?

PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats

The post PHOTOS – Kilimanjaro Safaris Gets Goats appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, In the Parks, News, animal kingdom rides, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris

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PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom

Our team is at Magic Kingdom today to get in some pixie dust before the Christmas week crowds arrive. And we like to be in the parks daily so we can bring you accurate, up-to-date information on our site and our Lines app. So let’s take a quick look at some of the new happenings inside the Most Magical Place on Earth.

When you first arrive to Magic Kingdom you’ll be greeting by a charming…. scrim. This big beige scrim covers most of the Main Street Station. At least today there is a new image of what the station normally looks like printed on the scrim. Certainly not the picturesque greeting that guests are used to seeing, but maintenance happens.

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Main Street Station Printed Scrim Today
PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Plain Scrim This Weekend

Over in Fantasyland the construction wall is now down at it’s a small world, revealing a bright and colorful façade – so cheerful! Thank goodness the wall was removed, that walkway was getting cramped.

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
it’s a small world’s colorful façade

And in Tomorrowland we got a glimpse of hopefully some good news coming in the near future. We saw a Cast Member pushing one of the ride vehicles at the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (wearing a plain black t-shirt?). Maybe we just miss this ride terribly, or maybe, just maybe this beloved attraction will reopen soon?

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
There’s a Human Working on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority!

In Adventureland the old scallywags at Pirates of the Caribbean must be getting a new sign. The iconic black sail sign that normally says “Pirates of the Caribbean” in red script is currently blank and has been so for quite a number of days.

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Drawing a blank outside Pirates of the Caribbean

And now for some pretty Magic Kingdom pictures from today’s visit, just because we want you to have a magical day!

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Flying above Magic Kingdom on Astro Orbiter
PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean Queue – maybe these pirates are fans of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix?
PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain Tunnel Lights

PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom

 

The post PHOTOS – What’s New Today at Magic Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: In the Parks, Magic Kingdom, Observations, Photos and Video, disney covid, disney reopening, magic kingdom photos, magic kingdom rides, magic kingdom today

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Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight

Sprinkles and Disney Springs may be most famous for its cupcake offerings, but we’ve discovered a hidden treat that is a real hit for the holidays.

Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight

The official name on Sprinkles’ site is Frost-A-Roos: Santa’s Cookies, but I can pretty much guarantee I never left anything this fancy for Santa!

On the web site it is described as: Frost-A-Roos: Santa’s Cookies include 3 cookies (flavors vary by bakery), 3 frosting shots–vanilla cream cheese, dark chocolate buttercream, salty caramel cream cheese, and holiday themed decorations–green trees, snowman, gingerbread, and sprinkles.

The price for this kit is $13.50, and the Disney Springs version includes two chocolate chip cookies and one salted oatmeal cornflake cookie.

Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight

With holiday activities for kids being limited this year, our junior reviewers love any sort of special activity, and this was a fun way to spend some time in the afternoon. A good thing about this kit from Sprinkles is that they give you 200% more icing than you need when you buy the make-your-own kits, so you will have frosting left over if you have other cookies on hand that you want to decorate. The kit comes 3 cookies but the icing was more than enough for 6. Plus the sprinkles weren’t those molar-breaking kinda you get at the store. The large ball ones were chocolate candy. It was such good quality and beautiful presentation.

 

Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight

 

Meanwhile, if you’re a traditionalist when it comes to Sprinkles and must have cupcakes, there’s two seasonal ones to enjoy for a limited time: gingerbread and chocolate peppermint. With these classic flavors, you can’t go wrong with either (although we still much prefer that peppermint ice cream sandwich dessert from Animal Kingdom over this peppermint chocolate cupcake form).

Are you a fan of sweets at Sprinkles? Does the cookie kit look like it would be a fun family activity for your crew? Let us know in the comments.

Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight

The post Sprinkles Cookie Kits Are a Holiday Delight appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Snacks, Walt Disney World (FL), cupcakes, Sprinkles

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Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World

Visiting Walt Disney World means standing in line. It’s why we named our app “Lines” – because it will help you avoid long lines. Now with COVID-19 precautions, the physical space of the lines at Walt Disney World is long, though it doesn’t mean your wait will be as long as the line looks. Extended queues are everywhere, so here are some tips and tricks for dealing with them.

The queues for all attractions, and food for that matter, are socially distanced. And having to space people out in a safe distance while waiting in line has led to some interesting extended queue set ups.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Peter Pan’s Flight Extended Queue

Top tips for dealing with extended queues

  • Look for the lollipop signs
  • Be prepared to be outside a lot
  • Keep your eyes on the distancing markers
  • Make a game of jumping from marker to market if you have a little one
  • Take time to enjoy the details once inside the formal queue
  • Eating or drinking is not allowed in the ride queues

Look for the lollipop signs

The vast majority of attractions have lines that start quite a distance away from their regular entrance. You’ll need to look for the lollipop signs that indicate where the end of the line is located. Generally you can easily follow the extended line from near the ride’s regular entrance down the walkway and find the end of the line, but the lollipop signs are a big help.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Extended Queue Big Thunder Mountain
Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Extended Queue
Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Jungle Cruise Extended Queue December 5, 2020

Be prepared to be outside a lot

Because of all the extra distance needed between parties, the lines are extending well beyond their original borders. Extended queues weave throughout the park, staying off to the side as to not impede traffic. This leads to lots more time outside while you wait your turn to make it into the original ride building. Be prepared for hot Florida sun, or the occasional cold day. Make sure to check the weather forecast and have rain gear with you if there is any rain in the forecast.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Ariel’s Under Sea Adventure Extended Queue
Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Rock N Roller Coaster Extended Queue – 10-15-2020

Keep your eyes on the distancing markers

Now that the parks have been reopened for over five months, some of the distancing markers on the ground are showing some wear and tear. Keep a close eye on the markers so you can keep your distance. In some cases Disney has replaced the printed markers with colored tape.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Space Mountain Extended Queue

Make a game of being in line

We recently asked our Instagram followers for their tips for passing the time in line. We received a wide array of answers. From playing “Heads Up” game on your phone to making up incorrect backstories about the rides, we sure saw a lot of creativity. If you have little ones with you, I have found it is fun to run or jump from one marker to the next as they open up. My son loves it. So much so he does it at other public places – yes, we do get inquisitive looks from others.

Take time to enjoy the details once inside the formal queue

One positive of the temporary elimination of FastPass+ is that everyone gets to enjoy the formal queue. It’s nice to be able to have a little time to enjoy all the details. Although the line is constantly moving, it is at a pace that will allow you to look around and notice all the details. Much of the ride’s story and theme is firmly established in the queue.

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World
Avatar Flight of Passage Interior Queue (Photo by Hunter Underwood)

Eating or drinking is not allowed in the ride queues

To help maintain a safe environment, eating and drinking is not allowed in the queues. This is a change that takes a lot of getting used to for many guests. Be sure to fuel up before you get in line. And if you do need to use the restroom after you’ve entered the queue, we’ve noticed many Cast Members allowing guests to depart the line, use the restroom, and return to their party in line.

Have you experienced any of the extended queues at Walt Disney World? What tips would you add? Let us know in the comments!

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World

The post Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Extended Queues at Walt Disney World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Dos and Don’ts, Trip Planning, disney covid, disney crowds, disney reopening, disney wait times