#DisneyMagicMoments: Journey to the ‘Top of the World’ with Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

by Jeremy Schoolfield, Managing Editor, Walt Disney World Resort Public Relations

Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Looming over Disney’s Animal Kingdom stands a massive, snow-capped mountain that beckons adventurers and thrill-seekers brave enough to attempt a journey to the “top of the world.” Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is an iconic attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, and today we’re inviting you to take a virtual ride on this fantastic and foreboding coaster in our newest “Ride & Learn” video.

You’ll find Everest in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the base of the mountain is the office for Himalayan Escapes, the travel company that brings curious tourists to the mountain’s peak aboard a special train. As you make your way toward the train, you see the results of past excursions and begin to understand what awaits you – most notably rumors of a ferocious beast lurking somewhere in the mountain …

It’s at this point we join our virtual ride, where you’ll learn more about Expedition Everest and how it was created. I love that this particular trip takes place at night – my preferred time of day to experience this amazing attraction. So gather your courage, hold on tight and conquer this mountain once and for all … and be sure to keep a close eye out for more #DisneyMagicMoments like this one in the future!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Fri, May 8, 2020

#DisneyMagicMoments: Wish Grace from the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Gorilla Family a Happy 1st Birthday!

by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

Western lowland gorilla Grace and mother Kashata at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Every mom cherishes her child’s first birthday, so with Mother’s Day approaching this weekend our team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would like to share a recent celebration we held for Grace, a beautiful western lowland gorilla.

It was just over a year ago now that Grace was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And while the park is temporarily closed, our team was able to throw her a special princess-themed birthday party!

Western lowland gorilla Grace and mother Kashata at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The team created a cardboard princess carriage attached to plastic horses by paper chains for Grace and her family to play with. There was also a cardboard castle and colorful piñata. The materials we used in the decorations are enrichment items we give the gorillas as a special treat – perfect for a birthday surprise!

Grace’s birthday “cake” was made of three layers of ice treats – blocks of ice with berries and currants for the gorillas to pick out as the ice melts. We also froze pureed sweet potatoes and kiwis and cut them into shapes for another birthday surprise.

Grace was born May 1, 2019, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to mother Kashata and father Gino, who were selected to breed as part of the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The plan ensures responsible breeding of endangered species so they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.

Grace is named after the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), a gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching. Our animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have spent more than a decade helping the GRACE team and local community rehabilitate orphan gorillas and protect the species in the wild.

We’re thrilled to watch Grace every day as she matures and develops magnificent new skills. She likes walking upright and hanging upside down, for example. She’s also very energetic, inquisitive and social, and loves to play – especially with her three older siblings.

It was a wonderful time celebrating Grace’s big day, and we’re looking forward to the time you can come see her and her family again on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!