A lot can happen in a week at Walt Disney World. We already publish weekly news round-ups (as well one-off stories throughout the week) to help keep our readers up-to-date, but this week we’re going to experiment with a visual update on the latest goings-on at the resort.
Below, we’ve gathered together some of the best and most unique photographs taken at Walt Disney World, both by official photographers and by visitors. Together, they tell the story of the major events that have taken place at the resort’s various theme parks and hotels.
We hope they help to transport you, even if only for a few moments, to the world’s most popular theme park resort. Enjoy!
The new baby gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Although thrilling rides such as Expedition Everest and Dinosaur draw in the crowds, the real stars of Disney’s Animal Kingdom are its animal residents. And the park recently welcomed a new member to its group of gorillas, who can be seen by wandering down the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
The Disney Parks Blog shared the above photos of the baby boy and his mom, Azizi. Mom is apparently learning to locomote with an infant clinging to her body, while the baby is still learning how to hang on.
The new baby is the fourth to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan.
Marketplace boat dock opens at Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become Disney Springs, and that transformation reached another milestone this week with the opening of the new Marketplace boat dock. This means that it is once again possible to catch a water taxi from Downtown Disney’s West Side to the Marketplace, and vice-versa.
The Marketplace boat dock is now located next to the bus loop, near the Rainforest Café. The dock’s debut is very welcome, as parking at the Marketplace is currently almost impossible due to construction work on new parking garages.
A double rainbow over the Magic Kingdom
It’s hardly a surprise to see a rainbow over Walt Disney World, given the amount of rain that falls on the resort. But a double rainbow is a sight to behold.
Fortunately, Cast Member Brian Hicks was on hand to capture these stunning shots, which were posted by the Disney Parks Blog.
Frozen Summer Fun continues to light up Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Frozen Summer Fun events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios were recently extended through September 28, 2014. The event features a daily procession starring characters from Frozen, sing-alongs with royal sisters Anna and Elsa, a polar playground, an ice skating rink, a nightly party and (on select evenings) a firework display.
It’s also possible to grab custom MagicBands featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland.
Gearing up for Villains Unleashed
The Villians Unleashed event will take place tonight (August 23) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring more than 50 Disney villains.
The one-night, separately-ticketed event will include meet-and-greet opportunities, the Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse show and the “Villainy in the Sky” fireworks display.
