<<Introduction>>

April Showers may bring May flowers, but this INTERCOT Insider is bringing you the latest happenings and announcements around the Walt Disney World resort. In this addition we look at all the exciting news just announced for Disney's Animal Kingdom, get the scoop on recent changes in the world of Disney dining, and take a peek at two new attractions. Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<< The Dish on Disney Dining>>

The Dining scene at the Walt Disney World resort is constantly serving up new offerings and changes.  Here's the dish on the latest news bites:

>> Several of the Star Wars inspired entrees have stuck around on the Backlot Express menu. The menu still features the Royal Guard Burger, Dark Side Chicken and Waffles, and Galactic Chicken Salad; in addition, to the Chewbacca and Boba Fett Souvenir Steins. As a sweet ending to their Star Wars themed meal, Guests can also still indulge in their choice of the Darth Vader Chocolate Cupcake or BB-8 Lemon Cup Cake. These entrees from a galaxy far, far away are joined by more terrestrial options including a 1/3 lb Angus Cheese Burger, a Caprese Sandwich, Chicken Breast Nuggets, and a Chili-Cheese Hot Dog.

>> The replacement for the The Yard Arcade & Store at Disney's Boardwalk has been publicly announced. The Ample Hills Creamery will be located in the former arcade's spot where Guests will be able to peek into the promenade-facing kitchen windows and watch ice cream being handcrafted the old-fashioned way. Inside, Guests can sample as many flavors as they’d like, including signature creations like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Coffee Toffee Coffee, Malty Salty Pretzel Punch, Cotton Candy, and an exclusive flavor for Walt Disney World.

>> If you have ever faced the daunting challenge of choosing between a burger or a taco, fret no more. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café has replaced its Southwestern Burger with a new Taco Burger. According the menu description, the Taco Burger is a Pepper Jack Cheese burger topped with seasoned ground beef and served with a side of tortilla chips.

>> More details have been announced for the second Disney owned and operated gourmet confectionery at Disney Springs. As The Ganachery puts a sweet spotlight on chocolate, Amorette’s Patisserie will do the same for cake. Classic and contemporary cakes and pastries are the stars in this high-end pastry shop where guests can watch pastry chefs decorate signature cakes in the on-stage finishing kitchen. Even the beautiful boutique-style packaging, inspired by old-fashioned hatboxes, lends to the sophisticated feel of the location. Amorette’s features a few delectable beverage options as well. Sip a Champagne or sparkling wine with your pastry, or go straight for the indulgent Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache, a cupful of sippable chocolate with Chantilly and shaved dark chocolate on top. You also can opt for a glass of cold milk, coffee or tea.

<<Preview of Coming Attractions >>

The Walt Disney World resort has released sneak peeks at two upcoming attractions.  Guests will soon be able to expereince what it will be like to shrint to toy size and hop aboard Andy's own Slinky Dog on the Slinky Dog Dash coaster coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios.  In the meantime, Guests can enjoy a concept video to get a first look at the new experience.  For Guests who can't wait to take off to other countries in Soarin' Around the World at Epcot, the film segments for the Great Wall and Sydney Harbor have been released.

Check out the videos on the INTERCOT Discussion Boards:

>> Slinky Dog Dash Coaster

>> Soarin' Around the World

<<Summer Fun Under the Stars>>

Disney has announced additional details for the Magic of Nature After Dark event kicking off Memorial Day Weekend 2016, with the surprising change that the Rivers of Light will be preempted by a new Jungle Book show on Discovery River. As part of the new Summer promotion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, expanded park hours have been announced for the first part of the Summer. From May 27 through July 2, 2016 the park will close at 11:00 pm each day. Similar hours are expected for the remainder of the Summer, but may be announced closer to the end of this first period.

Here are the Highlights of the New Experiences:

The Tree of Life Awakens

The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment. High-tech projections of nature scenes take on a magical quality as they appear to dramatically emanate from within the Tree of Life.

Kilimanjaro Safaris after Dark

Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the glow of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore this attraction well into the night. During the expedition, guests can now encounter the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune in to the unique vocalization of the animals. Plus, there are two new species to discover: African wild dogs and hyenas.

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

For the summer, Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Harambe Wildlife Parti

When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside a variety of entertainers and local street musicians, and enjoy the lively rhythms of African music. Guests can also partake in exotic foods and libations, and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants in the vibrant marketplace.

Discovery Island Carnivale

The spirited community of Discovery Island has come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale. This nightly experience will captivate guests with lively music, jubilant dance, vibrant costumes, stilt walkers and tasty culinary creations — winding from one end of the island to the other.

Tiffins Signature Restaurant

In addition to the diverse new entertainment offerings, guests will enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new signature eatery, Tiffins. Open for both lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

New Adventures with Favorite Attractions

Most attractions remain open at nightfall, and will shine like never before. At sundown, Kali River Rapids will reveal mysterious twists and turns throughout the rainforest with dramatic and drenching fun. Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of the Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. Amidst the colorful midway games at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in DinoLand U.S.A., the thrills turn up aboard the zany Triceratop Spin or Primeval Whirl under the lights.

More Magic to Come with “Rivers of Light”

The nighttime will grow even more magical with the premiere of the majestic nighttime jewel, “Rivers of Light.” This illuminating musical experience – currently in development with a premiere date to be announced soon – will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery.

>>Join the Discussion

<<Conclusion >>

As the warm winds of spring start fading into summer heat, this edition if fading out as well. We hope it has gotten you excited for all the new nighttime additions at Disney's Animal Kingdom and kept you up-to-date on the latest dining changes. We'll be back in a few weeks with more great tips, news, and deals.  See ya real soon!