This past Spring, our multi-generational family went on vacation to experience Walt Disney World ® Resort via a private VIP Tour experience. Upon arriving at Walt Disney World, we immediately noticed how welcomed our diverse family felt and how comfortable we were to be our authentic selves, especially with the infusion and celebration of our Black culture throughout Walt Disney World ® Resort.
One of our favorite rides at Walt Disney World ® Resort is Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park’s Kilimanjaro Safari. As soon as our safari truck burst through the gates of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, we knew things were about to get wild. My biggest tip is to keep your camera and binoculars ready for a glimpse of African wildlife in their habitat. The adults and kids in our group were thrilled to see the wide variety of animals roaming free with each turn of the vehicle.
Mackenzie gazes through her binoculars at the African animals from an open-air safari truck in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve on the Kilimanjaro Safari
Tree of Life
While in Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park , take advantage of the amazing experience and photo op in front of the Tree of Life. It serves as the centerpiece of the park and features over 300 animal carvings, symbolizing the interconnected nature, or circle of life. There’s also a theater tucked away where you can catch It’s Tough to be a Bug! Starring Flik and Hopper from Disney and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life .
The Tree of Life is constructed to resemble the African Baobab tree and is an amazing experience and epic photo op at Animal Kingdom
Rhythm and Beats of Harambe: Live African Performances
Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park , you can enjoy and dance to performances by the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. The Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe and Harambe Village Acrobats transport you deep into the Congo with the rhythm of the drums and impressive acrobatics that even your littlest ones will want to join in on. Plan your visit with the My Disney Experience app so you don’t miss the show!
We felt the rhythm of Africa with the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe! Their vibrant performance brings the heart of African culture to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
As we walked through Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park, it was fun to discover references to Africa and elements of the movie, Lion King throughout the park.
We found statues of Simba and Pumbaa and later saw Timon and Rafiki. Perhaps they were looking for each other?
Enchanted Evenings: Unwinding After a Day of Disney Magic
We discovered several spots at Walt Disney World ® Resort parks where parents can relax while the children play. Dumbo The Flying Elephant is one of our favorite rides at Magic Kingdom ® Park . This classic ride sparked nostalgic memories for the adults, while the playground nestled inside the big top tent was a delightful discovery for the children. It offered a perfect place for us to sit and for the kids to play, all while keeping them within our sight.
Another favorite attraction was Turtle Talk With Crush ® at EPCOT ® . This interactive experience, inspired by the Disney-Pixar movie “Finding Nemo,” is one of the park’s best-kept secrets for parents. The line for this attraction was not long, and you get to sit in an air-conditioned room while Crush, the coolest sea turtle dude in the East Australian Current, interacts with your child live from the big screen. He engaged our kids by asking them several questions while keeping the adults in the audience laughing the entire time. Don’t miss these opportunities to recharge before ending the night with the fireworks, which take place every evening at Walt Disney World ® Resort.
Character Connections
One of the highlights of going to Walt Disney World® Resort is for children to connect with the characters they know and love. Seeing their favorite characters in real life, whether through meet-and-greets, parades, or live shows, creates magical and unforgettable experiences and great photos for lasting memories.
Fairytale Hall
The best place to have a royal rendezvous is by appointment. Use the My Disney Experience app to make appointment times for character meet-and-greets in Magic Kingdom® Park’s Princess Fairytale Hall. This is your best bet for getting photos with Princess Tiana and conversing with her. Be sure your child comes dressed in their favorite green sparkly gown or Princess and the Frog gear. If you forget to dress up, head on over to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique shop to pick up a princess gown. Also, bring your autograph book and a pen to collect the characters’ signatures. Meeting the princesses is truly a magical experience.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
The Festival of Fantasy Parade usually happens twice a day at Magic Kingdom ® Park but check the My Disney Experience app for the exact times. This parade is the one place where you can see just about all of Disney’s beloved characters in the same place including classic characters, royalty, and villains. The parade celebrates the stories of Fantasyland with elaborate floats and lively music. We donned huge smiles while watching the parade, waving to the characters, and dancing to the lively music.
Tusker House Restaurant
At the Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park , you can always find Donald Duck and his friends greeting guests as they eat. It is a popular dining location that offers a buffet with African-inspired cuisine. We enjoyed Peri-Peri Marinated Baked Salmon but there is a cornucopia of African foods on the menu including, Moroccan-Spiced Beef, Berbere-Marinated Pork, and Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, among others. It is highly recommended that you make reservations way in advance to eat at this restaurant.
On the left, Gabrielle is excited to see Daisy Duck. On the right, Mackenzie, Hudson, and Gabrielle getting goofy with Goofy All three children are super excited to meet our favorite princess, Princess Tiana
At Walt Disney World ® Resort, magic is in the air for everyone, and the joy of discovery is boundless; Disney has created a space where every family can feel celebrated for who they are. From the excitement of Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park to the world of adventure awaiting at EPCOT ® , Walt Disney World ® Resort opens its doors wide to all families, inviting them to explore, connect, and create unforgettable moments. Every corner of the park reflects a place where joy, culture, and togetherness come to life. Now that I’ve shared my experience, it’s time to make memories of your own by booking your own trip! Start planning your magical Walt Disney World ® Resort vacation today and step into a world where the magic truly belongs to everyone. Visit the Walt Disney World ® Resort website to begin your journey.
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