Animal Kingdom Expansion dates?

[jenhelgren]

We are considering a trip for October 2016 and I am wondering how much of the new Animal Kingdom will be open by then. Does anyone else have a fall trip planned that is following the latest info or that can point me in the direction of a great thread or blog to get me updated? I was thinking about waiting until early 2017 when everything would most likely be opened so I am really just trying to weight the pros and cons of an October trip and what we would probably miss. We only visit once every few years so and love Animal Kingdom! I know a few years back we visited in October and were able to ride Little Mermaid and check out most of the new area at magic Kingdom under soft opening when the actual opening date wasn't supposed to be until early the following year so I am wondering if Animal Kingdom will be the same way?? Thanks in advance for any helpful info or advice. I haven't been on the boards in quite awhile and usually plan Disney trips much farther out than this!

 

[hakepb]

The main "new" in Animal kingdom this fall should be the new night Rivers of Life show, Tree projection show(s)? New restaurant, and the new, nighttime safari ride (that starts looking like sunset and ends at "night"

All neat stuff, but the main, new Avatar rides won't open until 2017 or 2018.

 

[nilla]

We are considering a trip for October 2016 and I am wondering how much of the new Animal Kingdom will be open by then.

Other than the fact that we know for sure that "Avatar Land" won't be done by then, no one has any idea what will or will not be open by October. It's been more than a bit of a sore spot on these boards lately

 

[AshleeH]

We're going in October - I'm hoping for the nighttime Safari to be open, but not counting on it. That way it will be a fun surprise if it is available.

 

[jenhelgren]

Thanks everyone! I LOVE the Dis Boards!!! I usually try to keep updated on all Disney happenings but have fell out of the loop lately..lol
Just speculation--would there be much difference between a October 2016 or January 2017 trip? I thought I had read that some of Avatar land would be open by early 2017 but that was months ago and if Disney has now moved dates until 2018-that would be more like our next trip!!
I wanted to start planning a trip for Jan/Feb 2017 but friends of ours have a reservation that they cannot use so I am being pressured to make a "quick" decision. Weather should be warmer and we could do MNSSHP too, but my kids were really excited about Animal Kingdom growing....

 

[rteetz]

Visit my thread in my signature for all confirmed or rumored completion dates.

 

[rteetz]

The main "new" in Animal kingdom this fall should be the new night Rivers of Life show, Tree projection show(s)? New restaurant, and the new, nighttime safari ride (that starts looking like sunset and ends at "night"

All neat stuff, but the main, new Avatar rides won't open until 2017 or 2018.

Avatar is rumored to have a target opening date of April 22nd 2017

 

[nilla]

Avatar is rumored to have a target opening date of April 22nd 2017

Any word on when the Avatar dining packages will be available? I heard this Saturday

 

[walker0829]

Any word on when the Avatar dining packages will be available? I heard this Saturday

Oh they'll be open this Saturday but don't be surprised if they get cancelled April 2017 right before an announcement about the delayed opening of Avatar Land.

 

[minnie mum]

Any word on when the Avatar dining packages will be available? I heard this Saturday

Did you mean ROL dining packages?

 

[nilla]

Did you mean ROL dining packages?

No, it was just a joke about dining packages, based on the RoL fiasco. Don't get excited - there is no rumor (I know of) about those packages becoming available this weekend!

 

[Sevey13]

Thanks everyone! I LOVE the Dis Boards!!! I usually try to keep updated on all Disney happenings but have fell out of the loop lately..lol
Just speculation--would there be much difference between a October 2016 or January 2017 trip? I thought I had read that some of Avatar land would be open by early 2017 but that was months ago and if Disney has now moved dates until 2018-that would be more like our next trip!!
I wanted to start planning a trip for Jan/Feb 2017 but friends of ours have a reservation that they cannot use so I am being pressured to make a "quick" decision. Weather should be warmer and we could do MNSSHP too, but my kids were really excited about Animal Kingdom growing....

I would avoid planning a trip for a certain time with the primary expectation being able to be there within the first month or two of a new major land. This can really only lead to disappointment if the opening is pushed back (looking at you, Rivers of Light) or massive crowds of other people wanting to try the brand new thing. If your primary goal is to see the new land, push your trip back at least 6 months from the projected opening. That gives time for everything to be open and gives the rank-and-file cast members in the area a few weeks to work out their processes (everything would be in flux during that opening period!) and the bugs. Instead I would simply pick a date that works for your family and then see what you will be able to enjoy then.