New "Eats" at Animal Kingdom --- Spring-2016

[TheRustyScupper]

1) For those who have not heard, there is a new Signature Dining coming to AK.
2) It will be located near "Avatarland" entranceway.
3) Totally TS-Signature (2-DDP Credits), and open for lunch and dinner, only.
4) Should be available late Spring-2016,
. . . a year ahead of Avatar rides
. . . but, in time River of Lights attraction.

NOTE: We know the manager who has been appointed, and met the woman manager replacing him at his current restaurant-manager assignment.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Very interesting. Any word on type of cuisine? Thanks for sharing!

 

[Harambe]

OOOoooo! Did they mention if AK will be putting a Rivers of Lights dinner package in play? Since River of Lights is theatre seating, it only makes sense to do that (similar to Fantasmic dinner package, only with better restaurant choices!!!).

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Did they mention if AK will be putting a Rivers of Lights dinner package in play

No "public" specifics, yet.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Oh I can't wait to hear more. So glad to see AK getting more experiences. Love that park!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Oh I can't wait to hear more. So glad to see AK getting more experiences. Love that park!

1) Yes, it is about time.
2) To me [personally] I think AK is an embarrassment.
3) Sure, Disney wants to always "Plus" the parks and add, but AK was so weak when it started.
4) Just like the after-thought called Disney-MGM Studios.
5) Joe Rohde just can't seem to get things right.

NOTE: So it is known, yes, I do have a bias against Rohde, because I simply do not think he is as good as people claim. Both Dis-MGM and AK were half-heated attempts at parks. Both MGM opened with three attractions, and the overall design of both violated sound Disney park layout design (which Walt basically invented and so many others have copied). And, the public saw it from the start.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

I love it too. I'll believe it when Disney announces it. I doubt early or mid 2016. Disney would have announced by now. Just my 2p.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I love it too. I'll believe it when Disney announces it. I doubt early or mid 2016. Disney would have announced by now. Just my 2p.

On this one, TrustTheScupper, for Spring 2016 (mid or late).

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I am very excited about this. I will be keeping my eye out for more information.

 

[Irish_Mike]

Is this what they are working on over behind Pizzafari?

 

[jon18uk]

2) To me [personally] I think AK is an embarrassment.

I'm assuming you are just talking about food? I can see why you saying that but I think there is some of the best Quick Service food in all the parks (excluding World Showcase), Flame Tree BBQ is great, Yak & Yeti QS is good and now there is the new marketplace. I did like it when Tusker House was QS and they should have added an extra indoor QS when they converted (or built a new building for the buffet).
But I think the main issue is that the park was designed with a 5-6pm closing time in mind. When the park opened the only table service option was Rainforest Cafe and that was built at the exit so people could eat then leave. Now the park is changing over to offering a night-time show they are adding more table service capacity with this new restaurant. Once Avatar opens there will be even more new restaurants there. AK could still do with another decent indoor QS (as current options are only burgers or pizza).

 

[jon18uk]

the overall design of both violated sound Disney park layout design

I agree the layout of DHS is awful, but that is because it was designed as a working studio with a tram tour and a small theme park tacked on. Once the working studio closed they should have demolished and restarted the park instead really.

But, in my opinion, Animal Kingdom has almost as good layout as Magic Kingdom. Discovery Island is the hub and you can walk off the spokes to Avatar, Africa, Asia and Dinoland. The Oasis is a walkway from the entrance, like Main St or the tunnel under the station. Africa and Asia connect via a pathway, same as Frontierland, connects to Liberty Square, connects to Fantasyland. Africa has a slight issue as the safari is at one end, but Thunder Mountain has the same issue, and Harambe people flow should be improved with the new marketplace and additional pathway. Yes the layout could be better maybe and it didn't think too much about expansion, but it does have a good hub and spoke system, plus with Avatar connecting to Africa it will be possible to walk all the way round from Avatar to Dinoland, same as you can go all the way round MK from Adventureland to Tommorowland.

 

[Art 1]

On this one, TrustTheScupper, for Spring 2016 (mid or late).

They are hoping for Memorial Day.

 

[jacksgirl]

Can't wait! I love AK as it is, but I am really excited about Avatarland and Rivers of Lights, all the additions really. I'm actually way more excited for the AK additions than DHS.