Pocahontas -- Special Training Show

[Fridye]

Two of the Pocahontas shows at Animal Kingdom are "training sessions," per Steve Soares' website. They are not regular shows. They train the animals to perform the behaviors they use in the regular shows -- sort of a "behind-the scenes" show.

I found this out when I looked at the coming week's entertainment schedule for Animal Kingdom and noticed two times with astericks indicating "training session." I didn't know what it meant so I asked him in an e-mail. http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm

Sounds like this would be worth watching, especially if you're already familiar with the show!

 

[jcemom]

That does sound interesting...any reviews from those who've attended one of these shows? Someone here must have, right?

 

[CamColt]

We went to it last year. it was a neat thing to see, but we were too preoccupied with getting out. We were on our way to see LK when a CM talked us, and many others into going in there. She told us we would be out in time for LK. Show time was getting closer and closer and we were getting antsy. Many people were too as they were leaving...not the best thing to do during an animal training session. Finally when a large group got up to go we did too.
Like I said it was neat to see how they try to get the birds to fly into Pocahontas' hands and for the raccoon to pick up the flower, but we were more interested in getting to LK.

 

[jcemom]

If it weren't for the fact that you were getting close to your FotLK time, do you think the training session would have been better than the "regular" show? Is it worth going out of the way to attend?

 

[Eeyore's Buddy Bear]

I have only seen the full Pocahontas show a couple of times, but I have attended 9 or 10 animal training sessions.

Animal training sessions are conducted to practice skills with the animals in front of any audience. Some of the animals are new and "in training" while others have been in the show but have recently not performed the skills correctly. I think it is interesting seeing how the castmembers train the animals for the show. Additionally you usually get a good view of some really cute behaviors.

Animal training sessions are usually not crowded so it can be a nice escape from people. The length of the training session depends on the number of skills to be practiced. Most sessions are less than 15 minutes.

 

[jcemom]

Thanks! It sounds like it might be worth catching if it fits easily into the day's schedule!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks! This sounds so neat-definitely will add it to my list of things to do on my next trip. I've learned so many great things from these boards, and just learned another.

 

[luvsTink]

Is there any singing at all during the training session?

 

[Fridye]

I had no idea this even existed, and I've been reading these boards for awhile. I know we'll be watching both shows!

 

[Eeyore's Buddy Bear]

I have never been to an animal training show in which Pocahontas sings. Sometimes they play the background soundtrack so the animals can get used to the noise, other times the animals practice in silence. Sometimes Pocahontas makes an appearance if she is needed for the animal's skill (i.e. birds flying and landing on her). Every animal training session is different - give it a try. Hopefully, you'll enjoy them as much as I do.

 

[Tink n Poohbear]

I recently got the 2005 Official Guide and Pochontas is not listed as an attraction at AK. I was hoping it was an oversight and not a sign that it will no longer be there. Anyone just returning who can clarify?

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by Tink n Poohbear
I recently got the 2005 Official Guide and Pochontas is not listed as an attraction at AK. I was hoping it was an oversight and not a sign that it will no longer be there. Anyone just returning who can clarify?

Steve Soares has the November 21-27 times schedule posted on his site and it's there.