51: Spy DiVine in Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is known, first, for its animals… go figure . You can’t argue with that—they are stunning creatures! In fact, one of my favorite memories was seeing a group of baby elephants splashing around in the water during my Kilimanjaro Safari…

Another is when a group of giraffes stopped our safari vehicle for almost five full minutes because they refused to get off the road… and at Animal Kingdom, the animals always have the right of way .

But another thing that makes Animal Kingdom unique is its gorgeous, lush scenery…

And that’s not even counting this “little” green gem:

So, let’s just say you’re strolling from Africa’s Harambe Village on your way to Expedition Everest in Asia, and some of that breathtaking scenery… starts to MOVE?

Then that means, you’ve stumbled across DiVine!

From the Walt Disney World website: “This leafy goddess departs the trees and ‘stalks’ passersby with her graceful, mesmerizing movements.”

You can pick up a Times Guide upon entering Animal Kingdom to find out when and where the beautiful DiVine can be found. But I had hoped to happen upon her, and did! I was on my way to the park exit, but decided wherever I was going could wait. Bucket List Victory! Even if you make official plans to catch her, it’s still totally worth seeing the looks of surprise (and confusion!) on the faces of those who are unsuspecting .

I’ve spied DiVine! Can you ?

29: See the Castle Lights at Christmas

The Holiday season has begun in Walt Disney World, and this breathtaking display of over 200,000 lights on Cinderella Castle is just one of many special events to celebrate the season!

Castle Dreamlights (at the Magic Kingdom through January 8, 2013):
The Fairy Godmother magically decorates Cinderella Castle in shimmering “icicles” in the presence of Cinderella, Mickey and Minnie, and a few other Disney Pals. You can see the result above , but no photo can prepare you for the sight in person.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (at the Magic Kingdom select nights November 9 – December 21, 2012)
Special holiday fireworks, a parade, hot cocoa, character meet-and-greets in their holiday finery, and SNOW falling on Main Street U.S.A. are just a few of the treats in store at this special ticket-only event.

Holidays Around the World (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
Travel around World Showcase and encounter Father Christmas and storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Holiday version (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
EPCOT’s nightly evening firework spectacular is given an extra special “holiday tag,” including even more stunning fireworks and a special holiday message.

Candlelight Processional (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
Celebrity narrators read the Christmas Story, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir singing beloved Christmas carols. You can find the full list of celebrity narrators for 2012 here.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (at Hollywood Studios November 9, 2012-January 6, 2013):
Literally millions of festival holiday lights “dance” in synchronization to Christmas music—an unforgettable treat for the eyes and ears! From the Walt Disney World website: “Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew… and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.”

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (at Animal Kingdom November 9, 2012 – January 2, 2013):
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle parade receives a holiday makeover!

Festival of the Seasons (at Downtown Disney November 16-December 27, 2012):
Enjoy live music while you take care of your holiday shopping, AND meet the Big Guy himself. No, not Mickey Mouse… SANTA CLAUS!

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!!!

30: Party at a street festival in Animal Kingdom

In 2010, Disney’s Animal Kingdom hosted the “Taste of Africa Street Party,” a summer-only event that encouraged guests to stay and enjoy the culture of Harambe Village into the evening after Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade. I had this party on my original Disney Bucket List, as I was hoping they would bring it back. Alas, the Taste of Africa Street Party no longer exists… but that’s only because it’s been expanded to Asia and Discovery Island, debuting this summer as the Sundowner Celebration!

The Sundowner Celebration explores various cultures represented in Animal Kingdom through music…

Dance…

(That’s my husband at Discovery Island’s Street Party. Moves like Jagger, that one… . )

… and, my personal favorite, FOOD! Animal Kingdom has brought out some special treats specific to the Celebration, including Summer Rolls, an Asian-style Hot Dog, and African-inspired Spiced Popcorn. Special beverages are also featured including various juices, adult beverages, and the opportunity to participate in a wine walk. My favorite part of the food spotlights, however, were the cooking demonstrations. Asia offers a demonstration on traditional methods of brewing hot teas, as well as a demonstration on creating summer rolls:

I especially enjoyed meeting one of the chefs from Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House, who demonstrated how they prepare their Curry Spice specifically for Tusker House.

Best of all, we walked away with the recipe (below—just click on the image to view a larger version for readability)! Give it a try to enjoy a taste of Animal Kingdom in your home for your own celebration when the sun goes down … enjoy!

53: Search for Hidden Mickeys among the murals at Conservation Station

If Hidden Mickeys are new to you, I’m going to point you right to the source: http://www.hiddenmickeyguy.com/

I’m a HUGE fan of Hidden Mickeys: those little images of Mickey Mouse that Disney Imagineers, artists, and cast members tuck in to all corners of the World. Although “fan of” may be putting it a bit mildly… “obsessed with” is more like it! Which is why I went on a Hidden Mickey hunt in Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station.

Conservation Station is located in Rafiki’s Planet Watch: “an area dedicated to the preservation and conservation of animals.” Guests have opportunities for some unique experiences, from chatting with animal handlers, to learning about food and care for the animals, to occasional opportunities to view a live animal surgery (but only if you wish ). Conservation Station is home to some absolutely stunning artwork:

It’s also home to absolutely OODLES of Hidden Mickeys! I set off on my search, armed with the best tool available–my copy of Steven Barrett’s  “Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets, 5^th edition.” You can purchase your copy via the author’s website, Amazon.com, in a bookstore near you, and all over Walt Disney World property. The book offers a “scavenger hunt” which leads you all around Disney property with clues as to where you can find Hidden Mickeys (and hints for when you get completely stuck!). And yes, if you prefer… there is an app for that . Per the book, Conservation Station is home to at least thirty-eight Hidden Mickeys! Here’s a glimpse at a few of my favorites (if the image is too small for you to find Mickey, just give it a click and you should be able to view a larger version):

This might be my very favorite: in this huge mural…

…I had to find this teeny, tiny little guy:

SO brilliant !

If you’re a fan of Hidden Mickeys, where are some of your favorites ?