Walt Disney World kicks off April with the return of at least one attraction from refurbishment, a celebration of Earth Day (for a month) the continuation of the flower festival and some anniversaries to celebrate.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this month:
1. New sand sculpture: Kicking off on April 2, artisans will transform 40 tons of sand into a detailed sculpture celebrating National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Whales,” an original series streaming on Disney+ on Earth Day. The intricate sculpted work will be located on at the Discovery Island Stage at Animal Kingdom until April 30.
2. Earth Day week celebration: From April 18 to 24, Animal Kingdom will host limited-time experiences including unique Disney character appearances, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity. It includes:
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station will teach you to draw Dumbo, Terk, Squirt, Shere Khan, Simba and Scar – whose real-life counterparts represent amazing stories of conservation work around the globe.
- Catch a glimpse of some special characters who will join other favorite Disney pals on Discovery River Character Cruises.
- Nosh around the park sampling Earth Day eats, including a selection of limited-time specialty cupcakes: the Creature Comfort’s Honey Bee Cupcake, the strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Flame Tree Barbecue, or the Sea Turtle Graham Cracker Cupcake (plus the Crave the Wave cocktail!) at Restaurantosaurus Lounge.
- Set out on a series of self-guided, nature-themed challenges and earn a special Wilderness Explorer limited-time Earth Day Nature badge.
- Hunt for an Earth Day 2021 limited-edition Te Fiti Moana trading pin. You can also support the Disney Conservation Fund by purchasing a cuddly plush inspired by species that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home; or check out Island Mercantile’s eco-friendly water bottles, tumblers and reusable bags that promote sustainability.
- Disney PhotoPass Service will have special in-park Earth Day backgrounds and Magic Shots, including an all-new photo opportunity.
3. Egg-citing things to see: There are still a number of Easter egg Display s to see at a variety of resorts for the first few days of the month, includin
- Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa – The display will be in the lobby area, concierge level, and Grand Floridian Café lobby. It will be available for viewing now through April 4.
- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort – The display will be in the Beach Club lobby, Yacht Club lobby, Ale & Compass Restaurant and The Market at Ale & Compass. It will be available for viewing now through April 4.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – The display will be in the lobby area. It will be available for viewing now through April 4.
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – The display will be available in the Carriage House. It will be available for viewing now through April 11.
4. Kali River Rapids returns. Just in time for a small cold spell to begin, this river rafting attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which has been closed for a three month refurbishment reopens.
5. Flower and Garden entertainment. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues with the following entertainment taking place:
- April 2-5: THE SPAZMATICS (’80s Pop) – Go wild for this band that recaptures all the best of the ‘80s.
- April 9-12: LATIN AMBITION (Latin/Pop) -Discover why this bilingual Latin American Party Band has received accolades and honors industry-wide for over a decade.
- April 16 to 19: EPIC! (Pop) – A true multi-generational “SuperBand” continues their run of success—making appearances all over the world with their Concert Style high-energy show.
- April 23 to 26: VINTAGE VINYL BAND (Vintage Pop) – This unconventional top 40 cover band specializes in retrofitting today’s hits into yesterday’s sound, while weaving in classics from the American Songbook.
- April 30 to May 3: MOTOWN IN MOTION (Motown/ R&B) – Live Motown musical tribute to some of the greatest American artists of all time.
6. If you are visiting, and even if you’re not visiting, here are five big anniversaries taking place at Disney World in April.
- April 2, 2016: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set at Disney’s Hollywood Studios close to eventually make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (5th anniversary)
- April 12, 1998: Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens. (23rd anniversary)
- April 14, 2016: Groundbreaking for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (5th anniversary)
- April 15, 1971: The last of 337 concrete beams completing the six-mile-long monorail system for Walt Disney World is placed and the first Martin-Marietta Mark IV Monorail train is lowered onto the beam. (50th anniversary)
- April 16, 2001: Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort opens. (20th anniversary)
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