Africa Marketplace expansion coming to Harambe at Disney's Animal Kingdom

[Marlins1]

Would not count on any more additions after Pandora for a long time. They will have spent a ton of money on this park over a few years and once it is done HS and Epcot will have far more pressing needs. I think AK at night will feel like a whole new park when this is done.

 

[twebber55]

Would not count on any more additions after Pandora for a long time. They will have spent a ton of money on this park over a few years and once it is done HS and Epcot will have far more pressing needs. I think AK at night will feel like a whole new park when this is done.

Will certainly affect evening touring demographics at wdw

 

[ToTBellHop]

And that is what so many of the its a full day park supporters don't get. You can always make AK or the studios a full day or more, but if a show or a nature trail isn't your thing then it feels pretty lacking. I agree that even after Avatar, you still need one more large scale expansion to bring the park up to its potential.

If you only like rides and don't like taking in atmosphere or shows, none of Disney's parks are really for you (I'm not speaking to you, by the way). I find the animal encounters at DAK far more enjoyable to revisit than Captain EO, certainly. The animals are always doing something different and often there are new animals (or babies) or even new species on display. But, I like animals. If you don't like animals, a lot of DAK is lost upon you.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Would not count on any more additions after Pandora for a long time. They will have spent a ton of money on this park over a few years and once it is done HS and Epcot will have far more pressing needs. I think AK at night will feel like a whole new park when this is done.

This will be two attractions and a nighttime show... that's pretty substantial. As discussed in the night safari thread, it's also hoped/believed that Everest will be "fixed" after Avatar opens as well.

I could see smaller scale additions in the 5 years after Avatar. Perhaps a Nemo replacement, and additional animal exhibits would follow. Something like a Panda exhibit would be a great thing for 2021.

 

[doctornick]

This will be two attractions and a nighttime show... that's pretty substantial. As discussed in the night safari thread, it's also hoped/believed that Everest will be "fixed" after Avatar opens as well.

I could see smaller scale additions in the 5 years after Avatar. Perhaps a Nemo replacement, and additional animal exhibits would follow. Something like a Panda exhibit would be a great thing for 2021.

I still think a good addition would be a big daytime entertainment -- a new parade (if feasible on the paths) or a water show (a la Mythica). That would help make it a "full day park" for guests as much as additional rides. If doing a daytime water show, you can reuse the infrastructure for RoL (the seating).

 

[Admiral01]

Animal Kingdom is the closest thing we have to DisneySea.

Level of theming wise - absolutely. DAK is a beautiful park...there just isn't much to do.

 

[jdmdisney99]

I still think a good addition would be a big daytime entertainment -- a new parade (if feasible on the paths) or a water show (a la Mythica). That would help make it a "full day park" for guests as much as additional rides. If doing a daytime water show, you can reuse the infrastructure for RoL (the seating).

Exactly! They should move to a water parade. They have worked for well over 40 years...

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Does anyone happen to know if or when the new maps featuring Harambe's Marketplace will be available?

 

[Kman101]

I would love Animal Kingdom to introduce a daytime/dusk parade on the water like DisneySea. Maybe someday in the faaaaar future, lol. I'm just glad we're FINALLY getting Rivers of Light.

The new marketplace looks fantastic. I just love the theming at AK (minus Dinorama/carnival games/spinner). I don't hate Primeval Whirl, it's fun, but I just wish it were themed differently. I also think the exterior of Dinosaur could use some work. I dislike the planters where fire should be. The entrance should be grand and wow. I often avoid the entire area.

Anyway, again, the new marketplace looks great. Can't wait to walk around it. These are the plusses parks need to keep them evolving and fresh and make them a full day park. Places to explore, relax ... it's a shame so many dismiss AK.

Now can we PLEASE start plussing Epcot and DHS? Pretty please ...

 

[note2001]

I would love Animal Kingdom to introduce a daytime/dusk parade on the water like DisneySea. Maybe someday in the faaaaar future, lol. I'm just glad we're FINALLY getting Rivers of Light.

The new marketplace looks fantastic. I just love the theming at AK (minus Dinorama/carnival games/spinner). I don't hate Primeval Whirl, it's fun, but I just wish it were themed differently. I also think the exterior of Dinosaur could use some work. I dislike the planters where fire should be. The entrance should be grand and wow. I often avoid the entire area.

Anyway, again, the new marketplace looks great. Can't wait to walk around it. These are the plusses parks need to keep them evolving and fresh and make them a full day park. Places to explore, relax ... it's a shame so many dismiss AK.

Now can we PLEASE start plussing Epcot and DHS? Pretty please ...

But ... they got rid of music in favor of a pseudo lumberjack demonstration, pulled the world showcase players and are creating a whole new Frozen themed ride Oh yes, and some time in the years to come we shall see a new theater added to Soarin' along with a new film.*

(* Don't mean to downplay this one.... for Disney parks to do ANYTHING with their film side counterpart these days is nothing short of amazing. Sad, but true.)

 

[jmuboy]

This will be two attractions and a nighttime show... that's pretty substantial. As discussed in the night safari thread, it's also hoped/believed that Everest will be "fixed" after Avatar opens as well.

I could see smaller scale additions in the 5 years after Avatar. Perhaps a Nemo replacement, and additional animal exhibits would follow. Something like a Panda exhibit would be a great thing for 2021.

I agree a panda exhibit would be a great " e-ticket " animal display and really compliment the changes already underway.

 

[doctornick]

But ... they got rid of music in favor of a pseudo lumberjack demonstration, pulled the world showcase players and are creating a whole new Frozen themed ride

To be honest, in terms of Epcot entertainment, I think they have done well. They may have gotten rid of some popular acts, but they have replacements for everything and -- ironic considering the thematic problems with Frozen in Norway -- you can make a good case that the new acts are more in line with the cultural vibe of the World Showcase. Changing acts periodically is a good thing.

(Yes, I know, lumberjacks. But they are the exception among the new entertainment.)

 

[Timothy_Q]

Come again? Surely, you meant Dinorama.

Oops, yes I did

 

[RSoxNo1]

I still think a good addition would be a big daytime entertainment -- a new parade (if feasible on the paths) or a water show (a la Mythica). That would help make it a "full day park" for guests as much as additional rides. If doing a daytime water show, you can reuse the infrastructure for RoL (the seating).

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Rivers of Light infrastructure can be used for something during the day a la "Instant Concert Just Add Water". I wouldn't expect it to be anything more than a diversion, but every little bit helps.

 

[WDWtraveler]

Photo update as of Tuesday, May 12. Series of photos taken from the Wildlife Express train as it approaches the Harambe station. The construction cloth is gone from the fence, exposing some elements of the show visible to the passing train, but the temporary "silver" chain link fence is still in place. The "rusty-brown" chain link fence in the first three photos are part of the theming.

Work on landscaping and "themed concrete" pavement is on-going behind the construction fence near Mombasa Marketplace and the Wildlife Express train station. The pavement behind the fence along the Africa-Asia pathway is complete.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Thanks for the photos. The rustic fence theming is a bit too much for me. Leave ugly to the real world.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Thanks for the photos. The rustic fence theming is a bit too much for me. Leave ugly to the real world.

Have you looked at the rest of Harambe? That fence goes along with everything else.

 

[COProgressFan]

Have you looked at the rest of Harambe? That fence goes along with everything else.

True. But, keep in mind, I've heard people say (about Chester and Hester's) "This used to be an old parking lot". I'm still not sure if that means the Imagineers have succeeded or failed in their efforts?

It's kind of a tough balance between being appropriate to the theme, and looking like an old dilapidated fence or parking lot.

Still, looking forward to this area, as the rest of Harambe, including the new FoTLK area is so fantastic.

 

[cspencer96]

True. But, keep in mind, I've heard people say (about Chester and Hester's) "This used to be an old parking lot". I'm still not sure if that means the Imagineers have succeeded or failed in their efforts?

It's kind of a tough balance between being appropriate to the theme, and looking like an old dilapidated fence or parking lot.

Still, looking forward to this area, as the rest of Harambe, including the new FoTLK area is so fantastic.

That means they've succeeded. No question.

Now, the decision to make Chester and Hester's storyline come from a very little-known piece of American culture (roadside attractions going hand-in-hand with fossil dig sites in the old days) is one that will always be up for debate when it comes to whether or not it was sane.

 

[YodaMan]

Haha. I came on here to post photos as well because I just got off the train, but seems I was beaten to it. Did you also catch Joe Rhode by the FOLK theatre filming promos for Harambe?