AK Land clearing between Africa and Asia?

[GrumpyFan]

Parkjourney posted some pics of some land being cleared between Asia and Africa, behind the nature trails. It looks to be right around the bend for where the Wildlife Express train comes back into the station, so it's actually more in Africa.
Anybody know what's going on here? Is this part of the walkway expansion project or something else?

They also posted some new pics of FOTLK/Harambe theater that look real nice too!

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Thanks for the update! I don't remember hearing anything about this area but could it possible have something to do with Harambe Nights?

 

[steve76]

Infrastructure (or additional animal houses) for the nighttime safaris?

 

[djkidkaz]

I believe this is going to be a new path connecting Africa and Asia for better guest flow.

 

[DicksonGR]

There does seem to be an awful lot of work going on at the moment. Hopefully a sign of more money being invested into the parks now that the big expenditure of the magic bands is reducing... Time will tell!

 

[Bolt]

I believe this is going to be a new path connecting Africa and Asia for better guest flow.

Yes and expanding the merchandise location there because Starbucks is moving into the shop next to First Aid.

 

[doctornick]

I believe this is going to be a new path connecting Africa and Asia for better guest flow.

The odd thing about this is that the main time when you need "better guest flow" is during the MJJ parade. And that's going away in the near future. The location of Rivers of Light doesn't seem like it would benefit from having a new path between Africa and Asia.

So, does this development indicate that a new parade might be developed in the near future?

 

[ToTBellHop]

The odd thing about this is that the main time when you need "better guest flow" is during the MJJ parade. And that's going away in the near future. The location of Rivers of Light doesn't seem like it would benefit from having a new path between Africa and Asia.

So, does this development indicate that a new parade might be developed in the near future?

Where will they have people line up for River of Light? What about when there are two shows in one night?

 

[Fox&Hound]

Come on Mystic Manor!!!!! And a signature dining experience!!!!! (No I have no insider knowledge, just hoping).

 

[GrumpyFan]

Come on Mystic Manor!!!!! And a signature dining experience!!!!! (No I have no insider knowledge, just hoping).

What?!?! This doesn't even seem to be related!

 

[doctornick]

Where will they have people line up for River of Light? What about when there are two shows in one night?

The current thought seems to be to have a viewing area (whether seating or stading) somewhere on the Asia side of the Discovery River, kind of in front of Everest. That area, to me, seems like it is sufficiently far enough from the walking path between Africa and Asia (i.e. in front of Wonders of Flight) that Rivers of Light wouldn't benefit from the extra connection between the lands. However, you bring up a valid point about potential crowds and lining up to get into the show (a la Fantasmic) and that could indeed necessitate more walking space.

Still, I would contend that a new parade along the current route would be the biggest beneficiary of a new Africa-Asia pathway.

 

[Fox&Hound]

What?!?! This doesn't even seem to be related!

I'm just saying if they are clearing land we can hope to get more than just a new path.....

 

[danlb_2000]

The odd thing about this is that the main time when you need "better guest flow" is during the MJJ parade. And that's going away in the near future. The location of Rivers of Light doesn't seem like it would benefit from having a new path between Africa and Asia.

So, does this development indicate that a new parade might be developed in the near future?

Maybe they are doing it because of FotLK. The new theatre location will increase the traffic flow in and out of Africa.

 

[Rob562]

Maybe they are doing it because of FotLK. The new theatre location will increase the traffic flow in and out of Africa.

That, plus when they have performers in the middle of Harambe it can cause some pedestrian issues. My take is that they're doing pretty much like they did with the Tangled restroom area and creating a relief on the walkways by adding an extra path between the Safari area and the Asia walkway. (I'm sure the route between the Safari and EE is the busiest corridor in the park)

-Rob

 

[KevinYee]

That construction has been going on for some weeks now; saw it from the train about a month ago. It can't be a walkway since it dead-ends at the train tracks. My best guess would be something for Harambe Nights or other infrastructure of the land. It's way too wide for a walkway and way too small for an attraction - the cleared land is on a hill (just above the stroller parking for the train) and about the size of the house holding the merchandise shop next to the construction zone.

 

[Gabe1]

They were making good progress last month when I was there on the LK theater.

 

[MarkTwain]

I wonder if this will reuse any of the old "hidden trail"? It'd be nice if some of that area could become officially onstage again.

 

[Tom Morrow]

It would make sense if it was an additional walkway. Currently, KSR, Pangani, and Wildlife Express are all at a dead end, and traffic tends to bottleneck through Harambe.

 

[RSoxNo1]

There is a 70% chance this is a DVC cart.

 

[RSoxNo1]

In all seriousness, I would guess this would be Wild Africa Trek related if anything.