Will DAK Ever Get Pandas?

[#OccupyBeastlyKingdom]

It has been discussed for years, but has there been any recent rumors of pandas finally coming to DAK?

I know it is a very expensive and complicated procedure to be granted a panda from China, as they "own" the species. However, I remember reading somewhere that because Disney has such a strong relationship with the country lately, a pair of pandas were discussed in negotiations over the new Shanghai park.

Was this just a baseless internet rumor? Something that fell through? Something still being discussed?

I would love to see Giant Pandas in DAK. I had the opportunity to see them at the San Diego zoo and they are magnificent animals. While families likely won't plan a trip simply over this, I would see it being a major draw for curious locals.

 

[luv]

I'd love to see pandas.

No idea if they'll ever get them, though.

 

[olinecoach61]

Pandas would be awesome!

 

[doctornick]

It would certainly be a great addition to DAK, but I think that all the rumors have been pie in the sky stuff, not real information.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Pandas would be awesome!

 

[PREMiERdrum]

The political hoop jumping required to get a panda "loan" (China will only loan them out for specified amounts of time) is mind boggling. Columbus Zoo went through a 5 year dance back int the late '80s that eventually resulted in getting 2 Giant Pandas. For one Summer.

With Disney's involvement in the east, I'd say it's a possibility, but I don't know if the hassle would be worth it to them. When you consider the other venues who already have them, it's questionable if they would be enough of a draw to justify the headache.

 

[LostBoy28]

I read about this in the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" as a possibility. It mentioned it as part of some agreement with China over the 2012 park opening in Shanghai. At first I was really excited but I haven't been able to find any news to confirm the rumor.

 

[Meredith]

I am a huge Panda lover and if DAK got panda's it would make the park %300 better also in China the Panda's are dyeing out so if Disney could get them here I think that would help a little bit.

 

[Master Yoda]

Never say never, but I would not hold my breath.

 

[tissandtully]

I think we'd be lucky if DAK got a Panda Express.

 

[Meredith]

I think we'd be lucky if DAK got a Panda Express.

I agree

 

[rsoxguy]

Which restaurant?

 

[Stu bailey]

When will it get more rides?

 

[Mammymouse]

Could they stand the heat? They have a lot of fur. It wouldn't make any difference in my WDW visiting habits if there were there or not, but they are awesome animals.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

A stuffed Panda and a strobe light would surely be cheaper, anyway.

 

[#OccupyBeastlyKingdom]

I think we'd be lucky if DAK got a Panda Express.

Which restaurant?

Universal Studios is rumored to be getting a Kentucky Fried Panda as part of the food court in the new Simpson's mini-land they're constructing (along with Moe's, Krusty Burger and General Chang’s Taco Italiano).

 

[rsoxguy]

Universal Studios is rumored to be getting a Kentucky Fried Panda as part of the food court in the new Simpson's mini-land they're constructing (along with Moe's, Krusty Burger and General Chang’s Taco Italiano).

When you can buy panda like this, why cook?

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

We're going a little Panda crazy (pandamonium if you will...har-de-har-har) up here in the great white north. We have pandas on loan for 10 years. May I present Er Shun and Da Mao our newest exchange students.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...das-arrive-pearson-canadian-visit-starts.html

 

[Calvin Coolidge]

I understand the complication of getting Pandas, but I really think it would be a real draw. Right now, the only US Zoos with Giant Pandas are in DC, Memphis, San Diego, and Atlanta. I realize that DAK is pushing the NaHtAzU stuff or whatever but I think bringing in Pandas would be as big as bringing in a new ride (which DAK needs more of, obviously).

They don't really fit in DAK's Asia, but maybe move the train station and put them back by Rafiki's Planet Watch? Build a habitat as thematically immersive as Maharajah or Pangani, close to the backstage veterinary areas...maybe start a breeding program...

 

[luv]

I understand the complication of getting Pandas, but I really think it would be a real draw. Right now, the only US Zoos with Giant Pandas are in DC, Memphis, San Diego, and Atlanta.

I didn't know we had zoos with pandas! I will look into visiting one! Thanks for the info!,