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Monday, April 14, 2008
Travel Update: Animal Kingdom's 10th Anniversary, Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival, Sea World's Aquatica and Cypress Gardens.
Welcome back!
In just under 24 hours, I'll be flying back to Florida for a fun-filled but busy schedule! This visit centers around the Animal Kingdom 10th Anniversary on April 22nd - also known as the Wild Decade. For more information on this special event, go to WDWCelebrations.
I've watched Disney's Animal Kingdom evolve from pre-opening visits to the wonderful experience it is today. I am looking forward to stepping into the park on April 22nd, just as I did on the same day 10 years ago. Much has changed since then! The photos below are from opening day including the Tree of Life in the early morning and my friend Angela with Imagineer and Animal Kingdom lead designer Joe Rohde.
The opening day dedication reads: Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn. - Michael Eisner April 22, 1998
The shots below are from the long retired "Discovery River Boats" and the original opening stage show, "Journey Into The Jungle Book".
The other major reason for the trip is to record the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival for a future DVD release. Look for more information on that soon! (Photo below courtesy of Denise form MouseSteps).
Rounding out the remainder of my time, I have invitations to visit Aquatica and Cypress Gardens with Jim Hill. I'll also be spending a morning at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is a 12,000 acre preserve located about a half hour from Walt Disney World. Much of this is new to me, except for Cypress Gardens (though it's been 25 or so years since my last visit!)
I am looking forward to updating everyone when I get back. This should be a fun and exciting (and extremely busy) trip for me!
While I am traveling you will still receive the same level of quality service and guaranteed 24 hr shipping you have come to expect from JeffLangeDVD. Please remember, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.