Kilimanjaro Safaris - changes coming

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Parks blog...

Kilimanjaro Safaris To Boost Zebra Presence, Add Savannah Space at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

posted on February 10th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager

Today I’m happy to give you an update on one of my favorite attractions – Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

I’ve always loved Kilimanjaro Safaris because you see so many amazing animals, but even more so, I love hearing the reactions of the first-timers around me; guests who can’t believe they’re seeing so many beautiful animals together in one place!

Beginning this spring, the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction will undergo some changes to give guests an additional opportunity to see more of their favorite animals, specifically zebra. To do so, Walt Disney Imagineering will make some creative changes to the last scene in the attraction by removing the Audio-Animatronics “Little Red” elephant and related set pieces. This area will then be reconstructed as savannah space and feature a new watering hole for live animals.

This enhancement is scheduled to begin this spring, and be completed by fall 2012. And don’t worry, the attraction will remain operational during the adjustment.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/02/kilimanjaro-safaris-to-boost-zebra-presence-add-savannah-space-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

More from Orlando Attractions Magazine...

Say your last goodbye to Little Red. Today the Disney Parks Blog announced some changes are coming to the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Starting this spring, Disney Imagineers will begin the removal of some of the end show elements, including the Audio-Animatronic elephant known as Little Red, to make room for more live animals.

While most of the safari ride offers guests a view of real live animals, towards the end of guests’ “two-week” journey, their safari truck goes on a fast chase, looking for poachers. Guests pass the poachers’ camp, which shows some elephant tusks on the ground, then a truck that houses the “saved baby elephant” named Little Red (pictured above). This part of the ride will be going away to make room for more animals, specifically zebras. The area will be reconstructed into savannah space and feature a new animal watering hole.

The refurbishment is scheduled to begin this spring and be completed by fall. The ride will stay open during construction. No further details were given about the storyline changes, but the attraction is said to still feature a strong conservation message.

http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/changes-coming-to-the-kilimanjaro-safaris-ride-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

[rdancemom... Pam 113]

and another animatronic bites the dust. Poor lil Red.

Maybe the Disco Yeti can give him some tips on what to do with all that extra time...

[Lou... 3,118]

In the CM Reactive FAQs, there was a little more detail given. Instead of just saying sometime in the spring, March was given as the start date.

Also it won't be just a Zebra habitat. It will include other animals as well.

The story line will be changed and announced at a later date.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

a few more details/history from MousePlanet...

Little Red, the Animatronic elephant orphaned by poachers and then rescued at the end of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, doesn't have much time left himself. Imagineers will be removing the scene from the attraction starting this spring, then replacing it with a new savanna and watering hole hosting zebras and other animals.

This isn't the first story change for the attraction. Following the unexpected response of horrified test audiences just before the attraction opened to the public, Imagineers removed a large set piece featuring a dead Big Red (Little Red's mother) with her tusks cut off by poachers, and replaced it with additional narration from Warden Wilson and Miss Jobson over the driver's radio indicating that "Big Red is down!" Later, Miss Jobson herself was cut from the storyline and Warden Wilson became the only voice heard on the radio.

With the removal of Little Red, the attraction will no longer have any non-living animals on display. Reportedly, however, the attraction will continue to have a conservation-focused theme. Meanwhile, guests who had been asking for more animals, specifically more chances to see zebras, will get their wish. There is no word yet on whether Warden Wilson continues to be part of the attraction once the "poacher" plotline is removed, but the changes will remove the lesser of the two plotlines for the safari. The "we've got to save Little Red!" plotline frequently seemed to be incongruous to the "wow, look at all the amazing animals!" angle. Little Red's departure will probably also mean fewer guests being confused by the sudden jerky acceleration at the end of the attraction, and will also mean less wear and tear on the safari jeep vehicles.

Construction is expected to be complete by this fall. The attraction is expected to remain open during the work.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/9883/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Hmmmm.

That part about the dead Big Red being removed before the attraction opened isn't right. We saw the dead Big Red when the park was open to the public. We first visited AK during Passholder previews, and that dead Big Red was definitely there for us to see. They also had a prop plane there and a castmember holding a rifle. And, I think it was there for a few subsequent visits too before the fake carcass was finally removed. Then it was just the plane and the truck, and finally the plane was removed as well. Now the truck and plastic baby elephant will be gone. Not a big deal, really.

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

I noticed this past year they also ditched the gunfire in the geiser section.

Mouse Surplus in Hanes City actually got the plane and had it up for sale on eBay at one point. Or at least they had it when we were there a few years ago. Not sure if it ever sold.

Hard to believe Disney didn't think a big dead elephant and CMs with guns wouldn't go over well with the kiddos.

:rofl2:

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the zebras are now back on the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Well technically they're in their own, new savanna area. More info and photo...

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/guests-are-seeing-stripes-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-zebras-out-on-new-kilimanjaro-safaris-savanna/

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

cool, glad they are back out there...

[Otter Spotter aka Debbie 58]

Hmmmm.

That part about the dead Big Red being removed before the attraction opened isn't right. We saw the dead Big Red when the park was open to the public. We first visited AK during Passholder previews, and that dead Big Red was definitely there for us to see. They also had a prop plane there and a castmember holding a rifle. And, I think it was there for a few subsequent visits too before the fake carcass was finally removed. Then it was just the plane and the truck, and finally the plane was removed as well. Now the truck and plastic baby elephant will be gone. Not a big deal, really.

TCD

Yep - we saw "Dead Big Red", the plane, and the rifle wielding cast member on the AP preview, too. The dead elephant was a bit much - so I was glad they removed it. Now - for kids and first timer's, the "Simba 1" & "Little Red" shtick is okay. When you've heard it more than once, no so okay. I rather see real animals and not plastic replicas.

The other item open on the preview was the boat ride in the "river" around AK. We loved it! When they opened the park to the public, it was closed. :argh: