DAK’s 20th Anniversary Part 3: Party for the Planet 2018
NOTE: Apologies for the delay in Part 3 of this review. Between some health and family issues the past few weeks, I didn’t have a chance to complete the article for posting. I hope you enjoy.
For the last part of my DAK 20/ Party for the Planet review, I take a look at some of the offerings for this year’s Party for the Planet, which was held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from April 22nd (Earth Day) through May 5th. Since this year also celebrates the park’s 20th Anniversary, Disney had a lot of fun activities for this special celebration, including a new Wilderness Explorer badge, a special lunch menu at Tiffins, fun photo ops, and the opening of a revamped bird show featuring Russell and Dug from Pixar’s Up.
Let’s check out some of what was going on for Party for the Planet.
Limited-Time Wilderness Explorer Badge
Over in Asia at Upcountry Landing (where Baloo and King Louie once met guests), Troop leaders from the Wilderness Explorers have gathered to offer exclusive Party for the Planet activities to earn a special badge. I took part by painting with water on a rock, creating my “favorite animal”… which I chose a toucan (not pictured).
Limited-Time 20th Anniversary Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu at Tiffins
My friends and I had a delicious time at Tiffins for lunch, enjoying the special tasting menu created for the celebration. When we sat down, we were greeted by a “Welcome Back” card from the staff, as we are frequent diners here on our trips.
The Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu
For appetizers, one could choose from a field greens salad (on the left) or a watermelon gelee dish (right). Adam and I had the salad and Kaila had the watermelon. I really enjoyed my salad. Kaila’s watermelon dish was tasty (she let me try some), but we agreed that the texture was not… appetizing.
For dinner, Adam and Kaila had the beef dish (left), while I chose the chicken dish (right). Both of them were delicious.
The special dessert we all got tasted to me like an upscale orange creamsicle, which I did not mind at all.
Overall, another great meal at Tiffins. We are NEVER disappointed, and happy we got to experience this special menu.
Exclusive DAK20 Disney Conservation Button
Featuring Anala and Jeda, the first Sumatran Tiger cubs born at the park in its’ 20 year history, this exclusive button was introduced on Earth Day, and given to guests as a “thank you” for making a donation at select merchandise of food & beverage locations throughout the park.
20th Anniversary Pennies
Released on Earth Day, this special set of pennies, featuring characters from Pixar’s Up, are available at the Outpost Traders at the entrance to the park. Also there were a couple of special edition wooden gift cards for the 20th Anniversary (which sold out quickly on Earth Day, with no confirmation of a restock).
Exclusive Photo Ops
Throughout the park at various locations, guests can take part in special photo ops. In addition to the 20th Anniversary frame (which I showcased in Part 1 of my review), I came across a variety of smaller hand-held props, which were a lot of fun to pose with (and the PhotoPass photographers had a great time shooting with…. I was a monkey’s butt!). I did not find all of the props, as they came out a different times during the day.
Additionally, a new Kevin Magic Shot was introduced during Party for the Planet. My friend Adam and I were able to find him the last day of our trip. So much fun.
Up! A Great Bird Adventure
Rounding out this final part of my review is a look at the revamped bird show, which now includes Russell and Dug from Pixar’s Up. I had not seen the bird show in well over a decade, so I am not sure how similar this new version is with concern to the birds they use. However, the addition of Russell and Dug is a lot of fun, and they appear enough throughout the show where this show is a total revamp, not just a reskin.
I was able to view the show from the second row thanks to a cast member who loved my Dapper Russell Disneybound. From there, I got a great view of the show, which was a lot of fun. Props to the on-stage cast and the talented birds for creating a very fun show.
Thank you for taking the time to join me for my three part review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 20th and Party for the Planet. It was a such a fun time in the park during this celebration, and showcased all of the wonderful things that this park is all about.