PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 2/7/19 (Otter Exhibit Construction, Kali River Rapids, Merchandise, ETC.)

Iain

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PHOTO REPORT: Animal Kingdom 2/7/19 (Otter Exhibit Construction, Kali River Rapids, Merchandise, ETC.)

Good morning from Animal Kingdom! It’s dreary and overcast, with not a speck of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a nice day!

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

Apparently everyone else had the same idea…

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

This is one of the few times I’ve actually made good use of the Annual Passholder queue. Probably saved me an easy 15 minutes.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

The seemingly never-ending construction project that is the otter enclosure is still behind walls. Otter Watch 2019 continues…

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More
The old viewing area is still intact, at least partially.

But, some of the fences have been taken down. We can see into the exhibit much better now! We have to peek through the trees, but we can get an idea of what they’re trying to accomplish in there.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

They seem to be building a massive new retaining wall.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

There’s even steel framework going up behind the wall. No idea what they’re building exactly, but this is going to be a lot different from the old enclosure.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More
Workers near the new retaining wall.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

I’m looking forward to this reopening. Otters are some of my favorites, and they definitely deserve swanky new digs.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More
Meanwhile, in Dinoland…

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

This plant looks like it’s trying to escape. It’s probably just dislodged from the wind the other evening. All it takes is a ladder to nudge it back into place.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

Kali River Rapids is still under refurbishment. It will be until March. They finally covered up all the signage properly to dissuade people from thinking it’s open.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

The ride was in testing mode today. They’ll probably drain it again before it reopens.

Merchandise

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

The little green alien straw we found earlier in the week is available at Flame Tree Barbecue now as well.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

No new pins today, but look:

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

The American Adventure blind box set is still available Riverside Depot! I haven’t seen this in any of the other parks in several weeks. It’s a fun set, so grab it while it’s still around.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

Riverside Depot also had this fun wall of plush key chains. It struck me as very Tokyo Disneyland.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More
A range of prices

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More

The “It’s a Small World” magic band they accidentally released here earlier in the week is back, this time on purpose! It’s limited release and very cute.

PHOTO REPORT Animal Kingdom Otter Exhibit Construction Kali River Rapids and More
Animal Kingdom is gorgeous even when it’s overcast.

It was just a quick trip this time! Check in next time and maybe those dang otters will be back!