Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market Now Open

Harambe Market at Night

Have you heard about the latest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? The Harambe Market offers another interesting dining spot for guests to try. At this location, you’ll get the chance to taste some unique African flavors. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

Harambe Market, a bustling marketplace alive with the aromas and flavors of African street foods, adds an exciting new dimension to the expanded Harambe Village experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World Resort.

Built around a Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower, Harambe Market invites Disney guests to sample true flavors of Africa before or after they embark on the Kilimanjaro Safaris wild animal adventure. Four themed shops offer fresh meals, snacks and beverages like those found in an African street market.

Each quick-service shop window built into colorful store fronts reflects the shop owner’s personality and offers plenty of guest dining options, including:

  • Kitamu Grill featuring skewered chicken and a kebab flatbread sandwich.
  • Famous Sausages showcasing a corndog made with a South African boerewors sausage dipped in curry-infused corn batter.
  • Chef Mwanga’s spice-rubbed Karubi Rib paired with green papaya-carrot slaw.
  • Wanjohi Refreshments (wanjohi means “brewer” in Swahili) quenches thirsts with craft draft beers like Safari Amber Lager; six South African wines by the glass, The Starr of Harambe frozen drink with Starr African rum and mango puree in a souvenir mug, red Sangria with Van der Hum tangerine liqueur, and non alcoholic tangerine lemonade or fountain beverages like Sparberry from Zimbabwe.

“Boats, trains and travel led to the discovery of exotic spices that were traded and brought from foreign lands,” Chef Lenny DeGeorge says. “These foods have been tailored for the locals. With the ribs, we have a ras el hanout spice blend, which has about 20 different spices mixed in. The berbere spice is on the chicken skewer and the kebab sandwich. We used madras curry powder in the corndog batter.”

Walt Disney Imagineering developed the authentic Harambe Market concept during travel and research in Africa, says Walt Disney Imagineering art director Joan Hartwig.

“When guests come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we want them to be excited by the adventure of experiencing different cultures,” she says. “For Harambe Market, we had the opportunity to travel in east Africa and bring back details that our guests will be able to experience here. So when guests finish their safari, they can come to a real east African marketplace and sit down and enjoy the authentic flavors of Africa.”

With the recent addition of the Festival of the Lion King theater district and the new market, Harambe Village has nearly doubled in size and “you feel like you are actually in a real village in Africa,” says Walt Disney Imagineering show producer Emily O’Brien.

“You have the whole gamut of experiences, with the central area, the theater district, specialty vendors and a great market. Guests will really feel like they’ve been transported to another place for a really fun experience.”

Harambe Market offers shaded tables for dining, and area shops sell wares from Africa. The marketplace will offer direct access to Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Wildlife Express train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and a path to Asia attractions like Expedition Everest.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you tried the Harambe Market yet?
Please leave a comment!

Remember $25 Disney Gift Card Giveaway From Disney World Enthusiast And Destinations In Florida

Remember To Enter Daily To Win

Remember Disney World Enthusiast Kristi Fredericks and Disney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy of Destinations in Florida are giving away a $25 Disney Gift Card!

A Little About Jennifer

Jennifer HardyLet me introduce you to my friend, Jennifer Hardy. Jennifer is a Disney Vacation Planner with the Destinations in Florida travel agency. Now before you close this page thinking a travel agency is not for you, give me just a moment to tell you more. Destinations in Florida is absolutely free to use! Not only are they free, they guarantee the lowest prices on Disney vacation packages!

And that’s not all, by booking with Jennifer you’ll receive all sorts of amazing benefits like:

  • Discount Watching – As soon as discounts are released, Jennifer will update your reservations, so you get the best deal available. She does this even if your vacation is paid in full!
  • Restaurant Recommendations and Reservations – Jennifer can make restaurant recommendations for you, and then she’ll wake up at the crack of dawn and make all of your dining reservations too. No work for you and no phone calls to make. You just sit back and relax. This service is valued at $69, but is free for Disney World Enthusiast readers that book with Jennifer!
  • Personalized Travel Itinerary – Jennifer will help you plan your days at Disney World so that you can avoid the crowds, ride the attractions best for your family, and even hit the restaurants you will love. On average, Destinations in Florida guests save four hours in lines at Disney theme parks, and you know that saying about how time is money. This service is valued at $149, but is free to Disney World Enthusiast readers that book their package with Jennifer!
  • MousePerks – Valued at $299, but free to you if you book with Jennifer; MousePerks are Magic in your Inbox! Do you want insider information from Disney Cast Members? Do you want fun Disney activities for the kids to get them ready? How about a few exclusive discounts? Every week Jennifer will email you a MousePerk to get you excited about your Disney vacation!
  • 501 WaysGifts For The Kids – Jennifer mails clients free fun gifts for the kids when she mails your final travel documents. Kids love the special items like pencils, stickers, and autograph books!
  • Gift For You – For a limited time, clients that book a Walt Disney World vacation package valued at $2,000 or more with Jennifer, will receive a free copy of my new book501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“!

Still not convinced? To learn more about Jennifer and Destinations in Florida including recognitions, licensing, experience, Better Business Bureau record, testimonials and more, please click here. By the way, they are impressive!

Does Jennifer just book Disney World? No way! Jennifer and Destinations in Florida can arrange a vacation anywhere you want to go. Want to try Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or maybe even a tropical all-inclusive resort? Jennifer’s got you covered!

Ready to book? Please click here to request a quote and Jennifer will having pricing details for you shortly!

The Giveaway

From now through Monday, June 15, 2015, please enter daily to win a $25 Disney Gift Card from Disney World Enthusiast Kristi Fredericks and Disney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy of Destinations in Florida! Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Disney Gift Card

Click image to enter giveaway!

Join In The Fun

Next Disney VacationPlease join Kristi and Jennifer’s Facebook group to connect with other Disney fans and share the fun of your Next Disney Vacation. Read the latest Disney news, voice your opinions, ask questions, get answers, and share the magic! We check in and update our group several times every day!

Do you want to do some Disney shopping? Are you entering to win?
Please leave a comment and good luck, everyone!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up June 7, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for June 7, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Autograph BookDisney Did You Know

If you stacked the number of standard autograph books sold annually, it would match the height of 200 Cinderella Castles. Add the Princess-style autograph books and, end to end, the books would reach 88 miles into space.

Walt’s Words

“Whether you say you can’t or you can, you’re right.”

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If your counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Featured Advertiser

Joffrey's Coffee

Joffrey’s Coffee
Imagine waking up every day with a little taste of Disney right at home! Joffrey’s Coffee can be found in-room where coffee is served and in most restaurants at Disney World and Disneyland. Their roastmaster worked closely with Disney’s world-class chefs to create exclusive blends for Disney’s fine dining establishments. You can enjoy the entire Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection at home while counting the days until your next vacation. Joffrey’s is offering 20% off your first online order with Coupon Code DWE plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more. For more information and to check out the 19 Disney blends, please click here.

Featured Book

501 Ways“501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”
The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Disney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Disney Gift CardFrom now through Monday, June 15, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a $25 Disney Gift Card from Disney World Enthusiast Kristi Fredericks and Disney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy of Destinations in Florida. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

My Interview With Behind The Magic Podcast Plus An Exciting Announcement

The Snack Credit of Podcasts

My Interview

Have you had a chance to listen to Behind The Magic Podcast yet? This unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast is hosted by my friends Zeek, Rachel and Tim. Every day Monday through Friday you can join the Behind The Magic Podcast crew for entertaining Disney discussions, news, guests, and games. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Zeek and Rachel to discuss my books – A Tale of Two Resorts and 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation. I had such a blast hanging out with the gang and you can listen to our chat here!

Mouse WhisperAn Exciting Announcement

And now for an exciting announcement…Beginning on Friday, July 3, I will be joining the Behind The Magic Podcast cast! Each week I’ll be coming on with “Mouse Whispers” where we’ll dish about all of the latest Disney gossip and rumors. If you love my Rumors vs. Reality articles, you’ll love “Mouse Whispers”! Be sure to check out my new Podcast Page where you can now find links to all of the fabulous Behind The Magic Podcast episodes.

Are you a fan of Disney podcasts? Are you excited for “Mouse Whispers”?
Please leave a comment!

Honoring A Friend – Disney World Enthusiast Adds Charity Page

In 2008, my dear friend Polly lost her long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Despite everything that she went through, she always had a positive attitude. Her strength and determination are still a daily inspiration to me. To honor her memory, I’ve created a new Charity Page called “Polly’s Place” to celebrate her life and giving spirit. A fellow Disney fan, Polly was a beautiful person inside and out; filled with kindness and compassion. “Polly’s Place” features two causes that were always close to her heart – children and animals.

Give Kids The WorldGive Kids The World

Give Kids The World works with wish granting organizations to provide week-long Central Florida vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families free of charge. Through generous donations and hard-working volunteers, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 138,000 families from over 75 countries around the world. These families are given a place to stay in the Give The Kids The World Village, donated theme park tickets to Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, meals, transportation and more. To support this outstanding organization or for more information, please check out their website by clicking here.

Stacey J. Aswad“Must Do Disney” Stacey Aswad’s Animal Charity Work

Frequent visitors will recognize Stacey from the fantastic resort TV campaign “Must Do Disney” where Stacey shares with guests all the best things to see and do in Walt Disney World. But what you may not know about Stacey is that she is a huge animal lover and advocate passionate about ending animal cruelty and homelessness. Stacey sells autographed photos for a $20 donation that she in turn gives to a variety of animal charities and rescue organizations working to save animals around the world each and every day. To support Stacey’s charitable work or for more information, please check out her website by clicking here.

Forever in my heart – ’til we meet again…