PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios 9/21/2024 (Rise of the Resistance Single Rider, New ‘Lion King’ Merch, & More)

“Do you remember the 21st night of September?” I’m sure everybody was at EPCOT today riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Instead…

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

People walking on a path near a road under a clear blue sky with the time 07:55 and temperature 75°F displayed on the PHOTO REPORT from Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Jambo! from Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

On the way to the park, I blasted “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. My mom loves Earth Wind and Fire, so I grew up listening to them all the time. I even went to see them at Universal’s Mardi Gras in 2017.

Anyways! Today, Nana did not get her princess parking. Instead, I may as well have parked in Egypt.

A hexagonal, green building with closed shutters, surrounded by lush greenery and a few lamp posts, on a sunny day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. A green trash bin is placed nearby.

After passing security, I wondered ” When will the Outpost Shop reopen?”

It has been closed since COVID-19 and the sign has been gone. At this point, I’m not even sure that Disney is planning on reopening it. Maybe they’ll make a new themed store?

Two side-by-side photos: the left shows a quiet outdoor area with a green trash bin at Disney's Animal Kingdom, while the right captures people waiting at a guest relations window under a wooden roof. This PHOTO REPORT gives you an insider look at these serene and bustling moments.

The Guest Relations outside of the park is still serving as a temporary ticketing window.

A group of white birds and ducks are gathered near a small pond surrounded by rocks and vegetation at Disney's Animal Kingdom, with lettuce leaves scattered on the ground and water surface.

I finally made it into the park, just in time for the animal’s breakfast!

People walk towards the Tree of Life, a large artificial tree with green foliage and intricate carvings on its trunk, set against a clear blue sky in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Good morning Tree of Life! Doesn’t it look beautiful today?

Entrance of the Discovery Trading Company store at Disney's Animal Kingdom, featuring a prominent sign above the doorway. A lamp post stands in the foreground, and two green trash bins are situated near the entrance.

My first stop of the day was Discovery Trading Company. I expected it to be a typical stop, but it was anything but.

Interior of a brightly lit retail store featuring wooden beams, a variety of clothing, accessories, and merchandise, with several mannequins displaying outfits. Shelves are stocked and organized as if prepped for a PHOTO REPORT at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

They rearranged the whole store! My brain was not so ready for this!

A store in Disney's Animal Kingdom displays various themed merchandise on shelves and racks. Items include plush toys, keychains, apparel, and figurines. Two people are seen at the bottom of one image, examining items in this PHOTO REPORT.

I didn’t see anything new in the stores, but still, how could they just go and rearrange everything on me like that? Now I have a whole new layout to get used to.

A group of people walk in front of the Island Mercantile store, with a green and brown exterior, under a clear blue sky and surrounded by trees in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

There was no change or anything new at Island Mercantile. I couldn’t find my favorite Mickey Youth safari hat either. (Yes, the one that I want in adult size…)

Visitors walking towards the entrance of "Donald's Dino-Bash!" attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, featuring a large dinosaur skeleton overhead and themed signage, can capture the moment for their photo report.

Continuing with my loop, I made my way to Dinoland U.S.A!

They were still giving out “The Lion King” annual pass magnet! September 22nd is the last day to get one, so don’t delay!

A curved metal building with a picnic table in front, surrounded by lush greenery reminiscent of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The building's front wall features three windows and two posters. The sky is clear and blue, perfect for a PHOTO REPORT worthy of Hollywood Studios.

Do you remember when we had a Launchpad McQuack meet and greet here? I would love to see Launchpad one last time before the land is demolished. Since COVID-19, lots of entertainment has been cut, including Citizens of Main Street, Trolley Show, Street Dance Party, and some floats from Festival of the Fantasy. I still love Disney’s entertainment, but I miss the good old days.

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and buildings reflecting in the water under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Benches and a grassy area are visible in the foreground, making it perfect for a photo report.

Nothing to report here, except wow, it was such a gorgeous morning.

A rock formation with a banner reading "Expedition Everest" is surrounded by greenery at Disney's Animal Kingdom. A building with traditional architecture and prayer flags are visible in the background, offering a picturesque scene perfect for any PHOTO REPORT.

Expedition Everest only had a 10-minute wait. I heard kids telling their parents, “Let’s go again!!” I love hearing and seeing those happy family moments. It makes my heart warm.

Four images show a serene lakeside setting with wooden docks, blue kayaks, a small building, and surrounding greenery. A sign reads "Adventure Touring" and "Entry Lake Kayaking," reminiscent of an immersive PHOTO REPORT from Disney's Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.

Those props have been left in Discovery River Lagoon untouched. It seems like it’s becoming a home for mosquitos!

A silhouetted monkey climbs on a bamboo structure against a clear blue sky, with trees and foliage in the background, evoking scenes from Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Today’s animal break featured a monkey swing from a bar.

Entrance archway to Harambe Market with signage above in an outdoor setting, dated 1980, featuring weathered walls, shade umbrellas, and surrounding greenery—a true gem for any Disney's Animal Kingdom PHOTO REPORT.

I decided to stop at Haramabe Market. Have you ever eaten here?

Three sections of wall art: a heart with an arrow and "WE RENEW BROKEN HEARTS," a mouse with "Mister Mouse," and "YOU ARE MOST BEAUTIFUL" beside coiled wires, reminiscent of the charm you'd find at Hollywood Studios.

One of my favorite parts of the quick-service dining location is the wall art. Do you know where the three images above are located?

Four store displays at Disney's Hollywood Studios feature stuffed animal toys, towels, and clothing, including t-shirts and hoodies themed around recognizable characters and motifs. The displays are organized and well-lit, perfect for a photo report capturing the magic of the park.

If you’re a fan of “The Lion King” make sure you head to Mombasa Marketplace. There is so much new merchandise here!

They have so many Lion King merchandise here.

My friends from Japan were at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so I walked all the way back to my car and made my way over.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tower structure labeled "Crossroads of the World" with palm trees and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky evokes the charm of Hollywood Studios.

Hello from Hollywood Studios!

My friends were watching For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration when I arrived, so I had about 30 minutes to do a quick loop before they got out. Lightning Nana-queen was activated.

Several people sit at tables under green umbrellas, surrounded by greenery in a park, reminiscent of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additional park visitors walk nearby. A yellow and blue bin and red barriers are visible on the right.

In Toy Story Land, the Woody’s Lunch Box’s seating area is still demolished and has not changed from our last report.

A woman in a uniform holds a sign indicating the "Single Rider End of Line" at Hollywood Studios while another person wearing mouse ears looks at their phone. Trees, rocks, and a shaded area are in the background. This scene would be perfect for a photo report from Disney's Animal Kingdom.

I checked all the stores in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but I didn’t see anything new. I thought it was going to be a quiet day in Hollywood Studios, then I found this…

Yes, the Rise of the Resistance single rider line is back. I was so happy that the single rider line had returned, but I only had 20 minutes until my friends were done with “Frozen.” However, I love this ride, and I needed to make sure there had been no change in single rider procedure. LET’S DO THIS!

Here’s the play-by-play of how it went down.

10:40 – I got in the line.

A group of people waits in line inside a futuristic-themed corridor with metallic walls and red lighting accents at Hollywood Studios.

10:42 – In the indoor queue before the jail cell.

A futuristic, dimly-lit room with a metal staircase and railing, illuminated by red and white lights. A person in a reflective outfit is seen through the railing on the upper level, reminiscent of scenes from Hollywood Studios.

10:47 – In the jail cell

A futuristic control panel with colorful illuminated displays and a closed door marked "Exit" in the background, reminiscent of attractions at Hollywood Studios. The scene includes metallic equipment and pipes.

10:49 – Buckled in and ready to ride!

Interior view of a dimly lit, metallic structure with intricate framework, featuring control panels, containers, and a window revealing a scenic exterior with trees and mountainous terrain—reminiscent of set designs in Hollywood Studios.

10:55 – I was off

So I was in and out in 15 minutes.

The single rider line is such a great option for Rise. I was sad when they took it out. I’ve ridden the ride enough that I don’t need to go through the awesome pre-shows anymore. My personal opinion is the guests who haven’t ridden before should still go through the whole experience.

A stage performance features actors in costume against a backdrop of medieval-style buildings at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Several people in the audience watch, including someone wearing Minnie Mouse ears. The sky is partly cloudy, making it perfect for a PHOTO REPORT.

Finally, I reunited with my friends without making them wait for me. We went to see live-action Ariel and then the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Unfortunately, the show was in B-mode (No airplane scene).

A person in an Olaf snowman costume from Disney's Frozen stands on a beach-themed set at Disney's Animal Kingdom, with a beach ball, drink, picket fence, and an umbrella in the background.

Afterwards, we went to meet Olaf!

View from the back of a tram with seating and poles under an open roof away from the camera, set against a sunny sky with clouds, palm trees, and a pathway beside the tram in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

After Olaf, I got hungry, so I left for the day (Yes, when I get hungry I will go home to eat or go to McDonald’s).

I hope you guys enjoyed our “September” post on Instagaram and TikTok. Next time I hope to get Tears for Fears. That’s my jam.

This concludes Nana’s Disney Princess Diary. I hope you guys have a great weekend!

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The post PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios 9/21/2024 (Rise of the Resistance Single Rider, New ‘Lion King’ Merch, & More) appeared first on WDW News Today.