Disney Buys Marvel for $4 Billion

Could we be seeing Iron Man in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom or Spiderman on top of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT? Considering Disney just bought Marvel for $4 billion dollars, fans of both companies are already reeling with ideas and theories as to what will happen next. With this important purchase, Disney will acquire the rights to over 5,000 Marvel characters with the main focus being on: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Captain America and the X-Men.

Disney has stated they believe this merger will work successfully much like the Disney/Pixar merger has been working for the last few years noting the box-office hits the 3D animation company has been producing. While Marvel has a number of films currently in production, including the sequel to Iron Man, Disney has stated it has no intentions of interfering with the current projects but will eventually move towards becoming the sole distributor of Marvel films in the future.

As for the parks themselves, expect to see plenty of new merchandising on its way. Disney hopes this new partnership will help cater to the younger male audiences which may have felt left behind with the princess boom Disney has experienced over the last few years. Despite having characters like Buzz Lightyear and Jack Sparrow as favorites with boys, Spider-Man and Iron Man are just as, if not more popular with the audience Disney is trying to target.

While many fans of the respective companies are concerned as to what this merger could mean, both Marvel and Disney leaders are trying to reassure the public this will be a mutual partnership and not some sort of takeover. Many details have yet to be revealed as the merger will be finalized later today if not sometime this week, but Marvel is excited to welcome Disney aboard.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel`s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel`s Chief Executive Officer. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney`s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

Disney to take on “Yellow Submarine”

Disney loves to take adventures under the sea. From hits like The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo to the theme park attractions at the Walt Disney World resort like “The Living Seas” at EPCOT and the long gone (but sorely missed) “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," Disney loves exploring the ocean. But it seems Disney is ready to tackle yet another aquatic adventure—this time with some additional help from the most legendary rock group of all time.

It was recently announced that Disney has acquired the rights to do an all new version of the classic Beatles film Yellow Submarine with new 3D technology and imagery set to 16 classic Beatles songs. Part of the difficulty in getting the rights to the movie was getting permission to use the songs. Yellow Submarine was originally directed by George Dunning and designed by Heinz Edelmann back in 1968. But now various magazines are reporting Robert Zemeckis (Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Forrest Gump) will be directing the modern version.

Considering Zemeckis also directed Beowulf and A Christmas Carol, we can expect to see many of the realistic animation and 3D modeling tactics used in that same film. Beowulf had a number of huge stars, like Angelina Jolie, physically acting out their roles. But in the end only the animated versions were used. In the original Yellow Submarine movie, The Beatles only appeared in a live segment at the end, but who knows what will happen in Zemeckis’ recreation?

Of the 16 songs to be used in the Yellow Submarine film, these are the ones that have been confirmed: "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," "All You Need is Love" and "When I’m 64." While specific details about Disney’s version of Yellow Submarine are still under wraps and the group has just acquired the rights (meaning no official production yet), Disney plans to release the movie in 2012, just in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Talk about perfect timing! We’re sure the UK will love to use the film in the promotion of the Olympic games and we can only imagine what the opening ceremonies will be like. We can’t wait. Cheers!

New Character Meet and Greets at EPCOT

A fun memory for any visitor to the Disney theme parks is getting to meet your favorite characters. While some may be harder to find than others (the White Rabbit is notoriously difficult to find at the parks), permanent greeting locations make getting your autograph book filled up a lot easier. The Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom is really great on character greetings. Alice and the Mad Hatter are usually by the Tea Cups with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and you can always find Cinderella and Snow White by the Cinderella Castle. But in a park where attractions are a bit more spread out, like at EPCOT, finding your favorite characters could be a bit harder. So let DWTickets.com give you the best info on where to find your favorite Disney characters throughout the EPCOT theme park.

If you’re a fan of the British-influenced Disney movies, then look no further than the UK Pavillion at EPCOT’s World Showcase for meetings with Alice, Marry Poppins and Winnie the Pooh and friends. If you want to see Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie, head over to Morocco where they often hang out by the fountain. For a princess extravaganza, head over to the Norway Pavilion. Their Akershus restaurant features the Princess Storybook Meals where every princess from Sleeping Beauty to Belle shows up to dine with guests and take autographs and pictures.

Three beloved characters will soon be getting their own meet and greet areas in EPCOT, two of them classic and one of them a bit of an “underground” favorite. First off we have Disney’s first princess, Snow White. Disney construction recently finished on an adorable replica of Snow White’s cottage in the Germany Pavilion of the World Showcase. It will be much easier for you to find the fair princess and have your picture taken. If you’re a fan of Donald Duck, you are in luck! Over at the Mexico Pavilion, Disney is building the cranky duck his very own meet and greet area. The boat ride inside the pavilion already features Donald as part of The Three Caballeros, so this is a great spot to hang out with Disney’s classic character.

Finally, a beloved kitten is getting her time to shine over at the France Pavillion. Marie from The Aristocats, who already has plenty of merchandise featuring her adorable face all over the parks, will now be greeting her fans daily starting this October. Don’t forget, EPCOT also has a character greeting section in the Future World area. This is a great spot to meet everyone at once so get there early to avoid a long line and enjoy meeting your favorite Disney characters.

Family Fun with Disney Board Games

Board games have always been a part of growing up. Whichever game happens to be your favorite, soon enough you will be finding Walt Disney versions popping up in toy stores everywhere! One of the first games to jump on the Disney bandwagon was Monopoly. You can purchase these games at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland and other locations where Disney items are sold. Castles and cottages replace hotels and houses as classic Disney movies replace the property locations. Alice, Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella and Dumbo replace the regular shoe, iron and car pieces of the original games. Disney continued to expand its Monopoly game fun with a Disney Villains version and even a Monopoly Junior version with the Disney Princesses.

The latest board game to join the Disney board game family is the Haunted Mansion version of the game of LIFE. With the clever subtitle of “Welcome to the After-Life” your family travels in little coffin-like vehicles down the road that leads to the Haunted Mansion. This game features Haunted Mansions from all of the Disney parks around the world and even some non-Disney famous haunted locations. One of the coolest features of the game is the famous spinning wheel. The creators of the game were inspired by Madame Leota (the floating head on the mansion ride) and her séance, so the wheel features a globe and Madame Leota’s famous raven. The stories surrounding this version of the game revolve around the famous paintings in the lobby of the Haunted Mansion attraction…you know, the ones that stretch up to reveal the dismal fates of the painting’s subjects? There are also Hidden Mickeys inside the game and various characters from the ballroom ghosts to the opera singer in the graveyard are featured in the playing cards. It’s the perfect board game for some not-so-scary spooky fun—great for Halloween or any time year round.

If you’re more of a video game person there are plenty of Disney options for you. There are a number of DVD games for children involving the Disney Princesses or your Pixar favorites. If you’re a fan of the Scene It? games there are three Disney versions to choose from, each of them fun for all ages and groups. Try out the Disney version if you love Pixar Disney and more recent films like Lilo & Stitch. The Disney 2nd Edition features more classic characters for the classic Disney fans and if you’re a Jonas-lover or Hannah Montana fan you will love the Disney Channel Scene It? version. Whichever option you choose there are plenty of ways to have some Disney fun at home!

Let Verizon Wireless Guide You Through the Parks

Remember PAL Mickey? The cute little plush toy gave owners tips and tidbits about the Disney theme parks as you walked around certain spots in places like the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom? Well now in an Orlando theme park first, Disney is teaming up with Verizon Wireless to bring you a unique wireless experience.

This new tech trek will work like PAL Mickey but through your Verizon Wireless cellphone. Disney is already using this technology in Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive adventure both kids and adults love. At the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, fans can use their Verizon Wireless cellphones as their “Kimmunicators” to receive clues from Kim Possible herself. Help Kim find and defeat evildoers throughout the Epcot World Showcase with other Kim Possible fans.

But that’s not all Verizon customers will be able to do. At both Walt Disney World and Disneyland you will be able to receive ride information. If a ride is shut down or the wait times are long, you can get that information on your phone. Want to know where Mickey is? Or are you in search of Alice and The Mad Hatter? Disney updates will be sent to your phone to let you know where all of your favorite characters are. Dining locations and showtime info will also be available. This is great for when you’re on one side of the park and wondering if you can make it to your favorite show on the other side without being late!

To further your wireless mobile experience, Disneylink, a desktop application, will let you share any Disney info and pictures saved on your phone with other Verizon Disney fans at home. This is all part of Disney’s efforts to bring their fans together and keep things modern and moving at the parks.

“With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to Magic Kingdom.”

Little kids are sure to love receiving a “call” from Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, this new innovation is sure to make your time at the Walt Disney World Resort even more fun!

Have a Date at Downtown Disney

Walt Disney World can be a really romantic place. Sure, you wouldn’t always think of romance when it comes to Orlando theme parks but certain places can be a great place to have a date. Downtown Disney is especially couples friendly with its variety of entertainment options that make for a lovely date in the Orlando area. There are about 70 entertainment establishments at Downtown Disney. This complex surrounds the shores of the Village Lake and is divided into three sections: Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island. While the clubs of Pleasure Island have closed, there is still plenty of do in that area as construction continues on the new shops and restaurants. At the moment Raglan Road, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval and Orlando Harley-Davidson are still open for you to check out. Downtown Disney is always changing and improving, adding new restaurants and stores for you to shop.

Start off your date night at one of Downtown Disney’s great restaurants. You have plenty of choices, from places to grab a quick bite to nice sit-down restaurants that will make you forget all about theme parks and Mickey Mouse. If you’re a seafood lover, you and your date will love the Fulton’s Crab House. Go there at night to dine on a riverboat replica featuring fresh seafood that is flown in daily. You’ll love the twinkling lights of the riverboat as you splurge on crab and lobster. If you would rather dance the night away, check out Bongo’s Cuban Café. This restaurant, owned by Gloria Estefan, brings the best of Cuban music and food to Downtown Disney. For a more relaxed, yet still fun dining experience, head over to Raglan Road for a taste of Ireland in Orlando. The food is great and the live music is even better!

You might want to hold off on dessert at your restaurant, because Downtown Disney has a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. Everything from milkshakes and coffee drinks to incredible ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate are available at this sweets paradise. For a quick stop there is also a Wetzels Pretzels/ Haagen Dazs stand for sweets on the run. Downtown Disney also features an AMC Theatre for you to catch the latest movies on the big screen. This 24 screen theatre features comfortable seats and amazing sound. Check out what’s playing during your date night.

For the ultimate way to impress your date, why not check out Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba? This permanent show is the only house show on the East Coast of the United States. Experience the amazing performances by the Cirque cast as they dance and fly about the stage with amazing acrobatics and live music. No matter what you decide to do at Downtown Disney, it’s a great place to have a date night!

High School Musical Keeps Rocking

Two years ago today, Disney Channel Original Movies released the sequel to High School Musical. The TV movie’s first installment, which premiered January 20th of 2006 took off like never before. It became the most successful Disney TV movie ever. Ratings were through the roof and Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens became overnight sensations and household names. The merchandising behind the franchise has brought in millions of dollars and everyone from kids to adults has been enjoying the High School Musical franchise ever since. The musical was even parodied on the hit series South Park—and you know you’ve made it big when South Park makes fun of you.

High School Musical 2 was an instant hit back in 2007. The sequel’s premiere brought in a total of 17.3 million viewers in the United States and made it the highest-rated Disney Channel Movie to date! Even the soundtracks have sold millions. The sound track to High School Musical was the best selling album in 2006! The story of High School Musical has, in some ways, been told before. Troy (Zac Efron) is the captain of the varsity basketball team and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) is the quiet genius. Both want to try out for the East High School’s musical, an action that causes a rift between the two kids’ friends. Everyone sings out their frustrations as Troy and Gabriella begin to fall in love. It’s really a modern day high-school take on Romeo and Juliet.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released in theatres last October and grossed mega millions as the HSM franchise always does. While it marked the end of the franchise movie wise, Disney theme parks aren’t giving up on High School Musical anytime soon! On your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, East High School wannabes can enjoy High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now! “Wildcat Fever!” spreads over the Disney theme park as this 15-minute stage show kicks off right under the Sorcerer’s Hat! This full-on concert experience features concert lighting, crowd interaction and all of your favorite songs from the High School Musical movie soundtracks. Sing and dance right along as you enjoy the show. Don’t forget, with Halloween right around the corner you can also dress up as your favorite High School Musical star or a Wildcat cheerleader to support your favorite movie. If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween Disney style, don’t forget about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party! You’re sure to find fellow Wildcats and Troy/Gabriella wannabes all over the Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World Cares and Conserves

Florida is environmentally unique thanks to the beautiful Everglades and our Atlantic and Gulf beaches. But because of our position in the United States, we are also affected by tropical storms and hurricanes that can cause damage to homes, locations and our environment. Back in 2004, Hurricane Charley ripped through Central Florida causing $15 billion dollar’s worth of damage to the state and the Orlando theme parks. The Holiday Inn near Downtown Disney had to close completely and many parks closed for safety purposes. But while residents prepared and parks closed, Disney was lending a helping hand to the local wildlife facilities. Manatees, dolphins and turtles were all evacuated from Mote Marine in Sarasota to the Living Seas at EPCOT and to certain areas of SeaWorld. This move was just one of many Disney takes every year to make sure it participates in saving animals and the environment.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the prime example of Disney’s motivation to save the environment. Not only is Animal Kingdom a theme park, but it also serves as a research and conservation center. The park even has a few breeding programs that have been highly successful in breeding animals that are endangered. This July, Nande, a 10-year-old white rhino that used to live at Animal Kingdom, gave birth to her own little baby rhino in Uganda. Disney has been working closely with Ugandan animal groups to help save the endangered species. Over in Australia, Disney provided emergency funding to wildlife conservation groups struggling to save animals hurt this year in the wildfires in Australia back in March and donated $8,000 in emergency funding to two organizations, the Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance (PASA) and Save the Elephants (STE).

Back on the home front, Disney also does conservation efforts over at EPCOT. Just recently they released “Bock," a manatee Disney rescued back in 2001 as part of a manatee rehabilitation program managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When Disney rescued Bock, he was only 500 pounds. Now at 8 years old, Bock weighs 1,000 pounds and has been successfully released back into the wild.

There are big and little things the Disney family does to help the environment. From recycling at the parks to bigger conservation efforts like the ones in Africa, Disney lets the world know it cares about the Earth. So make sure you do your part next time you’re at the parks and dispose of your garbage properly. Don’t forget the three R’s too: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Sleepover at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

Don’t you hate it when your day at the Orlando theme parks is over and you have to go back to your hotel? It’s kind of like the post-trip blues—you never want your day to end. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have come up with the remedy for that with their “Explore the Park After Dark” sleepover camps for kids, families and groups. This set of sleepover camps and events will give guests a night they’ll never forget at two of the biggest theme parks Florida has to offer.

Over at SeaWorld, the new Manta ride will be the site of one of the sleepover events. Manta’s queue is an incredible collection of tanks that hold beautiful varieties of rays and fish that glide peacefully around and above you. A lot of times if someone “chickens out” in line or just doesn’t want to ride SeaWorld’s newest coaster, they’ll head back to the aquarium display and check it out until the rest of their group is done riding.

This is also a great option for children in the scout programs. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have programs for both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. A park educator will work with the scouts (depending on their age and scout levels) to teach them about the animals living in the habitats they will be visiting. So not only will your children be having a fantastic time, they will be learning a lot about nature and wildlife as well! For families with children in grades K-5, you can have the same sleepover experience even on holidays! Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas are all open for family sleepovers at the SeaWorld theme park. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a pizza party and ends at 9 a.m. the next day with a Continental breakfast.

Over at Busch Gardens, you can camp out at the “Tiger Lodge." This air-conditioned area is an enclosed space over the tiger habitat in Busch Garden’s Jungala. The Busch Gardens sleepover package also includes a Sunrise Safari over their Serengeti Plain and a commemorative t-shirt and water bottle. There’s even a very special sleepover package at this Busch Gardens park—one that involves an animal encounter with wildlife celebrity expert Jack Hanna! Sleepovers for birthday groups and educators are also available with special package offerings catered to the kind of group that decides to camp out at the park.

Nighttime attractions like fireworks displays and animal shows are also available to the sleepover guests of both Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. This unique experience is available on select dates and holidays throughout the year, so get your sleeping bags ready and head on down to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Disney’s Night of Joy

Who says Disney theme parks don’t know how to rock? This September, Disney will host the Night of Joy concert series at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special event will welcome a 14-act lineup of Christian musicians for a two-night concert series sure to rock the house at the movie-themed park. Just like Mickey’s Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party, Night of Joy operates after hours from 7 pm to 12:30 pm with stages located all around the park.

Concert-goers will not only be able to see some of their favorite bands, they will be able to ride certain attractions that will remain open especially for them. If you come with a group, you can also attend the park during the day while still gaining access to the park at night and a special entrance into “The American Idol Experience.”

The American Idol Experience opened on Valentine’s Day of 2009 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Superstar Television Theatre. This attraction lets guests audition before an actual live audience and Disney “producers." Much like on the popular TV show, the best members advance to the next rounds for a chance to win the show. The winner at the end of the day receives a “Dream Ticket” which allows them, if they meet the age requirement, to go to the front of the line at the real American Idol auditions next season. It’s a very popular event for both idol hopefuls and music lovers.

The highlight of the Night of Joy series will be the performance by P.O.D. The band that brought us hits like “Boom” and “Alive” are back from their hiatus after being on tour in South America. Sonny Sandoval, the band’s lead singer, is excited to mark the band’s return to the stage at the Happiest Place on Earth. “In the past year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.

Other popular Christian acts like Jars of Clay and Flyleaf will be joining P.O.D on stage. The full lineup includes: MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Grits, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5. Eight of these acts are nominated for the 2009 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Chris Tomlin leads the pack with seven nominations. This will be a great event at Walt Disney World for Christian music fans to attend so make sure you head to Orlando for the Night of Joy concert series!

Party it Up Island Style at CityWalk!

CityWalk is a great way to take a breather from Orlando theme parks without leaving them entirely. After all, both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are just a short walk away, and with all of the clubs and restaurants around you, there is plenty of action going on and tons of ways to have a blast. One of the great things about CityWalk is that you can get a little taste of the island life without having to make the drive out to the coast from Central Florida.

This week marks Jamaican Independence Day, and CityWalk plans to celebrate in full force! Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom will be hosting the celebration. This restaurant is modeled after Marley’s home and garden in Kingston, Jamaica. It is a tribute to his music and his message of peace and freedom for the world. Marley fans will also find artifacts from his musical career and personal belongings of the “Reggae King.” The restaurant features a full service bar including Red Stripe beer and features food like Jamaican patties. As a special event for the festival, the restaurant will be throwing a party with live reggae music from Chain Reaction, food and drink specials, DJ’s, vendors and street performers.

If your island style is more Key West than Kingston, check out Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Sip on the best margaritas in town as you chow down on your “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and listen to Buffet’s classic songs. There is live music in the laid-back Key West style and happy hour specials at this great CityWalk location. There is a great shop available that features margarita mix, leisurewear and Jimmy Buffet’s music. It’s a great place for Parrotheads and hungry guests alike.

If you’re looking for Latin island flavor, check out the Latin Quarter to eat and dance the night away. The Latin Quarter is influenced by over 21 Latin American countries and the décor is influenced by Aztec and Mayan architecture. This dining establishment features foods from South and Central America as well as the Latin countries in the Caribbean. Thursday nights is Ladies’ Night with Rumba 100.3 FM and the Latin Quarter also features Reggaeton and Freestyle dance parties from 10PM - 2AM.

You can always head back to the theme parks thanks to CityWalk’s great location, but there is plenty of cultural nightlife for you to explore at CityWalk. Make sure you stop by!

Theme Weddings in Orlando

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your wedding, you might want to set down the bridal magazines and check out some of the wedding options Orlando theme parks have to offer. Walt Disney World is the perfect place for your wedding if you have always wanted to have a fairytale affair.

Disney offers a variety of wedding packages for different budgets. Prices depend on how many guests will be coming and what accessories you will need (flowers, music, etc) for your wedding event. Couples with an intimate ceremony in mind should check out the Escape package. This package is for wedding parties of 18 or less and features the bare essentials needed for a simple yet elegant wedding. As with all of the Disney wedding packages, you can choose from five different locations to be married in, including: Disney's Wedding Pavilion Sunset Point located at Disney's Polynesian Resort, the Sea Breeze Point located at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Disney's Wedding Gazebo located at Disney's Yacht Club Resort or Sunrise Terrace located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

You will be provided with an elegant limousine for transportation to your wedding destination and Walt Disney World florists will arrange beautiful bouquets and table arrangements. Cake and champagne will be included along with a professional Disney photographer and commemorative Disney album. The bride and groom will also receive Disney Annual Passes!

Up next is the Couture Collection. This collection is a step up from the Escape package and features a ceremony site designed by renowned wedding planner David Tutera. From harp duos to confetti canons and Major Domo ring bearers, the Tutera Couture Collection is for couples with deep pockets and creative imaginations for the plethora of choices that are available. Even transportation is chic. Choose from the traditional Rolls Royce or make a grand entrance in Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage. If you would rather have complete control over what will happen at your wedding and what it will look like, the Wishes package lets you choose from options like those mentioned above and many more.

Nickelodeon Family Suites just joined in on the wedding fun as well. If fairytales aren’t your thing and you’d rather have a bit of messy fun, then check out the Nickelodeon themed weddings the Family Suites are offering. Get married near a pineapple under the sea with Spongebob Squarepants himself as the best man at your wedding. This is a great option for couples with young kids, as they get slimed, Nickelodeon style, at the end of the ceremony! Both the Nickelodeon Family Suites and the Walt Disney World Resort have great wedding options for couples with all sorts of personalities—the choice is up to you!

FETCH! Comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Fans of the PBS Kids Go! show FETCH! should keep an eye out for a very special episode filmed right here in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. This educational game show has been a hit with kids and families who love to learn and watch kids compete in a variety of game settings lead by their mascot, Ruff Ruffman.

The animated dog sends the tween contestants off on an unknown mission—the kids don’t know what situation they will get into until they arrive at their destination. Then, with various clues and challenges, the contestants participate in a game to accumulate a series of points. The team with the highest points goes on until a winner is determined at the end of the season. FETCH! teaches leadership and teamwork skills to contestants during their scientific adventures. Considering Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (which means they’ve exceeded standards in education, conservation and research) it’s the perfect place for the show, which is partially founded by the National Science Foundation, to film its latest episode.

Two Bostonian tweens got the chance to go behind the scenes of this popular animal park during their mission from Ruff Ruffman. Marco and Shreya were able to participate in a number of special events park guests could only watch from the outside. Along with their parents (to keep watch) and a video crew, Marco and Shreya were able to shadow one of Animal Kingdom’s veterinary teams as they gave a 30-year-old Siamang ape its annual health exam. Over at the Kilimanjaro Safari, a ride that simulates an expedition across Africa in an open truck, the kids were able to feed crocodiles.

Other activities included feeding the tigers at the Maharaja Jungle Trek and trying to figure out which piles of feces belonged to which animals. The scientific show was a hit and a great episode for both FETCH! and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You don’t have to be on a game show to get up close and personal with the animals of this Disney theme park. Check out the Affection Section for a petting zoo all kids can enjoy, or the Conservation Station for an in-depth educational look at certain animal exhibits, interviews with animal handlers and a look at the Animal Kingdom’s conservation efforts. Kids Discovery Clubs also offers activity stations throughout the park where kids can look at dinosaur bones, learn about bugs and become a wildlife detective. Animal lovers will love both FETCH! and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so keep an eye out for that episode!