Disney at a Distance: Harambe Village, Africa
During the nation's COVID 19 crisis, and Walt Disney World's closure, we are working to bring you a virtual visit to one land in Walt Disney World each week. Lately, we've gotten out our Park Hopper and we're exploring a new place, likely in a new park, each week.
This week's visit takes us to Harambe Village, Africa... otherwise known simply as Africa... at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Harambe means "come together" in Swahili. The story is that Harambe was once governed by the Dutch but gained independence after a peaceful revolution in 1961. You can still see the remnants of an old fort with cannons in part of the village. In fact, Harambe is one of the the lands we think best represents the Imagineers' ability to tell a story and pay attention to detail. We love to walk around, admire the different architecture, and read the posters, like this one:
To enhance your virtual visit today, consider preparing some of the following:
Did you know you can get dole whips at the Animal Kingdom? Whip up a batch of boozy dole whips like the kind you can get at Tamu Tamu
Make some Jungle Juice (which is the same as the Polynesian's pog)
Want to get really traditional? How about some of Tusker House's famous Jollof rice?
Make yourself a drink from this lovely list of drink recipes from Dawa bar
One of our favorite things about entering Harambe is how the music changes and you just know you are in Africa. It's especially fun when there is a live show, like this one:
Of course, the real reason many people come to Harambe is to go on safari. So let's take a little trip, shall we?
After a safari, I highly recommend exploring the Gorilla Falls nature trail. It is one of my favorite places in all of Walt Disney World.
Another major draw of Harambe Village is the Harambe Village theater, where you can see Festival of the Lion King.
I have to admit, I'm a huge sap for this show. Even when I know it's the sappiest song ever, I always, ALWAYS get teary during the "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" aerial ballet. Even back when I worked the ice cream cart outside of the Lion King theater when it was in Camp Minnie-Mickey, I used to love to watch the aerial ballet. It was the only part of the show I could see from my cart because the top of the theater was open air. I used to get so taken with it that Rafiki would come and steal my chocolate covered frozen bananas - no joke.
Anyway... on with the show!
One of my favorite places to hang out in Harambe Village is the Dawa Bar. It's always busy, much like the part of Harambe it is located in, but that means there is always something to watch from just people watching, to the live entertainment. I feel if there weren't so much other Disney World to explore, I could easily sit in Dawa Bar all evening, and when I worked there, I did spend a few good afternoons there (not during work).
Since I feel it's the street life and the live entertainment that really bring Harambe Village to life, I am going to leave us with a few more videos of live shows and a slideshow of pictures I have taken in Harambe.
First, the Burudika (Swahili for "Street Party"):
And this absolutely stunning performance of "He Lives in You" by the same Burudika band, in a more intimate setting inside Dawa Bar. While the video quality isn't the best, I love me some Disney crossover! And wow can those ladies dance!
Finally, to close out our morning in Harambe, I want to share a collection of photos I took because I really think Harambe is one of those places that was well conceived by the Imagineers and just brought to life with the entertainment and the architecture.
We hope you've enjoyed our time in Harambe this week. Next week, a new destination awaits us.
I want to close with an update on the parks. Shanghai Disney has opened with limitations as of May 11th (congratulations, China!) and Disney Springs in Florida will reopen with limitations on May 20th.
Does this mean the parks will reopen soon? Well, yes and no, depending on your definition of "soon". At Shanghai Disney, the shopping and dining district opened a full 7 weeks before the park. And even upon reopening, there will be some changes. It is yet unknown what those will be at Walt Disney World, but we do know that at Shanghai Disney, attendance will be limited, rides will be loaded to preserve social distancing, and Cast will be trained on contactless guest service. There will also be increased disinfection of surfaces.
We wish Shanghai Disney the best of luck and are looking to them to see what the future holds for our beloved Walt Disney World.
"There's no mountain too great. Hear these words and have faith. Have faith."
