A story was recently posted to DVCMember.com regarding new animal species being added to the savanna surrounding Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. The report also sheds some light on the timeframe in which we can expect construction work at the resort to be nearing completion.
Within the story on DVCMember.com is a mention that new Pembe Savanna will open as part of the second phase of the Kidani Village construction. Of course, this begs the question of exactly how many phases there are to the construction plan for this new Disney Vacation Club resort.
Disney spokesperson Diane Hancock has confirmed for DVCNews that there are only two phases to the Kidani Village construction project. Previous statements have indicated that the initial phase will open for guests on May 1, 2009. And now we have our first indication that Disney hopes to complete the remainder of the Kidani Village construction by September 2009.
From DVCMember.com:
Okapi settling into Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
As development work continues on Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney's Animal Care team has reached a key milestone, welcoming okapi to the resort's animal population. The new animals are becoming acclimated to their new surroundings and will be visible to Members and Guests when the new Pembe Savanna opens as part of the second phase of Kidani Village (currently scheduled for September 2009).
Native to the rain forests of the northern Congo, these herbivores are members of the giraffe family and grow as tall as five-and-a-half feet at the shoulder. While okapi have been Guest favorites at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, this marks the first time the species will call Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge "home."
You can learn more about this species online at www.theokapi.org.
