Photos: Sculpture Artist Hard at Work on a 40-Ton ‘Raya’ Sand Sculpture at Animal Kingdom!
Disney’s newest animated feature film hits theaters and Disney+ next month! Judging from the film’s short preview, the animation is going to be absolutely gorgeous, and the lively score will reflect the fast-paced feel and action-packed sequences we get a glimpses of in the trailer. If you haven’t already, definitely check out the film’s official trailer!
The Disney Parks are anticipating the movie’s premiere date with new merchandise, posters…and a 40-ton sand sculpture? Yep! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is hosting exceptionally talented sculpture artists this weekend as they work on the creation of this sculpture, and I was on the scene to check on the progress today!
Discovery Island
Head straight to The Discovery Island Stage for your chance to see this sculpture come to form right before your eyes. Literal tons of sand have been brought in to create the sculpture, and I was lucky enough to catch the artist erecting the base of this massive piece of art just this morning!
Just before the Dinoland entrance, you’ll find The Discovery Island Stage looking a little more sandy than your last visit. I watched the sculpture start to really take shape in the 20 or so minutes I watched. One thing I learned about sand art is that you have to work fast!
The artist has a small sketch to reference as he works, and he went no more than 15 seconds without double-checking that the last pile of sand or the latest line he carved was in the exact right place.
Once he pushed and kicked the sand to the right spot, the sculptor would then soak the area of sand he was about to carve with a generous spray from a hose.
The sand becomes an almost concrete paste-like texture after it’s sprayed making it easy to work with and shape. Once the desired shape is formed and dries, the sculpting can begin!
I had never seen a professional sand sculptor at work before today, and I was equally as impressed with the precision of his hands as I was his feet!
He works barefoot because when sculpting sand, your feet are just as much a part of the process as your hands!
Sculptors will be on the scene working on the project at The Discovery Island Stage through Saturday. If you miss the building process, don’t worry!
You can see the finished sculpture on display on Discovery Island through the end of March! I for one can’t wait to see the finished product! Will you be visiting Animal Kingdom while the sculpture is on display? Leave me a comment and let me know! For even more Parks and Resorts content, visit me on YouTube at DisneyWorldLocal for the latest ride POV’s, restaurant reviews, and updates from WDW from a Disney World Local!
Want even more Parks content? I’ve got you covered! My weekly Park live streams can be found here!
For my no-fee help planning, strategizing, and booking your next Disney vacation, contact: msalerno@mickeytravels.com! I am an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Platinum Level) and all of my services are ALWAYS free…see you in the parks!