Category: Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom’s Most Influential People Reflect On The 20th Anniversary

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal kingdom, and the celebrations for this wild milestone are already underway with the parks Party for the Planet Celebration. In honor of the occasion, a few of the people responsible for shaping Animal Kingdom over the years took a moment to reflect on the park in their own words.

Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

“It’s kind of unusual to stay attached like this to a single project for two decades, but there you have it…Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more or less the story of my life!! Even though it’s…like…twenty years old, there has never been a single day when we were not working on something that was going to go into the park or change the park. It’s a living thing, because it is full of other living things.”

“The super complex horticulture and landscaping of the park is part of what makes it alive. It isn’t managed to stay the same, but rather to continue to grow and change…to be as real as we can make it be. You would not believe how much work that takes!!

Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, but at its heart, it has always been dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the world around us. As we approach this 20^th anniversary milestone, I’m honored to have been entrusted with leadership of this unique park and to work with this incredible group of Cast Members who share the magic of nature with our guests every day.”

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has seen a lot of change, and through all the amazing accomplishments, we have remained committed to bringing the magic of nature to our guests in ways only Disney can.”

Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute, L&U Messenger of Peace

“I have been involved with Disney’s Animal Kingdom since before the grand opening day 1998. From the start I was impressed by the scale of the park – it was especially magical to see four elephants able to disport themselves in a huge pool. How lucky I was to be allowed to climb the scaffolding and look close up at the amazing art work on the Tree of Life. The huge sculpture of David Greybeard, the only named animal on the Tree, was a surprise, sculpted specially for me.

Now, 20 years later, I think of all the animals and how many visitors have had a chance to watch them and learn about the importance of wildlife on Planet Earth. The Animal Kingdom provides an experience that is not only fascinating, but also educational as visitors hear stories about the importance of conserving animals and their habitats

The Disney Conservation Fund was established to support conservation efforts in many countries, including educational programs. I am particularly grateful that hundreds of young people in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots have benefited from this fund in eighteen countries around the world. It is so desperately important that the next generations should be better stewards of the natural world than we have been.

Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom learn to respect animals as individuals. They also come away understanding that each one of us makes an impact on Planet Earth every day. By choosing wisely, choosing to tread lightly on the Earth and thus conserve our precious and finite natural resources, we can ensure a better future for generations of people and animals to come.”

Anne Savage, Ph.D, Conservation Director, Disney’s Animal Programs, Disney Parks

“For the past 20 years, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has worked to help save wildlife and engage communities in helping protect the magic of nature. I’m so excited to see these care and conservation efforts continue to grow through the Disney Conservation Fund and our dedicated cast.”

Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

“We are proud to contribute to Walt Disney’s legacy of caring for wildlife and wild places. As a world-class leader in animal care and conservation, we are leading the way and reversing the decline of endangered and imperiled species. Through our participation in Species Survival Plans, we’ve been able to responsibly breed more than 200 species, thus ensuring diverse animal populations for the future.”

Walt Disney may not have been here to see this park and what it has become, but the environment and conservation had always something very important to him and his vision of the future.

Walt Disney

“You’ve probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us. It’s a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come.”

April 22, 2018
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20 Years with Special Earth Day Ceremonies

Disney’s theme park of exploration is a place unique in all the world. In fact it’s an entirely “New Species of Theme Park.” Today — fittingly as the world celebrates Earth Day 2018 — Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20^th anniversary in a ceremony marking two decades of magical adventures and unforgettable experiences.

In this park guests can venture to the snowy flanks of Mt. Everest, raft down a rainforest river, view wildlife on an African savannah and travel light years to an alien planet where banshees fly and mountains float.

Gathered at the Harambe Theater, set of the popular Festival of the Lion King stage show, drummers, dancers, stilt performers and Disney characters joined Disney executives in a ceremony observing the 20^th anniversary and the kickoff of the two-week Party for the Planet celebration, on now through May 5.

Joe Rohde, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, led the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and reflected on its 20-year history.

“We created this park out of a set of ideals that we believed were relevant and meaningful,” Rohde said, “and as the years have passed, those ideals have only become more relevant and more meaningful. Our lives are bound to the lives of all creatures.”

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom noted how the park has grown over the last two decades, and its profound impact on guests and conservation efforts around the world.

“Since 1998, we have been extremely conscious that what we have here is a new species of theme park,” said Rivers. “And while it has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, it will always be dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the natural world.”

Rivers also called out the success of the Disney Conservation Fund, aimed at reversing the decline of imperiled creatures in the wild. To date, he said, the fund has directed more than $70 million to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks, noted today was more than an anniversary, it was a day of firsts.

“’UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ has its official debut in the park today,” she noted. “On Pandora – The World of Avatar you’ll be able to interact with a scientist who explores in a Pandora Utility Suit.”

In their lush surroundings, more than 2,000 animals – some endangered, all unique and colorful – call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, special photo opportunities, backstage tours at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, specialty desserts and other activities during the Party for the Planet. Tiffins, a signature restaurant, will host themed dinners hosted by animal care experts.

On May 26 Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut even more entertainment with Donald’s Dino-Bash! Guests can join Donald Duck and friends in DinoLand, U.S.A. for playful character encounters and a DJ-powered dance party. It’s all part of the Incredible Summer of fun that kicks off across the Walt Disney World Resort Memorial Day weekend.

April 22, 2018
A Trek Through Twenty Years of Major Milestones At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

From creatures wild and whimsical to Broadway-caliber shows, from unparalleled adventures and experiences to award-winning conservation efforts, from exotic lands to cuisine that celebrates a global park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is marking an anniversary of 20 unforgettable years. And the best is yet to come!

Here’s a look back at a few of the milestone dates in the evolution of Disney’s adventure park at Walt Disney World Resort:

June 20, 1995: Plans for “Wild Animal Kingdom” announced

August 4, 1995: Groundbreaking for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

December 5, 1995: The first tree, an authentic African acacia xanthophloea, is planted

June 12, 1996: Miles the giraffe is the first animal to arrive

October 5, 1996: A baby kudu is the first animal to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

November 4, 1997: Hope, a 14-year-old gorilla, gives birth to a male named Jabari

April 22, 1998: Earth Day Grand Opening for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

January 1999: Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly American Zoo and Aquarium Association)

March 1, 1999:Grand Opening of Asia, which includes Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek

July 1999: Tarzan Rocks! debuts

May 2000: Reproduction of Dino-Sue, the rare 65 million-year-old tyrannosaurus rex, on display in DinoLand U.S.A.

October 2000: Rafiki’s Planet Watch premieres

December 2000: Safari Village renamed Discovery Island

June 4, 2001: Colobus Monkey Habitat Opens on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (formerly Pangani Forest Trail)

October 2001: Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade premieres

November 2001: First phase of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama opens with TriceraTop Spin attraction and midway games

April 18, 2002: Primeval Whirl opens at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama

April 22, 2003: Plans announced for Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

May, 2005: Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronics figure capable of walking and moving independently, makes special appearances

April 7, 2006: Expedition Everest opens

April 2006: Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund achieves $10 million milestone since its 1995 creation

January 2007: Grand opening for “Finding Nemo – the Musical”

April 22, 2007: Inaugural “Party for the Planet” event takes place on Earth Day

February 16, 2008: Paws in the Park event. Disney’s Animal Kingdom/Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives raises more than $13,000 for SPCA of Central Florida

April 22, 2008: Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit visits the park on Earth Day

January 16, 2011: Wild Africa Trek opens

June 1, 2013: Wilderness Explorers program debuts to guests

June 1, 2014: Festival of the Lion King debuts in its new home, the brand new Harambe Theatre.

May 2015: Harambe Market opens.

May 27, 2016: Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge open, nighttime experiences debut – Harambe Wildlife Parti, Discovery Island Carnivale, Tree of Life Awakenings and nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris

May 28, 2016: The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic live show debuts

December 2016: Lion-tailed Macaques debut

February 17, 2017: Rivers of Light debuts

May 27, 2017: Pandora – the World of Avatar opens

August 2017: Sumatran tiger cubs, Jeda and Anala, are born,

January 2017: Augustus, a baby hippo, is born

March, 2018: Contributions to Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund total $70 million since 1995

April 22, 2018: 20th Anniversary milestone marked with Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration, premiere of UP! A Great Bird Adventure and debut of the Pandora Utility Suit

April 22, 2018
Six Wild Facts About “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” At Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There’s a new show in the wilderness! Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry pal Dug from Disney•Pixar’s animated hit film UP join bird experts on a new adventure featuring encounters with birds from around the world. UP! A Great Bird Adventure makes its onstage debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, coinciding with the theme park’s 20th anniversary.

Here are six wild facts about the new 25-minute show:
- Led by an avian enthusiast and bird experts, this unique experience features a close-up look at bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe.
- More than 15 species of birds make appearances, including toucans, parrots, macaws, and an African fish eagle with a magnificent 7-foot wingspan.
- This is the first time that Russell and Dug from DisneyPixar’s UP appear onstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- An original, authentic Indian musical score features themes from DisneyPixar’s UP.
- Twenty animal trainers were involved in the training and rehearsal that brought the show to the stage. Four trainers work with the birds and the actors during every performance.
- The production team’s goal is to showcase beloved Disney characters and the amazing natural behavior of birds to inspire guests to connect with nature.
April 21, 2018
New Solar Facilities Will Power Two Theme Parks at Walt Disney World

Disney has announced a new milestone in the company’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship. A massive new solar farm project is planned for Walt Disney World that will generate enough energy to power two of its four theme parks.

Walt Disney World Resort recently embarked on a new initiative in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar project developer Origis Energy USA to bring a new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility online by the end of the year that will generate renewable clean energy.

This solar facility will include half a million solar panels and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 57,000 tons per year. That’s the annual equivalent of removing 9,300 automobiles from the roads. More broadly, this initiative will join the numerous efforts The Walt Disney Company has launched to deliver its 2020 goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

The facility will be located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with construction beginning in the coming months. Just last week, Origis Energy delivered the first of many solar panels to come as part of the project (pictured above while posed in front of the Tree of Life).

Disney recently unveiled a five-megawatt solar facility near Epcot that was developed in conjunction with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. During the sun’s peak hours when it is shining brightest, these two facilities together will generate enough renewable clean energy to provide up to 25 percent of the power needs at Walt Disney World Resort.

All of this builds on the company’s longtime commitment to environmental stewardship, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself and has continued to grow with tremendous support and passion from the cast members.

Cast members will be bringing their unique skills and expertise to this next project, including representatives from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Horticulture teams. Working together, they are exploring ways to make the new solar facility pollinator friendly, with rich wildflowers and vegetation, creating a safe and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects, including endangered and at-risk species. This important work aligns perfectly with the Disney Conservation Fund’s “Reverse the Decline” initiative, which aims to reverse the decline of 10 threatened species, including butterflies.

April 20, 2018
Earth Day Eats That Disney Foodies Will Love at Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gates, twenty years ago, allowing guests to experience the rare animals, world-class entertainment and the magic of nature. The park will be marking its 20th anniversary on April 22 — Earth Day — and Disney is celebrating with a Party for the Planet through May 5 with all of the Earth Day Eats that Disney Foodies will love!

This exciting party features enhanced interactions with animal care experts, family-friendly activities, character greetings, and themed merchandise. And of course, a proper celebration isn’t complete without the food! Party for the Planet will include a few new cupcakes, a mouthwatering burger, sliders, a special 3-course tasting menu at Tiffins, and the popular Tiffins Talks, a special 4-course dinner with one of the park’s conservation experts, offered on select nights.

What’s even MORE exciting is that we’re not just celebrating Earth Day at Animal Kingdom, but around the Walt Disney World Resort as well! And I know you’re eager to read about these exciting offerings, so here’s everything you need to know about all the Earth Day eats at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Starting with two celebratory cupcakes, a Tree of Life Cupcake will be available at Creature Comforts and Flame Tree Barbecue, and an Earth Day Cupcake will be available at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus.

The Tree of Life Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake topped with buttercream and an edible chocolate piece; and the Earth Day Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake topped with buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, white chocolate mousse, and an edible chocolate piece.

On the savory side, there are delicious plant-based burger offerings at Nomad Lounge and Restaurantosaurus. Nomad Lounge will offer Impossible™ Burger Sliders with tomato chutney and smoked onion on a brioche bun and served with yucca fries. At Restaurantosaurus, you’ll find an Impossible™ Burger with avocado and tomato on a brioche bun.

Tiffins will offer a limited-time 20th Anniversary Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu. Served daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm, this 3-course tasting menu celebrates the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and South America. Walk-ups are welcome!

All of these offerings will be available during Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom through May 5.

Around Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will have an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Roaring Fork. This yummy chocolate cupcake is filled with cookies and cream filling and topped with vanilla buttercream, cookies and cream crumble, chocolate rocks, and an edible garden.

At Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, you’ll find an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass. This one is a ‘dirt and worms’ chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate buttercream, cookie crumbs, sugar flower, and jelly candy ‘worms.’

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will have an Earth Day Cupcake at Contempo Café only on April 22. This chocolate cupcake comes in an edible chocolate flowerpot is filled with chocolate pastry cream, chocolate buttercream, and chocolate cookie crumble and topped with a buttercream flower and a chocolate Earth Day sign.

Over at Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie will be offering up a cute little cactus on a stick April 22-28! This Cactus Macaron Lollipop consists of three French macarons filled with pistachio ganache and topped with icing. It’s even served on a stick for on-the-go enjoyment!

Come on out and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Earth Day. These treats are only available for a limited time, so get them while you can!

April 19, 2018
20th Anniversary Merchandise at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will mark its 20th anniversary at Walt Disney World Resort this month and to this day it continues inspiring and educating guests of all ages today through the magic of nature. The park opened on April 22, 1998 as “a new species of theme park”. For Disney Parks Merchandise, this milestone occasion was the perfect opportunity for creating an unforgettable collection of merchandise inspired by the theme park’s iconic centerpiece.

“We mixed earth tone colors with images of animals and icons reminiscent of the beautifully sculpted animal carvings found on the breathtaking Tree of Life,” explained Cody Reynolds, Senior Creative Director with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group.

From a banshee at Pandora – The World of Avatar to a Baobab tree from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attractions, artists drew more than 50 stylized animals, icons and graphics for an artwork style guide. Merchandise developers referenced this guide when creating items to ensure the overall assortment had a consistent look.

Artwork on a t-shirt and matching water bottle captures the park’s tremendous transformation during the past 20 years, and includes nods to attractions from opening day to the more recent other-worldly additions of Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage.

“Guests love merchandise that commemorates significant moments in time,” said Katie Thompson from Global Merchandise Strategy at Disney Parks Merchandise. “This new merchandise builds on the success of recent theme park anniversary collections, and offers something for everyone looking to celebrate at Animal Kingdom throughout the upcoming year.”

Designed to complement each other, merchandise offered includes a mix of apparel for adults and kids, home décor, accessories and other collectibles such as trading pins or jewelry by ALEX AND ANI.

On select products, the merchandise team added hidden surprises in the artwork. A closer examination of drinkware reveals images of tiny ants strategically placed for guests to discover.

Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom serves as the headquarters for the 20th anniversary assortment. Select products may also be found in shops throughout the park or via Shop Disney Parks.

The celebration kicks off on Earth Day, April 22.

April 16, 2018
VIDEO: Something Amazing Is Set To Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney has just teased us with a new video of something special landing in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22.

The hulking human-like creation bears a striking resemblance to the military robots seen in the movie “Avatar”.

The robot, which is clearly a version of the AMP suit from the film, mirrors the movement of the operator’s arms.

Shot in the breathtaking Valley of Mo’ara – amid the moon’s floating mountains, waterfalls and native flora the awesome video below gives an up close look.

April 6, 2018
Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration Honors Two Decades of Wild Encounters
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will mark its 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, with more wild adventures than ever before – kicking off spring and setting the stage for an incredible summer filled with all-new events and experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, specialty desserts and more during an expanded Party for the Planet celebration April 22-May 5. If plan on joining the festivities, then you can do it in style with the Limited Edition 20th Anniversary MagicBand.

Over the two-week “Party for the Planet” celebration, guests can attend conservation talks by animal-care experts and participate in enhanced interactions with some of the more than 2,000 animals that make their home at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited park.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch will take center stage for the year-long 20^th anniversary. It’s home to fun educational exhibits and activities that help create awareness of animal issues. During the 20^thanniversary, Rafiki’s Planet Watch will offer backstage experiences with experts where guests can learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital and hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation.

Guests can also commemorate their visits to the theme park with special photo opportunities. They can step into an oversized picture frame celebrating the park’s 20^th anniversary. Other photo frames support Disney’s “Reverse the Decline,” an initiative created to help protect 10 threatened animal species. One recent success of the program was the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran Tiger Cubs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Just for kids is the chance to earn a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer program. The badge is one of many that youngsters can earn by completing fun activities throughout the park.

Party for the Planet will also include six different Tiffins Talks – themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins, the theme park’s signature, full-service restaurant.

The 20^th anniversary fun also includes a commemorative adventure guide, limited-edition merchandise, and a special-edition print created by renowned Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. He will be available on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. to sign prints at Discovery Trading Company. Quantities are limited. For more information on Party for the Planet, visit Disneyworld.com/PartyforthePlanet.

Here are other experiences and adventures rolling out in 2018 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- April 22 will mark the debut of a brand-new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure featuring Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated comedy-adventure film “UP.” The show will give guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his fuzzy friend Dug in a new adventure that includes encounters with exotic birds from around the world. This free-flying show will be performed multiple times daily.
- A “dino-tastic” celebration with Donald and his friends will also premiere Memorial Day weekend in DinoLand, U.S.A. This dinosaur-themed party celebrates Donald Duck’s discovery that his bird ancestors were actually dinosaurs. DinoLand U.S.A. will feature colorful new décor and playful character greetings with rarely seen pals like Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and more. A DJ-powered dance party will mix tunes from the truck-o-saurus stage, capping the nighttime festivities.
- Memorial Day 2018 commemorates the one-year anniversary of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Here, travelers are transported to a mystical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Inspired by the blockbuster film, AVATAR, the epic land invites guests to explore a glowing landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi Shaman of Songs and soar on the back of a banshee.
March 20, 2018
New 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom MagicBand

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fast approaching it’s 20th anniversary and to help celebrate the milestone for the park, Disney is offering a Limited Edition MagicBand that shows off some of the amazing creatures you can expect to see during your visit.

This MagicBand is brown and is adorned with various animals. It also has the 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom logo on it.

It will be exclusively sold at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of an edition size of 2,000 and will be available March 21.

With your MagicBand, you can connect to the choices you make in the My Disney Experience app and unlock the magic of a Walt Disney World Disney vacation – from effortless theme park entry to Disney PhotoPass association, FastPass+ redemption, room entry with Online Check-In Service and more.

March 1, 2018