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Take a look at all the ways Animal Kingdom celebrated its 25th anniversary, including digging deep into the parks beginning.
Animals Come First
Since 1995, with support from The Walt Disney Company and guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $125 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action, and protect the planet. Take a look at the precious animals who have been at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the beginning HERE.
Additionally, the Disney Conservation team leads best-in-class scientific programs to conserve wildlife in Disney’s backyard and beyond, connects people to build a network for nature, and cares for the planet through everyday actions.
Did you know that money spent on Animal Kingdom tours goes towards animal conservation and care?
Conservation efforts are of great importance at Disney Parks, especially Animal Kingdom. From protecting and preserving wildlife to encouraging Guests to recycle, there are so many ways to respect our planet.
Earth Week
Disney celebrated 25 years of magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this month! Since it opened on April 22, 1998, this one-of-a-kind theme park has offered awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling attractions, and larger-than-life musical stage shows.
This year, Animal Kingdom began celebrating early this year with an entire week of Earth Day festivities. First, guests had the opportunity to meet rare characters including Flik, Atta, and Slim. Then, Koda and Kanai from Brother Bear greeted guests from their flotilla.
Throughout the week, guests enjoyed themed treats and sips, special Wilderness Badges, and 25th anniversary pins.
Celebration Kick Off
On Earth Day, I (Susan) took the first bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in anticipation of the anniversary. To begin the day, guests gathered around the Tree of Life specially made stage. To open the ceremony, the amazing Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe performed.
Afterwards, Disney Ambassadors, Animal Kingdom executive Sara Riles and Mark Hennings followed. They applauded current and original Animal Kingdom Cast Members. Then, they shared the unique opportunities Disney has to change the way we see animals and the way they’re cared for.
Then, ALL of the Animal Kingdom characters paraded on stage and around the front area. It was so incredible seeing all of them together. Animal Kingdom is so much more than a theme park – it is a one-of-a-kind place to visit.
ALL of the Animal Kingdom characters paraded on stage!
To make this experience even better, the Macaw’s flew overhead too!
Earth Day Festivities
Upon entering the park, I received a commemorative 25th anniversary map. Although the map was nice, I was disappointed about not having a poster to remember the day like Disney passed out for Magic Kingdom’s 50th and EPCOT’s 40th anniversaries.
In addition to Earth Week fun, on Earth Day, guests could purchase “Day Of” merchandise (a t-shirt and pin). I couldn’t resist and bought them both.
Moana also debuted today at Discovery Island! Lines were long to meet her but not as long as for the merchandise. Characters rotating were Jiminy Cricket and Tinkerbell/Fawn together. Unfortunately, this line was estimated to take 1 1/2 to 2 hours so I didn’t meet them.
DiVine performed so gracefully during Earth Week decked out in spring flowers. She is so beautiful and watching her perform is so wonderful!
On the way to Expedition Everest, I ran into Mira! She was an unexpected surprise!
Then, Animal Kingdom sold an exclusive Pumba popcorn bucket on this day only.
Looking Back
When Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, Disney Cast Members did something to remember this by using a time capsule.
This week, it was opened showing floppy disks, VHS tapes, opening merchandise, and so much more! Take a look at everything in it by watching the video below:
What do you think of these celebrations? Do you spend time enjoying the animals and beautiful settings at Animal Kingdom? Please share your thoughts in the comments and share this post with a friend.
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