Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Celebrates 25 Years Showcasing the Magic of Nature

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to discover a unique theme park where the natural world’s magic could inspire them. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals while delivering incredible new stories celebrating our relationship with the environment. The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading over 500 acres and adding a new draw to Central Florida as a top tourist destination in the world. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 25th Anniversary on April 22, 2023.

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the world itself, will evolve and grow. It’s truly a living thing.” – Roy E. Disney at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998

1 – An Entirely New Kind of Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combined Walt Disney’s love of real and imaginary animals with exciting attractions, spectacular stage shows, and entertaining characters.

True, there were – and are – breathtaking animal encounters, from an African safari adventure to a meandering, mystical trail that leads guests on an exciting search for tigers, to live shows highlighting animal behaviors and beauty much more. But this park was also a way for Disney to inspire people with the spectacular breadth and beauty of nature and animals through the power of entertainment and attractions, including a hysterical 3D journey into the world of insects (It’s Tough to Be a Bug!), a larger-than-life musical celebrating the circle of life (Festival of the Lion King), and encounters with beloved characters.

2 – Taking Inspiration From Nature

Everything in Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes inspiration from nature and the animal world. For example, the park icon – the towering Tree of Life – features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk. Similarly, building architecture, light poles, benches, and countless other elements feature animal designs that range from subtle to dramatic. Nowhere else are animals so richly and creatively celebrated.

3 – Cast Members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

More than 5,000 cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continue the park’s mission today, from scientists and animal care experts, to critical frontline cast members who work in operations, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage, and guest services. They are among the 75,000 cast members who are the heart of Walt Disney World.

4 – A Rich History

Over the last 25 years, the park has continually evolved with new attractions, entertainment, and even entirely new lands such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar, giving guests new reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and all of Central Florida again and again.

Expansions introduced new wild adventures that send guests swirling on a whirling white-water raft ride (Kali River Rapids), rocketing on a runaway-train adventure (Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain), diving into another stellar musical stage show (Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!), taking flight on a banshee (Avatar Flight of Passage) and exploring a bioluminescent rainforest (Na’vi River Journey).

5 – Celebrating the Park’s 25th Anniversary and Earth Day

In celebration of the park’s milestone anniversary and Earth Day, guests can enjoy new limited-time sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise, and a character sighting. Visitors can dig into tempting treats such as the Colossal Elephant Roll, a jumbo cinnamon bun with banana caramel, milk chocolate crispy pearls, and the 25th-anniversary logo available at Isle of Java and Kusafiri Bakery on April 22 only. The 25th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake Vanilla cake featuring chocolate toffee mousse, chocolate buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, and an Alive with Magic 25th anniversary chocolate logo is also available. Taking the magic of the celebration home is easy with commemorative items like the 25th anniversary mini Loungefly backpack, special pins, shirts, a tumbler, and more.

More surprises will be on April 22, when the park officially turns 25. And, just in time for the festivities, Moana will begin greeting guests at Discovery Island Character Landing for the first time that day.

6 – Helping the Animals It Celebrates

Over the past 25 years, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and well-being of animals not only at the theme park but also around the community, state, and globe.

“At Disney, we believe building a brighter, more sustainable future starts with imagining what’s possible. Through our conservation and sustainability programs, we take tangible actions to inspire change around the globe,” says Dr. Mark Penning, vice president, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m proud of our animal care cast members who are the most passionate conservationists I know and who put their hearts into taking care of the animals at Walt Disney World every day.”

As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has also collaborated with other AZA members to help increase populations of endangered and extinct in the wild species, such as the Guam rail and Guam kingfisher birds. Following AZA Species Survival Plans, the park has welcomed a variety of animals from endangered species into the world, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi to name just a few. In fact, Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center has served as a model kitchen for a number of other AZA-accredited facilities who have adopted many of the nutritional diets developed specifically for the animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Today, 45 animals that have been at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day or before still reside at the park.

7 – The Disney Conservation Fund

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund are deeply rooted in Walt Disney’s passion and the respect he displayed for animals and nature throughout his life. Together, they are engaged in research and conservation efforts involving at-risk animal populations and species.

Through the generous support of Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has worked with leading conservation organizations around the world to stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals, including butterflies, corals, monkeys and sea turtles. Since its creation in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $125 million and the expertise of dedicated Disney teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

Emptiest Day Since Pandemic

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

This time of year, the Parks are usually busier than ever. Guests flock to Walt Disney World Resort to spend their spring break and school breaks. Easter weekend is also another popular time for Disney fans to make a quick trip to the Parks. This is the reason why Guests entering the Parks were shocked to see how empty they were this time of year.

Nearly All Rides at WDW Under 30 Minutes in Wait Time

Usually, when you visit Walt Disney World Resort this time of year, you can expect big crowds and long lines. That was not the case for Guests entering the Parks who were instead met with a nearly vacant property. This weekend was also a race weekend at Walt Disney World, and even that did not make much of a shift to the crowd numbers.

One Disney fan posted on Reddit that they notices some insanely low wait times at the Parks. He attached a screenshot that showed that nearly all rides in Disney’s Hollywood Studios were under 35 minutes to ride. This is especially shocking for rides such as Slinky Dog Dash, which are usually popular. One fan even commented that they saw Star Wars Rise of the Resistance at a 10-minute wait time.

Theme Park reporter Scott Gustin added some further insight into this phenomenon on Twitter. He did some research through Thrill Data, where he discovered that Sunday, April 16, was the slowest Park day since October 1, 2021. He concluded that Sunday was therefore also the slowest day of Genie+ sales since October 19, 2021.

This entire situation is quite shocking from a fan’s perspective. Clearly, the Spring Break crowds are gone for good this season. If you are located close to Central Florida, now is the time the book a last-minute trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

Halfway to Halloween Kicks Off This Week at Disney Parks!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Welcome, foolish mortals, to this year’s Disney Parks Halfway to Halloween celebration! Spring has sprung, which means the countdown to spooky season has officially begun and #HalfwaytoHalloween is underway at Disney. This week on Disney Travel News and our Disney Travel Professionals social channels, we’re celebrating all things Halloween with exciting news and content from Disney Parks around the world and a full celebration of the fan-favorite attraction the Haunted Mansion, plus limited-time specialty food and beverage at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

To begin your journey into the boundless realm of the supernatural, be sure to check out the trailer for Walt Disney Studios’ “Haunted Mansion” that premiers in theaters July 28. This comically creepy adventure is inspired by the classic theme park attraction and tells the story of a woman and her son (Rosario Dawson and Chase Dillon) who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts (Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, LaKeith Stanfield and Tiffany Haddish) to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

Whether your Clients are at one of our parks, on a Disney Cruise Line ship or celebrating at home, there will be something for everyone to celebrate Halfway to Halloween this year. Join 999 happy haunts for this spellbinding celebration and follow along all week to see how to join in on the frightful fun.

Disney Unveils Special ‘Halfway to Halloween’ Treats

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

We’re approaching six months to Halloween, and so Disney Parks are celebrating Halfway to Hallween! This week guests can find limited-time treats to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween season. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

Welcome, foolish mortals to the latest Disney Eats Foodie Guide. The time has come once again to gather for some sinister sweets and delightful treats because Halfway to Halloween is here – and this year we’re celebrating the Haunted Mansion! We’re kicking off the frightfully fun festivities with all the tasty ways you can celebrate this year.

Walt Disney World Resort has been dusting off the cobwebs to bring to you some items you won’t want to miss – like the return of the Madame Leota Chocolate Cake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the exciting offerings coming to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. Over at Disneyland Resort, you’ll be able to fill your candy basket with sweet treats like the Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat.

But there’s so much more than just food going on for Halfway to Halloween this year. Starting today, there is plenty of excitement happening, with much of it honoring the beloved attraction and soon-to-be-released Walt Disney Studios film – “Haunted Mansion.” Stay tuned all week on the Disney Parks Blog and our social channels for the latest and greatest halfway news.

Well, I think I’ve tempted you long enough. These bites are about to put a spell on you and your tastebuds. Welcome to the Foodie Guide to Halfway to Halloween 2023!

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney Resort Hotels 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping and Dining (Available April 20 through 23))

  • The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel

Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Contempo Café (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Madame Leota Chocolate Cake: Mini Devil’s Food Cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Jack O’ Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate
  • Bewitching Minnie Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate cream sandwich cookies for ears, an edible witch hat, and Halloween sprinkles

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 

Pineapple Lanai (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Kakamora DOLE Whip Waffle Bowl: DOLE Whip served in a waffle bowl with Moana-inspired white chocolate and milk chocolate-covered pretzel sticks

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available April 20 through 23)

Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper; available at the following (Available while supplies last.):

  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
  • Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping and Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney Springs 

Gideon’s Bakehouse 

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Snack Cakes: This hauntingly delicious gourmet treat features a layer of the softest spice cake topped with pumpkin cheesecake and dipped in high-quality dark chocolate (Limit two per person; available while supplies last) (New) 
  • Gideon’s Trading Card Series: Be on the lookout for free trading cards hidden at the bottom of every medium and large cookie box! You will also get a free Halfway to Halloween Promo Card with purchase for your collection during the event.
  • Barnabas Mephistophelittle Merchandise: Don’t forget to check out new merchandise featuring Gideon’s Halfway to Halloween Ambassador, Barnabas Mephistophelittle, including a collector’s pin and temporary tattoo! (New) 

Marketplace Snacks (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Jack Skellington Bubble Waffle Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, marshmallow fluff, hot fudge, orange sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chocolate pocky sticks, and a chocolate Jack Skellington garnish

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. 

  • Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper (Available while supplies last.)

Magic Kingdom Park 

Columbia Harbour House (Mobile order available) 

  • Happy Haunts Milk Shake: Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles

Disneyland Resort 

Disneyland Park 

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Disney California Adventure Park 

Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Downtown Disney District 

California Churro (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Halloween Churro: A churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with peanut butter candy pieces

Kayla’s Cake (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Macaron: Orange Jack-O-Lantern macaron with fruit-flavored crisped rice cereal buttercream filling (New) 

Marceline’s Confectionery (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

As you can see, the Halloween happenings aren’t just limited to the fall! I hope you enjoy getting in the spirit early as much as I do. The festive fun and memories to be made are truly boundless at Disney Parks!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary Treats, Merchandise, Photo Ops & More

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary is quickly approaching. Disney is celebrating with special merchandise, photo ops, treats, and more! 

From a Disnet Cast Member;

Jambo! It’s an exciting time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and we can’t wait to share all that is new with you. Just in time for the celebration of Earth Month and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, which is also Earth Day, let’s go on an adventure and explore the magic of nature at the theme park we love so much.

From special merchandise to nature-themed food and beverage offerings to adventurous in-park experiences, there are so many opportunities to celebrate. Check out these four ways below!

1 – TREE’t Yourself with 25th Anniversary-Inspired Merchandise

In honor of this milestone, you can show off your love for the park with items from the new Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary collection, available starting April 21 for a limited time at Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company and Mombasa Marketplace. The earthy collection includes everything from a commemorative Spirit Jersey to a tumbler and a pocket tee. Guests can also find a limited-edition commemorative Earth Month pin available for purchase now at select retail locations in the park. All of these items add up to the perfect “OOTPD” (outfit of the park day) for your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Also, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Coming soon is a 25th Anniversary Mini Loungefly Backpack and bucket hat that you won’t want to miss out on!

2 – Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure With Commemorative Menu Offerings

What’s a Walt Disney World celebration without some delicious treats? Throughout Earth Month and on the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can enjoy new food and beverage offerings that celebrate this unique park.

New items debuting throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom exclusively on April 22 include the Colossal Elephant Roll and the 25th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake. At Tiffins Restaurant, guests can enjoy a 25th Anniversary Dessert Platter, or they can dig into a 25th Anniversary Earth Tart at Tusker House Restaurant.

Additional Earth Month-themed sweets and sips will be available in the park throughout April, like the Bee Hive Mousse Dome and Flamingo Cupcake as well as the Bubbling Pink Lagoon and Viva Gaia Tonic drinks. Fun fact: The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae features a white chocolate image of Kejana, one of the beloved gorillas you can see in the park.

All of these items and more can be found in the Disney Eats Earth Month Foodie Guide.

3 – Strike a Wild Pose with Friends and Family

Starting April 16, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer photo ops in celebration of Earth Month and the park’s 25th anniversary! You can enjoy special props, Magic Shots and more to celebrate when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In the spirit of sustainability, the 25th anniversary sign prop is made completely out of recycled materials, including upcycled sign backers as well as cast member costumes and patches.

4 – Explore Commemorative Wilderness Experiences

Adventure is out there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this month, and as someone who loves to draw, I am most excited about The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. During the month of April, you can learn to draw characters like Dumbo, Terk from “Tarzan,” Crush or Bruce from “Finding Nemo,” Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh”  or Simba from “The Lion King”! Adventure doesn’t stop there though; from April 16 to April 23, Wilderness Explorers have the opportunity to earn a special badge by completing a limited-time nature challenge.

To experience the 25th anniversary celebration on April 22 and the rest of the guest-favorite thrills throughout the park, you must have a valid park ticket and a park reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.