Expedition Everest stands as an iconic attraction that promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. This thrilling roller coaster not only offers an adrenaline-pumping experience but also immerses visitors in a captivating storyline that weaves together adventure, mystery, and the mystique of the world’s tallest mountain range.
Expedition Everest invites daring adventurers to board a tea train and embark on a treacherous expedition up the legendary Mount Everest. The ride begins innocently enough, with a leisurely exploration of a Himalayan village and an encounter with artifacts and relics hinting at the presence of the mythical Yeti creature. As the journey gains momentum, the real excitement unfolds with twists, turns, and heart-pounding drops that simulate the challenges of scaling a mountain’s unpredictable terrain.
The centerpiece of Expedition Everest’s allure lies in its enthralling storyline. Riders quickly discover that the Yeti, a creature of legend, is far from just a myth. As the train hurtles through darkened tunnels and icy caverns, the massive animatronic Yeti comes to life in a breathtaking and hair-raising spectacle. This encounter with the “Guardian of the Mountain” adds an element of awe-inspiring mystique to the coaster, leaving riders both exhilarated and entranced.
Disney’s unparalleled attention to detail shines through in Expedition Everest’s theming. The entire attraction is designed to mimic the architecture and landscapes of the Himalayan region, from the village at the base of the mountain to the intricate prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. This level of authenticity extends the ride beyond a mere roller coaster, making it an immersive experience that transports visitors to a far-off land.
Expedition Everest is not just a roller coaster; it’s a captivating tale that unfolds with every twist and turn. The rush of adrenaline is paired with moments of breathtaking beauty, as riders are treated to panoramic views of the Animal Kingdom and the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s the first exhilarating drop or the unexpected encounter with the Yeti, these memorable moments become cherished memories for visitors of all ages.
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom seamlessly combines heart-pounding thrills, captivating storytelling, and meticulous theming to create an attraction that’s truly a journey of a lifetime. As adventurers embark on this Himalayan escapade, they find themselves immersed in a world where the line between myth and reality blurs, leaving them with an experience that’s both exhilarating and enchanting.
Cast Members at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando sadly revealed the passing of Dugan, one of its white rhinoceroses. Dugan moved to Animal Kingdom in 2018 and lived a five-year residency in view of Disney Parks Guests. Animal Kingdom Cast Members take the care of their animals very seriously, and they worked to give Dugan the best life possible while also helping to repopulate the white rhino species.
White rhinos were endangered, but according to the World Wildlife Fund, “After more than a century of protection and management, they are now classified as Near Threatened.” Approximately 18,000 live in protected areas and reserves, and luckily white rhinos are the only rhino species not considered endangered.
Disney’s commitment to nature and the environment is contributing to keeping the white rhino population up. Before Dugan passed away, he fathered three offspring named Logan, Mylo, and Ranger. This was possible through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, where animals are managed away from the wild to establish and achieve population goals. The overall goal is to create biologically sound populations for animals that are struggling.
Animals like Dugan help create a discourse about environmentalism, conservation, and the different creatures of the world. During his time at Animal Kingdom, Dugan helped Guests learn facts about white rhinos, such as they are Earth’s second-largest land animal, come from Africa, love savanna areas in grasslands, and that a group of rhinos is called a herd or a crash.
While white rhinos can live up to 40 – 50 years, Dugan lived only to the age of 28. Before coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he was born at the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee, and later moved to the Erie Zoo in Pennsylvania. He passed away on the morning of June 1.
Through the Species Survival Plan, including animal nutrition, endocrinology, vet care, and animal care/training, Disney Parks is doing its part to assist the responsible breeding of in-need animal species. Thanks to animals like Dugan, Guests can continue to enjoy the beautiful white rhinoceros and learn about keeping the population alive for future generations of people as well as animals.
Last month, it was reported that an Animal Kingdom closure that would be taking place this summer. Now, the closure has finally occurred, leaving plenty of kids visiting Walt Disney World disappointed.
Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is a great place for the animal lovers! This Disney Park promotes the preservation and appreciation of animals and nature, as well as fictional animals, and the education of extinct animals.
However, this appreciation for extinct dinosaurs is actually endangered…
During a D23 Expo event, it was recently announced that Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is on the chopping block and that the area will be replaced with something newer.
While we don’t know precisely what will replace the area just yet, but we do know one thing: Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is doomed.
Which is why it comes as a surprise to hear that one of its remaining attractions has just closed for refurbishment.
DinoLand U.S.A. is only home to a few remaining attractions, with the most notable being DINOSAUR, TriceraTop Spin, and the Boneyard.
While DINOSAUR and TriceraTop Spin are rides, the Boneyard is actually a playground for kids.
The Boneyard is a great place for kids to blow off some steam, giving the parents a chance to take a break during the Disney day.
Although the Boneyard isn’t scheduled to close permanently and will reopen sometime in mid-June (according to Walt Disney World’s official website), it’s still a bummer to hear that this huge playground will be closed for a bulk of the summer!
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.
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.
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.
