Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 15 Years of Wild Adventures Today
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the fourth theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort, will celebrate its 15th anniversary today, April 22, which also happens to be Earth Day.
Today’s celebration featured a special opening ceremony led by Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment, and was highlighted with a fun performance of “Circle of Life” from the park’s “Festival of The Lion King.” Other fun planned for the day includes special Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities, and unique merchandise and food & beverage offerings.
The park originally opened in 1998 to feature several lands dedicated to exploring wildlife and wild places – Africa, Discovery Island, Oasis, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and DinoLand, U.S.A. An additional land, Asia, was added in 1999. The park has seen many exciting additions since its debut, including TriceraTop Spin in 2001,Primeval Whirl in 2002, Expedition Everest (one of our favorites!) in 2006, “Finding Nemo – The Musical,” which grand-opened in 2007, and Wild Africa Trek in 2011.
Parkhopper John was lucky enough to meet Josh D’Amaro and Josh was gracious enough to get a picture taken!
Which Disney’s Animal Kingdom offering has been your favorite over the years? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.
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WDW Parkhoppers are Parkhopper John and his wife, Parkhopper Sid and they love to share the magic of Walt Disney World. They can also be found at www.TeamParkhoppers.com, a non-profit organization that helps other non-profits raise money while also enjoying runDisney events. Living only 45 minutes from Walt Disney World, their lives are truly magical!
