Celebrating 27 Years of Magic and Meaning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially opened its gates—and ever since, it’s been more than just a theme park. Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, Animal Kingdom stands as a bold and beautiful testament to Disney’s commitment to conservation, cultural storytelling, and immersive experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
Brought to life under the visionary leadership of Imagineer Joe Rohde, Animal Kingdom was designed to blur the lines between adventure, education, and entertainment. The result? A park unlike any other in the Disney family—where every path leads to wonder and every detail tells a deeper story.
At the heart of it all is the park’s breathtaking icon: The Tree of Life. Towering 145 feet tall and 165 feet wide, this incredible structure is built on the framework of an old oil rig and adorned with over 300 hand-carved animal figures. Hidden Mickeys are tucked among the intricate carvings—just one of the many magical surprises for those who slow down and look closely. After sunset, Tree of Life Awakenings transforms the sculpture into a vibrant canvas of life through dazzling projection mapping, turning the tree into a living, breathing tribute to the animal kingdom.
Animal Kingdom is made up of uniquely themed lands, each with its own flavor of exploration:
Discovery Island welcomes guests with the colorful Winged Encounters show, where flocks of macaws soar across the sky in a mesmerizing spectacle.
In Asia, thrill-seekers take on Expedition Everest, braving icy peaks and a mysterious Yeti on a coaster that races both forward and backward.
Africa transports visitors to the village of Harambe, where Kilimanjaro Safaris offers an 18-minute journey across 150 acres of lush savanna, home to giraffes, elephants, lions, and more.
Opened in 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar is a technological and thematic triumph, with floating mountains, bioluminescent forests, and awe-inspiring rides like Flight of Passage—all of which glow with even more magic after dark.
What truly sets Animal Kingdom apart is its deep respect for cultural authenticity and environmental stewardship. Entertainment here isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of global traditions. Festival of the Lion King stuns with its high-flying acrobatics, while the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe get the crowd moving with infectious rhythms. Dining options reflect this global inspiration too, from the smoky flavors of Flame Tree Barbecue to the fusion fare at Yak & Yeti. Craving something unique? Don’t miss the spiced street corn in Africa or the pineapple lumpia in Pandora.
Of course, conservation is at the core of Animal Kingdom’s mission. Home to around 5,000 animals representing 300 species, the park plays a crucial role in global efforts to protect endangered wildlife. Disney’s conservation programs and breeding initiatives help safeguard species for future generations, and even guests can get involved—by purchasing select merchandise that supports wildlife protection projects around the world.
And the story continues to evolve. On the horizon are some exciting transformations: DinoLand U.S.A. is being reimagined into Tropical Americas, inspired by the vibrant world of Encanto and the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones. Plus, the theater inside the Tree of Life will soon debut a brand-new Zootopia-themed attraction, bringing even more heart and humor to the park’s central icon.
Even as it grows and changes, Disney’s Animal Kingdom holds fast to its original vision: to celebrate the beauty of the natural world, honor diverse cultures, and inspire every guest to care a little more deeply about the world we share. Here’s to 27 years of magic—and many more to come.