Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 25 Years

on April 21, 2023

Walt Disney World’s youngest park celebrates its silver anniversary this year on April 22nd. Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened its doors to guests on April 22nd, 1998 which is also Earth Day. This park introduced an entirely new way to experience nature and Disney.

“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

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has evolved in a number of ways over its 25 years. From new thrills like Expedition Everest which opened in 2006 to an entirely new immersive world in Pandora. Through it all, the park has remained true to its vision.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the park, various things will be happening to mark the momentous occasion. Guests will be able to indulge in specialty treats throughout the park. Commemorative merchandise will be for sale featuring the 25th anniversary logo as well. Guests will even be able to meet not normally seen characters including the debut of a brand new meet and greet for Moana!

At its core, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about the animals and conservation. In 1995, Disney began the Disney Conservation Fund which guests when visiting Animal Kingdom can help donate towards. Since starting, the fund has directed more than $125 million towards helping wildlife and protecting the planet.

Here is a look back at 25 milestone moments in the park’s 25-year history:

April 22, 1995

The Disney Conservation Fund was established to start supporting the protection of wildlife and wild places around the world.

June 20, 1995

Plans for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are announced. The new park will feature a combination of thrilling rides, exotic landscapes and close encounters with wild animals and promises an entirely new kind of guest experience.

August 4, 1995

Groundbreaking takes place for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

April 26, 1997

Two two-year-old reticulated giraffes, Miles and Zari, are the first animals to arrive at the park.

October 5, 1997

A baby kudu is the first animal born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

April 21, 1998

Roy E. Disney joins Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner at the park’s dedication ceremony, which features a musical salute to animals.

April 22, 1998

On Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its doors with a colorful ceremony celebrating animals real, ancient and imagined.

September 1998

The park receives accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly American Zoo and Aquarium Association).

March 1, 1999

Grand Opening of Asia, which includes Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek, takes place.

May 17, 2000

Dino-Sue, an exact replica of the largest and most complete and Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil found up to that time, goes on display in DinoLand U.S.A.

October 2000

Conservation Station becomes Rafiki’s Planet Watch and continues to share with guests an in-depth look at animal habitats around the globe and the expert veterinary care animals receive at the park.

April 7, 2006

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opens, thrilling guests with a high-speed journey through the Himalayan Mountains while avoiding the clutches of the mythic Yeti.

April 22, 2007

Inaugural “Party for the Planet,” the park’s annual Earth Day celebration, takes place.

June 1, 2013

Wilderness Explorers program debuts, letting guests follow in the footsteps of Russell from the Disney Pixar film “Up” to earn adventure badges around the park.

May 27, 2016

Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge open, offering immersive dining experiences inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators.

May 27, 2017

Pandora – The World of Avatar opens as the largest addition in the history of the park. This award-winning land, which features Pandora’s trademark floating mountains and glowing bioluminescence, lets guests step into the world of James Cameron’s “Avatar.”

April 22, 2018

The park’s 20th Anniversary is marked with “Party for the Planet” event on Earth Day.

November 18, 2019

New holiday offerings, including the whimsical Merry Menagerie artisan-made puppets on Discovery Island, debut.

July 11, 2020

Character flotillas arrive along Discovery River, giving guests an opportunity to view and interact with beloved characters.

September 25, 2020

“Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” debuts on Disney+. The eight-part docuseries gives viewers an all-access backstage pass to meet the animal care experts who have formed bonds with the park’s thousands of animals.

October 26, 2020

Ranger is born, the first of three white rhino calves born at the park in a 13-month period.

September 15, 2021

Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment begins participation in American Institute of Rhinoceros Science multi-year research project designed to ensure that rhinos thrive in managed care.

June 10, 2022