Celebrating 25 Years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Filed in: Disney's Animal Kingdom

1 of 12

  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. The park icon – the towering Tree of Life – features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. On April 22, 1998, the gates of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened to guests for the first time. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. Prior to opening, the opening day cast celebrated with a cast photo in front of the Tree of Life. (DISNEY)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park was dedicated on April 21, 1998, featuring a musical salute to animals. (DISNEY)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. On Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests can set off in an open-air vehicles for a guided tour of a lush African savanna and spot real animals roaming free. (Amy Smith, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. On Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests can set off in an open-air vehicles for a guided tour of a lush African savanna and spot real animals roaming free. (Amy Smith, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. In March 1999, Kali River Rapids opened, sending guests swirling on a whirling white-water raft ride. (David Roark, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opens on April 7, 2006, taking guests on a high-speed journey through the Himalayan Mountains while avoiding the clutches of the mythic Yeti. (David Roark, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opens on April 7, 2006, taking guests on a high-speed journey through the Himalayan Mountains while avoiding the clutches of the mythic Yeti. (David Roark, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. Festival of the Lion King, the popular, high-energy live musical performed inside the Harambe Theatre combines music, puppetry and pageantry inspired by Disney's animated film classic, "The Lion King." (Ryan Wendler, photographer)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. On May 27, 2017, Pandora – The World of Avatar opens as the largest addition in the history of the park, allowing guests to step into the world of “Avatar.” (DISNEY)
  • Celebrating 25 years in 2023, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a new way for guests to appreciate, enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the natural world around them. The freshly reimagined “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” debuts June 10, 2022. (Steven Diaz, photographer)