Happy Earth Day! Today also marks the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This park, which is dedicated to helping people be inspired by the natural world both real and imagined is the perfect park to celebrate Earth Day at. For those who can’t be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, however, we thought it would be fun to take a look at this iconic park and some of its best experiences from the comfort of our own homes. Below are five favorite experiences that the Daps Magic team has had at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in honor of Earth Day.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
The Kilimanjaro Safaris is a must-do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Ride aboard a safari truck through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve with a guide who points out animals from the 30 species found on the 110 acre attraction. This is an absolutely beautiful experience that is both fun and educational. It really is the epitome of edutainment.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! tells the story of Nemo, Marlin, and Dory from the perspective of the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in Finding Nemo who have by now made their way to the Marine Life Institute. It has some favorite songs like In The Big Blue World and Go With the Flow from the previous iteration of the show. Along with being a musical, this show also has puppets and other fun effects!
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
It’s hard to miss Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests get to explore their way through a Tibetan village as they make their way to a train to clime the Himalayan peaks… where there might be a legendary snow monster found in the mountain. Soon the train is racing down the mountain as the mythic Yeti roars to life! This is one of the best attractions not just at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but in all Disney Parks around the globe.
Festival of the Lion King
It’s the circle of life when guests see Festival of the Lion King in this theater in the round at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With acrobats, puppets, and favorite characters from The Lion King, this incredible show retells Simba’s story as seen in the animated feature film. It also has favorite songs from the film as well! It is another must-do experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Na’vi River Journey
It is difficult to choose between Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage when thinking of experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Day. However, I do think that the Na’vi River Journey focuses on the beauty of nature in a way that is special and focuses solely on the beauty of the world around us, in this case the world being Pandora. Instead of focusing on the the Avatar experience of flying on a Banshee, this attraction simply celebrates the beauty of nature. In some ways, this is one of the attractions that is most true to what Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about.
25 years ago on Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened at Walt Disney World Resort. Since then, it has combined family entertainment and a push to both celebrate and protect the natural world around us. It is a beautiful park with a beautiful theme that continues to celebrate Earth Day every day of the year. It also seeks to gain more attention and support to conservation of our planet through the Disney Conservation Fund. This is worth checking out and supporting as we all work together to keep our planet and its inhabitants safe and protected not just today but for generations to come.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings the magic of the natural world in a way only can be. Today we celebrate this park and also the planet which we inhabit. Happy Earth Day and happy anniversary to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! What is your favorite experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? What is your favorite memory? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
