Imagineer Joe Rohde is the creative genius behind most of Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 22 is Earth Day, which is also the anniversary of the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park has been providing thrills and animal adventures for 22 years! This year April 22 is the Gold Anniversary of Earth Day and the Silver Anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, and it is no coincidence that they all share that date.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom you can travel back in time or across the universe. If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, you can experience Asia or Africa. I’ll admit that compared to the other three parks it took a little while to win me over, but now consider me smitten. My appreciation for all that DAK has to offer grows each time I visit.
One of the nice things about Disney’s Animal Kingdom is that there is something for everyone. If you love thrills, arguably the best thrill ride at Walt Disney World is located there. If you like a slower pace, there are rides that the whole family can enjoy together. The shows are phenomenal. If you’re tired, spend some time on the trails. You can go at your own speed. It’s easy for me to lose track of time when watching the animals, especially when we stop by the meerkats.
What could be my favorite quick service restaurant at Walt Disney World is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I knew that Satu’li Canteen was special the first time that we ever stopped by. I will always order the same thing; the Crispy-Spiced Fried Tofu Bowl with Red and Sweet Potato Hash as the base and Charred Green Onion Vinaigrette for the sauce. I can’t eat spicy foods, I don’t tolerate them well, but this is the one dish that I will make an exception for. I can almost feel my eyes watering just thinking about it.
Avatar Flight of Passage took theme park rides to a whole new level. It is in a class by itself. If the Standby Line is “only 60 minutes long” it’s considered a short Wait Time. That said, the queue is so incredible that the wait goes by quickly. Everyone needs to go through that line at least once.
I love nighttime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Rivers of Light is a gorgeous production that is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated attractions at Walt Disney World. The projections on the Tree of Life really make it come alive. (That’s another place where I can lose track of time.) My favorite, though, is to walk through Pandora after dark. The best time is near closing time, because the crowds will be all but gone. I could just slowly wander through the area for hours if they would let me. Until they opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora after dark was my favorite place to visit at any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
So Happy Birthday, Disney’s Animal Kingdom! I hope that soon we are able to once again enjoy all that you have to offer. We miss you.