Photos courtesy Disney Parks BlogIt’s hard to believe that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to celebrate its Silver Anniversary! I can remember looking for any little bit of information 25 years ago, trying to learn all that I could and dreaming of when I would finally walk through the gates. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will officially turn 25 on April 22, which is also Earth Day. I won’t be there (I have some pretty cool Earth Day plans that I’ll share later, weather permitting) but I will be by soon after. Here are four things to get you excited for the big day from Disney Parks Blog.
***
4 Reasons to Get Excited For the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
by Alexis Mack, PR Senior Specialist at Walt Disney World
Jambo! It’s an exciting time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and we can’t wait to share all that is new with you. Just in time for the celebration of Earth Month and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, which is also Earth Day, let’s go on an adventure and explore the magic of nature at the theme park we love so much.
From special merchandise to nature-themed food and beverage offerings to adventurous in-park experiences, there are so many opportunities to celebrate. Check out these four ways below!
1. TREE’t Yourself with 25th Anniversary-Inspired Merchandise
In honor of this milestone, you can show off your love for the park with items from the new Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary collection, available starting April 21 for a limited time at Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company and Mombasa Marketplace. The earthy collection includes everything from a commemorative Spirit Jersey to a tumbler and a pocket tee. Guests can also find a limited-edition commemorative Earth Month pin available for purchase now at select retail locations in the park. All of these items add up to the perfect “OOTPD” (outfit of the park day) for your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Also, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Coming soon is a 25th Anniversary Mini Loungefly Backpack and bucket hat that you won’t want to miss out on!
2. Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure With Commemorative Menu Offerings
What’s a Walt Disney World celebration without some delicious treats? Throughout Earth Month and on the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can enjoy new food and beverage offerings that celebrate this unique park.
New items debuting throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom exclusively on April 22 include the Colossal Elephant Roll and the 25th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake. At Tiffins Restaurant, guests can enjoy a 25th Anniversary Dessert Platter, or they can dig into a 25th Anniversary Earth Tart at Tusker House Restaurant.
Additional Earth Month-themed sweets and sips will be available in the park throughout April, like the Bee Hive Mousse Dome and Flamingo Cupcake as well as the Bubbling Pink Lagoon and Viva Gaia Tonic drinks. Fun fact: The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae features a white chocolate image of Kejana, one of the beloved gorillas you can see in the park.
All of these items and more can be found in the Disney Eats Earth Month Foodie Guide.
3. Strike a Wild Pose with Friends and Family
Starting April 16, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer photo ops in celebration of Earth Month and the park’s 25th anniversary! You can enjoy special props, Magic Shots and more to celebrate when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In the spirit of sustainability, the 25th anniversary sign prop is made completely out of recycled materials, including upcycled sign backers as well as cast member costumes and patches.
4. Explore Commemorative Wilderness Experiences
Adventure is out there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this month, and as someone who loves to draw, I am most excited about The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. During the month of April, you can learn to draw characters like Dumbo, Terk from “Tarzan,” Crush or Bruce from “Finding Nemo,” Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh” or Simba from “The Lion King”! Adventure doesn’t stop there though; from April 16 to April 23, Wilderness Explorers have the opportunity to earn a special badge by completing a limited-time nature challenge.
To experience the 25th anniversary celebration on April 22 and the rest of the guest-favorite thrills throughout the park, you must have a valid park ticket and a park reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more exciting information leading up to the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!