==Opening Day==
Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day 1998 (April 22). At the opening of the park, the song The Circle of Life from Disney's The Lion King played as guests were showered with rose pedals. A half hour after the park had opened, the parking lot was filled to capacity. 45 minutes later, the park itself was filled to capacity. The first offical official guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom were the Werikhas family. They were greeted by Roy E . Disney and given lifetime passes. Unlike previous theme park openings, the event was not a star studded one. However, Drew Carey did make an appearance in Camp Minnie Mickey to film a television clip for ABC. Some 5,000 reporters were also on hand as Michael Eisner , the CEO of Disney , read the dedication:
{{Quotation|Welcome to a kingdom of animals… real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn.|
Michael Eisner April 22, 1998}}
Animal Kingdom opened without many with few problems, however although Countdown to Extinction did break down for over an hour. Overall the grand opening was a success.
==History After Opening Day==