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Disney's Animal Kingdom

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/* History After Opening Day */
{{Template:Infobox amusement park
| image=TreeOfLifeday.jpg
| caption='''The Tree of Life, the icon of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom.'''| theme=Animals and , nature, conservation
| opening_date=April 22, 1998
| homepage=[http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/ Animal Kingdom Homepage]
| icon=The Tree of Life
}}
Disney's Animal Kingdom is a theme park located in Walt Disney World.
==Conception <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>==
The genesis of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a began when Disney noted that the idea of an animal theme park located in tested well on surveys. This feedback, combined with the fact that Disney owned several intellectual properties that featured animals, convinced Disney CEO Michael Eisner to send the idea of an animal theme park to Walt Disney WorldImagineering. In 1990, Imagineer Joe Rohde met with Eisner to discuss the new park. Rohde’s vision for the park was threefold, it would feature traditional theme park components, an Epcot Center style pavilion, and a nontraditional zoo. [[Image:AnimalKingdomConcept.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art for Disney's Animal Kingdom]] Eisner agreed to the basic premise of the park, commenting that like the Magic Kingdom, Disney should also have an Animal Kingdom. With this objective in mind, Rohde and his team of six Imagineers (Kevin Brown, Zofia Kostyrko, Kevin Brown, Christopher West, Tony Marando and Patsy Tillisch) set out to create a basic outline for the new park.
==Conception==In July 1990, Joe Rohde and his team flew to Africa to get first hand experience of the type of environment that they wished to create. In total, during the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Rohde and his Imagineers visited Africa six times. Using these trips as inspiration, the team recalled many of their experiences when creating [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]].
Although the As plans for Disney's Animal Kingdom began in 1989, the idea of the park can continued to develop, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells wondered if simply encountering animals would be traced back to Walt Disney himself. When designing the attraction the [[Jungle Cruise]] a big enough draw for Disneyland, Walt wanted guests to see real animals. Walt felt To prove that being in close proximity to real animals would give guests this was the case, Joe Rohde brought a unique 400 pound Bengal tiger into a meeting he was having with Eisner and exciting experienceFrank Wells. Eventually howeverAs Rohde gave his presentation, it was decided that real animals would be too unpredictable and each guest on the attraction would not get an even experiencetiger sauntered around the room.When After feeling the Jungle Cruise opened it featured Audio Anamatronic animalseffect of being so close to a tiger, who were much more predictable Eisner and Wells relented and consistent than live ones. Although Walt never got to see it, animal encounters would be the focal point of Disney's Animal Kingdom took his basic idea and expanded it to a much larger scale.
When Walt Disney World was ready to expanded again in 1989, Michael During another meeting with Eisner (and other executives, the CEO of Disney) tasked his CEO told Imagineers with creating that he wanted a theme [[DinoLand]] in the new park based on animals. In 1990 a team of Imagineers led by Joe Rohde began brainstorming different Other ideas for stemming from these meetings included the parkOasis (which would serve as the entryway) [[Safari Village]] (the parks hub) and Discovery River. In By 1992 , the park basic layout of the park was finally adoptedin place. It was decided that Guests would enter through the [[Oasis]] before arriving at [[Safari Village]]. From there, guests could explore the park would be part zoo 's other lands including [[DinoLand USA]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and part theme parka land dedicated to imaginary animals called Beastly Kingdomme.
The idea for a new animal theme parkFinally, after years of development, was put on hold during the early 1990s. A recession had hit the countryJune 21, and theme parks were hit hard. Also complicating matters1995, Disney's newest park- Disneyland Paris, Wild Animal Kingdom was not doing as well as Disney had expectedofficially announced. However in 1994 with When discussing the economy picking up, and the recent success of the Disney movie The Lion King, plans for a new theme park were once again put in motion. From 1992-1995 Disney Imagineers studied wild animals in their natural habit (focusing on Africa). , Michael Eisner stated:
Within Disney however, their was much debate on whether {{Quotation|“This is to the new park traditional zoo as the motion picture was a good idea. Many worried that to the public would not want to visit a zoo while on vacationstage play. Besides the fact A leap forward that there were zoos all over keeps the country, Disney worried that people thought concept of zoos as depressing places with caged combining education and entertainment alive and well. The need for awareness of endangered animals. Joe Rohde and his Imagineers however, believed in their ideaenvironments has never been greater. They explained that the animals would be living We are in a re-creation of their natural habitat. Their would be no fences, but natural boundaries (such as moats or rocks) that the animals would not cross. Animal Kingdom would not be a zoo, but a place of conservation, that taught guests the importance of nature. Although the idea of the park was eventually seen as feasible, Michael Eisner unique position to promote deeper understanding and other executives worried that simply seeing animals would not be exciting enough love for guests. Joe Rohde and his Imagineers however felt, like Walt Disney, that being in such close proximity to wild all animals would be thrilling to guests. To prove his point, Joe brought a 400 pound tiger into a meeting. While he was giving a speech, to persuade the company to build the park, the Tiger walked around the table. The tiger went right next to "|Michael Eisner before eventually exiting the room. After the demonstration Eisner had to agree with Joe Rohde. He announced the park in June of 1995 and Disney's Animal Kingdom was green lit for construction.}}
==Construction==
[[Image:TreeofLifeConstruction3.jpg|400px|thumb|Disney's Animal Kingdom under construction]]
Construction on Disney's Animal Kingdom began in August of 1995. Four million cubic yards of dirt were moved and nearly 40,000 plants were added during the park's construction <ref name= "trivia"/>. During this process it was decided that the plants in Animal Kingdom would need to be in the ground for two growing seasons before the animals arrived. This meant that the horticulture team, led by Disney Legend Bill Evans, had until the spring of 1996 to get all the plants in place <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue863.htm </ref>. This deadline was met, and in the fall of 1997, the animals were brought into the park <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/01/kilimanjaro_safaris_at_animal_1.html </ref>. These animals came from various zoo's or wildlife preserves around the world. A few animals were also from the wild, but were too injured to be re-released. In total Animal Kingdom is home to over 1,700 animals.
Construction As construction on Disney's Animal Kingdom began in August of 1995. Like other Disney theme parks, Animal Kingdom was made up of various "lands". The lands in Disney's Animal Kingdom were going to be: The Oasis, Safari Village, Africa, Asia, Conservation Station, Dinoland USA and Beastly Kingdom. Through these lands, Animal Kingdom was supposed to represent, three groups of animals, current living animals, extinct animals, and mythological animals.  Animal Kingdom cost nearly one billion dollars to built. Four million cubic yards of dirt were moved and nearly 40,000 plants were added. It was decided that the plants in Animal Kingdom would need to be put in for two growing seasons before the animals arrived. This meant that the construction team had until the Spring of 1996 to get all the plants in place. This deadline was met, and the fall of 1997 the animals were brought in. They came from various zoo's or wildlife preserves around the world. A few animals were also from the wild, but were too injured to be re-released. In total Animal Kingdom is home to over 1,700 animals.  [[Image:AnimalKingdomSerfariElands.jpg|thumb|Elands grazing on the Kilimanjaro Safari]] As construction continued, funds for the new park began to dwindle. Eventually it was decided that Animal Kingdom would have to open in three phases. The first phase would consist of The Oasis, [[Safari Village]], [[Africa]], [[Conservation Station]], and an unfinished [[Asia]]. Also included in phase one Phase I would be either Dinoland [[DinoLand USA ]] or Beastly KingdomKingdomme <ref name= "jim"> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/309.aspx </ref>. Disney eventually decided to build Dinoland DinoLand USA, possibly due to the new Dinosaur movie “Dinosaur” that they were releasing was set to be released in 2000<ref name= "jim"/>.
Phase II of Animal Kingdom was planned to be the completion of [[Asia]], along with Phase III being the construction of Beastly Kingdom. Due to the park not being completed on opening day, Camp Minnie -Mickey, a place where guests could meet various Disney characters , was created as a temporary land. It Camp Minnie-Mickey was essential to be essentially a place holder until the Beastly Kingdom land could be built<ref> http://www.yesterland.com/campmm.html </ref>. Besides the lands, the park would feature the Kilimanjaro Safari which would allow guests to see the animals in a natural way, as if they were on safari.
Like the other Disney Parksparks, Imagineers knew that Disney's Animal Kingdom also has an would need a "weenie" or icon"-The Tree of Lifeto draw guests into the park. The tree of life stands 145 feet tall and is made of mostly steelfirst icon considered for the park was the Animal Carousel <ref name= "book"/>. Imagineers had a hard time figuring out how to make the tree look authenticThis three tiered structure would have featured birds, while being able to withstand hurricane winds. On top of all animals and fish thatguests could ride on, as they went around the tree would also have to house the 3D attraction It's Tough To Be A Bug! The solution they carousel. Michael Eisner eventually rejected this idea because he though it was "too frivolous"<ref name= "book"/>, and Imagineers came up with was actually fairly simple. First they took the structure of an oil rig for the base. 45 secondary branches were then added to the tree followed by 756 tertiary branches and finally 891 end branches. a new icon- The Tree was then covered with 102,583 man made leavesof Life.
Although Initially, Imagineers had a tough time figuring out how to create the massive icon <ref name= "tree"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html </ref>. The tree had to look authentic, while being able to withstand hurricane level winds<ref name= "tree"/> . On top of that, the tree itself would also have been enoughto house the attraction [[It's Tough to be a Bug!]] (the show was chosen over an earlier idea of having a restaurant inside the icon) <ref name= "tree"/>. Eventually however, Disney took it Imagineers came up with a step furtherfairly simple solution. First, they took the structure of an oil rig for the base<ref name= "tree"/>. Next, 45 secondary branches were then added to the tree, followed by 756 tertiary branches and finally 891 end branches. The tree was then covered with 102,583 man-made leaves. After the structure was complete, 20 artisans carved over 300 animals into the structure's branches and trunk<ref name= "tree"/>. When the Tree of Life was completed , it looked as if the animals themselves were making up the stood 145 feet tall <ref name= "tree. Construction on Disney's Animal Kingdom finished in the Spring of 1998 and opened April 22, 1998. When completed Animal Kingdom was an astonishing 500 acres"/>.
==Opening Day==
 Disney's Animal Kingdom officially opened on Earth Day 1998 (April 22, 1998 (Earth Day). At the opening of the park, the song The “The Circle of Life Life” from Disney's The Lion King played as guests were showered with rose pedalspetals <ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_opn.htm </ref>. A half hour after the park had opened, ; the parking lot was filled to capacity. , and 45 minutes later, the park itself was filled to capacity<ref name= "day"/>. The first offical official guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom were the Werikhas familyBrenda Herr, her husband Damon Chepren, and their son Devon <ref name= "day"> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/apr22.html </ref>. They were greeted by Roy E . Disney and given lifetime passesto Walt Disney World. Unlike previous theme park openings, the event Grand Opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom was not a star studded oneaffair, although Michael J. HoweverFox, Drew Carey , Stevie Wonder, and David Copperfield did make an appearance in Camp Minnie Mickey to film a television clip for ABCappear <ref> http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1998-04-20/news/9804190408_1_walt-disney-animal-kingdom-disney-theme </ref>. Some 5,000 reporters were also on hand as Michael Eisner the CEO of Disney read the park's 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 <br> April 22, 1998}} Animal Kingdom opened without many problems, however Countdown to Extinction did break down for over an hour. Overall the grand opening was a success.
==History After Opening Day==
[[Image:ExpeditionEverest3.jpg|400px|thumb|Expedition Everest opened in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2006.]]Although relatively young compared to the other Disney Parks, Animal Kingdom as has gone through a lot of several changesthroughout its history. In The first major expansion of the park came in 1999 , when [[Asia ]] was finally completed<ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_asia.htm </ref>. Added to the land at this time were the popular attractions the [[Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Kali River Rapids]] <ref> https://touringplans. The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a wildlife trail along which guests will encounter bats, a Komodo dragon, com/animal-kingdom/attractions/maharajah-jungle-trek </ref> and even a Bengal Tiger. The Kali River Rapids is a white water rafting ride, that takes guests down the Chakranadi River. The [[Kali River Rapids also addresses the issues of illegal logging and habitat destruction]].The [[Discovery River Boats that were once located ]] (which had a dock in Asia ) closed with the opening of the new attractions<ref>http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm</ref>.
In 2000 and 2001 many of Animal Kingdoms Kingdom's lands were renamed. The former [[Safari Village ]] became [[Discovery Island and the ]] <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id131.htm </ref>, while [[Conservation Station became Rifiki]] was renamed [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]] <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/07/rafikis_planet_watch_the_forgo.html </ref>. The change in name to Discovery Island coincided with the closing of the Discovery Island attraction in on Bay Lake. Also changing it's names its name at this time was the popular Dinoland [[DinoLand USA ]] attraction, [[Countdown To Extinction]]. That ride was re-named after, and slightly altered , to tie into the 2000 Disney movie [[Dinosaur]] <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10881/Remembering_the_Magic_Countdown_To_Extinction__DINOSAUR </ref>.
In 2001 change came saw another expansion of Disney's Animal Kingdom. At this time, [[Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama]] was added to Dinoland [[DinoLand USA with the addition of ]]. This mini land housed Midway Games (later renamed [[Fossil Fun GroundGames]]) and the [[TriceraTop Spin]] <ref name= "d23"> https://d23.com/a-to-z/chester-hesters/ </ref>. The Fossil Fun Ground features dinosaur themed carnival gamesfollowing year on April 18, while TriceraTop Spin 2002, [[Primeval Whirl]] was a dinosaur themed added to the area <ref name= "Dumbod23" attraction/>.
[[Image:ExpeditionEverestAtday.jpg|thumb|Expedition Everest opened in 2006.]]The next set of major changes came to Animal Kingdom in 2006. In Dinoland DinoLand USA, Finding Nemo- the Musical replaced Tarzan Rocks, which had been their operating since 1999<ref> http://allears. Finding Nemo- The Musical is a Broadway style show which uses live entertainers and puppets to tell the story of the 2003 Disney movie Finding Nemonet/tp/ak/nemo.htm </ref>. Also in 2006, the “E-Ticket” roller coaster [[Expedition Everest ]] was built in [[Asia]]. The attraction is a roller high speed coaster set in the Himalayas , and it includes a close encounter with the fabled Yeti. By including the Yeti in the attraction, Disney's Animal Kingdom finally featured a mythical creature. In 2008 the popular Yak and Yeti restaurant opened in Asia as did Donald's Safari Breakfast at (which had been promised since the Tusker House Restaurantpark’s dedication).
In 2014 Camp Minnie-Mickey was closed in order to make way for a new area of the park based on James Cameron's 2009 film “Avatar” <ref name="attractions"> https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=Beastly Kingdom1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=One change that has yet to come to Animal Kingdom is the addition Festival+of Beastly Kingdom+Lion+King+closed+Avatar </ref>. Despite a dragon being featured on Following the parkland's logo, there are currently no plans closure the [[Festival of the Lion King]] attraction was relocated to build a new section of [[Africa]] called “New Harambe” <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/07/a-new-home-for-festival-of-the land-lion-king-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. Camp Minnie Mickey proved In 2015 the Harambe Marketplace opened to be popular with guests, and it . The new area was determained that the small increase in guests would not warrant the costthemed around a “Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower”. Despite this, remenets of Inside the planned Beastly Kingdom Harambe Marketplace guests can still be found includingvisit various food vendors who sell African inspired quinine <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/fun-new-tastes-at-harambe-market-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.
*2016 saw several new experiences come to Animal Kingdom. The parking lot contains Jungle Book: Alive with Magic stage show opened as a section named "Unicorntemporary offering based on the Disney live-action film The Jungle Book. Also debuting at this time was the [[Kilimanjaro Night Safaris]] and the Tree of Life Awakens, a nighttime event where magical fireflies make animal spirits come alive on the Tree of Life. <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/update-on-nighttime-experiences-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>."
*There is a dragonOn February 17, 2017, Rivers of Light, Disney's Animal Kingdom's new nighttime show, opened to guests <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/rivers-shaped stone fountain near Camp Minnieof-Mickeylight-officially-opens-february-17-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. Finally, on May 27, 2017, [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]] opened to guests <ref>https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/just-announced-pandora-the-world-of-avatar-will-open-may-27-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/</ref>. Based on the 2009 James Cameron film, Pandora- The World of Avatar transports guests to the planet Pandora and features the attractions [[Flight of Passage]] and [[Na'vi River Journey]].
*A detailed dragonhead statue sits atop one On July 16, 2020, Disney announced that Rivers of the ticket booths at Light would not reopen with the park's entrance, and would be permanently discontinued <ref> https://wdwnt.com/2020/07/breaking-stitchs-great-escape-rivers-of-light-and-primeval-whirl-officially-closed-forever-at-walt-disney-world/ </ref>.
*In At the first couple years of the parks existance2022 D23 Expo, blasts of fire would be spewed from Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro showcased Blue Sky concepts for a cave new land inspired by Disney's Moana and Disney's Zootopia. Based on the concept art, as well as comments made at the edge Expo, the new land would replace [[DinoLand USA]]. At the time of the waterannouncement, no further details were given and plans for the new area remain in flux <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/news/11sep2022-disney-parks-head-josh-damaro-share-some-zootpoia-blue-sky-concepts-for-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm </ref>.===Beastly Kingdomme===One change that has yet to (and may never) come to Animal Kingdom is the addition of Beastly Kingdomme. Despite a dragon being featured on the park's original logo, there are currently no plans to build the land. Camp Minnie-Mickeyproved to be popular with guests, and thus the land set aside for Beastly Kingdom remained in use. With the creation of [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]] it is unlikely that Beastly Kingdomme will be built. Despite this, remnants of the planned Beastly Kingdom can still be found including:
*Burnt suits of armor were located just outside the cave entrance, and when the Discovery Boats passed this scene guests were told by the boat's captain that the fire was created by The parking lot contains a fire-breathing dragon inside the cavesection named "Unicorn" <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/avatarkingdom.html </ref>.
==Current Lands==*A detailed dragonhead statue sits atop one of the ticket booths at the park's entrance <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/columns/walt-disney-world-never-built.cfm </ref>.
===Oasis===Located at *In the front first couple years of the parkparks existence, blasts of fire would be spewed from a cave at the Oasis is edge of the first land guests encounterwater near Camp Minnie-Mickey <ref name= "hill"> http://jimhillmedia. Located here is guests services as well as the Rain Forest Cafecom/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/10/19/479. The Oasis leads to the parks hub, Discovery Islandaspx </ref>.Also debuting at this time
*Burnt suits of armor were located just outside the cave entrance, and when the Discovery Boats passed this scene, guests were told by the boat'''[[Oasis Exhibits]]'''s captain that the fire was created by a fire- This walking trail allows guests to see many animals including breathing dragon inside the giant anteater, wallabies, exotic boar and more!cave <ref name= "hill"/>.
===Discovery Island=Backstory==Originally called Safari VillageAccording to The World According to Jack the backstory for Disney's Animal Kingdom states{{Quotation|'Once upon a time, no vegetation would grow on Discovery Island is the hub . There were no trees, no shrubs, no flowers, nothing. It was a barren piece of land. Then, one day, a tiny ant planted a seed and made a wish. He asked for a tree to grow – a tree large enough to provide shelter for all the parkanimals. From Discovery Island guests can get Magically, the ant’s wish came true and a tree began to grow -- and it kept growing until there was room beneath its limbs for all of the other lands except Rafiki's Planet Watchanimals from A (ants) to Z (zebras). Disney's Animal Kingdom's iconAnd as the tree continued to reach for the heavens, The Tree the images of Life can be found all the animals that took shelter beneath its shade appeared on Discovery Islandits trunk, roots, and branches.<ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html </ref>}}
==Current Lands==To see the current Animal Kingdom map [https://secure.parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/wdpro-assets/parks-and-tickets/destinations/animal-kingdom/Disneys_Animal_Kingdom.pdf?16052017140623'''Click Here'''.]===Oasis===[[It's Tough Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap2020.jpg|thumb|400px|The 2021 Animal Kingdom map (click to be a Bug!enlarge)]]'''- On this 4D attraction, guests enter Located at the world front of the Disney-Pixar movie A Bugs Life. Here, they meet up with Flick, Dotpark, the Oasis is the first land that guests encounter. Guest Services and even Hopper as they learn some of the challenges of being a bug!Rain Forest Cafe are located here. The Oasis leads to the park's hub, [[Discovery Island]].
'''[[Discovery Island TrailsOasis Exhibits]]'''- On this short This walking trail, allows guests can find Galapagos tortoisesto see many animals including: the giant anteater, lemurswallabies, kangaroos exotic boar and other exotic animalsmore.
===Camp Minnie Mickey[[Discovery Island]]===Originally intended to be a temporary land, Camp Minnie Mickey is located where Beastly Kingdom was supposed to be built. Here, guests can meet their favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. The main attraction located in Camp Minnie Mickey is the Broadway style show, Festival of the Lion King.Main Article: [[Discovery Island]]
'''[[Festival Originally called Safari Village, Discovery Island is the hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From Discovery Island guests can get to all the Lion Kingpark’s other lands except for [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]. Animal Kingdom'''- This Broadway style show uses puppetrys icon “The Tree of Life” can be found in Discovery Island, song, dance and special effects to tell inside which guests can find the story of Disney[[It's The Lion KingTough to be a Bug!]] attraction.
'''===[[Greeting TrailsAfrica]]===Main Article: [[Africa]]'''- On the Greeting Trails, guests can find some of their favorite Disney characters including, Mickey, Donald, Minnie and Timon.
===Africa===Home to the popular [[Kilimanjaro SafariSafaris]], the Africa section of the park takes place in the fictional African village of Harambe. According to the land's backstory, Harambe was once a colony, but it gained it's before gaining its freedom in 1961 after a peaceful revolution. Harambe is currently home to a wildlife reserve, where tourists can see some of Africa's most interesting animals. In 2014 the Africa section of the park was expanded to house the relocated [[Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap.jpg|thumb|A 2011 guidemap to Animal KingdomFestival of the Lion King]].
'''===[[Kilimanjaro SafarisRafiki's Planet Watch]]===Main Article: [[Rafiki'''- On this 22 minute safari, guests ride through the Savannah Desert in East Africa. Along the way, guests come face to face with elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos and much more! The safari us usually operational until sundown. s Planet Watch]]
Rafiki'''s Planet Watch was called Conservation Station from 1998 until October 2000. It is the only land not accessible from [[Pangani Forest Exploration TrailDiscovery Island]]. In order to get to Rafiki'''- On this 3/8 of a mile walking trail, s Planet Watch guests can observe some of must board the [[Wildlife Express Train]] which travels between [[Africa's most exotic animals. okapis, meerkats, hippos, ]] and Western Lowland Gorillas can all be seen herethe Planet Watch.
'''===[[Wildlife Express TrainAsia]]'''- This seven minute train ride transports guests from ===[[Image:MickeyandRafikijpeg.jpeg|thumb|400px|Mickey and Rafiki in front of the African village Tree of Harambe to Rafiki's Planet Watch and vice versa.Life]]Main Article: [[Asia]]
Perhaps the most popular land in Disney'''Wild Africa Trek'''- This three hour tour allows guests s Animal Kingdom, Asia was not complete until 1999. Set in the township of Anandpur, the land is home to trek through the African wilderness popular [[Kali River Rapids]] and the Savannah Desert, where they can get an up close look at various African animals. The tour requires guests to pay an additional cost[[Expedition Everest]].
===Rafiki's Planet Watch[[DinoLand USA]]===Rafkik's Planet Watch was originally called Conservation Station, and is the only land not accessible from Discovery Island. In order to get to Rafiki's Planet Watch guests must board the Wildlife Express Train, which travels between Africa and the Planet Watch. Main Article: [[DinoLand USA]]
'''DinoLand USA is home to the [[Wildlife Express TrainDino Institute]]'''- This seven minute train ride transports , which allows guests from to travel back in time and come face to face with dinosaurs. In 2001 the African village of Harambe land was expanded to Rafiki's Planet Watch include Chester and vice versaHester’s Dino-Rama. This new area is themed like a roadside attraction which was built to capitalize on the success of the nearby institute.
'''===[[Habitat Habit!Pandora- The World of Avatar]]'''===Main Article: [[Pandora- This short walking trail features various exhibits that teach guests how they can help conserve the environment. The trail is also home to a small group World of Cotton-top Tamarin monkeys. Avatar]]
Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the land of James Cameron'''s Avatar. On Pandora guests can travel on the [[Conservation StationNa'vi River Journey]]'''- At Conservation Stationattraction, guests can an in-depth look at how Disney takes care or take flight on a Banshee on [[Flight of the animals located within Disney's Animal KingdomPassage]]. Interactive exhibits and live animals also help guests learn about various animal habitatsPandora – The World of Avatar was constructed on the land formally occupied by [[Camp Minnie-Mickey]].
'''==Former Lands=====Camp Minnie-Mickey===Initially intended to be a temporary land, Camp Minnie-Mickey was constructed where Beastly Kingdomme was originally intended to be built. At Camp Minnie-Mickey, guests could meet their favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. The main attraction located in Camp Minnie-Mickey was the Broadway style show [[Affection SectionFestival of the Lion King]]'''. In 2014 Camp Minnie- This small petting zoo features domesticated animals from all over Mickey closed in order to make room for [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]. Following Camp Minnie-Mickey's closure, Festival of the Lion King was relocated to the [[Africa]] section of the world!park.
===Asia=Disney Genie +==Perhaps the most popular land [[Image:AnimalKingdomfastpass.jpg|350px|thumb|Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Asia was not complete until 1999. The land is home to Disney's newest attraction Expedition Everest. Pandora]]{| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| * [[Kali River Rapids]]| * [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]] |* [[DINOSAUR]] |* [[Feathered Friends in Flight!]]| |-| * [[Na'vi River Journey]]|* [[It's Tough to be a Bug!]]| * [[The Animation Experience]]|* [[Festival of the Lion King]]|-||}
===Lightning Lane===Disney's Animal Kingdom''s two Lightning Lane exclusive attractions are:{| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| * [[Flight of Wonders'''Passage]]| * [[Expedition Everest]]||- In this show, guests can see various tricks performed by all kinds of exotic birtds. |}
'''Maharajah Jungle Trek'''- This walking trail takes guests through the ruins of an ancient palace. Here==Fun Facts and Trivia==* Plastic straws, guests encounter giant fruit batsballoons, Komodo dragons and even tigers!cup lids are not used inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom to protect the animals from potential choking hazards <ref name= "guide"> http://www.guidetothemagic.com/animalkingdom/animalkingdom5.htm </ref>.
'''Kali River Rapids'''- This raft ride takes guests down the Charkrandi River in true whitewater fashion. The Kali River Rapids also shows guests the danger of illegal logging * Animal Kingdom features 250 species and habitat destruction.1,0000 different animals <ref name= "trivia"/>
'''Expedition Everest'''- This high speed roller coaster takes guests on a frantic journey through the Mount Everest* Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as they search for raising the mythical Yettiworld population of these birds by 3 percent <ref name= "trivia"> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_fact.htm </ref>.
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica <ref name===DinoLand USA==="trivia"/>.
Home to the fictional Dino Institute* There are over 61, DinoLand USA started out as a small highway town. After an amateur fossil-hunter found dinosaur bones at the site in 1947, scientists purchased the land, founding the Dino Institute and allowed guests to visit the area as a "fossil discover park"000 costume pieces worn by Animal Kingdom cast members.
'''Dinosaur'''- This dark ride allows guests to board Time Rovers and travel back * At over 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is large enough to fit the Cretaceous period[[Magic Kingdom]], where they come face to face with various dinosaurs. The attraction was known as Countdown to Extinction from 1998-2000[[Epcot]], and [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] inside of it <ref name= "guide"/>.
* In the early 2000'''Finding Nemo- The Musical'''- This Broadway style show is s Disney promoted Animal Kingdom with the phrase NăHTăZū!(pronounced "not a musical retelling of the Disney-Pixar movie Finding Nemozoo") <ref> https://www.mouseplanet. The show runs for approximately 35 minutescom/10581/Its_Nahtazu </ref>.
'''Fossil Fun Games'''- The Fossil Fun Games are a group * Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the largest groups of Dinosaur themed carnival-style gamesNile hippos and African elephants in North America <ref name= "trivia"/>.
'''Primeval Whirl'''- This mild roller coaster takes guests back in time, to the time of the dinosaurs! '''TriceraTop Spin'''- This hub and spoke attraction allows guests to climb aboard a dinosaur and take a spin above DinoLand USA. '''The Boneyard Playground'''- This kid friendly playground features not only slides and water guns, but also a large sand pit where young guests can dig up dinosaur bones! ==Fun Facts and Trivia== *Straws, balloons and cup lids There are not used at Animal Kingdom to protect the animals from potential choking hazards. *Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, raising the world population 27 million gallons of these birds by 3 percent. *Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica. *There are over 61,000 costume pieces worn by Animal Kingdom cast members.  *At over 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is large enough to fit the Magic Kingdom , Epcot, and The Disney-MGM Studios water in it. Discovery River <ref name===Backstory===According to The World According to Jack the backstory for Disney's Animal Kingdom states {{Quotation|'Once upon a time, no vegetation would grow on Discovery Island. There were no trees, no shrubs, no flowers, nothing. It was a barren piece of land. Then, one day, a tiny ant planted a seed and made a wish. He asked for a tree to grow – a tree large enough to provide shelter for all the animals. Magically, the ant’s wish came true and a tree began to grow -- and it kept growing until there was room beneath its limbs for all the animals from A (ants) to Z (zebras). And as the tree continued to reach for the heavens, the images of all the animals that took shelter beneath its shade appeared on its trunk, roots, and branches.|http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06"trivia"/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html}}>
==References==
http://www.magicalmountain.net/animal-kingdom/disneys-animal-kingdom.aspx
 
http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/disneys-animal-kingdom/
 
http://allears.net/ae/issue187.htm
 
http://saitonews.tripod.com/daknews2.html
 
http://www.orlando-florida.net/walt-disney-world/resources/timeline.htm
 
http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/The-Tree-of-Life.htm
 
http://zoo.findthebest.com/q/19/70/How-many-animals-are-at-the-Disney-s-Animal-Kingdom-in-Orlando-Florida
 
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/information-animal-kingdom-disney-world-10688.html
 
http://zannaland.com/remembering-disneys-animal-kingdom-opening-day-april-22-1998/
 
http://www.florida-project.com/disney-animal-kingdom-guidemaps
 
http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_oas.htm
 
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/animalkingdom/ak-safari-tree.htm