Changes

| caption='''The Tree of Life, the icon of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom.'''| theme=Animals and , nature, conservation

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.

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 Animatronic 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 park was put Finally, after years of development, 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 over 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. Yet Joe Rohde and his Imagineers still 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. The tiger walked around the table while Joe was giving a speech to persuade the company to build the park. 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 As construction on Disney's Animal Kingdom continued, funds for the new park began in August of 1995to dwindle. Like other Disney theme parks, Animal Kingdom Eventually it was made up of various "lands". When designing the park, the lands in Disney's decided that Animal Kingdom were going would have to be: open in three phases. The first phase would consist of The Oasis, [[Safari Village]], [[Africa]], Asia, [[Conservation Station]], Dinoland and an unfinished [[Asia]]. Also included in Phase I would be either [[DinoLand USA and ]] or Beastly KingdomKingdomme <ref name= "jim"> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/309.aspx </ref>. Through these lands Animal Kingdom Disney eventually decided to build DinoLand USA, possibly due to the new movie “Dinosaur” that was supposed set to represent three groups of animals: current living animals, extinct animals, and mythological animalsbe released in 2000 <ref name= "jim"/>.

Phase II of Animal Kingdom cost nearly one billion dollars to build. 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 completion of [[Asia]], along with the construction team had until the Spring of 1996 Beastly Kingdom. Due to get all the plants in park not being completed on opening day, Camp Minnie-Mickey, a placewhere guests could meet various Disney characters, was created as a temporary land. This deadline Camp Minnie-Mickey 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-releasedessentially a place holder until Beastly Kingdom could be built <ref> http://www. In total Animal Kingdom is home to over 1,700 animalsyesterland.com/campmm.html </ref>.

[[Image:AnimalKingdomSerfariElands.jpg|thumb|Elands grazing on Like the Kilimanjaro Safari]] As construction continuedother Disney parks, funds for the new park began to dwindle. Eventually it was decided Imagineers knew that Disney's Animal Kingdom would have need a "weenie" or icon to open in three phasesdraw guests into the park. The first phase icon considered for the park was the Animal Carousel <ref name= "book"/>. This three tiered structure would consist of The Oasishave featured birds, Safari Villageanimals and fish that guests could ride on, Africa, Conservation Station, and an unfinished Asiaas they went around the carousel. Also included in phase one would be either Dinoland USA or Beastly Kingdom. Disney Michael Eisner eventually decided to build Dinoland USArejected this idea because he though it was "too frivolous"<ref name= "book"/>, possibly due to the and Imagineers came up with a new Dinosaur movie that they were releasing in 2000icon- The Tree of Life.

Phase II was planned Initially, Imagineers had a tough time figuring out how to be create the completion of Asiamassive 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, with Phase III while being the construction of Beastly Kingdomable to withstand hurricane level winds<ref name= "tree"/> . Due On top of that, the tree would also have to house the park not being completed on opening day, Camp Minnie Mickey, attraction [[It's Tough to be a place where guests could meet various Disney characters Bug!]] (the show was created as chosen over an earlier idea of having a temporary landrestaurant inside the icon) <ref name= "tree"/>. It was essentially Eventually however, Imagineers came up with a place holder until the Beastly Kingdom land could be builtfairly simple solution. Besides the landsFirst, they took the park would feature structure of an oil rig for the Kilimanjaro Safari which would allow guests base<ref name= "tree"/>. Next, 45 secondary branches were then added to see 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 in a natural wayinto the structure's branches and trunk<ref name= "tree"/>. When the Tree of Life was completed, as if they were on safariit stood 145 feet tall <ref name= "tree"/>.

Like the other ==Opening Day==Disney Parks, 's Animal Kingdom also has an "icon"-The Tree of Lifeofficially opened on April 22, 1998 (Earth Day). The tree At the opening of life stands 145 feet tall and is made the park, the song “The Circle of mostly steelLife” from Disney's The Lion King played as guests were showered with rose petals <ref> http://allears. Imagineers net/tp/ak/ak_opn.htm </ref>. A half hour after the park had a hard time figuring out how to make opened; the tree look authentic, while being able parking lot was filled to withstand hurricane winds. On top of all thatcapacity, and 45 minutes later the tree would also have park itself was filled to house the 3D attraction Itcapacity <ref name= "day"/>. The first official guests to Disney's Tough To Be A Bug! The solution they came up with was actually fairly simpleAnimal Kingdom were Brenda Herr, her husband Damon Chepren, and their son Devon <ref name= "day"> http://thisdayindisneyhistory. First they took the structure of an oil rig for the basehomestead. 45 secondary branches com/apr22.html </ref>. They were then added to the tree followed greeted by 756 tertiary branches Roy E. Disney and finally 891 end branchesgiven lifetime passes to Walt Disney World. The Tree Unlike previous theme park openings, the Grand Opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom was then covered with 102not a star studded affair,583 man made leavesalthough Michael J.Fox, Drew Carey, Stevie Wonder, and David Copperfield did appear <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 read the park's dedication:

Although the tree itself would have been enough{{Quotation|Welcome to a kingdom of animals… real, Disney took it ancient and imagined: a step further. 20 artisans carved over 300 animals into the tree. When the Tree kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of Life was completed it looked as if balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the animals themselves were making up wonder, gaze at the tree. Construction on Disney's Animal Kingdom finished in beauty, thrill at the Spring of 1998 drama, and opened learn.|Michael Eisner <br> April 22, 1998. When completed Animal Kingdom was an astonishing 500 acres.}}

==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 has gone through several changes throughout its history. 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 at this time were the popular attractions [[Maharajah Jungle Trek]] <ref> https://touringplans.com/animal-kingdom/attractions/maharajah-jungle-trek </ref> and the [[Kali River Rapids]]. The [[Discovery River Boats]] (which had a dock in Asia) closed with the opening of the new attractions <ref>http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm</ref>.

Disney's In 2000 and 2001 many of 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 lands were showered with rose pedalsrenamed. A half hour after the park had opened, the parking lot was filled to capacityThe former [[Safari Village]] became [[Discovery Island]] <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id131. 45 minutes laterhtm </ref>, the park itself while [[Conservation Station]] was filled to capacityrenamed [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]] <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/07/rafikis_planet_watch_the_forgo.html </ref>. The first offical guests change in name to Disney's Animal Kingdom were Discovery Island coincided with the Werikhas familyclosing of the Discovery Island attraction on Bay Lake. They were greeted by Roy E Disney and given lifetime passesAlso changing its name at this time was the popular [[DinoLand USA]] attraction [[Countdown To Extinction]]. Unlike previous theme park openings, the event That ride was not a star studded one. Howeverre-named after, and slightly altered, 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 tie into the CEO of 2000 Disney read the dedicationmovie [[Dinosaur]] <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10881/Remembering_the_Magic_Countdown_To_Extinction__DINOSAUR </ref>.

{{Quotation|Welcome to a kingdom 2001 saw another expansion of animals… realDisney's Animal Kingdom. At this time, ancient [[Chester and imaginedHester's Dino-Rama]] was added to [[DinoLand USA]]. This mini land housed Midway Games (later renamed [[Fossil Fun Games]]) and the [[TriceraTop Spin]] <ref name= "d23"> https: //d23.com/a kingdom ruled by lions-to-z/chester-hesters/ </ref>. The following year on April 18, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance2002, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter [[Primeval Whirl]] was added to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learnarea <ref name= "d23"/>.|Michael Eisner April 22, 1998}}

The next set of major changes came to Animal Kingdom opened without many problemsin 2006. In DinoLand USA, however Countdown to Extinction did break down for over an hourFinding Nemo- the Musical replaced Tarzan Rocks, which had been operating since 1999 <ref> http://allears. Overall net/tp/ak/nemo.htm </ref>. Also in 2006, the grand opening “E-Ticket” roller coaster [[Expedition Everest]] was built in [[Asia]]. The attraction is a successhigh 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 (which had been promised since the park’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=History After Opening Daychrome-instant&ion=1&espv=Although relatively young compared to the other Disney Parks, Animal Kingdom as gone through a lot 2&ie=UTF-8#q=Festival+of changes. In 1999 Asia was finally completed+Lion+King+closed+Avatar </ref>. Added to Following the land were 's closure the popular attractions [[Festival of the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Kali River Rapids. The Maharajah Jungle Trek is Lion King]] attraction was relocated to a wildlife trail along which guests will encounter bats, a Komodo dragon, and even a Bengal Tigernew section of [[Africa]] called “New Harambe” <ref> https://disneyparks. The Kali River Rapids is disney.go.com/blog/2013/07/a white water rafting ride, that takes guests down -new-home-for-festival-of-the Chakranadi River-lion-king-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. The Kali River Rapids also addresses In 2015 the issues of illegal logging and habitat destructionHarambe Marketplace opened to guests.The Discovery River Boats that were once located in Asia closed new area was themed around a “Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower”. Inside the opening of the Harambe Marketplace guests can visit various food vendors who sell African inspired quinine <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/fun-new attractions-tastes-at-harambe-market-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.

In 2000 many of 2016 saw several new experiences come to Animal Kingdoms lands were renamedKingdom. The former Safari Village became Discovery Island and the Conservation Station became Rifiki's Planet Watch. The change in name to Discovery Island coincided Jungle Book: Alive with Magic stage show opened as a temporary offering based on the closing of the Discovery Island attraction in Bay LakeDisney live-action film The Jungle Book. Also changing it's names debuting at this time was the popular Dinoland USA attraction[[Kilimanjaro Night Safaris]] and the Tree of Life Awakens, Countdown To Extinctiona nighttime event where magical fireflies make animal spirits come alive on the Tree of Life. That ride was re<ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/update-named and slightly altered to tie into the 2000 Disney movie Dinosauron-nighttime-experiences-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.

In 2001 change came On February 17, 2017, Rivers of Light, Disney's Animal Kingdom's new nighttime show, opened to Dinoland USA with the addition guests <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/rivers-of Midway Games (later renamed Fossil Fun Ground) and -light-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 TriceraTop Spin-world-of-avatar-will-open-may-27-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/</ref>. Based on the 2009 James Cameron film, Pandora- The Fossil Fun Ground World of Avatar transports guests to the planet Pandora and features dinosaur themed carnival games, while TriceraTop Spin was a dinosaur themed "Dumbo" attractionthe attractions [[Flight of Passage]] and [[Na'vi River Journey]].

[[Image:ExpeditionEverestAtday.jpg|thumb|Expedition Everest opened in 2006.]]The next major changes came to Animal Kingdom in 2006. In Dinoland USAOn July 16, Finding Nemo- the Musical replaced Tarzan Rocks2020, which had been their since 1999. Finding Nemo- The Musical is a Broadway style show which uses live entertainers and puppets to tell the story Disney announced that Rivers of Light would not reopen with the 2003 Disney movie Finding Nemo. Also in 2006park, Expedition Everest was built in Asia. The attraction is a roller coaster set in the Himalayas and includes a close encounter with the fabled Yetiwould be permanently discontinued <ref> https://wdwnt. By including the Yeti in the attraction, Disney's Animal Kingdom finally featured a mythical creature. In 2008 the popular Yak com/2020/07/breaking-stitchs-great-escape-rivers-of-light-and Yeti restaurant opened in Asia as did Donald's Safari Breakfast -primeval-whirl-officially-closed-forever-at the Tusker House Restaurant-walt-disney-world/ </ref>.

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 -Mickey proved to be popular with guests, and it was determined that thus the small increase land set aside for Beastly Kingdom remained in guests would not warrant use. With the costcreation 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:

*The parking lot contains a section named "Unicorn."<ref> http://www.yesterland.com/avatarkingdom.html </ref>.

*There is a dragonA detailed dragonhead statue sits atop one of the ticket booths at the park's entrance <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/columns/walt-shaped stone fountain near Camp Minniedisney-Mickeyworld-never-built.cfm </ref>.

*A detailed dragonhead statue sits atop one In the first couple years of the ticket booths parks existence, blasts of fire would be spewed from a cave at the park's entranceedge of the water near Camp Minnie-Mickey <ref name= "hill"> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/10/19/479.aspx </ref>. Also debuting at this time

*In the first couple years Burnt suits of armor were located just outside the parks existence, blasts of fire would be spewed from a cave at entrance, and when the edge of the waterDiscovery Boats passed this scene, in Camp Minnieguests were told by the boat's captain that the fire was created by a fire-Mickeybreathing dragon inside the cave <ref name= "hill"/>.

*Burnt suits of armor were located just outside ==Backstory==According to The World According to Jack the cave entrancebackstory for Disney's Animal Kingdom states{{Quotation|'Once upon a time, and when the no vegetation would grow on Discovery Boats passed this scene guests Island. There were told by 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 boat's captain that animals. Magically, the fire was created by ant’s wish came true and a firetree began to grow -breathing dragon inside - and it kept growing until there was room beneath its limbs for all the caveanimals 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.<ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html </ref>}}

[[Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap2020.jpg|thumb|400px|The 2021 Animal Kingdom map (click to enlarge)]]Located at the front of the park, the Oasis is the first land that guests encounter. Located here is guests services as well as Guest Services and the Rain Forest Cafeare located here. The Oasis leads to the parks park's hub, [[Discovery Island]].

'''[[Oasis Exhibits]]'''- This walking trail allows guests to see many animals including : the giant anteater, wallabies, exotic boar and more!.

===[[Discovery Island]]===Originally called Safari Village, Main Article: [[Discovery Island is the hub of the park. From Discovery Island guests can get to all of the other lands except Rafiki's Planet Watch. Disney's Animal Kingdom's icon, The Tree of Life can be found on Discovery Island.]]

Originally called Safari Village, Discovery Island is the hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From Discovery Island guests can get to all the park’s other lands except for [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]. Animal Kingdom''s icon “The Tree of Life” can be found in Discovery Island, inside which guests can find the [[It's Tough to be a Bug!]]'''- On this 4D attraction, guests enter the world of the Disney-Pixar movie A Bugs Life. Here, they meet up with Flick, Dot, and even Hopper as they learn some of the challenges of being a bug!

'''===[[Discovery Island TrailsAfrica]]===Main Article: [[Africa]]'''- On this short walking trail, guests can find Galapagos tortoises, lemurs, kangaroos and other exotic animals.

===Camp Minnie Mickey===Originally intended Home to be a temporary the popular [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]], the Africa section of the park takes place in the fictional village of Harambe. According to the land's backstory, Camp Minnie Mickey is located where Beastly Kingdom Harambe was supposed to be builtonce a colony before gaining its freedom in 1961 after a peaceful revolution. HereHarambe is currently home to a wildlife reserve, guests where tourists can meet their favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, and Donaldsee some of Africa's most interesting animals. The main attraction located in Camp Minnie Mickey is In 2014 the Broadway style show, Africa section of the park was expanded to house the relocated [[Festival of the Lion King]].

'''===[[Festival of the Lion KingRafiki's Planet Watch]]'''- This Broadway style show uses puppetry, song, dance and special effects to tell the story of Disney===Main Article: [[Rafiki's The Lion King.Planet Watch]]

Rafiki'''s Planet Watch was called Conservation Station from 1998 until October 2000. It is the only land not accessible from [[Greeting TrailsDiscovery Island]]. In order to get to Rafiki'''- On the Greeting Trails, s Planet Watch guests can find some of their favorite Disney characters including, Mickey, Donald, Minnie must board the [[Wildlife Express Train]] which travels between [[Africa]] and Timonthe Planet Watch.

===Africa[[Asia]]===Home to the popular Kilimanjaro Safari, 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 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. [[Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap2014MickeyandRafikijpeg.jpgjpeg|thumb|350px400px|The 2014 Animal Kingdom map (click to enlarge)Mickey and Rafiki in front of the Tree of Life]]Main Article: [[Asia]]

Perhaps the most popular land in Disney'''[[Kilimanjaro Safaris]]'''- On this 22 minute safaris Animal Kingdom, guests ride through the Savannah Desert Asia was not complete until 1999. Set in East Africa. Along the waytownship of Anandpur, guests come face the land is home to face with elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos the popular [[Kali River Rapids]] and much more! The safari us usually operational until sundown[[Expedition Everest]].

'''===[[Pangani Forest Exploration TrailDinoLand USA]]===Main Article: [[DinoLand USA]]'''- On this 3/8 of a mile walking trail, guests can observe some of Africa's most exotic animals. okapis, meerkats, hippos, and Western Lowland Gorillas can all be seen here.

'''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.

'''Wild Africa Trek'''===[[Pandora- This three hour tour allows guests to trek through the African wilderness 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.World of Avatar]]===Main Article: [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]

===Rafiki's Planet Watch===Rafkik's Planet Watch was originally called Conservation Station, and is Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the only land not accessible from Discovery Island. In order to get to Rafikiof James Cameron's Planet Watch Avatar. On Pandora guests must board can travel on the Wildlife Express Train[[Na'vi River Journey]] attraction, which travels between Africa and or take flight on a Banshee on [[Flight of Passage]]. Pandora – The World of Avatar was constructed on the Planet Watchland 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 [[Wildlife Express TrainFestival of the Lion King]]'''. In 2014 Camp Minnie- This seven minute train ride transports guests from the African village of Harambe Mickey closed in order to Rafikimake room for [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]. Following Camp Minnie-Mickey's Planet Watch and vice versaclosure, Festival of the Lion King was relocated to the [[Africa]] section of the park.

==Disney Genie +==[[Image:AnimalKingdomfastpass.jpg|350px|thumb|Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Pandora]]{| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| * [[Kali River Rapids]]| * [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]] |* [[DINOSAUR]] |* [[Habitat HabitFeathered Friends in Flight!]]| |-| * [[Na'vi River Journey]]|* [[It''- This short walking trail features various exhibits that teach guests how they can help conserve the environment. The trail is also home s Tough to be a small group Bug!]]| * [[The Animation Experience]]|* [[Festival of Cottonthe Lion King]]|-top Tamarin monkeys. ||}

===Lightning Lane===Disney's Animal Kingdom''s two Lightning Lane exclusive attractions are:{| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-| * [[Conservation StationFlight of Passage]]'''- At Conservation Station, guests can an in| * [[Expedition Everest]]||-depth look at how Disney takes care of the animals located within Disney's Animal Kingdom. Interactive exhibits and live animals also help guests learn about various animal habitats. |}

'''[[Affection Section]]'''- This small petting zoo features domesticated ==Fun Facts and Trivia==* Plastic straws, balloons, and cup lids are not used inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom to protect the animals from all over the world!potential choking hazards <ref name= "guide"> http://www.guidetothemagic.com/animalkingdom/animalkingdom5.htm </ref>.

===Asia===Perhaps the most popular land in Disney's * Animal Kingdomfeatures 250 species and 1, Asia was not complete until 1999. The land is home to Disney's newest attraction Expedition Everest. 0000 different animals <ref name= "trivia"/>

'''Flight * Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, raising the world population of Wonders'''- In this show, guests can see various tricks performed these birds by all kinds of exotic birtds3 percent <ref name= "trivia"> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_fact.htm </ref>.

'''[[Maharajah Jungle Trek]]'''- This walking trail takes guests through the ruins of an ancient palace* Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica <ref name= "trivia"/>. Here, guests encounter giant fruit bats, Komodo dragons and even tigers!

'''[[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 and habitat destruction* 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 [[Expedition EverestMagic Kingdom]]'''- This high speed roller coaster takes guests on a frantic journey through the Mount Everest, as they search for the mythical yeti[[Epcot]], and [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] inside of it <ref name= "guide"/>.

Home to * Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the fictional Dino Institute, DinoLand USA started out as a small highway town. After an amateur fossil-hunter found dinosaur bones at the site largest groups of Nile hippos and African elephants in 1947, scientists purchased the land, founding the Dino Institute and allowed guests to visit the area as a North America <ref name= "fossil discover parktrivia"/>.

'''[[DINOSAUR]]'''- This dark ride allows guests to board Time Rovers and travel back to the Cretaceous period, where they come face to face with various dinosaurs. The attraction was known as Countdown to Extinction from 1998-2000. '''Finding Nemo- The Musical'''- This Broadway style show is a musical retelling of the Disney-Pixar movie Finding Nemo. The show runs for approximately 35 minutes.  '''Fossil Fun Games'''- The Fossil Fun Games * There are a group 27 million gallons of Dinosaur themed carnival-style games.  '''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 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 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 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}}>