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[[Image{{Template:TreeOfLifeNightInfobox amusement park | image=TreeOfLifeday.jpg|thumb|caption='''The Tree of Life, the icon of Disney's Disney’s Animal Kingdom.]]'''| theme=Animals, nature, conservation| opening_date=April 22, 1998| icon=The Tree of Life}}Disney's Animal Kingdom is a theme park located in [[Walt Disney World]].==ConeptionConception <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>==

Although the plans for The genesis of Disney's Animal Kingdom began in 1989, when Disney noted that the idea of an animal theme park 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 can be traced back to Walt Disney himselfImagineering. When designing the attraction the [[Jungle Cruise]] for DisneylandIn 1990, Walt wanted guests Imagineer Joe Rohde met with Eisner to see real animalsdiscuss the new park. Walt felt that being in close proximity to real animals would give guests a unique and exciting experience. Eventually howeverRohde’s vision for the park was threefold, it was decided that real animals would be too unpredictable and each guest on the attraction would not get feature traditional theme park components, an even experience.When the Jungle Cruise opened it featured Audio Anamatronic animalsEpcot Center style pavilion, who were much more predictable and consistent than live onesa nontraditional zoo. Although Walt never got to see it, [[Image:AnimalKingdomConcept.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art for Disney's Animal Kingdom took his ]] Eisner agreed to the basic idea premise of the park, commenting that like the Magic Kingdom, Disney should also have an Animal Kingdom. With this objective in mind, Rohde and expanded it his team of six Imagineers (Kevin Brown, Zofia Kostyrko, Kevin Brown, Christopher West, Tony Marando and Patsy Tillisch) set out to create a much larger scalebasic outline for the new park.

When Walt Disney World was ready to expanded again in 1989, Michael Eisner (the CEO of Disney) tasked his Imageneers with creating a theme park based on animals. In July 1990 a team of Imageneers led by , Joe Rohde began brainstorming different ideas for and his team flew to Africa to get first hand experience of the parktype of environment that they wished to create. In 1992 total, during the park layout was finally adopteddevelopment of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Rohde and his Imagineers visited Africa six times. It was decided that Using these trips as inspiration, the park would be part zoo and part theme parkteam recalled many of their experiences when creating [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]].

The idea As plans for a new animal theme the parkcontinued to develop, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells wondered if simply encountering animals would be a big enough draw for guests. To prove that this was put on hold during the early 1990s. A recession had hit the countrycase, Joe Rohde brought a 400 pound Bengal tiger into a meeting he was having with Eisner and theme parks were hit hardFrank Wells. Also complicating mattersAs Rohde gave his presentation, Disney's newest park- Disneyland Paris, was not doing as well as Disney had expectedthe tiger sauntered around the room. However in 1994 with After feeling the economy picking upeffect of being so close to a tiger, Eisner and Wells relented and live animal encounters would be the recent success focal point of the Disney movie The Lion King, plans for a new theme park were once again put in motion. From 1992-1995 Disney Imageneers studied wild animals in their natural habit (focusing on Africa)'s Animal Kingdom.

Within Disney howeverDuring another meeting with Eisner and other executives, their was much debate on whether the Disney CEO told Imagineers that he wanted a [[DinoLand]] in the new park was a good idea. Many worried that Other ideas stemming from these meetings included the public Oasis (which would not want to visit a zoo while on vacation. Besides serve as the fact that there were zoos all over entryway) [[Safari Village]] (the country, Disney worried that people thought of zoos as a depressing places with caged animalsparks hub) and Discovery River. Joe Rohde and his Imageneers howeverBy 1992, believed in their idea. They explained that the animals would be living basic layout of the park was in a re-creation of their natural habitatplace. Their Guests would be no fences, but natural boundaries (such as moats or rocks) that enter through the animals would not cross[[Oasis]] before arriving at [[Safari Village]]. Animal Kingdom would not be a zooFrom there, but a place of conservation, that taught guests could explore the importance of naturepark's other lands including [[DinoLand USA]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and a land dedicated to imaginary animals called Beastly Kingdomme.

Although the idea Finally, after years of the park was eventually seen as feasibledevelopment, Michael Eisner and other executives worried that simply seeing animals would not be exciting enough for guests. Joe Rohde and his Imageneers however felton June 21, 1995, like Walt Disney, that being in such close proximity to wild animals would be thrilling to guests's Wild Animal Kingdom was officially announced. 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 When discussing the new park, the Tiger walked around the table. The tiger went right next to Michael Eisner before eventually exiting stated: {{Quotation|“This is to the room. After traditional zoo as the demonstration Eisner had motion picture was to agree with Joe Rohdethe stage play. He announced A leap forward that keeps the park in June concept of 1995 combining education and Disney's Animal Kingdom was green lit entertainment alive and well. The need for constructionawareness of endangered animals and their environments has never been greater.We are in a unique position to promote deeper understanding and love for all animals."|Michael Eisner}}

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". 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. Through these landsaspx </ref>. Disney eventually decided to build DinoLand USA, Animal Kingdom 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 1 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 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 essential 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. Imageneers 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>.

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 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:ExpeditionEverestAtNight.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>.

At the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro showcased Blue Sky concepts for a new land inspired by Disney's Moana and Disney's Zootopia. Based on the concept art, as well as comments made at the Expo, the new land would replace [[DinoLand USA]]. At the time of the announcement, 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 KingdomKingdomme===One change that has yet to (and may never) come to Animal Kingdom is the addition of Beastly KingdomKingdomme. 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 determained that thus the small increase land set aside for Beastly Kingdom remained in guests would not warrant use. With the coastcreation of [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]] it is unlikely that Beastly Kingdomme will be built. Despite this, remenets 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 existance, 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 Cafe. The only attraction in the Oasis is the Oasis Exhibits. The Exhibits are walking trails that feature Spoonbills, ducks, wallabies, and even a Giant Anteaterlocated here. The Oasis leads to the parks park's hub, [[Discovery Island]].

===Discovery Island===Originally called Safari Village, 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. Inside the tree the guests can find 4D show It[[Oasis Exhibits]]'''s Tough To Be A Bug! featuring characters from the Disney Pixar movie- A Bugs Life. On the Discovery Island Trails, This walking trail allows guests can to see many animals such as kangaroosincluding: the giant anteater, black crowned craneswallabies, exotic boar and lemursmore.

===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]]

===Africa===Home to the popular Kilimanjaro Originally called SafariVillage, Africa Discovery Island is based on the Savannah Deserthub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On the safari From Discovery Island guests can see a wide variety get to all the park’s other lands except for [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]. Animal Kingdom's icon “The Tree of African animals including: elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos and even okapis! While Life” can be found in Africa guests can also go on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. On the Trail guests will come face to face with birdsDiscovery Island, fish, gorillas, and they will even be to see hippos underwater. If inside which guests get hungry, they can check find the popular Tusker House as well as other small restaurants and stands around the land.[[Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap.jpg|thumb|A 2011 guidemap It's Tough to Animal Kingdombe a Bug!]] attraction.

===Rafiki's Planet Watch[[Africa]]===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 Main Article: [[Africa and the Planet Watch. After arriving, guests will learn conservation tips at Habitat Habit. The attraction also features the rare cotton-top tamarin. Also located in Rafiki's Planet Watch is Affection Section, which is a large petting zoo featuring some rare animals. ]]

===Asia===Perhaps Home to the most popular land [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]], the Africa section of the park takes place in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Asia was not complete until 1999the fictional village of Harambe. The According to the land is home to Disney's newest attraction Expedition Everest. On this roller coasterbackstory, guests will take Harambe was once a wild train tour through the Himalayan Mountains, colony before coming coming face to face with the mythical Yeti. Other popular attractions gaining its freedom in Asia include the Flights of Wonder show, 1961 after a live bird show, as well as the Kali River Rapids which take guests white water rafting down the Chakranadi Riverpeaceful revolution. Asia Harambe is also currently home to the Maharajah Jungle Trek a wildlife reserve, where guests tourists can explore ancient ruins and see some of Africa's most interesting animals such as Komodo dragons, fruit bats and even a Bengal Tiger. The popular resturant In 2014 the Yak and Yeti is also located in Asia. The restaurant serves Africa section of the cuisine park was expanded to house the relocated [[Festival of India and Nepal for lunch and dinnerthe Lion King]].

==Fun Facts and Trivia=[[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]===Main Article: [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]

*Straws, balloons and cup lids are Rafiki's Planet Watch was called Conservation Station from 1998 until October 2000. It is the only land not used at Animal Kingdom accessible from [[Discovery Island]]. In order to protect get to Rafiki's Planet Watch guests must board the animals from potential choking hazards[[Wildlife Express Train]] which travels between [[Africa]] and the Planet Watch.

*Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, raising ===[[Asia]]===[[Image:MickeyandRafikijpeg.jpeg|thumb|400px|Mickey and Rafiki in front of the world population Tree of these birds by 3 percent.Life]]Main Article: [[Asia]]

*Disney’s Perhaps the most popular land in Disney's Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica, Asia was not complete until 1999. Set in the township of Anandpur, the land is home to the popular [[Kali River Rapids]] and [[Expedition Everest]].

*At over 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand USA is large enough home to fit the Magic Kingdom , Epcot[[Dino Institute]], which allows guests to travel back in time and The Disneycome face to face with dinosaurs. In 2001 the land was expanded to include Chester and Hester’s Dino-MGM Studios in itRama. This new area is themed like a roadside attraction which was built to capitalize on the success of the nearby institute.

==References=[[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]===httpMain Article://www.magicalmountain.net/animal-kingdom/disneys-animal[[Pandora-kingdom.aspxThe World of Avatar]]

http://wwwPandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the land of James Cameron's Avatar.wdwradioOn Pandora guests can travel on the [[Na'vi River Journey]] attraction, or take flight on a Banshee on [[Flight of Passage]].com/2007/09/disneysPandora – The World of Avatar was constructed on the land formally occupied by [[Camp Minnie-animal-kingdom/Mickey]].

http://allears==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.net/ae/issue187At 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 [[Festival of the Lion King]]. In 2014 Camp Minnie-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 park.htm

http==Disney Genie +==[[Image://saitonewsAnimalKingdomfastpass.tripod.com/daknews2.htmljpg|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]] |* [[Feathered Friends in Flight!]]| |-| * [[Na'vi River Journey]]|* [[It's Tough to be a Bug!]]| * [[The Animation Experience]]|* [[Festival of the Lion King]]|-||}

http===Lightning Lane===Disney's Animal Kingdom's two Lightning Lane exclusive attractions are://www.orlando{| style="padding-florida.net/waltbottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"|-disney| * [[Flight of Passage]]| * [[Expedition Everest]]||-world/resources/timeline.htm|}

==Fun Facts and Trivia==* Plastic straws, balloons, and cup lids are not used inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom to protect the animals from potential choking hazards <ref name= "guide"> http://www.wdwmagicguidetothemagic.com/Attractionsanimalkingdom/The-Tree-of-Lifeanimalkingdom5.htm</ref>.

http://zoo.findthebest.com/q/19/70/How-many-animals-are-at-the-Disney-s-* Animal-Kingdom-in-Orlando-Floridafeatures 250 species and 1,0000 different animals <ref name= "trivia"/>

* Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, raising the world population of these birds by 3 percent <ref name= "trivia"> http://traveltipsallears.usatodaynet/tp/ak/ak_fact.comhtm </information-animal-kingdom-disney-world-10688ref>.html

http:* Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica <ref name= "trivia"//zannaland>.com/remembering-disneys-animal-kingdom-opening-day-april-22-1998/

http://www* There are over 61,000 costume pieces worn by Animal Kingdom cast members.florida-project.com/disney-animal-kingdom-guidemaps

http:* At over 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is large enough to fit the [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Epcot]], and [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] inside of it <ref name= "guide"//allears.net/tp/ak/ak_oas>.htm

http* In the early 2000's Disney promoted Animal Kingdom with the phrase NăHTăZū!(pronounced "not a zoo") <ref> https://www.wdwinfomouseplanet.com/wdwinfo10581/guidesIts_Nahtazu </animalkingdomref>. * Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the largest groups of Nile hippos and African elephants in North America <ref name= "trivia"/ak-safari-tree>.htm * There are 27 million gallons of water in Discovery River <ref name= "trivia"/> ==References==