Difference between pages "Magic Kingdom" and "Disney's Animal Kingdom"

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{{Template:Infobox amusement park  
 
{{Template:Infobox amusement park  
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| image=Magickingdom1.jpg  
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| image=TreeOfLifeday.jpg
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| caption=Cinderella Castle the icon of the Magic Kingdom
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| caption='''The Tree of Life is the icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.'''
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| theme=Fantasy
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| theme=Animals, nature, conservation
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| opening_date=October 1st, 1971
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| opening_date=April 22, 1998
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| homepage=[http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkLanding?id=MKLandingPage Magic Kingdom Homepage]
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| icon=The Tree of Life
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| icon=Cinderella Castle
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}}
 
}}
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The Magic Kingdom is a theme park located in [[Walt Disney World]].
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Disney's Animal Kingdom is a theme park located in Walt Disney World.
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==Conception <ref name= "book"> Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print. </ref>==
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A theme park about animals was not high on Disney’s list of ideas, but surveys showed that Disney and animals tested well, and Disney had a lot of intellectual properties that showcased animals. Because of this, Michael Eisner sent the idea for an animal theme park to Imagineering. 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 syle pavilion, and a nontraditional zoo.
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[[Image:AnimalKingdomConcept.jpg|400px|thumb|Concept art for Disney's Animal Kingdom]]  
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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.  
  
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==History==
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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 eventually used much of their experience when creating [[Kilimanjaro Safaris]].
  
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===Conception===
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As plans for the park continued to develop, Michael Eisner wondered if simply encountering animals would be a big enough draw for guests. To prove that this was not the case, Joe Rohde brought a 400 pound Bengal tiger into a meeting he was having with Eisner and Frank Wells. As Rohde gave his presentation, the tiger sauntered around the room. After feeling the effect of being so close to a tiger, Eisner and Wells relented and live animal encounters would be the focal point of Animal Kingdom.  
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[[Image:FloridaWalt3.jpg|thumb|400px|Walt Disney, Roy Disney and Gov. Haydon Burns announcing Disney's Florida Project to the public.]]
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This history of the Magic Kingdom began in 1959, when Walt Disney began to look for a place to build a second theme park <ref> Walt Disney: the triumph of the American imagination By: Gabler, Neal. Knopf 2006</ref>. Coming off the success of Disneyland (which had opened in 1955), Walt wanted to bring his theme park to the East Coast. According to research done by the Disney Company, although 75% of the American population was located east of the Mississippi River, only 5% of Disneyland's visitors came from that region <ref> http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3819/ </ref>. The success of the Disney attractions at the 1964 World's Fair in New York, showed Walt that Disney could be a huge success in the East Coast market <ref> http://www.waltdisney.org/blog/look-closer-1964-new-york-world%E2%80%99s-fair </ref>. Also adding to Walt's frustration, was the fact that the area around Disneyland had become rundown by local businesses hoping to capitalize on Disneyland's success. To solve this problem, Walt wanted to have control over much more land than he could in Disneyland. With this goal in mind, Walt began to scout for a new location where he could build a "Disneyland East". One of the original locations Walt considered was St. Louis, where Disney had plans to build "Riverfront Square," a five-story, fully enclosed theme park which would have a St. Louis and New Orleans theme <ref name= "St.Louis"> http://archive.ksdk.com/news/article/348062/3/Disney-theme-park-almost-a-reality-in-St-Louis </ref>. Although Disney developed significant plans for the theme park, negotiations with St. Louis eventually fell through. Although the exact reasons for this falling out are not clear, it is commonly accepted that among the reasons was the fact that Busch family wanted Disney to sell beer in the park, which he refused to do <ref name= "St.Louis"/>.
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By 1963 WED Enterprises set their sites of Florida as the location for their "Project X" (later renamed the "Florida Project"). Florida was already the top state in terms of tourism, and the Florida climate would allow the new theme park to be open year round. In November,  Walt Disney himself flew over one of the potential sites in Florida, Orlando. Disney decided Orlando was the perfect location for his new park. The well-developed road system including the already planned Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike further added to the appeal of the area <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2005/02/wdw-history-101-how-to-buy-27000-acres-of-land-and-no-one-noticeq/ </ref>. After much research WED Enterprises and Walt eventually selected a centrally-located site near Bay Lake for construction of their new park. Lawyer Paul Helliwell and Florida relator Roy Hawkins were responsible for coordinating the companies' purchases of the Florida land <ref> http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201312/3819/ </ref>. In order to keep the public from knowing that Disney was buying the land (as this would greatly increase the cost), Disney set up dummy corporations including: Latin American Development and Management, Bay Lake Properties, Tomahawk Properties, Retlaw, M.T. Lott Real Estate, Ayefour Corporation <ref> http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2014/5/12/walt-disneys-florida-project-1964-1965.html </ref>  and others to buy the land. All in all, Disney bought 27,443 acres of land from more than 100 property owners. The total coast of the land was nearly 5.5 million (about 200 dollars per acre). After being outed by a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel <ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-orlando-sentinel-headline-disney-1965-20141024-post.html </ref>, Walt Disney announced his plans for The Florida Project to the public on November 16, 1965 <ref> http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1965/11/16/page/45/article/disney-gives-some-facts-on-florida-plans </ref>.
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During another meeting with Eisner and other executives, the Disney CEO told Imagineers that he wanted a DinoLand. Other ideas stemming from these meetings included the Oasis (which would serve as the entryway) Safari Village (the parks hub) and Discovery River. By 1992, the basic layout of the park was in place. Guests would enter through the Oasis before arriving at [[Safari Village]]. From there, guests could explore the park's other lands including DinoLand, [[Africa]], Asia, and the land dedicated to imaginary animals.  
  
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===Construction===
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Finally, after years of development on June 21, 1995 Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom was officially announced. When discussing the new park, Michael Eisner stated:
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[[Image:ConstructionWalt.jpg|thumb|400px|From left to right: Joe Fowler, Card Walker, Walt Disney and Roy Disney surveying the future location of the Magic Kingdom.]]
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On May 30, 1967, <ref> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/today-in-disney-history-disney-broke-ground-on-walt-disney-world-resort-45-years-ago/ </ref> construction began on the Florida Project. Due to the fact that Walt had died in 1966, his brother Roy took charge of the project. Although Walt had died before construction had even started, his influence on the park was apparent. For instance, one of the major problems that Walt had with Disneyland was that guests were exposed to the day to day operations of the parks. Walt told the story that one day in Tomorrowland he saw a cowboy from Frontierland walking by, heading to the costume room. Walt felt that this ruined the magic of the futuristic Tomorrowland and wanted to do better with the Florida Project <ref> http://www.guidetothemagic.com/magickingdom/magickingdom5.htm </ref>. A second problem that Walt had hoped to avoid was that guests in Disneyland were exposed to the world outside the park. Walt said he once saw a family leave because they could see that traffic was getting congested, while riding on the Skyway <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/09/magic_kingdom_skyway_1.html </ref>.  Because of these issues, it was decided that the first floor of what was now called the “Magic Kingdom” would be a series of tunnels, called utilidoors. Due of Florida's water table, the utilidoors could not be built underground. Instead, Disney Engineers decided to make the utilidoors the first story of the park, with the actual Magic Kingdom the second (meaning that the park itself is actually 14 feet above ground) <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/the-utilidors-disneys-not-so-secret-tunnels/ </ref>.  The utilidoors allow cast members to move freely though out the park without being seen by the guests above. With the utilidoors, it only takes cast members about 10 minutes to walk from one side of the park to the other.  The utilidoors also allowed the everyday functions of the park to be hidden from guests. Food, garbage and costumes could all be transferred around while keeping the illusion of the lands intact <ref>http://www.disneyparkhistory.com/magic-kingdom.html </ref>. Besides everyday operations the utilidoors also house the operating systems for the park, as well as offices and cafeterias for the Cast Members <ref> http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20140414/17536/15-things-are-hidden-underground-disneys-magic-kingdom </ref>. Another upgrade to the Magic Kingdom was the Avac Systems, which were devolved in Sweden. This trash collecting system which allows garbage to be suctioned away through a series tubes, to a centralized dumping point. This allows cast members to keep the trash under control and out of the view of the guests <ref> http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/discover-disney-worlds-secrets-with-behind-the-scenes-tours/1113027 </ref>.
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Construction of the Magic Kingdom was overseen by Admiral Joe Fowler, who previously had overseen the construction of Disneyland <ref> https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/joe-fowler/ </ref>. The design of the park was principally done by Imagineers Marvin Davis and Dick Irvine, who took their inspiration from Walt's original park <ref name= "realityland"> Koenig, David. Realityland: True-life Adventures at Walt Disney World. Irvine, CA: Bonaventure, 2007. Print. </ref>. In order to make the park unique however, Disney decided to use Cinderella Castle as the park's icon as opposed to Sleeping Beauty Castle (which Disneyland had) <ref name= "realityland"/>. Imagineer Bill Evans was charged with landscaping the Magic Kingdom <ref> https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/bill-evans/ </ref>. At the time the park was being built, construction of Walt Disney World (as it was now called) became the largest private construction project in the world <ref name= "realityland"/>. With construction lagging behind schedule, in 1971 Disney put Dick Nunis in charge of completing the project. Under his leadership, Disney employees made a final push to the Magic Kingdom completed on time. With hourly workers and even upper management working around the clock <ref name= "realityland"/>, eventually the park was ready for opening day- October 1, 1971.
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===Opening===
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{{Quotation|“This is to the traditional zoo as the motion picture was to the stage play. A leap forward that keeps the concept of combining education and entertainment alive and well. The need for awareness 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}}
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[[Image:Openingroy.jpg|thumb|400px|Roy O. Disney giving the dedication speech on the Magic Kingdom's opening day.]]
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The Magic Kingdom had soft openings starting on Labor Day 1971, with Disney employees, construction workers and local leaders being invited to the park until September 31. On October 1, 1971, The Magic Kingdom opened its gates and welcomed its first guests. 10,000 people showed up that day to visit Disney’s newest park <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>. Unlike Disneyland which had been overwhelmed on its opening day, Walt Disney World’s opening ran smoothly, and any issues were quickly resolved. Before the opening of Disney World, Florida State Troopers issued a warning saying that a potential 300,000 people could show up on opening day <ref name= "realityland"/>. This possibility created a fear that the park was going to be overwhelmed by the number of guests and may have led to the lower than expected attendance . Some pundits began to predict that Disney World would be a failure; however by the end of October 1971, 400,000 people had attended the park <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/9747/WDW_October_1_1971 </ref>. The climax of the grand opening happened between October 23 and October 25, 1971 when the Magic Kingdom was officially dedicated <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue599.htm </ref>. Roy O Disney, with Mickey Mouse by his side gave the dedication speech on the 25th: 
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==Construction==
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Construction on Disney's Animal began in August of 1995. Like other Disney theme parks, Animal Kingdom was to be made up of various "lands". When designing the park, 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 to represent three groups of animals: current living animals, extinct animals, and mythological animals.  
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[[Image:TreeofLifeConstruction3.jpg|400px|thumb|Disney's Animal Kingdom under construction]]
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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 parks 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 the fall of 1997 the animals were brought in to the park <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/01/kilimanjaro_safaris_at_animal_1.html </ref>. 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.
  
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{{Quotation|"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney . . . and to the talents, the dedication and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place . . . a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together."| Dedication this 25th day of October, 1971, Roy O. Disney}}
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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 would be either [[DinoLand USA]] or Beastly Kingdomme <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 USA, possibly due to the new movie “Dinosaur” that was to be released in 2000 <ref name= "jim"/>.
  
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Also on hand for the event was the 60-nation World Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Arthur Fiedler. NBC taped a program called “The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World,” which aired October 29th <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue599.htm </ref>. Taking part in the televised opening were Julie Andrews, Glen Campbell, Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Bob Hope, Rock Hudson, Annette Funicello and Fred MacMurray. Other prominent figures in business, government and industry were also on hand  <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>.
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Phase II was planned to be the completion of Asia, along with 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. Camp Minnie-Mickey was to be essentially a place holder until Beastly Kingdom could be built <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/campmm.html </ref>.
  
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When the Magic Kingdom opened it consisted of seven lands and a central hub. The lands and attractions that were operational on the park's opening day are listed below.
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Like the other Disney parks, Imagineers knew that Disney's Animal Kingdom would need a "weenie" or icon to draw guests into the park.The first icon considered for the park was the Animal Carousel <ref name= "book"/>. This three tiered structure would have featured birds, animals and fish that guests could ride on as they went around the carousel. Michael Eisner eventually rejected this idea because he though it was "too frivolous"<ref name= "book"/>., and Imagineers came up with a new icon- The Tree of Life.  
  
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{| class="infoList" style="width: 50%; text-align: center; margin: auto; float:center"
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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 would also have to house the attraction [[It's Tough to be a Bug!]] (the attraction was chosen over an earlier idea of having a restaurant inside the tree)<ref name= "tree"/> . Eventually however, Imagineers came up with a fairly simple solution.  
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|-
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| [[Image:MainStreetlogo.jpg|center|200px|link=Main_Street_USA]]
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| [[Image:Fantasylandlogo.jpg|center|200px|link=Fantasyland]]
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| [[Image:Adventurelandlogo.jpg|center|200px|link=Adventureland]]
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| [[Main Street Vehicles]]
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[[Penny Arcade]]
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[[Walt Disney World Railroad]]
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First, they took the structure of an oil rig for the base<ref name= "tree"/> . 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 tree<ref name= "tree"/> . When the Tree of Life was completed it stood 145 feet tall and looked as if the animals themselves were making up the tree's trunk<ref name= "tree"/> .
  
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[[Main Street Cinema]]
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==Opening Day==
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| [[Dumbo the Flying Elephant]]
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Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998 (Earth Day). At the opening of the park, the song “The Circle of Life” from Disney's The Lion King played as guests were showered with rose petals <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, while 45 minutes later the park itself was filled to capacity <ref name= "day"/>. The first official guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom were Brenda 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 passes. Unlike previous theme park openings, the event was not a star studded one although 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 Disney CEO Michael Eisner read the park’s dedication:
  
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[[Mad Tea Party]]
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{{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.|
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Michael Eisner <br> April 22, 1998}}
  
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[[Cinderella's Golden Carrousel]]
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==History After Opening Day==
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[[Image:ExpeditionEverestAtday.jpg|400px|thumb|Expedition Everest opened in 2006.]]
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Although relatively young compared to the other Disney Parks, Animal Kingdom has gone through several changes. 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 were located in Asia) closed with the opening of the new attractions <ref>http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm</ref>.
  
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[[Snow White's Adventures]]
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In 2000 and 2001 many of Animal Kingdom's lands were renamed. The former Safari Village became Discovery Island <ref> http://waltdatedworld.com/id131.htm </ref> and Conservation Station became 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 on Bay Lake. Also changing its name at this time was the popular 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>.
  
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[[it's a small world]]
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2001 also saw another expansion in Disney's Animal Kingdom. At this time, Chester and Hester’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-to-z/chester-hesters/ </ref>. The following year on March 31, 2002, [[Primeval Whirl]] was added to the area <ref name= "d23"/>.
  
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[[Mr. Toad's Wild Ride]]
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The next set of majorchanges came to Animal Kingdom in 2006. In DinoLand USA, Finding Nemo- the Musical replaced Tarzan Rocks, which had been there since 1999 <ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/nemo.htm </ref>. Also in 2006, the “E-Ticket” roller coaster [[Expedition Everest]] was built in Asia. The attraction is a roller 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).
  
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[[Mickey Mouse Revue]]
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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=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Festival+of+Lion+King+closed+Avatar </ref>. Following the land's closure the [[Festival of the Lion King]] attraction was relocated to a new section of Africa called “New Harambe” <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/07/a-new-home-for-festival-of-the-lion-king-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. In 2015 the Harambe Marketplace opened to guests. The new area was themed around a “Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower”. Inside 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-tastes-at-harambe-market-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.
  
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[[Skyway to Tomorrowland]]
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2016 saw several new experiences come to Animal Kingdom. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic stage show opened as a temporary 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>.
  
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| [[Jungle Cruise]]
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On February 17, 2017, Rivers of Light, Disney's Animal Kingdom's nighttime show, opened to guests <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/rivers-of-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-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 [[Flights of Passage]] and [[Na'vi River Journey]]
  
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[[Tropical Serenade]]
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===Beastly Kingdomme===
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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 logo, there are currently no plans to build the land. Camp Minnie-Mickey proved to be popular with guests, and thus the land set aside for Beastly Kingdom remained in use. With the announcement of a land based on Avatar it looks unlikely that Beastly Kingdomme will be built. Despite this, remnants of the planned Beastly Kingdom can still be found including:
  
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[[Swiss Family Treehouse]]
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*The parking lot contains a section named "Unicorn" <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/avatarkingdom.html </ref>.
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|}
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*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>.
  
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{| class="infoList" style="width: 50%; text-align: center; margin: auto; float:center"
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*In the first couple years of the parks existence, blasts of fire would be spewed from a cave at the edge 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
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| [[Image:Frontierlandlogo.png|center|200px|link=Frontierland]]
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| [[Image:LibertySquarelogo.png|center|200px|link=Liberty_Square]]
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| [[Image:Tomorrowlandlogo.jpg|center|200px|link=Tomorrowland]]
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|-
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| [[Country Bear Jamboree]]
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[[Frontierland Shooting Gallery]]
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[[Mike Fink Keelboats]]
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*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 a fire-breathing dragon inside the cave <ref name= "hill"/>.
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| [[Haunted Mansion]]
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[[The Hall of Presidents]]
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==Backstory==
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According to The World According to Jack the backstory for Disney's Animal Kingdom states
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{{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.<ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html </ref>}}
  
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==Current Lands==
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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 '''Click Here'''.]
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===Oasis===
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Located at the front of the park, the Oasis is the first land that guests encounter. Guest services and the Rain Forest Cafe are located here. The Oasis leads to the park's hub, “Discovery Island”.
  
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| [[Grand Prix Raceway]]
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'''[[Oasis Exhibits]]'''- This walking trail allows guests to see many animals including: the giant anteater, wallabies, exotic boar and more.
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[[Skyway to Fantasyland]]
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|}
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===After the Grand Opening===
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===[[Discovery Island]]===
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The first major expansion to the Magic Kingdom came in 1973 when the Caribbean Plaza expansion of Adventureland took place. Due to high guest demand, Disney decided to construct a version of Disneyland's popular [[Pirates of the Caribbean]] attraction in the Magic Kingdom <ref> http://fiestafuncenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/caribbean-plaza-atmosphere.html </ref>. To do this, Imagineers decided to expanded Adventureland to create a new area to house the attraction. The next major change to the park came in 1975 when four new attractions opened in Tomorrowland. In 1971, Tomorrowland only featured Flight to the Moon, the Circle-Vision 360 Theater, and The Grand Prix Raceway. In order to finish out the land, Disney added the Star Jets, Carousel of Progress, WEDway PeopleMover, and Space Mountain <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/156/Walt-Disney-World/Magic-Kingdom/Tomorrowland/ </ref>.
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Main Article: [[Discovery Island]]
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[[Image:birthdayland.jpg|thumb|400px|Although originally envisioned as a temporary land, Mickey's Birthdayland would later evolve into Mickey's Starland and then Mickey's Toontown Fair]]
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Although new attractions continued to change the landscape of the park (such as the addition of [[Big Thunder Mountain]] in 1982), it was not until 1988 when Mickey's Birthdayland was built, that the Magic Kingdom got a new land. Mickey's Birthdayland was built in celebration of Mickey Mouse's 60th birthday. The new land consisted of the fictional town of Duckburg, and allowed guests to tour Mickey's House, Pluto's Doghouse, and Donald's Boat <ref name= "dated"> http://waltdatedworld.com/id27.htm </ref>. The land also featured Grandma Duck's Farm (a petting zoo) and Minnie's Surprise Party, which was a show dedicated to Mickey's birthday <ref name= "dated"/>. At this time, a train station was built in Mickey's Birthdayland so that the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]] would be able to drop guests off in the new area <ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/bdayland.htm </ref>. Although originally intended to be temporary, Mickey’s Birthdayland was so popular with guests that Disney decided to make the land permanent <ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/bdayland.htm </ref>, eventually renaming it Mickey's Starland on May 26, 1990 <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/mickeys-birthdayland.htm </ref>. Minnie's Surprise Party was rethemed, and it became Mickey's Magical TV World. The new show featured characters from the popular Disney Afternoon cartoon shows <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/toontownstn.html </ref>.
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In 1996, the once temporary land was once again rethemed. Now called Mickey's Toontown Fair, the new land took place in the fictional Toontown. Toontown was larger than Mickey's Birthdayland, although it did carry over the Mickey's house attraction. Added to Toontown were a new version of Donald's Boat, [[The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm]], Minnie's Country House, and the Judges Tent where guests could meet various Disney characters <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/toontownstn.html </ref>. In 2011 Mickey's Toontown Fair was closed to make way for the Fantasyland Expansion <ref> http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2011/02/12/mickey-evicted-disneys-toontown-fair-closed-and-awaiting-demolition </ref>.
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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!]] attraction.
  
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In 2012 Storybook Circus (a part of the Fantasyland Expansion) opened in the former location of Mickey's Toontown Fair <ref> http://www.insidethemagic.net/2012/02/walt-disney-world-updates-new-fantasyland-opening-timeline-with-storybook-circus-opening-in-march-snow-white-closing-in-may/ </ref>. Included in the new area was the attractions: [[The Barnstormer Featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini]], a relocated [[Dumbo the Flying Elephant]] (now featuring a second set of Dumbos), the [[Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station]] and [[Pete's Silly Sideshow]] <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/fan-storybook-circus.htm </ref>.
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===[[Africa]]===
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Main Article: [[Africa]]
  
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In December of 2012 the rest of the Fantasyland Expansion (sans the [[Seven Dwarfs Mine Train]]) opened to guests. This phase of the expansion included the attractions: [[Under the Sea: Voyage of the Little Mermaid]], [[Enchanted Tales with Belle]], and [[Ariel's Grotto]] <ref> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/new-fantasyland-grand-opening-set-for-december-6-at-magic-kingdom-park-at-walt-disney-world-resort/ </ref>. Lastly, on May 28, 2014 the final attraction in New Fantasyland, the [[Seven Dwarfs Mine Train]] officially opened to guests <ref> https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=7%20dwarfs%20mine%20train%20opened </ref>
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Home to the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Africa section of the park takes place in the fictional village of Harambe. According to the land's backstory, Harambe was once a colony 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 Festival of the Lion King.
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[[Image:AnimalKingdomGuideMap2017.png|thumb|350px|The 2017 Animal Kingdom map (click to enlarge)]]
  
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==Lands==
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===[[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]===
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To see the current Magic Kingdom map [https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/parks-and-tickets/destinations/magic-kingdom/Magic_Kingdom.pdf '''Click Here'''.]
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Main Article: [[Rafiki's Planet Watch]]
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[[Image:MKmap2017.png|thumb|400px|The 2016 Magic Kingdom map (click to enlarge)]]
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===Main Street USA===
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Rafiki's Planet Watch was originally called Conservation Station from 1998 until October 2000. It 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.
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Main Article: [[Main Street USA]]
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Main Street USA is the first land that guests see upon entering the Magic Kingdom. Located at the front of the park, Main Street is modeled after a small, turn of the century, American town. Main Street gets its architecture from different regions in the United States including Boston and Missouri. The change in architecture is easiest to see when at the four corners of the land. Main Street begins  when guests emerge from under the Walt Disney World Railroad, and ends when they reach the base of Cinderella Castle.  Although Main Street does not have “rides” like the rest of the lands, it does have its own unique attractions including the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]] and the [[Main Street Vehicles]]. Also on Main Street are individual shops and restaurants which add to its small town appeal.
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===[[Asia]]===
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Main Article: [[Asia]]
  
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===Frontierland===
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Perhaps the most popular land in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Asia was not complete until 1999. Set in the township of Anandpur, Asia is home to the popular [[Kali River Rapids]] and [[Expedition Everest]].
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Main Article: [[Frontierland]]
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Located in the Northwest Corner of the park, Frontierland allows guests to visit the Wild West. The land features many Old West styled buildings, including the [[Frontierland Shootin' Arcade]], [[ Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Café]], and the Frontierland Trading Post. Frontierland also hosts some of the Magic Kingdom's biggest thrill rides – [[Splash Mountain]] and [[Big Thunder Mountain Railroad]]. Also included in  Frontierland is the [[Country Bear Jamboree]] and the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]], as well as rafts that guests can board to cross the Rivers of America and explore [[Tom Sawyer Island]].
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===[[DinoLand USA]]===
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[[Image:mainstreetpanorama.jpg|thumb|600px|A panorama of Main Street USA by Rhys A (click to enlarge).]]
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Main Article: [[DinoLand USA]]
  
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===Adventureland===
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DinoLand USA is home to the [[Dino Institute]], which allows guests to travel back in time and come face to face with dinosaurs. In 2001 the land was expanded to include Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama. This new area is themed like a roadside attraction which was built to capitalize on the success of the nearby institute.
  
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Main Article: [[Adventureland]]
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===[[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]===
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Main Article: [[Pandora- The World of Avatar]]
  
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Located in the Southwest corner of the Magic Kingdom, Adventureland represents the 1950's view of exotic locales. Taking its inspiration from jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America, Adventureland is full of lush plants and exotic scenery. Parts of Adventureland also take guests to tropical Polynesia and the great deserts of Arabia, where they can ride on a [[flying carpet]]. Finally, Adventureland is also home to classic Disney attractions such as, the [[Jungle Cruise]], [[Pirates of the Caribbean]], [[Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room]], and the [[Swiss Family Treehouse]].
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Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the land of James Cameron's Avatar. On Pandora guests can travel on the Na'vi River Journey attraction, or take flight on a Banshee on Flight of Passage. Pandora – The World of Avatar was constructed on the land formally occupied by [[Camp Minnie-Mickey]].
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===Fantasyland===
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Main Article: [[Fantasyland]]
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Fantasyland is a land dedicated, “to the young and those young at heart.” Located at the base of Cinderella Castle, Fantasyland takes its inspiration from the Disney movies themselves, allowing guests to “ride through” different classic films. Attractions such as [[Dumbo the Flying Elephant]], [[Peter Pan's Flight]] and, [[it's a small world]] can all be found in Fantasyland. Fantasyland's newest attraction, the [[Seven Dwarfs Mine Train]], can also be found in New Fantasyland. Following its 2012 refurbishment, Fantasyland became the largest land in the Magic Kingdom.
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===Tomorrowland===
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Main Article: [[Tomorrowland]]
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Billed as the future that never was, Tomorrowland lets guests visit the tomorrow of Julius Verne and H.G. Wells. Tomorrowland also serves as an intergalactic convention center, where aliens and humans alike can come, meet, and see the promise of tomorrow. Originally built to give guests a view of what the future would be like, it quickly became evident to the Disney that they would not be able to continuously update the land as technology changed. Instead, in 1994 they decided to give the park a retro-futuristic feel. Fan favorite attractions such as [[Space Mountain]] and [[Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin]] can be found in Tomorrowland.
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===Liberty Square===
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Main Article: [[Liberty Square]]
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Themed after colonial America, Liberty Square gives guest the opportunity to go back and see America as it grew. Starting at the [[Haunted Mansion]] in the 1670s and ending at the entrance to Frontierland (1880s), Liberty Square gives guests the feeling that they are watching America expand and unite. At the central hub of the land, the flags of the 13 original colonies fly along with the American flag. Liberty Square is home to the [[The Hall of Presidents]], [[Haunted Mansion]] and the [[Liberty Square Riverboat]].
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==Former Lands==
 
==Former Lands==
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===Mickey's Birthdayland/Mickey's Starland===
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===Camp Minnie-Mickey===
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Main Article: [[Mickey's Starland]]
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Initially intended to be a temporary land, Camp Minnie-Mickey was located where Beastly Kingdom was originally supposed to be built. Here, 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 a new land based on James Cameron's Avatar. Following Camp Minnie-Mickey's closure, Festival of the Lion King was relocated to the Africa section of the park.
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[[Image:ToontownFair.jpg|thumb|400px|Mickey's Toontown Fair was a land in the Magic Kingdom from 1996-2011. Photo by HarshLight]]
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Mickey's Birthdayland opened as a temporary land in 1988, in celebration of Mickey Mouses' 60th Birthday. The land was set in the fictional town of Duckburg, and a new train station was built so that the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]] could drop off guests there. Mickey’s Birthdayland featured the attraction Minnie's Surprise Party (which was a show about Mickey's birthday) and guests could also tour Mickey's House or visit Grandmas Duck’s farm (which was a petting zoo). The star of Grandma Duck’s farm was Minnie Moo, a cow who had what appeared to be a Mickey head on the side of her body.  
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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*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.guidetothemagic.com/animalkingdom/animalkingdom5.htm </ref>.
  
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Although originally intended as a temporary park, Mickey's Birthdayland was very popular. Due to this popularity, the land was renamed Mickey's Starland and it was upgraded to a permanent land in 1990. Due to the change in theme, Minnie's Surprise Party was closed. When the attraction reopened it was titled Mickey's Magical TV World Show and it now featured characters from the popular Disney Afternoon cartoons including: Darkwing Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, Baloo, Louie, and Chip and Dale. Mickey's Starland closed in 1996 and was given buildings that look more permanent. When the land reopened it was named Mickey's Toontown Fair.
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* Animal Kingdom features 250 species and 1,0000 different animals <ref name= "trivia"/>
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===Mickey's Toontown Fair===
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Main Article: [[Mickey's Toontown Fair]]
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Mickey's Toontown Fair opened in 1996, and closed in 2011. The land was set in Toontown- the place where Disney's most famous cartoon characters lived. Toontown Fair, which replaced Mickey's Starland, took its inspiration from the 1989 movie ''Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'' and featured a more permanent look. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale could all be found in the Judges Tent, as well as other surprise characters who would pop in from time to time. Other attractions in Toontown Fair included Mickey's Country House and Minnie's Country House (where guests could see how Mickey and Minnie lived) and Donald’s Boat (a water play area). Although Mickey's Toontown Fair was full of areas for kids to play, the only real “ride” in the land was [[The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm]], a tame roller coaster aimed at  younger kids. Mickey's Toontown Fair was closed in 2011 to make room for the new [[Fantasyland]] expansion.
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==Entertainment==
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'''Festival of Fantasy'''- The Magic Kingdom's afternoon parade, Festival of Fantasy celebrates the tales of Fantasyland. The parade begins in [[Frontierland]] and ends on [[Main Street USA]].
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'''Wishes'''- The Magic Kingdom's firework show. Hosted by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy, the show features music from various Disney films. Wishes' final performance will be May 11, 2017.
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* Cinderella Castle is not made of a single brick - it is made of steel and fiberglass <ref> http://mentalfloss.com/article/19741/quick-10-10-magic-kingdom-attractions-and-their-secrets </ref>.
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* There are 1100 Audio-Animatronic figures in the Magic Kingdom <ref name= "lou"> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/magic-kingdom-and-fun-facts/ </ref>.
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*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://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_fact.htm </ref>.
  
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* The Magic Kingdom is about 107 acres <ref> http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20140319/16954/20-fun-facts-about-disneys-magic-kingdom </ref>.  
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*Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica <ref name= "trivia"/>.
  
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* There were about 5,000 performers on opening day of the Magic Kingdom, not including the 5,000 doves that were released <ref name= "lou"/>.
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*There are over 61,000 costume pieces worn by Animal Kingdom cast members.  
  
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* The Magic Kingdom can hold up to 100,000 people <ref name= "lou"/>.
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*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"/>.
  
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* When The Magic Kingdom opened  on October 1, 1971, adult admission cost just $3.50, a seven-ride attraction ticket book cost $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book cost only $5.75 <ref> http://allears.net/tix/tixincrease.htm </ref>.
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*In the early 2000s Disney promoted Animal Kingdom with the phrase NăHTăZū!(pronounced "not a zoo") <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10581/Its_Nahtazu </ref>.
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*When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, it was the first theme park to have continuously playing ambient music on pathways between attractions <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/disneyworldgrandopening.html </ref>.
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*William Windsor, Jr. and his family were officially the first visitors to visit the Magic Kingdom <ref> http://allears.net/ae/issue608.htm </ref>.
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*Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the largest groups of Nile hippos and African elephants in North America <ref name= "trivia"/>.
  
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*According to a sign near the entrance to [[Main Street USA]], the population of the Magic Kingdom is 600,000,000. The sign was added in 1998, when the Magic Kingdom welcomed its 600 millionth guest <ref> http://www.answers.com/Q/Why_does_the_Magic_Kingdom_population_600000000 </ref>.
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* There are 27 million gallons of water in Discovery River <ref name= "trivia"/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 16:23, 3 June 2018

Disney's Animal Kingdom
TreeOfLifeday.jpg
The Tree of Life is the icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Theme Animals, nature, conservation
Opened April 22, 1998
Icon The Tree of Life

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a theme park located in Walt Disney World.

Conception [1]

A theme park about animals was not high on Disney’s list of ideas, but surveys showed that Disney and animals tested well, and Disney had a lot of intellectual properties that showcased animals. Because of this, Michael Eisner sent the idea for an animal theme park to Imagineering. 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 syle pavilion, and a nontraditional zoo.

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.

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 eventually used much of their experience when creating Kilimanjaro Safaris.

As plans for the park continued to develop, Michael Eisner wondered if simply encountering animals would be a big enough draw for guests. To prove that this was not the case, Joe Rohde brought a 400 pound Bengal tiger into a meeting he was having with Eisner and Frank Wells. As Rohde gave his presentation, the tiger sauntered around the room. After feeling the effect of being so close to a tiger, Eisner and Wells relented and live animal encounters would be the focal point of Animal Kingdom.

During another meeting with Eisner and other executives, the Disney CEO told Imagineers that he wanted a DinoLand. Other ideas stemming from these meetings included the Oasis (which would serve as the entryway) Safari Village (the parks hub) and Discovery River. By 1992, the basic layout of the park was in place. Guests would enter through the Oasis before arriving at Safari Village. From there, guests could explore the park's other lands including DinoLand, Africa, Asia, and the land dedicated to imaginary animals.

Finally, after years of development on June 21, 1995 Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom was officially announced. When discussing the new park, Michael Eisner stated:

“This is to the traditional zoo as the motion picture was to the stage play. A leap forward that keeps the concept of combining education and entertainment alive and well. The need for awareness 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

Construction on Disney's Animal began in August of 1995. Like other Disney theme parks, Animal Kingdom was to be made up of various "lands". When designing the park, 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 to represent three groups of animals: current living animals, extinct animals, and mythological animals.

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 parks construction [2]. 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 [3]. This deadline was met, and the fall of 1997 the animals were brought in to the park [4]. 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.

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 would be either DinoLand USA or Beastly Kingdomme [5]. Disney eventually decided to build DinoLand USA, possibly due to the new movie “Dinosaur” that was to be released in 2000 [5].

Phase II was planned to be the completion of Asia, along with 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. Camp Minnie-Mickey was to be essentially a place holder until Beastly Kingdom could be built [6].

Like the other Disney parks, Imagineers knew that Disney's Animal Kingdom would need a "weenie" or icon to draw guests into the park.The first icon considered for the park was the Animal Carousel [1]. This three tiered structure would have featured birds, animals and fish that guests could ride on as they went around the carousel. Michael Eisner eventually rejected this idea because he though it was "too frivolous"[1]., and Imagineers came up with a new icon- The Tree of Life.

Initially, Imagineers had a tough time figuring out how to create the massive icon [7]. The tree had to look authentic, while being able to withstand hurricane level winds[7] . On top of that, the tree would also have to house the attraction It's Tough to be a Bug! (the attraction was chosen over an earlier idea of having a restaurant inside the tree)[7] . Eventually however, Imagineers came up with a fairly simple solution.

First, they took the structure of an oil rig for the base[7] . 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 tree[7] . When the Tree of Life was completed it stood 145 feet tall and looked as if the animals themselves were making up the tree's trunk[7] .

Opening Day

Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998 (Earth Day). At the opening of the park, the song “The Circle of Life” from Disney's The Lion King played as guests were showered with rose petals [8]. A half hour after the park had opened; the parking lot was filled to capacity, while 45 minutes later the park itself was filled to capacity [9]. The first official guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom were Brenda Herr, her husband Damon Chepren, and their son Devon [9]. They were greeted by Roy E. Disney and given lifetime passes. Unlike previous theme park openings, the event was not a star studded one although Michael J. Fox, Drew Carey, Stevie Wonder and David Copperfield did appear [10]. Some 5,000 reporters were also on hand as Disney CEO Michael Eisner read the park’s dedication:

Welcome to a kingdom of animals… real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn.

— Michael Eisner
April 22, 1998

History After Opening Day

Expedition Everest opened in 2006.

Although relatively young compared to the other Disney Parks, Animal Kingdom has gone through several changes. The first major expansion of the park came in 1999 when Asia was finally completed [11].Added at this time were the popular attractions Maharajah Jungle Trek [12] and the Kali River Rapids. The Discovery River Boats (which were located in Asia) closed with the opening of the new attractions [13].

In 2000 and 2001 many of Animal Kingdom's lands were renamed. The former Safari Village became Discovery Island [14] and Conservation Station became Rafiki's Planet Watch [15]. The change in name to Discovery Island coincided with the closing of the Discovery Island attraction on Bay Lake. Also changing its name at this time was the popular DinoLand USA attraction Countdown To Extinction. That ride was re-named after, and slightly altered to tie into the 2000 Disney movie Dinosaur [16].

2001 also saw another expansion in Disney's Animal Kingdom. At this time, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama was added to DinoLand USA. This mini land housed Midway Games (later renamed Fossil Fun Games) and the TriceraTop Spin [17]. The following year on March 31, 2002, Primeval Whirl was added to the area [17].

The next set of majorchanges came to Animal Kingdom in 2006. In DinoLand USA, Finding Nemo- the Musical replaced Tarzan Rocks, which had been there since 1999 [18]. Also in 2006, the “E-Ticket” roller coaster Expedition Everest was built in Asia. The attraction is a roller 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” [19]. Following the land's closure the Festival of the Lion King attraction was relocated to a new section of Africa called “New Harambe” [20]. In 2015 the Harambe Marketplace opened to guests. The new area was themed around a “Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower”. Inside the Harambe Marketplace guests can visit various food vendors who sell African inspired quinine [21].

2016 saw several new experiences come to Animal Kingdom. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic stage show opened as a temporary 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. [22].

On February 17, 2017, Rivers of Light, Disney's Animal Kingdom's nighttime show, opened to guests [23]. Finally on May 27, 2017, Pandora- The World of Avatar opened to guests [24]. Based on the 2009 James Cameron film, Pandora- The World of Avatar transports guests to the planet Pandora and features the attractions Flights of Passage and Na'vi River Journey

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 logo, there are currently no plans to build the land. Camp Minnie-Mickey proved to be popular with guests, and thus the land set aside for Beastly Kingdom remained in use. With the announcement of a land based on Avatar it looks 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" [25].
  • A detailed dragonhead statue sits atop one of the ticket booths at the park's entrance [26].
  • In the first couple years of the parks existence, blasts of fire would be spewed from a cave at the edge of the water near Camp Minnie-Mickey [27]. 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's captain that the fire was created by a fire-breathing dragon inside the cave [27].

Backstory

According to The World According to Jack the backstory for Disney's Animal Kingdom states

'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.[28]

Current Lands

To see the current Animal Kingdom map Click Here.

Oasis

Located at the front of the park, the Oasis is the first land that guests encounter. Guest services and the Rain Forest Cafe are located here. The Oasis leads to the 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

Main Article: 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! attraction.

Africa

Main Article: Africa

Home to the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Africa section of the park takes place in the fictional village of Harambe. According to the land's backstory, Harambe was once a colony 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 Festival of the Lion King.

The 2017 Animal Kingdom map (click to enlarge)

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Main Article: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Rafiki's Planet Watch was originally called Conservation Station from 1998 until October 2000. It 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.

Asia

Main Article: Asia

Perhaps the most popular land in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Asia was not complete until 1999. Set in the township of Anandpur, Asia is home to the popular Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest.

DinoLand USA

Main Article: DinoLand USA

DinoLand USA is home to the Dino Institute, which allows guests to travel back in time and come face to face with dinosaurs. In 2001 the land was expanded to include Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama. This new area is themed like a roadside attraction which was built to capitalize on the success of the nearby institute.

Pandora- The World of Avatar

Main Article: Pandora- The World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the land of James Cameron's Avatar. On Pandora guests can travel on the Na'vi River Journey attraction, or take flight on a Banshee on Flight of Passage. Pandora – 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 located where Beastly Kingdom was originally supposed to be built. Here, 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 a new land based on James Cameron's Avatar. Following Camp Minnie-Mickey's closure, Festival of the Lion King was relocated to the Africa section of the park.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Straws, balloons and cup lids are not used inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom to protect the animals from potential choking hazards [29].
  • Animal Kingdom features 250 species and 1,0000 different animals [2]
  • Two Micronesian Kingfisher chicks were hatched at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, raising the world population of these birds by 3 percent [2].
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains live plants from every continent on Earth except Antarctica [2].
  • There are over 61,000 costume pieces worn by Animal Kingdom cast members.
  • In the early 2000s Disney promoted Animal Kingdom with the phrase NăHTăZū!(pronounced "not a zoo") [30].
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the largest groups of Nile hippos and African elephants in North America [2].
  • There are 27 million gallons of water in Discovery River [2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Malmberg, Melody. The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Print.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_fact.htm
  3. ↑ http://allears.net/ae/issue863.htm
  4. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/01/kilimanjaro_safaris_at_animal_1.html
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/309.aspx
  6. ↑ http://www.yesterland.com/campmm.html
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html
  8. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_opn.htm
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/apr22.html
  10. ↑ http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1998-04-20/news/9804190408_1_walt-disney-animal-kingdom-disney-theme
  11. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_asia.htm
  12. ↑ https://touringplans.com/animal-kingdom/attractions/maharajah-jungle-trek
  13. ↑ http://waltdatedworld.com/id55.htm
  14. ↑ http://waltdatedworld.com/id131.htm
  15. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/07/rafikis_planet_watch_the_forgo.html
  16. ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/10881/Remembering_the_Magic_Countdown_To_Extinction__DINOSAUR
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 https://d23.com/a-to-z/chester-hesters/
  18. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/ak/nemo.htm
  19. ↑ https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Festival+of+Lion+King+closed+Avatar
  20. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/07/a-new-home-for-festival-of-the-lion-king-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/
  21. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/fun-new-tastes-at-harambe-market-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/
  22. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/update-on-nighttime-experiences-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/
  23. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/rivers-of-light-officially-opens-february-17-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/
  24. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/just-announced-pandora-the-world-of-avatar-will-open-may-27-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/
  25. ↑ http://www.yesterland.com/avatarkingdom.html
  26. ↑ http://www.wdwinfo.com/columns/walt-disney-world-never-built.cfm
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2004/10/19/479.aspx
  28. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/06/tree_of_life_at_disneys_animal.html
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 http://www.guidetothemagic.com/animalkingdom/animalkingdom5.htm
  30. ↑ https://www.mouseplanet.com/10581/Its_Nahtazu
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