WDW Daily News

Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

“It’s kind of unusual to stay attached like this to a single project for two decades, but there you have it…Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more or less the story of my life!! Even though it’s…like…twenty years old, there has never been a single day when we were not working on something that was going to go into the park or change the park. It’s a living thing, because it is full of other living things.”

“The super complex horticulture and landscaping of the park is part of what makes it alive.  It isn’t managed to stay the same, but rather to continue to grow and change…to be as real as we can make it be. You would not believe how much work that takes!!

Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, but at its heart, it has always been dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the world around us. As we approach this 20^th anniversary milestone, I’m honored to have been entrusted with leadership of this unique park and to work with this incredible group of Cast Members who share the magic of nature with our guests every day.”

“Disney’s Animal Kingdom has seen a lot of change, and through all the amazing accomplishments, we have remained committed to bringing the magic of nature to our guests in ways only Disney can.”

Walt Disney

“You’ve probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us. It’s a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come.”

Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute, L&U Messenger of Peace

“I have been involved with Disney’s Animal Kingdom since before the grand opening day 1998.  From the start I was impressed by the scale of the park – it was especially magical to see four elephants able to disport themselves in a huge pool. How lucky I was to be allowed to climb the scaffolding and look close up at the amazing art work on the Tree of Life. The huge sculpture of David Greybeard, the only named animal on the Tree, was a surprise, sculpted specially for me.

Now, 20 years later, I think of all the animals and how many visitors have had a chance to watch them and learn about the importance of wildlife on Planet Earth. The Animal Kingdom provides an experience that is not only fascinating, but also educational as visitors hear stories about the importance of conserving animals and their habitats

The Disney Conservation Fund was established to support conservation efforts in many countries, including educational programs.  I am particularly grateful that hundreds of young people in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots have benefited from this fund in eighteen countries around the world.  It is so desperately important that the next generations should be better stewards of the natural world than we have been.

Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom learn to respect animals as individuals.  They also come away understanding that each one of us makes an impact on Planet Earth every day. By choosing wisely, choosing to tread lightly on the Earth and thus conserve our precious and finite natural resources, we can ensure a better future for generations of people and animals to come.”

Anne Savage, Ph.D, Conservation Director, Disney’s Animal Programs, Disney Parks

“For the past 20 years, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has worked to help save wildlife and engage communities in helping protect the magic of nature.  I’m so excited to see these care and conservation efforts continue to grow through the Disney Conservation Fund and our dedicated cast.”

Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

“We are proud to contribute to Walt Disney’s legacy of caring for wildlife and wild places. As a world-class leader in animal care and conservation, we are leading the way and reversing the decline of endangered and imperiled species. Through our participation in Species Survival Plans, we’ve been able to responsibly breed more than 200 species, thus ensuring diverse animal populations for the future.”

From creatures wild and whimsical to Broadway-caliber shows, from unparalleled adventures and experiences to award-winning conservation efforts, from exotic lands to cuisine that celebrates a global park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is marking an anniversary of 20 unforgettable years. And the best is yet to come!

Here’s a look back at a few of the milestone dates in the evolution of Disney’s adventure park at Walt Disney World Resort:

June 20, 1995                         Plans for “Wild Animal Kingdom” announced

August 4, 1995                      Groundbreaking for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

December 5, 1995                 The first tree, an authentic African acacia xanthophloea, is planted

June 12, 1996                         Miles the giraffe is the first animal to arrive

October 5, 1996                     A baby kudu is the first animal to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

November 4, 1997                 Hope, a 14-year-old gorilla, gives birth to a male named Jabari

April 22, 1998 (Earth Day)  Grand Opening for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

January 1999                         Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly American Zoo and Aquarium Association)

March 1, 1999                        Grand Opening of Asia, which includes Kali River Rapids and Maharajah Jungle Trek

July 1999                                Tarzan Rocks! debuts

May 2000                                Reproduction of Dino-Sue, the rare 65 million-year-old tyrannosaurus rex, on display in DinoLand U.S.A.

October 2000                         Rafiki’s Planet Watch premieres

December 2000                     Safari Village renamed Discovery Island

June 4, 2001                           Colobus Monkey Habitat Opens on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (formerly Pangani Forest Trail)

October 2001                         Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade premieres

November 2001                     First phase of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama opens with TriceraTop Spin attraction and midway games

April 18, 2002                         Primeval Whirl opens at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama

April 22, 2003                         Plans announced for Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

May, 2005                                Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronics figure capable of walking and moving independently, makes special appearances

April 7, 2006                           Expedition Everest opens

April 2006                                Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund achieves $10 million milestone since its 1995 creation

January 2007                          Grand opening for “Finding Nemo – the Musical”

April 22, 2007                         Inaugural “Party for the Planet” event takes place on Earth Day

February 16, 2008                 Paws in the Park event. Disney’s Animal Kingdom/Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives raises more than $13,000 for SPCA of Central Florida

April 22, 2008                         Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit visits the park on Earth Day

January 16, 2011                   Wild Africa Trek opens

June 1, 2013                           Wilderness Explorers program debuts to guests

June 1, 2014                           Festival of the Lion King debuts in its new home, the brand new Harambe Theatre.

May 2015                                Harambe Market opens.

May 27, 2016                          Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge open, nighttime experiences debut – Harambe Wildlife Parti, Discovery Island Carnivale, Tree of Life Awakenings and nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris

May 28, 2016                          The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic live show debuts

December 2016                       Lion-tailed Macaques debut

February 17, 2017                 Rivers of Light debuts

May 27, 2017                           Pandora – the World of Avatar opens

August 2017                            Sumatran tiger cubs, Jeda and Anala, are born,

January 2017                          Augustus, a baby hippo, is born

March, 2018                            Contributions to Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund total $70 million since 1995

April 22, 2018                         20^th Anniversary milestone marked with Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration, premiere of UP! A Great Bird Adventure and debut of the Pandora Utility Suit

Disney’s theme park of exploration is a place unique in all the world. Here Walt Disney World guests can venture to the snowy flanks of Mt. Everest, raft down a rainforest river, view wildlife on an African savannah and travel light years to an alien planet where banshees fly and mountains float.

Fittingly as the world celebrates Earth Day 2018 — Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20^th anniversary in a ceremony marking two decades of magical adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Gathered at the Harambe Theater, set of the popular Festival of the Lion King stage show, drummers, dancers, stilt performers and Disney characters joined Disney executives in a ceremony observing the 20^th anniversary and the kickoff of the two-week Party for the Planet celebration, on now through May 5.

Joe Rohde, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, led the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and reflected on its 20-year history.

“We created this park out of a set of ideals that we believed were relevant and meaningful,” Rohde said, “and as the years have passed, those ideals have only become more relevant and more meaningful. Our lives are bound to the lives of all creatures.”

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom noted how the park has grown over the last two decades, and its profound impact on guests and conservation efforts around the world.

“Since 1998, we have been extremely conscious that what we have here is a new species of theme park,” said Rivers. “And while it has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, it will always be dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the natural world.”

Rivers also called out the success of the Disney Conservation Fund, aimed at reversing the decline of imperiled creatures in the wild. To date, he said, the fund has directed more than $70 million to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks, noted today was more than an anniversary, it was a day of firsts.

“’UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ has its official debut in the park today,” she noted. “On Pandora – The World of Avatar you’ll be able to interact with a scientist who explores in a Pandora Utility Suit.”

In their lush surroundings, more than 2,000 animals – some endangered, all unique and colorful – call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, special photo opportunities, backstage tours at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, specialty desserts and other activities during the Party for the Planet. Tiffins, a signature restaurant, will host themed dinners hosted by animal care experts.

On May 26 Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut even more entertainment with Donald’s Dino-Bash! Guests can join Donald Duck and friends in DinoLand, U.S.A. for playful character encounters and a DJ-powered dance party. It’s all part of the Incredible Summer of fun that kicks off across the Walt Disney World Resort Memorial Day weekend.

For more information about the 20^th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can visit www.Disneyworld.com/AnimalKingdom

There’s a new show in the wilderness! Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry pal Dug from Disney•Pixar’s animated hit film UP join bird experts on a new adventure featuring encounters with birds from around the world. UP! A Great Bird Adventure makes its onstage debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, coinciding with the theme park’s 20th anniversary.

Here are six wild facts about the new 25-minute show:

• Led by an avian enthusiast and bird experts, this unique experience features a close-up look at bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe.
• More than 15 species of birds make appearances, including toucans, parrots, macaws, and an African fish eagle with a magnificent 7-foot wingspan.
• This is the first time that Russell and Dug from DisneyPixar’s UP appear onstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• An original, authentic Indian musical score features themes from DisneyPixar’s UP.
• Twenty animal trainers were involved in the training and rehearsal that brought the show to the stage. Four trainers work with the birds and the actors during every performance.
• The production team’s goal is to showcase beloved Disney characters and the amazing natural behavior of birds to inspire guests to connect with nature.

Twenty years ago this month (on Earth Day, to be exact), Walt Disney World in Florida welcomed its fourth theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on April 22, 1998.

The concept of presenting live animals to theme park guests originated with — of all people — Walt Disney himself. Walt’s love of animals was sparked when, at the age of 4, he moved with his family from Chicago to Marceline, Mo., and he began to take care of farm animals.

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