April 22, 1998 Disney's Animal Kingdom Opened

Disney celebrates Earth Day each year with special events. This year a new movie, Africa n Cats will be released and proceeds will go to help protect the African Savanna. In 1998 the big celebration was the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is one of 4 Theme Parks at Walt Disney World Resort and it is full of attractions, adventures and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney's dedication to nature and conservation, and in doing so, the Park leads the way in animal care, education and research.

Home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and sprawling across 500 acres of lush landscape, Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is the largest animal-themed park in the world!

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is divided into 7 areas:

•Oasis
•Discovery Island® area
•Camp Minnie-Mickey
•Africa
•Rafiki's Planet Watch® area
•Asia
•Dinoland, U.S.A.® area

Within each area, encounter real and fantastic animals. Get close enough to pet some of them, or ask for their autograph! Exciting attractions await, as does live and wild entertainment—like Broadway-style musical shows and parades that invite you to be part of the excitement.

Guest Services

Guest Services at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park cover such topics as what to wear, what to bring, what attractions use the FASTPASS ticket system and where to find Disney character merchandise, souvenirs and maps.

Attractions

Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park include exciting expeditions and wild adventures with animals. Get close to creatures, from the whimsical to the mighty, from feathered to fanciful. Use Disney's FASTPASS system on popular attractions to reduce wait times.

Entertainment

Entertainment at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park includes elaborate parades, performances that feature nearly 20 species of birds and big-as-Broadway musical-stage shows and Disney Character meet and greets. For show schedules, check the Park calendar or Times Guide.

Dining

Dining at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park means sampling American, African and Asian-inspired cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner in restaurants that offer a range of experiences from quick-service to Character Dining to wildly themed.

Shopping

Shopping at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park means finding authentic African art and imports—like baskets, masks and jewelry—as well as staples and souvenirs, such as film, sunscreen, plush toys, postcards, Disney Character merchandise and family apparel.

Tours

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park offers several unique animal-related special experiences, including the Backstage Safari Tour, the Wild By Design Tour and the new Wild Africa Trek—where you can get closer to the animals than ever before!

Transportation

Transportation to and from Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is available via bus throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, convenient self-parking is also available.