April 22, 1998 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opens in Walt Disney World
“ …a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn.” – Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner
On April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom park opened in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is the fourth park built in Florida, and Disney’s largest park, spanning more than 500 acres. The theme of the park is mainly animal conservation, with the Tree of Life, a large sculpted tree, standing as its symbol. The park itself is split into seven different areas: Oasis, featuring animal habitats; Discovery Island, serving as the land’s central hub and containing the Tree of Life at its core; Camp Mickey-Minnie, built like a summer camp where guests can meet several characters; Africa, containing several animal exhibits and the Kilimanjaro Safaris; Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which focuses on conservation efforts supported by the Walt Disney Company; Asia, which was part of an expansion area added to the park in 1999; and DinoLand U.S.A., which gives guests an in-depth look at dinosaurs. The park has been ranked seventh in overall visits to theme parks around the world.
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