This April, Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World will celebrate its 20th anniversary. In honor of that milestone, the park has announced a number of special events, offerings, and more.
First, the park will offer an expanded Party for the Planet celebration from April 22nd to May 5th. During that time, guests can attend conservation talks by animal-care experts and participate in enhanced interactions with some of the more than 2,000 animals that make their home at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited park. Additionally, during the 20th anniversary, Rafiki’s Planet Watch will offer backstage experiences with experts where guests can learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital and hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation. Another opportunity (just for kids) is the chance to earn a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer program. The badge is one of many that youngsters can earn by completing fun activities throughout the park.
Party for the Planet will also include six different Tiffins Talks – themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins, the theme park’s signature, full-service restaurant. Naturally, the 20th-anniversary celebration will also bring limited edition merchandise to the park, including a special-edition print created by renowned Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. He will be available on April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to sign prints at Discovery Trading Company.
On the heels of its 20th anniversary, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also set to introduce some new shows and experiences. This includes the debut of UP! A Great Bird Adventure, which replaces Flights of Wonder. Additionally, starting Memorial Day weekend, Donald Duck will take over DinoLand U.S.A. for a “dino-tastic” celebration. Based on Donald’s discovery that his bird ancestors were actually dinosaurs, the celebration will feature colorful new décor and playful character greetings with rarely seen pals like Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and more. A DJ-powered dance party will mix tunes from the truck-o-saurus stage, capping the nighttime festivities.