Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20

It seemed only fitting that Disney’s Animal Kingdom would celebrate its 20th anniversary on Earth Day 2018.

Disney’s theme park of exploration is a place unique in all the world, allowing Walt Disney World guests to 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.

The special 20th anniversary ceremony took place at the Harambe Theater – set of the popular Festival of the Lion King stage show – where drummers, dancers, stilt performers, and Disney characters joined Disney executives to mark the milestone and to kickoff a two-week Party for the Planet celebration, on now through May 5.

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. 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.

For more, go to www.Disneyworld.com/AnimalKingdom .