LPWire: Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Lion's Share of Adventures
Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates 5th Anniversary With Lion's Share of Adventures
Launched as a new species of theme park on Earth Day in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park marks its fifth year anniversary today.
And while existing animals large and small -- from African elephants to diminutive stinkbugs -- have been amazing guests with one adventure after another, there also has been incredible growth.
“The park has really matured in the last five years, with new experiences for our guests to discover,” said Al Weiss, president Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a balance of thrilling attractions, exotic animals, dazzling entertainment and encounters with Disney characters.”
Walt Disney World Resort’s fourth and largest theme park is 500 Central Florida acres of vast jungles, lush grasslands and rainforests, plus an authentic savannah and dinosaur dig site. The park is home to more than 1,000 animals representing some 250 species.
New since opening day:
- Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! -- A campy “mini-land” recalling nostalgic roadside America, Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! features Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin, plus dino-themed carnival games. Aboard the colorful, crazy coaster Primeval Whirl, “time machines” transport guests through curves, plunges and the jaws of a dinosaur skeleton spinning wildly along the way. In TriceraTop Spin guests fly in playful dinosaurs in an open-air, spinning toy-top attraction. Games include Dino-Whamma, a classic mallet strength game; Mammoth Marathon, a racing derby; Comet Crasher, a goblet toss game; Fossil Fueler, a water-squirt game themed to a prehistoric gas station; and Bronto-Score, a basketball game.
- Tarzan Rocks! stage show -- Tarzan turns rock star in “Tarzan Rocks!” an upbeat stage show based on Walt Disney Pictures’ animated feature film “Tarzan.” Singers, gymnasts, dancers, aerialists and in-line skaters join three of the film’s stars -- Tarzan, Jane and Terk -- on stage to take guests “on tour” with their 30-minute rock concert. The movie’s soundtrack combines with extreme stunts, spectacular costumes and audience participation to create a dynamic atmosphere. The extravaganza is presented several times daily in the 1,500-seat Theater in the Wild in DinoLand U.S.A.
- Kali River Rapids -- Thrill-seekers encounter Kali River Rapids, a white-water rafting expedition through the heart of Asia. Guests are launched on 12-person rafts into the turbulent Chakranadi River for a splashy journey of twists, turns and fiery adventures through the lush tropical rainforest. A soaking surprise awaits around every turn, including an abrupt drop into raging rapids.
- Maharajah Jungle Trek -- Maharajah Jungle Trek is a breathtaking journey through the lush home of myriad animal and bird species. In this self-guided tour through the rainforests of Southeast Asia, guests come face to face with a Komodo dragon, deer, antelope, Asian tigers and giant fruit bats. Nepal, India, Thailand and Indonesia are represented through architecture, animal carvings and ruins scattered throughout the village. An aviary houses exotic birds from Asian Fairy Bluebirds to Yellow-throated Laughing Thrushes.
- “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” Parade -- With all the sights and sounds of an outrageous island street party, Disney characters have come to town on expedition with a wild, whimsical, larger-than-life tribute to their animal friends. As “Mickey's Jammin' Jungle” parades through the park, a menagerie of abstract animal images comes to life in a fun, musical processional.
“The park is so rich with what happens in between the attractions -- animal habitats, lush landscaping, atmosphere entertainment and the friendly cultural students who interact with our guests,” said Dr. Beth Stevens, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “It’s a fun theme park with a dual mission to entertain guests like Disney does so well, and to care for wildlife and wild places.”
Future expansion will offer even more discoveries for Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests.
--Posted April 22, 2003
Source: Walt Disney World