opening ceremony magic kingdom walt disney world

Where’s Discovery Island in this lineup? When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened, Discovery Island was known as “Safari Village.” In 1998, the original Discovery Island on Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom was still in operation. ( Sponsored by McDonald’s), Africa, and Asia.

From shorter attraction lists to missing lands, it was a totally different Disney’s Animal Kingdom! On Opening Day, guests could visit The Oasis, Safari Village, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dinoland U.S.A. If you look back at a map from April 1998, you may notice a few changes. View the opening day map or “Adventurer’s Guide” for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998! Opening Day Lands Keep an eye out for Michael Eisner, Drew Carey, Tahj, Tia, and Tamara Mowry, Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and more! It’s definitely a blast from the past - especially if you were a Disney Channel kid. This special gave viewers at home a look into Walt Disney World’s latest theme park! You can take a trip back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998 by watching the video below. Disney CEO at the time, Michael Eisner, was also in attendance calling the park “a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama and learn.” A few days after the park opening a television special, Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The First Adventure aired on April 26, 1998.

( Cue “What’s My Age Again” by blink-182.) Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s anniversary is also Earth Day, April 22! Today we’re taking a trip back in time to the Opening Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - April 22, 1998.ĭisney’s Animal Kingdom’s opening had a grand opening ceremony featuring primatologist Jane Goodall, Ph.D. Walt Disney World’s fourth ( and so far final?) theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gates to the public 23 years ago.

Opening ceremony magic kingdom walt disney world