Happy 10th Birthday Animal Kingdom
Today, April 22, 10 years ago Animal Kingdom opened its gates to the general public for the very first time. The park opened with 5 attraction, 9 exhibits and 12 live entertainment show on a 500 acres location. The main attraction of the resort are its inhabitants, the many incredible animals.
The park has opened with mixed reviews, many guests didn’t understand the concept and where only looking for new rides, missing out on the real magic that the Imagineers pulled out of their sleeves. Personally I still consider Animal Kingdom as an Imagineering masterpiece where I could spend days without ever getting bored or tired.
While it sure did get its own fan base that loves and enjoys the park like I do, the park did have its problems. One big planned expansion didn’t see the day of live; Beastly Kingdom. The land would focus on the mythical animals that have wandered our and many peoples imaginary minds. Unfortunately budget didn’t allow to add the land, but there is some history to be found in and around the park that shows a little of what was supposed to be; The Dragon on the original Animal Kingdom Logo, the Unicorn Parking lot, the dragon shaped Stone fountain near Camp Minnie Mickey, the dragonhead statues that sit atop of the Ticket Boots and a fire-breathing dragon in the former Discovery River Boats attraction (Clossed in March 1999).
Not everybody was impressed with the park and thought that it was missing big attractions expected in a Disney park. But Disney came up with Expedition Everest, a new Roller Coaster that won the approval of many guests. Disney proofed that if you invest right, add a great attraction, guest will come and be happy. With this in mind the next 10 years might bring even more chances to this amazing park. We will have to wait and see; but who knows, during the next celebration dragons might be flying over our heads after all…
Thank you to all Disney Imagineers, former Imagineers and all Animal Kingdom Cast Members for the first 10 years of this amazing place. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Animal Kingdom…
Picture Logo Copyrights Disney.