Disney's Animal Kingdom Announces 20th Anniversary Festivities

Image: Disney's Animal Kingdom entrance. (photo courtesy of Walt Disney Resort) (Walt Disney World Resort)
Image: Disney's Animal Kingdom entrance. (photo courtesy of Walt Disney Resort) (Walt Disney World Resort)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:27 PM ET, Thu February 22, 2018

For travel agents and tourists, Disney's Animal Kingdom is enticing visitors to the park this spring with grand openings, anniversary celebrations, and a baby hippo.

Beginning April 22, the Orlando theme park will debut a new show, dubbed UP! A Great Bird Adventure, which will feature Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug from the Disney Pixar movie UP.

As part of the new show, Russell and Dug will take guests on an adventure through Anandapur village where they will learn about species of birds from around the world. More details about the show will be revealed in the coming weeks.

As for the Animal Kingdom's 20th-anniversary celebration, Disney will honor the accomplishment on Earth Day. Festivities will include animal encounters, family-friendly activities, conservation talks, educational exhibits at Rafiki's Planet Watch, special photo opportunities and more during an expanded Party for the Planet celebration between April 22 and May 5.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Disney World Has Big Plans for Summer 2018[/READMORE]

Another reason to visit the Animal Kingdom for the 20th-anniversary celebration is the introduction of the first hippo born at the park in 13 years, a 168-pound boy named Augustus. Guests can see the new baby with his mother Tuma on Kilimanjaro Safaris and Wild Africa Trek.

The Disney theme park also announced festivities surrounding the one-year anniversary of the hit attraction, Pandora - The World of Avatar, during Memorial Day weekend. Visitors will be treated to floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests, and breathtaking new experiences.


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