HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANIMAL KINGDOM

April 22, 2022 Chelsea M

Author: Chelsea Murphy Posted: April 22, 2022

April 22nd is more than just Earth Day at Walt Disney World—it’s also the birthday of one of the most unique Disney parks: Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In 2022, the park celebrated its 24th anniversary, honoring both planet conservation and Disney storytelling in one unforgettable week-long event.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Animal Kingdom during Earth Week (April 22–28), here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the celebration—including exclusive snacks, rare character appearances, and limited-time photo opportunities.

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life with Birds in flight

A Quick Look Back: Animal Kingdom’s Opening Day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially opened its gates on April 22, 1998, making Earth Day its symbolic and literal birthday. Since its inception, the park has embraced the themes of wildlife conservation, environmental awareness, and global adventure—all wrapped in immersive, Disney-level storytelling.

🌿 Fun fact: The Tree of Life features over 300 hand-carved animal images and stands as a symbol of the park’s mission to celebrate nature in all its forms.

Earth Day Exclusive: The Red-Crowned Crane Drink

One of the highlights of Earth Week is the debut of limited-edition snacks and beverages across the park. And this year, one drink in particular had guests buzzing:

🟢 Red-Crowned Crane Frozen Beverage
Named after one of the world’s most endangered birds, this icy refreshment layers frozen cherry cola, frozen cola, and a whimsical swirl of cotton candy on top. Find it at Isle of Java, a favorite spot for cool-downs during hot park days.

📸 Insider tip: Snap a photo of this drink before sipping—it’s one of the most Instagrammable items of the season.

Limited-Time Earth Day Merchandise

Don’t leave the park without checking out the Earth Day-exclusive merchandise, available at select gift shops throughout Animal Kingdom. From eco-friendly water bottles to unique apparel, this limited-edition gear celebrates both the park’s anniversary and Disney’s dedication to sustainability.

🤗 Character Meet & Greets Are Back (with a Surprise Twist)

In a magical return to form, traditional character greetings are back—just in time for Earth Day. Guests can once again enjoy:

Hugs and autographs with beloved Disney characters
📸 Photos with rare characters, including:
- Gypsy from A Bug’s Life on the Discovery Island Trail
- The Hyenas from The Lion King floating by on a cavalcade boat—so keep your camera ready!

🎈 Many classic meet-and-greets have returned, but not all—check the My Disney Experience app for character schedules and updates.

📷 Exclusive PhotoPass Lenses with Genie+

If you’ve added Genie+ to your park day, don’t miss out on the Earth Day-themed PhotoPass lenses. These digital filters are a fun, creative way to capture the celebration and bring a little extra magic to your photos.

🎢 Bonus News: Expedition Everest Has Reopened!

After a temporary closure earlier this year, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is once again taking guests on thrilling expeditions through the Himalayas. While the elusive Yeti animatronic remains out of commission (still hoping, Imagineers!), the ride is operating smoothly and remains a must-do.

🌱 Final Thoughts: Celebrate, Sip, and Snap Your Way Through Earth Week

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney veteran, visiting Animal Kingdom during Earth Day week is something truly special. Between the environmental tributes, unique snacks, returning character experiences, and springtime energy, there’s no better time to experience what makes this park so different from the rest.