This morning, Disney held a ceremony in front of the Tree of Life to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Executives from the park spoke about the history and impact of the theme park. We were at Animal Kingdom this morning and have video and photos of the full ceremony below!
Signs were up around the entrance plaza that celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the park.
Before we make our way up to the Tree of Life, here’s a look at the dedication stone from 1998 when the park opened! Guests can still find the dedication stone just past the tappoints at the park’s entrance.
Welcome to a kingdom of animals..real, ancient and imagined:
a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons;
a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival;
a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn
Dedicated this 22nd day of April, 1998
The ceremony started just before 8:30am with the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe getting the crowd moving.
The Walt Disney World Ambassadors took the stage next.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles was up next.
Dr. Mark Penning took the stage after Riles.
Following Penning’s comments, the finale kicked off featuring characters and performers from every corner of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ceremony finale was also where Moana made her Animal Kingdom debut before heading off to her meet & greet location.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!