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Walt Disney World 2024: Disney's Animal Kingdom

 




Disney's Animal Kingdom has long been an enchanting destination where guests of all ages can embark on thrilling adventures and discover the wonders of the natural world. Since its grand opening in 1998, this one-of-a-kind theme park has transported visitors to some of Earth's most captivating ecosystems and allowed them to encounter a vast array of incredible animal species. As we enter 2024, Disney's Animal Kingdom continues to mesmerize guests with its commitment to conservation, education, and imagination. 


Earth Day Celebration

Last year, DAK celebrated its 25th anniversary with week-long special offerings. The park actually opened on Earth Day 1998. 


Even though last year was a milestone and this year is not, I still anticipate a celebration. The Walt Disney World website currently has a page that says “Join us as we celebrate Earth Day and honor the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings. Check back later for more information on the 2024 event.”


Last year, there were special snacks, merchandise, and am exclusive Wilderness Explorer badge. What will 2024 bring? 


New Tree of Life Show

The Tree of Life is the centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Everyday, thousands of guests stop to take pictures in front of its decorated branches. But did you know that there is an attraction inside the tree?


The show is called It’s Tough To Be A Bug, inspired by It’s A Bug’s Life. It’s Tough To Be A Bug has been humoring (and terrifying) guests since park opening in 1998. But these bugs are about to be exterminated from their tree for a city expansion. 


Disney recently announced that a brand new Zootopia show in its place. Although Zootopia violates the “no pants” rule and blatantly disrespects the lead designer’s vision of the park (and I’m not mad about it at all), some are still excited for the addition. 


The saving grace of this show is that it will focus on the animals biomes, which is reflected in the neighborhoods of Zootopia (such as the Rainforest District, Savana Central, Tundratown…). This seems educational and fitting for DAK. I hope there is a message of conservation somewhere in there. 


So far, no closing date for It’s Tough To Be A Bug or opening date for the new Zootopia show has been announced. However, it is expected to happen sometime in 2024. 


New Babies

We do not have any current news on this, but I highly expect there to be some new baby animals this year. Animals are always being born at DAK. Last year, over 300 animals were born, including an African elephant. Who knows which baby animals will make an appearance this year?


Rumored - Dinoland Overhaul

At 2023’s D23, the company presented some new ideas for Dinoland in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And none of them featured any dinosaurs whatsoever. These ideas included adding IP’s like Encanto and Indiana Jones. 


These, of course, are just “blue sky” ideas. This means that these plans are not officially in motion. They are just to tease Disney fans with “what if?”. 


Disney Darling predicted last year that something like this might happen. However, it was predicted that only Dino-rama (the section with all the carnival games) would go and that the Dino-institue (the section with the Boneyard and Dinosaur ride) would remain.


Nothing has been officially announced. Yet. 


Hopefully - New Nighttime Show

Back in 2017, DAK received some major upgrades. Of course, there was Pandora land. But there were also extended hours with the sunset Safari and an all new nighttime show. An amphitheater was built near Everest just for the show. The show was announced as Rivers of Light, and would feature giant light up floats on the water to tell the story of different animals. Guests were not fond of the show, calling it “Rivers of Lie”. So when the show closed along with the rest of the parks in 2020, Disney took the opportunity to officially retire the show. 


And now there is a giant, empty amphitheater in the center of the park. And there is a desperate need for more attractions to be added to the DAK. Seems like a “no, duh” for Disney. 


Now, I don’t expect Disney to add a new nighttime show this year, though it’d be cool if they did. I would hate to see the amphitheater remain empty for another long year. 


Your Opinions

What do you want to see come to DAK in 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!





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