Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened its gates to guests in 1998, and has been educating guests on animal conservation in entertaining and immersive ways ever since. Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has always kept animal education at the forefront of everything they do. This remains true to this day, along with the addition of some new attractions and areas that guests love. Guests who are familiar with Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s opening day attractions will still find glimpses and nods to them today. There are several vintage park elements that you can still find from 1998 Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2024. Join us as we explore them!
The Boneyard
This area within Dino Land USA still delights children and even adults to this day. The Boneyard is a massive playground featuring several slides and climbing features for children of all ages and abilities. Kids can climb ropes and explore caves and tunnels while adults rest easy knowing they can’t leave this gated play area without an adult. As you make your way through the play area you’ll come across the dig site where young paleontologists can use real tools to dig for dinosaur bones and fossils. This area is great for taking breaks from the heat with its many fans, and it is overall a great sensory play activity for kids to enjoy. This area hasn’t changed since the park’s opening in 1998, but with Dino Land’s makeover coming up soon guests will want to experience this while they still can.
Conservation Station and Affection Section
One of the main messages that Animal Kingdom seeks to convey is animal conservation. The Conservation Station along with its neighboring attraction, The Affection Section, were both opening day attractions that still operate to this day. The Conservation station educates guests on various animal needs like diet and medical care, with viewing areas to the nutrition center and the veterinary care center. Just outside of the Conservation Station is The Affection Section where guests can interact with and pet various animals like goats, pigs, and cows.
Festival of the Lion King
Fans of the Lion King have always loved this Animal Kingdom opening day attraction. Festival of the Lion King has been entertaining guests since 1998, and continues to this day. This intricate stage show features audio-animatronics, live actors, stunt work, and Broadway-style singing and performance to bring guests an incredible show. This show hasn’t changed since the park’s opening day!
Animals
It might seem hard to believe, but some animals have been living at Animal Kingdom since the very beginning! These animals are still thriving and enjoying their live at Disney’s Animal Kingdom while receiving the very best of care. These opening day animals include Mac the elephant, Tuma the Hippo (who was just 1 year old when the park opened), Sid the Rhinoceros Iguana who is in his 40s, Gino the Western Lowland Gorilla who is 42, and Johnny the White Stork.
Were you an Animal Kingdom guest during its first year of operation? What do you remember from the park during this time? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
