Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t have a ton of special events, but it does have one that is near and dear to its heart: Earth Day.
In fact, it is such an important date to the park that in 1998 it opened on Earth Day – April 22, and ever since then, during the month of April Disney has found a way to incorporate unique things into the park as a way to celebrate.
The good news is that most of the time, you’ll find at least some of the Earth Day celebrations lasting a bit longer than a day (some will be around all month!).
Here’s everything you can find this year for Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Attractions, Activities, and Characters
Although the entire park is a living tribute to conservation and education, during the month of April Disney further incorporates the message of Earth Day into some of their attractions:
Animation Experience – Special Earth Day Characters
The Animation Experience is available year-round, but during the month of April, you’ll have the opportunity to draw some special characters like Dumbo from Dumbo, Terk from Tarzan, Crush or Bruce from Finding Nemo, Tigger from Winnie the Pooh and Simba from The Lion King.
Wilderness Explorers – Special Badge Available
What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt filled with activities centered around nature, animals, and conservation with one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world?
You get the Wilderness Explorers – a unique experience that has you following in the footsteps of Russell and Dug (from the movie Up!) as you and your family work to become members of the famed Wilderness Explorers.
And, from April 21 through April 28, you’ll have a week when you can collect a special Wilderness Explorers nature badge while learning how to connect with nature near you.
Special Characters Available
Animal Kingdom already has some fun character interactions, but from April 21 to April 28, you’ll have additional opportunities to meet some unique characters, too.
Disney doesn’t publicize who you will see, but here are a few of the rare characters we’ve seen pop up around Earth Day in years past:
- Tinkerbell and Fawn
- Jane and Terk
- Baloo and King Louie
- Flik
- Characters from Brother Bear
Earth Day PhotoPass Magic Shots
During the entire month of April (aka Earth Month), you’ll have the opportunity to snag some special Earth Day Magic Shots from the PhotoPass photographers, including:
- Wall-E and Eve Magic Shot – at the park entrance
- NEW! Flit and Meeko Magic Shot – by the Discovery River between Africa and Asia
- NEW! Pocahontas Compass Prop + Magic Shot – by the Discovery River between Africa and Asia
- NEW! Heimlich Magic Shot – most Disney PhotoPass locations
- NEW! Tiny Tree of Life Prop + Magic Shot – by the Discovery River between Africa and Asia
National Geographic PhotoFrame
Located out in front of the park, you can step into a giant National Geographic photo frame and snag some pics.
Earth Month Wallpapers and Zoom Backgrounds
Even if you can’t make it into the parks to grab your own photo, you can still celebrate Earth Month with one of Disney’s FREE downloadable Earth Month Wallpapers.
Earth Day Treats
Disney never misses an opportunity to sell themed treats and snacks, and Earth Day (or in this case, Earth Month) is no exception. Here’s what you can find and where:
Available at Bars and Beverage Carts Throughout the Park
- Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale (Currently available)
- Tiger Eye Gold Ale (Currently available)
Discovery Island
Creature Comforts (Available April 1 through 30)
- Honeycomb Mousse: Honey mousse on top of a brownie base with sugar bees and white chocolate honeycomb
Flame Tree Barbecue
- Bubbling Pink Lagoon – Strawberry Lemonade with Sprite® and Kiwi Monin Syrup (nonalcoholic beverage)
- Bubbling Pink Lagoon – Strawberry Lemonade with Sprite, Kiwi Monin Syrup and SVEDKA Vodka
- Flamingo Cupcake – Strawberry Cake, Strawberry Compote Filling, Guava Buttercream, Pink Crispy Pearls, Sugar Flamingo and White Chocolate Wings
Nomad Lounge (Available April 1 through 30)
- The Pachyderm and the Pollinator: Cruxland Gin, bitters, and soda water with a lemon wheel and honey simple syrup (New)
Pizzafari (Available April 1 through 30)
- Elephant Cupcake: An edible white chocolate elephant atop a graham cracker cupcake with pineapple filling and a jungle of matcha buttercream and crispy pearls
Terra Treats
- Roasted Mushroom and Leek Pizza – Impossible™ Meatballs, Roasted Mushrooms, Braised Leeks and a dash of Truffle Oil (plant-based item)
Tiffins Restaurant (Available April 1 through 30)
- Zucchini Carpaccio: “The Land” zucchini, marinated tomatoes, candied pistachios, castelvetrano olives, golden raisins, plant-based feta, pomegranate molasses, and crispy sweet potato (Plant-based) (New)
- The Pachyderm and the Pollinator: Cruxland Gin, bitters, and soda water with a lemon wheel and honey simple syrup (New)
Africa
Dawa Bar
- Wazi Waze: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, sour mix, and pineapple juice garnished with a pineapple wedge (New)
Tusker House Restaurant
- Bee Tart – Honey Mouse on top of a Brownie Base, with Sugar Bees and White Chocolate Honey Comb
- Butterfly Mini-Cupcake – Vanilla Cupcake with Vanilla Icing, Spring Sprinkles and Sugar Butterflies
DinoLand U.S.A.
Restaurantosaurus
- Elephant Cupcake – Graham Cracker Cake, Pineapple Filling, Matcha Buttercream, White Chocolate Elephant and White Crispy Pearls