Celebrate Earth Day 2024 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Starting Today. Snacks, Treats, special Character Meet and Greets, special Wilderness Explorer nature badge, and so much more is happening this week at Animal Kingdom.
Earth Day, April 22nd, is a special day here at Walt Disney World. Every year this date marks the Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. What better way to celebrate Earth day, than to celebrate a birthday at the same time, with animals and conservation at the core.
Last year, 2023 marked the 25th Anniversary of the opening day here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The day was marked with special events, food, drinks, and rare characters. This year may not be a milestone anniversary, but that doesnt mean Disney celebrates Earth Day any less special.
Let’s check out what we know will happen starting today at DAK.
Wilderness Explorers Badge
Enjoy the fun of self-guided, nature-themed challenges. Follow in the footsteps of Russell from the Pixar film Up as you earn adventure badges around the park.
Plus, from April 21 to April 28, you can earn a special Wilderness Explorer nature badge while learning how to connect with nature near you.
You can complete the activities on your own, or take on each task as a group when you set out on a series of fun, nature-themed challenges on your way to becoming an official Wilderness Explorer.
Self-guided activities range from animal observation to learning important wilderness skills. Collect over 25 badges and earn the right to echo the Wilderness Explorer call: Caw caw! Rawr!
Related: How Disney Parks ‘Upcycle’ Across the World for Earth Month and Beyond
Character Experiences and Entertainment
Get ready for fun as you spot Disney Characters around the park. Wave to your special Disney friends on the Discovery Island Character Cruise while it sails around the Discovery River.
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
See world travelers Mickey and Minnie Mouse at their exploration headquarters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
From April 21 to April 28, keep a lookout for special sightings of Disney Characters!
Last year we got to see Characters from Disney’s Brother Bear, Koda & Keanei. From Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, Flik, Adda, and the Moth. From Disney’s Fairies, Tink & Fawn. Along with the special character parade that features the Hyenas and many other characters.
Authentic Animal-Inspired Adventures
Discover exciting, animal-inspired activities for the whole family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Encounter amazing animals and birds close up! Animals were the inspiration for everything that’s offered every day at this fascinating theme park—from shows, attractions and a variety of restaurants to Character experiences and journeys of various kinds through the jungle or savanna.
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Pick up a pencil and uncover the secrets of how Disney animators bring some of your favorite characters to life!
Use real animals as inspiration and let your creativity shine—no matter your skill level—as a talented Disney animator gives you step-by-step instruction on how to illustrate your own version of a popular Disney or Pixar character.
Each 25-minute class will offer something different. Featured characters change periodically, so you can visit again and keep adding to your art collection!
As part of the Disney Earth Day Celebration—from April 1 through April 30, 2024—you may learn to draw such characters as Dumbo from Dumbo, Terk from Tarzan, Crush or Bruce from Finding Nemo, Tigger from Winnie the Pooh and Simba from The Lion King!
National Geographic Photo Frame
Step into the iconic yellow National Geographic border for a unique photo memory. The 2024 National Geographic photo frame is inspired by the upcoming Secrets of the Octopus docuseries streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on April 22—and will be available at the main entrance plaza.
Disney Eats Foodie Guide to Earth Month
Creature Comforts (Available April 1 through 30)
- Honeycomb Mousse: Honey mousse on top of a brownie base with sugar bees and white chocolate honeycomb
Dawa Bar
- Wazi Waze: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, sour mix, and pineapple juice garnished with a pineapple wedge (New)
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
Restaurantosaurus
- 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 (Currently available at Terra Treats)
- Roasted Mushroom and Leek Pizza: IMPOSSIBLE meatballs, roasted mushrooms, braised leeks, and a dash of truffle oil (Plant-based)
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)
Available at Bars and Beverage Carts Throughout the Park (Currently available)
- Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale
- Tiger Eye Gold Ale
