Keep those magical Disney memories alive! For many, many of us, this is not a commercial tag line, but a thread that runs through our lives. Collectively celebrating the milestone birthdays of Walt Disney World (40 Days to 40 Years), Disneyland Paris (20 Days to 20 Years), and Epcot (30 Days to 30 Years) has brought Disney fans from nearly 20 countries together in a wonderful and touching way. What a global love fest! It truly is a small world after all.
Jambo! It’s that time again; another Disney anniversary is on the horizon and I’m cracking open those dusty photo albums. It is almost 15 years since we took our first walk on the wild side and went on an adventure of a new kind at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sneak Preview.
In March of 1998, we had a cross-generational trip planned for Walt Disney World, and were surprised but ecstatic to see these brochures upon check-in at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. I knew my young boys would love a “kingdom of animals”, but would the more mature kids feel the same?
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| Boy, did my family feel like African royalty showing off these exclusive ears… |
From the so-authentic Kilimanjaro Safari and serious Conservation Station in Harambe, to the relaxing “cruise” on Discovery River Boats in Safari Village (I miss this method of transportation), that answer was a resounding yes- ndiyo!
And what parent or grandparent doesn’t delight seeing the World and all that is new and fresh through the eyes of a child? We sweated and dug in at The Boneyard, whooped it up at Journey into Jungle Book in Dinoland U.S.A., and delighted seeing our boys picked as part of the tribal celebration during Festival of the Lion King in Camp Minnie-Mickey.
Though merely the skeleton of what Disney’s Animal Kingdom would become, we put in a full day exploring and enjoying. (Who hasn’t taken many minutes, if not hours, to examine the intricate carvings on The Tree of Life?) I thought I’d share our mementos from the Sneak Preview:
The Grand Opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom came weeks later, on Earth Day, April 22nd, 1998. To mark the 15th birthday of this novel Disney Park, we will again sound the blogoshere gong, and ask all aficionados to answer the call. My co-host Beth (@disneymom2jhe of Pursuing the Magic and The Magical Blogorail founder), are looking for 15 guest bloggers to share in this countdown. Are you up to the adventure? If so, please contact Beth here. (Please add “15 Days” in the subject line.) First come, first served. Asante!! ** We filled our spots in just a few short hours. Please return to follow our 15 writers and the entire series!
Beginning April 7th, it’s 15 Days to 15 Years…
I love all your pics, the preview brochure and pics are great. I love seeing what once was. I never got to ride the cruise – wish they would bring that back for sure.
Hi Diane! The Discovery River Boats (and the later Disney Radio Cruise) were disappointing to many who expected an "attraction". I think if it had been properly billed as a relaxing way to get around the park (especially on a hot day), it would have been a hit. I sure hope they bring it back one day!!
I love seeing these opening features! As someone who first visited AK in 2010, it's so interesting to see what came before…
So true KJ; it was more like a true wilderness then. Imagine what another 15 years will bring!
Great memories! We celebrated part of our honeymoon there in Sept of 1998. I still remember spending a LONG time looking at all those Tree of Life carvings. Hard to believe it's been 15 years for Animal Kingdom, for the Disney Cruise Line and for my hubby and I! 🙂
Wow- so many anniversaries! Happy 15th to you too!!!
Looking forward to the series, as always :D!! Great pictures!!
Thank you Donna, as always!
LOVE this post Didi!! I had forgotten about the boats and I wish I was better and saving all the memorabilia. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Tricia! 15 years doesn't SOUND like a long time, but the history proves otherwise!!
What a special memory!!
Thanks V- it still makes our Top 10 Disney Memories List!!
Awesome seeing all the opening items, I really liked that cruise, I wish they would bring it back. Thanks for sharing your memories!
Thanks Sean. With that beautiful waterway, it did seem a waste of an opportunity all these years. It sounds like that may change soon!!
I remember visiting DAK in July of 1998. It was fun seeing a new, fun, and different park at Disney. I remember seeing the construction in Asia and wondering what fun attractions they would be adding.
And finally there is construction there again! We shall see how it turns out…!
So cool! I was so-so about Animal Kingdom on my first visit (it had something to do with the oppressive heat) but I absolutely love it now! These are such great memories!
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
Thanks Rosanne. I agree, it brought something completely different to a Disney vacation. While we agree- never in on a hot summer day- we love it too!