Happy Earth Day, and 14th anniversary of the opening of Animal Kingdom Park! I remember when Disney first announced the development of Animal Kingdom, and the skepticism surrounding the park’s appeal. My feelings on the park are mixed. I absolutely love the theming of Asia and Africa, and think it’s the most beautiful of all Disney parks. It also has some of my favorite attractions; Expedition Everest, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, Maharaja Jungle Trek, and of course Kilimanjaro Safaris. It also has my least favorite area, Dinoland U.S.A. And as I’m sure you’ve heard, they’re building a land based on the movie AVATAR, one of the most overrated flicks ever, next to that other Cameron disaster, Titanic. (Feel free to argue in the comments – I know my opinions on this are controversial.)

But today, I’m wishing Animal Kingdom a happy birthday, and wishing I was sitting in a pagoda behind Flame Tree BBQ eating a 1/2 slab of St. Louis Ribs and drinking a Safari Amber with the screams of Expedition Everest in the distance.

Happy Anniversary to our friends on the Kilimanjaro Safari, too. Glad they dropped the poacher story!

Alligator Animal Kingdom Park

Savannah Animal Kingdom Park

Giraffes really close to the vehicle Animal Kingdom Park

Baby Giraffe Animal Kingdom Park

Elephants Animal Kingdom Park

Lioness Animal Kingdom Park