Since the moment Disney’s Animal Kingdom arrived at Walt Disney World, there was something different to anyone who walked into this park. Sure the cynic might say, a lack of rides and attractions and that is quite true even today but what I and many others saw was a Disney park that transported you to another world in a way that other Disney parks have always aimed to do but never quite achieved in this way with of course the obvious exceptions. And yet this world that we are being transported to is based on our own world, our own human realities with the trials and tribulations that we face and that other animals face during their existence. A dream come true can still be experienced here but somehow feels more practical, more earthly, more alive. And so on this final night of D23’s Magic & Merriment we are taken into this world for one incredible journey when the park is at its dreamy best. Animal Kingdom at night awaits you and it is a thrilling adventure. Join us.
Every Disney park comes to life at night and it’s a shame that guests rarely have gotten to experience one of the coolest parks at night, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
But on this night, we are seeing AK at night and even some Christmas lights here to boot.
Can you believe this?
I mean this is incredible!
Where else in the world will you ever see anything like this?
Nobody can deny the power of Cinderella’s Castle or Spaceship Earth but I always have to pause for minutes and just take it all in when I’m near the Tree of Life. How about you? What is your favorite Disney icon at night?
Illuminating our path around the Tree of life are these incredible looking light poles with the multi-colored glass.
The Lion Roars Tonight
What a start to a majestic evening and we’ve just begun our journey!
Next we ride Countdown to Extinction…at least that’s what it should be called. Again incredible and still subtle lighting.
Thankfully this bad boy was never real…
For sure we wouldn’t have stood a chance…
You’ve got to love the pre-show to the pre-show rooms at Disney and this one has some nice murals in that end of the Dinosaurs cataclysm kinda of way.
Note to self: Meteor striking Earth bad.
Where would Dinosaur research be without The Dino Institute 😉
After an incredible ride on Dinosaur we quickly make our way through that Animal Kingdom black-eye known as Dino-Rama.
At least it looks a little better at night.
If you have never seen Disney Custodial work their magic, it is a thing of beauty. Can you believe what a broom and a little bit of water can create with just a little bit of imagination?
And…then out of the corner of our eye, one of the most brilliant scenes in all of Walt Disney World appears.
As if that wasn’t enough to take our breath away, a look across the pond shows a Tree of Life giving off a warming glow that you can feel all across the park.
D23 Members huddle up for a group photo and a ride on Expedition Everest!
Expedition Everest, don’t ya just get chills just reliving the great memories?
Disney can we keep this park open at night on a consistent basis pppplllleeeeeaaasse. Thank you 😉
The mountain takes on another feel at night and the ride is better because the caves are darker leading to a more suspenseful thrill-ride.
A full Moon peaks through the clouds and joins us on our trip to find the Yeti.
What an neat sight.
It is a whole different place at night. The lighting reminds me a ton of what you see around Epcot’s World Showcase. Just enough lighting to walk with heavier lighting on the thematic backdrops.
Walking over for a quick bite, some refreshments and music with D23.
Where else would ya go?
And you thought we were done with amazing views of Expedition Everest! Ha! Think Again! 🙂
Still on the high from riding Everest and looking at it makes me want to go right back.
What this Magic & Merriment party needs is some music…
More EE can you blame me?
Nothing like good music to put ya in a happy mood.
Flame Tree Barbecue’s seating is beautiful by day but at night it turns into a mini Oasis.
The decor is masterful, especially when you look at the minute details that are everywhere and a trademark of Animal Kingdom.
Great little spoon/plates.
Now it is time for our D23 Day 2 dinner at Camp Minnie-Mickey.
…and of course that means we are about to get some more incredible looks at the Tree of Life.
Wow.
Normally the only reason I visit Camp Minnie-Mickey is for the occasional visit to see the Festival of the Lion King. But the promise of food works for me as well.
Seems we are not alone on this trek.
We arrive for a special Christmas feast.
Eco-friendly plates…
Alright, now we are talking 😉
Santa Goofy shares in the holiday spirit with us!
After a grand meal and good times with other D23 members it is almost time for us to go fishin’. Good thing is I can’t think of anyone better to do that with than Donald Duck.
Sure Mickey you can join us too!
Well before we go, remember that special Christmas Tree?
Well it is all lit up and twinkling just as we say goodbye to an incredible Animal Kingdom night.
