EXTREMELY RARE EVENT Coming to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

We’ve got a trivia question for you: how many Disney Resort vacation destinations are there in the world? If you answered ‘six,’ you answered correctly!

There’s the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort. Each of these Disney Resorts is made up of one or more theme parks, and there are 12 Disney Parks around the world.

But none is more unique than Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

What Makes Animal Kingdom so Special? We’re so Glad You Asked!

Credit: Disney, Canva

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Animal Kingdom is more unique than any other Disney Park in the world because it operates both like a giant theme park and like a giant zoo, all at once. Not only that, but Animal Kingdom takes guests and transports them to countries in Africa, Asia, prehistoric times, and…outer space? It’s true!

Although DinoLand, U.S.A., is doomed for eventual extinction, Pandora – The World of Avatar is brand new (in theme park years, that is) and here to stay. So, while visiting Animal Kingdom, guests can see everything from lions, tigers, gorillas, zebras, and other exotic animals to T. Rexes and alien animals.

The only thing guests visiting Animal Kingdom can’t see is the sunset, as this theme park typically closes before the sun can set in Central Florida…for now.

There’s One Other Thing That Sets Animal Kingdom Apart…

Credit: Joel, Flickr

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Unlike the other parks making up Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT), Animal Kingdom doesn’t offer extended hours.

This wouldn’t be an issue if the Disney Park didn’t close so early! But, unfortunately, one of the other things that sets Animal Kingdom apart is its closing time of 7 p.m. This is for the benefit of the theme park’s animal residents.

Recently, it had been hinted that Animal Kingdom would begin offering extended evening hours for the first time, and now it’s official:

For the first time, extended evening hours for eligible WDW hotel guests will be available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park on Nov. 8. Additional confirmed dates: Nov. 22, Dec. 4, and Dec. 28. Here’s the list of attractions: pic.twitter.com/7O6ZBZXcCy

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 14, 2023

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So far, we know the first four dates and available attractions. Animal Kingdom will offer extended evening hours on November 8, November 22, December 4, and December 28.

At this time, we don’t know if more dates will be added in the future or not; maybe it’ll depend on the success of these events. It’s also worth noting that animal welfare is also something the Walt Disney Company must consider.

Credit: Disney

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The available attractions are as follows:

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Na’vi River Journey
• DINOSAUR
• TriceraTop Spin
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost

Notably, Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Disney Park’s most iconic attraction, has been left out. There’s a good chance that the animal trails, such as Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek, will also be closed during this special event.

For more information regarding Animal Kingdom’s extended evening hours, ask a Cast Member or check out the official Walt Disney World website.