Search this site

Tampa Riverfest is a massive two-day, free event that is held the first weekend in May each year,with this year's Riverfest taking place on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Returning for its seventh year, Tampa Riverfest is promising to be bigger and bigger than ever, you’ll discover so much happening along the entire span of the Riverwalk, which stretches from Water Street Tampa, north to Armature works as it winds along the edge of the Riverwalk on Hillsborough River. The majority of the celebration is focused at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, in the middle of the Riverwalk. Riverfest kicks off Friday May 5 at 5 pm and runs until 10 pm. On Saturday, the celebrations begins at 9 am and will be going strong until 10:30 p.m. Tampa Riverfest features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa's cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants. This year's festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and RiverFiesta (NEW!) on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of tribute bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights. Other activities include a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade, yoga, a water ski show and a paddle invasion. Tampa Riverfest kicks off on Friday night at 5.30 pm with a night of live music, eats, treats, and a few beers, all located at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Friday night’s live music highlights includes tributes to Katy Perry, No Doubt, and Journey. The much loved and spectacular Hot Air Balloon Glow will take place at 8:30 pm, and its beautiful! The sun will rise on Saturday's all day celebration with a Paddleboard Invasion at 8:30 am, and then a mass yoga session on the awn at 9 am. This year's RiverFest will see RiverFiesta! taking lace on the Saturday, where you can sample a variety of tacos, bowls and nachos while enjoying Tampa Riverfest. Also on Saturday from 11 am-5 pm, Riverfest Market by Tampa Markets will feature a host of independent vendors at Water Works Park. Guests can enjoy local vendors including handcrafted goods, plants and more. From 6 pm - 8 pm there will be lantern-making workshops before the Riverfest Lantern Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, begininning at 8:30 pm. Saturday’s live music includes tributes to Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Prince and Queen. Check out the highlights and times for this years event, plus the main stage entertainment has been announced with the concert taking place in Curtis Hixon Park. Parking will be available at multiple locations near the event and within a few blocks. See the map below. The address of Curtis Hixon Park is 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Nearby garages include William F. Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage. The address of Water Works Park is 1701 N. Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Nearby lots and garages include the 220 Parking Lot and the Heights Parking Garage as well as the Armature Works Lots. Various on-street metered spaces are also available. Parking rates and hours of operation vary depending upon the location of the space. You can also travel to the event using Uber, Lyft, Pirate Water Taxi, Coast Bike Share, and TECO Line Streetcar. The TECO Line Streetcar is FREE and comes every 15 minutes. *PIRATE WATER TAXI OFFERING 10% OFF FOR ALL RIDERS ATTENDING RIVERFEST! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Walt Disney World has revealed that this spring, Cast Members will receive a new nametag with a never-before-seen design just for them. Currently Cast Members are continuing to wear their Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary nametags even thought the anniversary and the celebrations are over at the resort. Here is the announcement from Walt Disney World: For cast members, Disney is a calling to be part of something extraordinary, something magical, and something incredibly unique. Our Disney nametags are a symbol that connects us to our guests and each other, and this spring, Walt Disney World cast will receive a new nametag with a never-before-seen design just for them. Cast members: We’re not quite ready to reveal the design yet, but prepare for some magical mail! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Today has been a very special day at Walt Disney World, as the resort celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the resorts youngest (and largest!) theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom. Celebrations have been taking place throughout Animal Kingdom today to mark the special occasion, and Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World has been celebrating the big day with tens of thousands of guests, and some very special Cast Members. Tonight, Jeff has shared a special message with Disney Cast Members and Disney fans throughout the world of his own 25 years of special memories at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here is the special message from Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World. Today’s anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom has me thinking back to the beginning of this park that has played such a big role in my Disney journey. I had been with the company less than seven years when I was invited to join the park’s opening leadership team in 1997 as the Engineering Services general manager. I jumped at the chance! The opportunity to open a park doesn’t come along every day, and I felt lucky to get that chance so early in my career. Before we could open, we spent long days preparing for a vision that was completely new to the world of Disney parks. The idea behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom was to have a place where we could celebrate the magic of nature, invigorate conservation efforts by caring for animals that were endangered in the wild, and educate guests on ways they could help support that mission. All of that, in the setting of the fourth theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, with world-class attractions, entertainment, and more. This being Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we took on more than your typical engineering tasks when you factored in the animals and their habitats. The opening team banded together to tackle a whole new batch of challenges, such as building perimeter fences, designing animal enclosures, and working with elephants who loved to eat the plants as fast as we could put them in the ground! As we approached opening day, Bob Lamb (the park’s vice president) and the rest of the leadership team wanted to honor the moment with a time capsule. Items were carefully selected by each area. Into the ground it went, with a plan to open it together on the 25th anniversary. Fast forward to today, when I had the opportunity to spend time with some of the opening day leaders and cast members as we welcomed guests, yet again, to discover the wonder of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After a special moment onstage with our guests, members of the opening leadership team joined me backstage to finally unearth and open the time capsule. We had a great time looking through the items, which included a piece of engineering hardware – an actuator, to be exact – from a particularly memorable pre-opening project. This trip down memory lane was a reminder that none of it would have been made possible without the many people who dedicated their time and efforts to bringing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to fruition. Today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes millions of guests each year to discover the magic of nature. I am incredibly proud of our cast members for embracing the park’s mission and sharing it, not only with our guests but also with our community. Over the last 50 years, we have been discovering new ways to give back to our local and global community. Earlier this year, we granted half a million dollars to five conservation organizations in Florida to help them with the amazing work they do right in our backyard. It doesn’t stop there. Just yesterday, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Disney Conservation Fund announced grants to 25 global organizations that have dedicated themselves to inspiring change and protecting our world. These collective efforts are just one example of many that demonstrate how Disney is dedicated to protecting the magic of nature by giving back. On behalf of everyone at Walt Disney World, I want to thank you for joining in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Whether you were at the park today or are following along from elsewhere around the world, thank you for being part of our story and sharing in our fascination with animals, authentic adventures, and awe-inspiring discovery. We’ve had a wild ride together and I look forward to celebrating the magic of nature at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for many more years to come! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, joined the theme park’s first Vice President, Bob Lamb, and other members of the opening leadership team to recreate a very special photo. Today, Saturday, April 22 on the 25th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, members of the opening leadership team joined Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort backstage to unearth and open a time capsule which Bob Lamb (the park’s first vice president) burried in the ground, with a plan to open it together on the 25th anniversary. and that's just what they did today, as well as recreating the opening day photograph of the occasion back on April 22, 1997. After opening the time capsule, everyone had a great time looking through the items, which included a piece of engineering hardware – an actuator, to be exact – from a particularly memorable pre-opening project. This trip down memory lane was a reminder that none of it would have been made possible without the many people who dedicated their time and efforts to bringing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to fruition. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

The FIFG FootGolf World Cup 2023 is the 4th World Cup for the sport of FootGolf, and forty countries from around the globe will participate in an 11 day tournament in both Individual and Team competitions this May in Orlando. The tournament will take place from May 27 - June 6th, 2023, with as 1,000 athletes hosted at Evermore Orlando Resort, using the Grand Cypress Golf courses and at the Magnolia course of Walt Disney World Golf. The best of the best in Men, Women, Senior and Team categories will compete to see who is crowned the new FIFG World Champion. “FootGolf is the ultimate hybrid sport combining the skills of football (soccer) with the elegance of golf,” says FIFG president Laura Balestrini. “The FootGolf World Cup will showcase the world’s best footgolfers, including No. 1 2022 FIFG World Tour ranked Cedric Bonnot of France, who will compete on some of FootGolf’s most naturally beautiful and challenging courses.” “The FIFG 2023 World Cup will be a festive, colorful, and competitively intense ten days,” says FIFG co-founder Roberto Balestrini. “There has never been anything quite like it in the US, and we look forward to welcoming the world of FootGolf to Walt Disney World Resort and Evermore Orlando Resort.” The World Cup Pavilion will be the exciting center of activities located at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Resort, an official Walt Disney World hotel just steps from Disney Springs. Other event venues include House of Blues and Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs, and EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. In addition, course venues at Walt Disney World Golf and Evermore Orlando Resort will be featured soon. FootGolf has grown internationally since the first World Cup in Hungary in 2012, with 79 athletes representing eight countries. Argentina hosted 227 athletes from 26 countries in 2016, followed by Morocco in 2018, with 503 athletes from 33 countries. Now, the United States team will compete against nearly 1,000 athletes from 40 countries, accompanied by their family and friends, team support personnel, and press in Orlando, Florida, come May. Competitions include men’s, women’s, and senior men’s in individual and team events. Many players from the 40 countries have played on national and professional soccer teams. They continue to compete using their soccer skills under rules and etiquette similar to golf and on hundreds of FootGolf courses worldwide. For more information: The FIFG FootGolf World Cup 2023 For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Today is the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World's youngest theme park, and to celebrate this very special day, Disney's Animal Kingdom hosted a 25th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony earlier this morning, Saturday, April 22 at 8.30 am. The ceremony which took place on a specially created stage with the parks icon The Tree Of Life as a backdrop began with Walt Disney World Ambassadors Raevon Redding and Ali Manion welcoming guests to the special ceremony before the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe performed for the crowd. Disney's Animal Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles spoke about the park's history, before Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President: Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products spoke about the park's conservation efforts and achievements in the last 25 years. They were joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and a host of other characters including Daisy and Donald Duck, Pocahontas and Meeko, Timon and Rafiki, plus the latest character who begins meeting guests at the park today, Moana. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Though they were once replaced by digital formats, and despite the popularity of music streaming services, in the last few years, vinyl records have made a major comeback, although to many the format never went away. Vinyl truly is the format that has refused to die, and whether its a nostalgia thing, or that the younger generation have discovered that vinyl is cool, there is no denying that the format has seen a resurgence in popularity, and here in Orlando we have an eclectic mix of record stores including Florida's oldest record store. Over the past decade, vinyl records have made a major comeback. People purchased $1.2 billion of records in 2022, a 20% jump from the previous year. Not only did sales rise, but they also surpassed CD sales for the first time since 1988, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Record stores here in Orlando are very much thriving, and thanks to the resurgence of vinyl, we can discover more and more music pressed on vinyl, exactly how it should be heard. Scroll down to discover the best record stores here in Orlando. Brynx, 420 E Church St #118, Orlando, FL 32801 Brynx deal in gently used vinyl, collectible books, as well as music and counterculture ephemera, while also serving up specialty coffee, wine, beer, and light eats in theirr café. In the back of their shop is a project recording studio – perfect for cutting your next single or full-length release. On RSD they will have lots of new vinyl and giveaways, come into the shop and sign up for a chance to win a Brynx bundle with lots of Bynx goodies and a record (up to $50) East West Records 4895 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806 East West Records is a funky, independent shop offering a variety of new & used records, CDs & DVDs, plus special orders. East West Records was established in 1971, making it the oldest record store in the state of Florida. Any native to Orlando knows East West as the first go to spot for music. The original owners, Hanna and Roman, are well known in the community for their music knowledge and great personality's and although the ownership has changed, Hanna and Roman visit often to see customers and hang out. East West Records, has and will always, be here to help customers discover new music or take a blast to the past. Park Ave CDs 2916 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 Park Ave CDs was established in 1984, serving and supporting the Central Florida music community for over 35 years. An audio dealership in all formats, they stock new and used CDs and LPs in addition to DVDs, books, magazines, turntables, replacement needles, vinyl accessories, t-shirts, posters, specialty sodas, toys, Japanese candies, buttons, stickers, greeting cards and unique gift items you won't find anywhere else in town! They also sell concert tickets for all the shows at The Social and The Beacham and select shows at House of Blues, Soundbar and Will's Pub with NO ONLINE SERVICE FEES! Re-Runz Records 6325 N. Orange Blossom Trail #125, 32810 Re-Runz Records is a record store that sells new and used vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and other related music memorabilia. They specialize in genres such as Soul, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Classic Rock and Hip-Hop. Remix Record Shop 1213 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 1222 Woodward St, #106 Orlando, FL 32803 Remix Record Shop is an independent record shop with two locations. The offer a well-curated selection of new and used vinyl records from the 60's, 70's, 80's, Alternative, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, Country, LPs, 12" Dance Single, House, Trance, DNB, Techno. They also sell Audio Technica Turntables, Record Accessories, Shirts, Posters, CBD and more. Rock & Roll Heaven 1814 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 Rock & Roll Heaven is a used record store tucked away near Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando. This small record shop specializes in vinyl LPs, with ample cassettes, CDs & music-related memorabilia, and more Smartpunk Record Shop 12078 Collegiate Way, Orlando, FL 32817 Smartpunk Record Shop is busy brick n mortar record store directly across the street from the University of Central Florida. The shop is a space dedicated to the vinyl music lover lifestyle, with events ranging from Smartpunk 101 classes on classic punk records, punk rock trivia, to in store performances, screenings, even improv comedy nights, cuz why the heck not! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer he most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

Since debuting at Disney Springs on November 18, 2021, Drawn to Life By Cirque du Soleil & Disney has been an instant hit, wowing audiences at each performance. And now rather than resting on their laurels, the show is shaking things up with exciting new additions to the already spectacular show. Last month we brought you the news that an all-new acrobatic act, aerial artists and a “flying” guitarist would be added to the show, and now you can see the newly evolved Drawn To Life for yourself! Sroll down to check out the changes to the show! "Icarian Games" is a brand new act in the show that will take place in Disney’s animated forests – and the mysterious creatures that inhabit them – featuring two Ethiopian artists performing acrobatic skills in which one lies on their back and uses their legs and feet to toss the other performer in the air. The "Dream of Colours" act has been re-imagined to include Aerial Hoop artists taking to the air, performing breathtaking movements, a tribute to the ink and paint animation artists, featuring dramatic colors “painted” by human trapeze artists on a suspended wheel. Another change to the show is a “flying” guitarist who is joining the Rhythmic Gymnastics act, soaring above the acrobats as they flip through the air. In addition to introducing new performers, and an entirely new act, new musical compositions have been added to the show that will set a magnificent tone for the acts. The show is a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between iconic memory-makers Cirque du Soleil and Disney. The show tells the story of a determined girl who discovers one last gift left by her animator father: a sequence of unfinished drawings. Guided by a magical pencil and a quirky troupe of imaginative muses, she embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. Drawn to Life invites you into an astounding world where the art of Walt Disney Animation is experienced like never before - a live acrobatic journey where the stage is transformed into a giant animation table. This love letter to the art of Disney Animation celebrates life in all of its motions and emotions. during the Cradle Wheel act, which pays tribute to artist, animator, and designer Mary Blair, the art of classic Disney animation is reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, and eclectic costuming alongside all-new Disney animation and an original score inspired by timeless Disney music. The show is absolutely alive with all the high-flying, mind-blowing exuberance that Cirque du Soleil is famous for. Drawn To Life is a must see show in Orlando with tickets available from $80. To book tickets, purchase tickets online from Cirque du Soleil or call Cirque du Soleil at (877) 924-7783. Florida residents can now enjoy a special deal on tickets to see these new updates! Florida residents can purchase tickets here to receive 15% off select seating categories for performances through May 7, 2023. The offer is restricted to seat categories 2 and 3, and buyers will need to show proof of Florida residency when they pick up their tickets. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer he most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to discover a one-of-a-kind theme park where they could be inspired by the magic of the natural world. Today as Disney's Animal Kingdom celebrates it's 25th Anniversary we take a look back at the first remarkable 25 years of this one of a kind theme park. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park introduced a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals while also delivering incredible new stories that celebrated our relationship with the environment. The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading over 500 acres and adding a new draw to Central Florida as a top tourist destination in the world. “Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the world itself, will evolve and grow. It’s truly a living thing.” – Roy E. Disney at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998 An Entirely New Kind of Theme Park Disney’s Animal Kingdom combined Walt Disney’s love of animals, both real and imaginary, with exciting attractions, spectacular stage shows and entertaining characters. True, there were – and are – breathtaking animal encounters, from an African safari adventure to a meandering, mystical trail that leads guests on an exciting search for tigers, to live shows highlighting animal behaviors and beauty – and so much more. But this park was also a way for Disney to inspire people with the spectacular breadth and beauty of nature and animals through the power of entertainment and attractions, including a hysterical 3D journey into the world of insects (It’s Tough to Be a Bug!), a larger-than-life musical celebrating the circle of life (Festival of the Lion King), and encounters with beloved characters. Everything in Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes inspiration from nature and the animal world. For example, the park icon – the towering Tree of Life – features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk. Similarly, building architecture, light poles, benches and countless other elements feature animal designs that range from subtle to dramatic. Nowhere else are animals so richly and creatively celebrated. Over the last 25 years, the park has continually evolved with new attractions, entertainment and even entirely new lands such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar, giving guests new reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and all of Central Florida again and again. Expansions introduced new wild adventures that send guests swirling on a whirling white-water raft ride (Kali River Rapids), rocketing on a runaway-train adventure (Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain), diving into another stellar musical stage show (Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!), taking flight on a banshee (Avatar Flight of Passage) and exploring a bioluminescent rainforest (Na’vi River Journey). More than 5,000 cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continue the park’s mission today, from scientists and animal care experts, to critical frontline cast members who work in operations, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage and guest services. They are among the 75,000 cast members who are the heart of Walt Disney World. Helping the Animals It Celebrates Over the past 25 years, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and wellbeing of animals not only at the theme park, but also around the community, state and globe. “At Disney, we believe building a brighter, more sustainable future starts with imagining what’s possible. Through our conservation and sustainability programs, we take tangible actions to inspire change around the globe,” says Dr. Mark Penning, vice president, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m proud of our animal care cast members who are the most passionate conservationists I know and who put their hearts into taking care of the animals at Walt Disney World every day.” As an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has also collaborated with other AZA members to help increase populations of endangered and extinct in the wild species, such as the Guam rail and Guam kingfisher birds. Following AZA Species Survival Plans, the park has welcomed a variety of animals from endangered species into the world, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi to name just a few. In fact, Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center has served as a model kitchen for a number of other AZA-accredited facilities who have adopted many of the nutritional diets developed specifically for the animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, 45 animals that have been at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day or before still reside at the park. The Disney Conservation Fund Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney Conservation Fund are deeply rooted in Walt Disney’s passion and the respect he displayed for animals and nature throughout his life. Together, they are engaged in research and conservation efforts involving at-risk animal populations and species. Through the generous support of Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has worked with leading conservation organizations around the world to stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals, including butterflies, corals, monkeys and sea turtles. Since its creation in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $125 million and the expertise of dedicated Disney teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. For more information on how Disney cares for animals and helps protect species in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

On Earth Day in 1998, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to discover a one-of-a-kind theme park where they could be inspired by the magic of the natural world. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25 years ago introduced a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals while also delivering incredible new stories that celebrated our relationship to the environment. The fourth Walt Disney World theme park was also Disney’s largest, spreading out over 500 acres. Disney’s Animal Kingdom combined Walt Disney’s love of animals—both real and imaginary—with exciting attractions, spectacular stage shows, and entertaining characters. From the Tree of Life—which features 337 sculpted animals in its trunk—to the floating mountains, bioluminescence, and top-rated attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney continues to creatively celebrate and inspire guests in ways only Disney’s Animal Kingdom can. True, there were—and are—breathtaking animal encounters, from an African safari adventure to a meandering, mystical trail that leads guests on an exciting search for tigers, to thrilling theatrical productions – and so much more. But this park is also the way for Disney to inspire people with the spectacular breadth and beauty of nature and animals through the power of world-class entertainment and storytelling. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests encounter wild adventures like taking flight on the back of a banshee with Avatar Flight of Passage, rocketing on a high-speed train adventure through Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, and diving into stellar musical stage shows including “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!” and the larger-than-life “Festival of the Lion King.” Over the last 25 years, the park has continually evolved and expanded with new attractions, entertainment, and even entirely new lands such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Animal Kingdom is a place where guests come back to admire, interact with and be inspired by thousands of beloved animals. In fact, about 45 of them have been at the park since before opening day! Many of the most remarkable accomplishments from Disney’s Animal Kingdom happen behind the scenes, where Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team cares for nearly 2,000 animals representing over 200 different species. Throughout the 25 years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has made significant contributions to the preservation and wellbeing of animals not only at the theme park, but also around the community, state and globe. Through funding from The Walt Disney Company and supplemented by the generous contributions of guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has invested more than $125 million in conservation efforts that have supported more than 1,000 species and protected 315 million acres globally since 1995. And here in Florida, Disney recently announced a $500,000 donation to five conservation organizations to help make a happier, healthier planet possible for all: Conservation Florida, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Lake Nature Center and Wekiva Wilderness Trust. With each organization receiving $100,000, these grants made a number of projects possible – from expanding land protection initiatives, to ensuring healthy tree canopy coverage in underserved communities, finding solutions to clean drinking water for those in need, and funding educational opportunities for youth around the state. Their team of passionate veterinarians, nutritionists, animal keepers, educators and scientists not only delivers the absolute highest care to the animals that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home, but they take that knowledge out into the world, spanning the globe with a mission to enhance the world’s understanding of protecting, conserving and enhancing natural resources and wildlife for future generations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has an incredible impact in places like Africa, South America and Asia, helping communities protect habitats and species in some of the most remote corners of the world from the tiniest cotton-top tamarins to the mightiest of elephants. And locally, we’ve worked with partners around the state to help protect nesting habitats for sea turtles, rescue and release dozens of manatees and restore and repopulate corals to help restore Florida’s Coral Reef. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Kingdom has also collaborated with other AZA members to help increase populations of endangered and extinct species, such as the Guam rail and Guam kingfisher birds. Following AZA Species Survival Plans, the park has welcomed a variety of animals from endangered species into the world, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi to name just a few. In fact, Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center has served as a model test kitchen for a number of other AZA-accredited facilities who have adopted many of the nutritional diets developed specifically for the animals here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today we celebrate not only 25 wild years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but the legacy the park leaves on the world around us. That legacy is more than a theme park with incredible animals; it’s more than remarkable shows and experiences that leave us with a sense of wonder. Disney’s Animal Kingdom forever impacted everything we understood about the environment, animals and the world around us, and that legacy of celebrating and supporting the natural world will live on to impact generations and generations to follow. To comment on this article Contact Us. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Walt Disney World's Animal kingdom theme park is 25 years young today, April 22, 2023, and when you think of a milestone anniversary of a Disney theme park, you might reflect on a thrilling attraction you rode on opening day, memorable performances that left you breathless or cast members who made your visit magical. But at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, guests often are surprised to learn about the animals who’ve been here since the park opened on Earth Day in 1998. Overall, there are 45 animals who have been with the team at Animal Kingdom since day one – some of which arrived almost a year before opening! This is a huge testament to the level of care provided by our cast members and the relationships our keepers have with the animals. For the first time ever, Disney have shared details on a few of the opening-day animals you can see around the park. Gino – Western lowland gorilla For most of our guests, Gino needs no introduction. Typically seated atop his rock, locking eyes and engaging with the millions who come to visit him, he stands out to many as an icon for the park. Gino is not only the oldest gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at 42 and the silverback of the family troop, but he’s also a pioneer and ambassador for his species. Gino’s participation in his own care – as one of the first gorillas in the world to allow his caretakers to perform cardiac ultrasounds without anesthesia – has enabled his keepers to train and develop important techniques which benefit gorillas in managed care around the world. But he’s not all work and no play. Hardly! Gino still enjoys playing and wrestling with his juvenile sons and is an attentive father to his daughters Grace and Ada, making him a model father and troop leader. Fun Fact: Gino isn’t the only western lowland gorilla to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home since 1997. Kejana, Zawadi and Gus in the bachelor troop on the other side of Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail presented by OFF! Repellents were present for opening day of the park, too! Johnny – White stork Over on Discovery Island, you might have overlooked a white stork named Johnny. While he might not immediately be at the top of your mind, he very likely may be in your family photo album! Since his habitat is located at the base of the Tree of Life, one of the most popular photo spots in the park, Johnny often has inadvertently photobombed guests for 25 years. And though much has changed around him during that time, Johnny has been a constant presence. Standing over three feet tall, Johnny is easy to spot and currently shares his habitat with kangaroos and vultures. Is Johnny in one of your family photos from the last 25 years? Share it with us in the comment section! Fun Fact: White storks have a wingspan about the size of Mickey Mouse (over five feet). Kianga and Mac Mac – African elephant Tipping the scales at nearly 13,000 pounds, Maclean is the largest of the heritage animals – and all the animals – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Affectionately known as “Mac” to his keepers, this titan is most often spotted by guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Mac is the father of Luna and Stella, and he is one of nine elephants in the herd on Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Elephants are highly intelligent and able to communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, some of which are made at such a low frequency they cannot be heard by human ears. Through caring for elephants like Mac, Disney scientists have been able to study the vocalizations of elephants to learn how they communicate. This knowledge helped the nonprofit organization Save the Elephants to expand the Elephants and Bees project which helps promote coexistence between humans and African elephants in Kenya. Fun fact: When he’s not receiving specially designed and nutritious birthday cakes, Mac often waves to his keepers with the tip of his trunk to get attention or extra treats. Sid – Rhinoceros iguana Half rhinoceros, half iguana …just kidding! ALL iguana, Sid and other rhinoceros iguanas get their name from their rhino-like “horns.” These horns are actually scales, and scientists still aren’t quite sure what they’re used for, although it’s assumed they’re for courtship and displaying dominance. Described as “intelligent, and large and in charge” by his keepers, Sid can be found in The Oasis, located at the very front of the park. Guests often are shocked to hear Sid is in his 40s, which is a testament to the incredible level of care he receives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Fun fact: As a reptile, Sid will regulate his body temperature by moving into the shade to cool down and basking in the sun to warm up. For the cooler days, he has a specially heated rock for extra warmth! Tuma – Nile hippopotamus Did you know five members of the hippo bloat have been here for 25 years? Tuma is the youngest of the five, and she’s affectionately known as “Tuma Toes” to her keepers because of pink spots near her toes. Tuma was just over a year old when she arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom three months before the park opened to guests in 1998, and now she’s a proud mom to five-year-old Augustus and nearly-two-year-old Greta. These births are important contributions to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing animals, and they help create healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come. Hippos are generally calm and seem to enjoy working with the animal keepers as they participate in their own medical care, ranging from positioning their body for physical exams to dental work. Fun fact: Hippos can sleep underwater thanks to a reflex that allows them to come up for breaths and sink back down without ever waking up. Jack and Jill – Miniature donkeys We just couldn’t leave this adorable pair of miniature donkeys off this list! If you’ve visited Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you’ve likely seen Jack and Jill and heard their loud vocalizations, known as braying. And just like the nursery rhyme, they prefer to do everything together – including sharing conservation messages. Wearing customized halters showcasing their status as opening-day animals, Jack and Jill can demonstrate how donkeys in Colombia would carry small trees in their saddles to help replenish South American rainforests where endangered cotton-top tamarins live. Fun fact: Both donkeys receive routine medical care including dermatology and even acupuncture to keep a bounce in their step. To comment on this article Contact Us. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Today is the 25th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and over 120 Cast Members have been at the park since the very beginning. The truly remarkable theme park first welcomed guests on April 22, 1998, and these Cast Members were there, and continue to celebrate the legacy of Animal Kingdom with guests every day. Earlier this morning, Saturday, April 22, 2023, Walt Disney World had a ROARingly GRRReat time at breakfast, as Sarah Riles, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom helped celebrate the more than 120 cast members who have called Disney’s Animal Kingdom home for 25 ELEPHANTastic years! Disney commented on these amazing Animal Kingdom Cast Members by saying, "Your passion and dedication to the natural world shines through every day." To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the park, each of these fantastic Cast Members received a unique commemorative nametags designed just for them! To comment on this article Contact Us. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you up informed throughout the day, every day. Keep up to date on our socials, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer The most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.