Disney Unearths Time Capsule for Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary
Animal Kingdom celebrated its 25th Anniversary this past weekend on Earth Day, April 22nd. Part of the festivities included a very special moment when Disney Cast Members unearthed an incredible time capsule filled with treasures!
Animal Kingdom’s Time Capsule
After celebrating onstage with Guests, members of Disney’s opening leadership team gathered backstage. After digging up the time capsule, they went through a series of magical mementos, including an actuator from a “memorable pre-opening project.”
Disney Parks shared a video of the unearthing process on TikTok. Its caption reads, “Soooo who’s gonna help us access those floppy things?”
It’s crazy to think that this capsule has been underground for over two decades! It was buried in 1998, when Animal Kingdom first opened, after being filled with opening-day treasures!
Disney Unearths Time Capsule
The first items unearthed relate to the video‘s caption. Disney uncovered two floppy disks filled with old files and photos!
Next, three VHS tapes containing orientation videos for opening Cast Members made their way to the surface. Up next, is a tribute to Animal Kingdom’s silverback gorilla, Gino.
It’s the primate’s first toothbrush! A collection of opening day merchandise was unearthed next, including mugs, a magnet, a button, a pin, a keychain, a fanny pack, and a license plate!
The original Park maps and guides made their way out next, featuring Animal Kingdom pre-Pandora! Next, physical paper tickets came to light, showcasing various designs, including Lion King characters!
Lastly, a shirt signed by the Cast features Mickey Mouse in front of the year ’98. Wow, these items are a blast from the past!
What a fantastic way to commemorate Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary. Here’s to the next 25 years!