What makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom different from other zoos

Today launches a new show on Disney+ “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” that provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s largest theme park.

While many people may go to conquer Everest or visit Pandora, it’s the animals that take center stage. And, the animal keepers who are there to keep the animals healthy. But what makes Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World different from other zoos around the world?

“There is a level of theatrical storytelling. We framed all of the animal experiences within a thematic and narrative experience. So it isn’t just presenting animals for your consideration, it is the experience of being in a place that is diffused with stories in which when you do find (and) finally get to see these animals, the moment is filled with additional meaning,” Joe Rohde Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering and the person responsible for the design of Animal Kingdom said at a recent press event.

Presence of animals defines the entirety of the experience of Animal Kingdom. ” So that it informs the style with which we treat the buildings, it informs the way in which we lay out the pavement. It informs everything,” Rohde went on to say.

The park is home to more than 5,000 animals. When designing the park Rohde said there was a need to start with the animals themselves.

“What does it does the animal want, what does it need, how does it move, how does it live? All of those things are fixed before we begin our part of the design. We must create a place where an animal feels at home,” he said.

Then the next question is how should the public interact, see and experience Animal Kingdom without interfering with the animals.

Then designers look at “how can we fold that into a story that brings a greater understanding, a greater emotional meaning, a greater impact than simply seeing the animal,” he said. “So, we’re backing out from the animal itself. But that actually informs everything in the entire park, whether you ever see an animal or not . Because ultimately everything you experience leads to a moment where you encounter an animal.” 

When all is said and done Animal Kingdom is not really just about animals. “It is about humans and our relationship to animals,” he said.

“This is a place. where the more you know the richer the experience of the place you will have. So by simply ‘seeing the show’ the next time you come to this place, your experience, will be fuller, will be richer and more rewarding.”