What's Left Of Animal Kingdom?! | 25 Years of Disney World History | Original Rides, Shows, & Snacks

Disney's Animal Kingdom has hit a milestone birthday -- and we're celebrating Mammoth Club style! Molly is at the park on for its 25th anniversary, and checking out the festivities, such as merchandise and special treats. But she's also taking you on a history tour, riding every single opening day attraction, and scoping out the original shows and restaurants. Plus it's Earth Week, so get ready for some themed treats and fun character surprises!
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[@caseenicole9074]

If anyone knows the history of Animal Kingdom, it’s Molly! So excited to watch this video! Happy 25th anniversary Animal Kingdom!🎉

[@everon344]

I loved the poacher storyline! I do remember seeing poor dead momma elephant. It really made you want to get the poachers. Also in addition to the swaying bridge, they had the radio going with a pretend spotter airplane and where there were no animals, the driver would race to where the poachers had been spotted while you hung on to your kids for dear life so they wouldn’t go flying out of the vehicle. Ahhh, great times…

[@alexandriafrancois]

I enjoyed that too

[@pHoToLoVe22]

Yes I remember that - a “crazy/wild” part of the ride that is definitely not there anymore lol

[@disneynutd1609]

Molly this is your calling .the history you share is like no other ..every video I learn more history in the parks..Great job 💐

[@edvaira6891]

LOVED all the “younger Molly” pictorial goodness!

[@marshamason3319]

This is literally your sweet spot: history/backstory + shoving food unceremoniously into your mouth + great drinks = Trifecta!!! Sets you apart from all the others - keep these videos coming!!

[@carolg3201]

I’m blown away by the amount of information you’re able to pack in one hour. 😱 The content is so unique and very thoughtful. Your channel should be called “Amazing Molly” because you amaze us and also there is so much that amazes you too. 🙌🫶

[@metalmilitia89]

Molly crying because of Brother Bear is peak Mammoth Club content. Like you know she REALLY knows what she’s talking about.

[@valeriegoulettalbot9900]

Watching this on the plane ride to Disney is so surreal! ❤ Will be getting the Lion King ears with Simba and Nala! 🤩🤩🤩

[@huntersherwood4845]

“It’s tough to be a bug” was more terrifying to me as a kid than “Extraterrorestrial”

[@meganallday]

I miss extraterrorestrial!

[@forsythfamilyfootage]

A yellow butterfly! What a treat! My family calls them “Ben Butterflies” as we started seeing them EVERYWHERE shortly after losing our stillborn son, Ben in May 2016. It’s always special to see them, but at Disney, it’s even more magical and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever seen one in a KZbin video. 💜

[@alexandriafrancois]

Oh my goodness love this so much. What a way to notice your lil one’s presence

[@chade.7948]

Eisner is so underrated. In order to hit on some great ideas, you’re gonna crash and burn on a ton. But he was fearless and a lot of what we love today is because of him.

[@metalmilitia89]

Correct! He got a lot of hate but Disney grew so much. Now the company is so hesitant to experiment and most of their ideas are just trying to squeeze every penny from their customers.

[@MMPRECISIONPAINTING]

I worked there during the Eisner years and thought it was great. I'd probably not be as happy now.

[@kcjd8659]

We can thank Eisner for Parent Trap III and IV, so he’s OK in my book as far as decision-making is concerned at least (idk anything about him as a human being). I just SO WISH they would put those old first-round, OG “Disney Original” movies on Disney+ !!!

[@fantasygeek13]

Yeah I used to hate him but he's done so much for the parks and the business as a whole I'd rather have him back rn ngl

[@kcjd8659]

@@fantasygeek13 would you mind explaining why people dislike/d him? I was a kid during that era and I loved everything Disney was doing back then, but I had a very narrow perspective. I lived only a couple hours from WDW, so we went a lot, but I certainly wouldn’t have had any idea what was going on other than I liked what Disney was putting out to us back then.

[@ratbones620]

In my opinion, DAK is the best theme park that also has animals in it. The park really does not feel like a zoo at all. The animals are incorporated so naturally that it feels like your sharing the space with them instead of just looking at them through an enclosure. Not to mention all of the conservation work this park has done over the years!

[@bethybeth24]

I liked hearing about attractions not around anymore. A series where you went to current attractions and talked about what they used to be would be neat (like alien encounter and delta dream flight, backlot tour, great movie ride etc.)

[@bethybeth24]

And I remember the poacher safari and it would speed up at parts because you were chasing the poachers!

[@alexandriafrancois]

They need to make an ocular game that lets your experience all retired attractions

[@carolineseneca]

Jane Goodall was a chimp researcher. Dianne Fossey was the gorilla researcher 😉

[@kates7277]

Perfect Sunday morning = luxuriating while honouring the best WDW park!

[@SamanthaFl]

DAK is my favorite park. Every time I go it a new adventure. So much to explore with the animals and intricate details. The shows and rides are not the bad too 😉

[@mlou4444]

I was crying over Grace too! I’ve rewatched Animal Kingdom probably 10 times. Physical therapists and OT are amazing. Makes such a difference for kids and animals.

[@NortherlyK]

Love how excited Molly got for the Brother Bear flotilla. I was working at a movie theater when that movie came out and a parent stormed out complaining that they were talking about spirits. Ah, memories.

[@deborahaszman435]

Ahh you may have got to experience one of the first karens lol

[@NortherlyK]

@@deborahaszman435 oof now I really feel old.

[@alyssag3812]

Molly!! Thank you for pulling me out of my Mandela effect 😂 I swore up and down I remembered being afraid of Kilimanjaro’s as a kid because of the poachers, and the bridge breaking- now as an adult they have none of that, and I am just so relieved you said this so that I know I really experienced that 😂😂😂 I prefer the safari now l, btw.

[@SimplelilSteph]

As a 32 year old woman who grew up watching Disney movies and shows who also developed a passion for animals and wild life and nature and had a dream to visit Disney World solely for the purpose of seeing Animal Kingdom and who finally last year on her 31st birthday got to visit it in person, I simply ugly cried through this whole video lol but the best kind of cry! Where you're crying but somehow your heart still feels full. This was probably my favorite video so far!! Thank you for everything that you do!! Can't wait to see what's next

[@alexandriafrancois]

Your comment made me teary, in the good way lol

[@fantasygeek13]

Im so glad you got to go after so many years 🥹 I hope you get to go again soon!

[@SimplelilSteph]

@@fantasygeek13 I get to go again this December!! I'm always trying to plan future trips now lol the parks truly are magical

[@MicheleKlinger]

Molly knowledge/history about her favorite wdw park is amazing. Watching this video made me reminisce about my first trip to the park it’s opening year. Even when there wasn’t much to do, I was OBSESSED with this park! The animals and ambiance drew me in then and they’re still my favorite things about AK.

[@arex9000]

I remember the poachers and as a wild thorn berry fan, I thought it was exciting 🤣 I was seven ok and knew it was all for show. My mom kind of forgot until I brought it up. Then I told my fiance about this when in line for Kilimanjaros and it was the talk of the whole line. Great time to kill time lol

[@GrandTheftLogan]

In 1998 my family and I were staying at Coronado Springs and got to go to the soft opening for Animal Kingdom, which was somewhere around 2 weeks before it opened to the public. They invited all resort guests who had day tickets to come, and it was such a great experience!

[@josephflint5456]

I really wish other disney vloggers would put the time and energy into covering events like this the way you guys do. Instead of showing up late and complaining about parents holding their kids up to see the characters maybe be creative and think of other things your audience might find interesting. I hope your hard work continues to pay off, you deserve the subs and views so much more than some of these other blatantly lazy vloggers.

[@patbenatarscleftchin1524]

Iykyk

[@duckburgduckworth512]

We’ll saiid!!!

[@mochrimek]

AGREED!

[@kathymcel]

Don't watch the ones that you don't like. There are tons of disney vloggers.

[@patbenatarscleftchin1524]

@@kathymcel Well of course you’re right, but nothing wrong with calling out the jerks as well. They give the entire Disney influencer community a bad name

[@timeabarna6882]

Happy Birthday Animal Kigdom! Talking with Cast members about the animals is our favourite, we can spend hours just doing this:)

[@denisemcgilvrey3966]

I started my first college program at the end of May 1998. It was an incredible experience to be at Animal Kingdom while everything was brand new and so exciting.

[@katiebowman9983]

Something to note about the Wilderness Explorer books/activities...they told us in 2021 that they never expire, so we are taking them with us on this year's trip so the kids can keep collecting! They really enjoyed it and are excited to find more stations. Also, I need the honey beer...like now.

[@fantasygeek13]

Yes! I remember that when I was a kid when I went (2013/14) and i was so attached to it so I could bring it back in the future to finish it Now I'm not sure where it is but I hope to find it before my next trip

[@lynnestukart7474]

"I am unstable." Oh, Molly, you are the best! I love your compassion for animals, as I"m a huge animal lover, too! Thank you for your incredible videos !

[@lizitee]

"I am UNstable" is a true Disney mood 🤣

[@rachelskinner9335]

I was very fortunate to get to attend a cast preview of Animal Kingdom in March of 1998. Big Red was part of the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction! I feel that the current ride is more family friendly and is still able to convey the conservation message of the park. Love love love this! Please keep the animal kingdom content coming 🦍🦓🦒🐘🦏🦩

[@meganallday]

🐉

[@ThonyG3_]

I agree with Molly “Brother bear” is such an underrated movie and Koda is my fave character (I named my little yorkie after him). Also, as an animal lover “Animal Kingdom” is my favorite of all parks.

[@elenacosta5634]

Love the brother bear soundtrack! So cute to see Koda in the parks 😊

[@EileenAndSasha]

“I’m like peak Disney adult right now” 😂😂 and drinking that first drink wishing it was an iced coffee. Love all of this.

[@richd6362]

Another great video. Every time Molly does a history video, I learn something new.

[@GraceUnderPressure21]

My husband visited AK during it's opening year and he was absolutely miserable. He was 8 at the time. 24 years later we were able to visit once again and now he's got great memories. Thank you so much for this video Molly. Your research and knowledge of the parks is really astounding!

[@duckburgduckworth512]

I’m am so impressed with you’re videos. You do your research & present it an entertaining way. You’re so great at what you do. Love your channel!!!!

[@BasementMermaid]

Molly! The passion for Animal Kingdom is so evident in this video and I love to see and hear it! I love seeing your childhood photos of you at the parks as well! Great video as always

[@nicollevandyke5950]

“I especially like how they’re the same height” when referencing Meeko and Pocahontas! Also, Molly shouting “hey girl, hey” to Pocahontas.😂😅😂

[@laurenpiwetz8427]

Beautiful tribute to this incredible park!!!!!!! Thank you!

[@designdoctor247]

25:47 Molly ducks are BIRDS and you LOVE them😊

[@sammarkiewicz9387]

“I am unstable” 😂 it’s okay Molly, I’m a crier too. People often think I’m unstable lol

[@emmafranks6537]

I visited when it had only just opened and that's the last time I was at WDW. I remember Camp Mickey and the Pocahontas show. I was 15 years old. I live in the UK and I am due to visit in 3 weeks with my two children. This has brought back all my childhood memories and I can't wait to come back in May. Thanks Molly ❤ xx

[@bradensuperspecials5167]

I was there the year it opened too. It was funny because it seemed so unfinished but Pocahontas was so good! I'm also from the UK and am heading back in a fortnight with my little boy. Have a great trip!

[@theycallmecara]

My favorite part of DAK is the safari! Also, I'm the person who said hi to you at Nomad Lounge when you were there to film! It was so great to meet you briefly!

[@brandonvieira8114]

These Theme Park History and Secrets videos are my absolute favourite. Molly leaves me so inspired to learn more about these incredible parks and I feel like we could just chat and nerd out about all these details over coffee ❤❤

[@gabbieellis3542]

AK is so underrated!!! Thanks MAM FAM!! Happy birthday Animal Kingdom!! This is another amazing video ❤️❤️❤️ Also first ❤️🥰

[@julianecoletta2070]

I loved the original ride with Little Red, the poachers and the squeaky bridge!!! Not only did you have an informative safari ride but you would also be a part of a magical story that drew you in and was exciting and thrilling! So cool! I miss it

[@fantasygeek13]

Pizzafari and it's puffy pizza has a special place in my heart tbh. When I went to Disney I was starting to have issues with my stomach and also had/have eating anxiety in public places like theme parks or busy restaurants. And so my stomach was upset late afternoon and we went and I had some of the pizza and while I didn't eat much the colorful walls helped me calm down after

[@jessicalempert]

I have gotten a picture in front of the Gorilla in the tree of life every single time I go to Disney since I was 7. I'm taking my son next year for his first trip and can't wait to start the tradition with him!

[@susanwhitebritton4629]

I am a new subscriber, and I am so glad I found you! I am a Disney lover and planning to make my first visit to AK this summer! I am so excited and so looking forward to my visit! Thank you for the history and all the juicy tidbits of information. 😊

[@elenacosta5634]

Welcome to the Mamfam! 🎉🎉

[@MM-ew4eh]

I'm a new subscriber and I'm obsessed with these vlogs! As a new FL resident and theme park nerd, your channel has helped me so much navigate these parks so much easier and the information is awesome!

[@ashley550]

I loved hearing about all of the history of the park, but also really enjoyed seeing your photos as a child! Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us Molly!

[@mike9147]

Michael Eisner was the best CEO Disney ever had! Never was the same when he retired :)

[@kimberlynorton312]

I just love your videos, Molly! I always learn so much from your videos and am entertained at the same time. Thank you for all that you do into putting on these videos. When people ask me about Disney planning or Universal planning, I point them to your videos!

[@kellyv7728]

Molly I could listen to you talk Disney for hours! Thanks so much for sharing all this knowledge…the wilderness explorers was so fun to do with my kids when we visited a few years ago! 💚

[@annedeloach243]

I loved the old version of the safari. It was more like a Disney adventure and the music they played when the elephants came into view made me cry every time. Now it's like other animal ride through attractions just on a larger an fancier scale.

[@christiedaprix5400]

One of my favorite moments in Animal Kingdom was seeing DiVine. It was the first time my kids were at the World, and they were so excited!

[@carlyjo467]

This might be my favorite video from Mammoth Club! DAK is also my favorite park and I love getting to hear all about it from Molly who loves it just as much as I do

[@chelseag1922]

This was one of my favorite vlogs so far. Loved the throwback pictures and the cutest scrapbook of all time. Now I need to go back to Animal Kingdom! ❤️

[@janetr6773]

Love this. My oldest daughter was lucky to join her late father and I in May 1998 at Animal Kingdom. She lost her favorite hat on the ‘River ride’… my 3 daughters and I are headed to Alaska on Disney next week. Apparently Koda is a cruise character. Add that to your list… best channel on KZbin. Keep up the good work. 🙏🏻😍

[@MxBrock]

molly with brown hair looks like a totally different person! i get that she was younger, but wow. I love the scrapbook additions! I never would get to see the characters or the park otherwise ❤ thank you for sharing memories

[@lauradenison4079]

My exact thoughts!!!!!

[@Jdub1005]

I learned to love it's tough to be a bug once i realized i loved to hear the kids scream in terror at the bugs.😂 i just laughed and laughed! 😂 i felt like a Villian😊

[@ricanvibez]

My favorite park and i don’t think that will ever change. It’s the park I start my day off with whenever I’m at Disney

[@jonnyboy7885]

You are the best Molly!! Fav thing at Animal Kingdom is definitely the Kil Safari, always amazing to see the animals up close!

[@nebulass1122]

I felt so seen when you showed yourself crying after brother bear came out on the float lol. I was crying with you 😅

[@justimagine2403]

Love the pics of you Molly! I was there in that first year! We saw John Glenn go up in the Space Shuttle too!

[@annec9567]

I love this park and I love this video, I really appreciate the thoroughness you put into telling the history and commentary of each attraction, restaurant etc. It is really helping me plan my itinerary when I go back in the fall. Thank you for this content, every video brings joy to me my kids and my husband!

[@stephaniee.2103]

I loved this video! Animal Kingdom is amazing! And I love that you pointed out some of the secret treasures of the park, including Conservation Station, the animal trek trails and some spots to just luxuriate! I feel people just go and do the heavy hitters and then leave to park hop. AK is a great full day experience. Thanks again Molly!

[@lucille4203]

So LOVED THIS video. Molly, I really like all your fun informative videos, but you made this one so personal , sharing all you memories!! Thanks!!

[@AlpineKindOfMind]

YAY happy earth day! Thanks for these highlights Molly!!!

[@angd4268]

I love the Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom. It gives you such an appreciation for this amazing park.

[@rickbertoldo-gz9cc]

“Brother Bear” is my ALL time favorite Disney film!!!

[@Wrangler760]

I went to Disneyworld a couple years ago and I got to see them doing surgery on a tiger! Coolest experience

[@LeighIR]

Thank you for trying and sharing some of the non-alcoholic drinks with us. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@Hetchel]

Such a fun video of an underrated park. Thanks for sharing! At DL this week, hope to see you! Would so enjoy seeing you three doing the Wild Africa Trek.

[@ianbowden9496]

I was going to get off my butt and go for a walk, but I’m going to exercise vicariously watching you walk around Animal Kingdom instead 😂

[@jentracey1758]

I loved this video so much! I was a senior in high school when Animal Kingdom opened so I vividly remember all of these things that you mentioned. Such nostalgia! Does anyone remember when they used to play a part of It’s the End of the World as We Know It by R.E.M. in a loop when you were inside of Restaurantosaurus?

[@joyc8553]

Molly, I watched Animal Kingdom show and watched that episode. I also got emotional hearing that Grace is climbing now! I find stuff like that touching and it’s sweet you do also! Great video by the way

[@oaslsko]

when you opened your glasses with your tongue...chef's kiss humor

[@janehynes8319]

Thank you for introducing me to Animal Kingdom on Disney+. It was so cool to see Grace and how far she has come! I have wondered how the animals from the show are doing. ❤❤❤

[@itsLiane]

DAK is my favorite park too! No one does it like Molly. Thank you for so much history on the park. Fantastic video! Also, I do miss the original story on the safari and the broken bridge.

[@DanikinZ88]

YES! Brother Bear is SO underrated! IT is SO good and the MUSIC! AHHH so good!

[@Loveofdisneybymaria]

Molly you always know your stuff and put out a great show ❤

[@mollyschultz9213]

I am glad to hear Disney has dropped the "poacher theme" on the safari ride; the first time we road it in 2007 my soldier husband had just returned from Iraq and the gunshots gave him PTSD. He was crabby for the rest of the ride(rightly so). This ride is Mousetastic on it's own- it doesn't need a story to be enjoyed. Thanks Molly for you videos!! They make my day. Also I am a farm girl named Molly from Minnesota and I get that you can never say somebody else's corn is better than your families!!

[@psychochick5070]

Every time Molly says do I need this too I say yes every time ❤️

[@amysears1829]

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park and Hotels!!

[@shawniejansen6881]

I love all your videos Molly! Animal kingdom is my favorite park as well, and I’m so excited when you post these types of videos!!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

We were there yesterday celebrating the 25th anniversary and Earth Day! One of my favorite things is that some of the trash cans are compost bins and some of the dining ware are compostable, including the utensils! I honestly wish all of the parks did that.

[@marytolman7821]

I love this video, and I love Animal Kingdom!!! I don’t understand how it gets dissed. Lots of love for you and AK!!! 🧡🦍🩵🐊🩷🦒

[@lilypad342]

The most beautiful park!!! And”it’s NOT the best corn I’ve ever had😉😉😉” Mollys the best!! Thank you again for sharing your vast knowledge!!! Keep up the great work!🙏👍❤️

[@laurafewell2301]

Love this video so much! loved all the fun details and yummy food! Especially enjoyed the pictures you thru the years of your Disney vacations! Have fun in Disneyland!

[@paigemccoy8526]

On the Safari, I loved the scary bridge!! I also loved the poacher story. It was a great education opportunity

[@MsKrenee84]

Oh how I love watching you, Molly!!! Mid-sentence… “oh look, baby ducks!” Lol. Fun and informative video.

[@jskeasler]

1:04:20, "Pandora, the world of Africa," bahahaha! I'm sorry that made me laugh. I remember going to DAK as a kid the first year it was open back in '98. The moving bridge on the safari is one of those things I still miss. I get why they dropped the poaching aspect, but it did add a thrill factor to the attraction.

[@Em_F]

This video unlocked childhood memories I have forgotten about for literally 25 years! Haven’t been to flame tree bbq since my first trip there, and seeing the seating area brought me right back to that trip. So wild!

[@jaimeek9955]

Animal Kingdom is such a wonderful park! We had a wedding portrait session there last December and they turned out amazing! It’s truly my favorite park!

[@FrankTheTank9991]

Awesome video, appreciate all the historical research you have done!

[@marthathinks]

Yes! From years ago I do remember a story on Safari and the truck lurching like it was going to fall in and poacher storyline. I don't remember a fake dead elephant, though

[@ciarajohnson9931]

Love the Disney springs shopping challenge and another plan Molly’s day!!

[@alexbrown1930]

I remember my first trip to Animal Kingdom. It wasn't opening day, but it was the May right after it opened. It was SOOOOOO hot that the we kept hitting the stand with the lemonade slashes. It was the first time we ever left a park early, just because me, my mom, and my grandma were just wiped out by the heat.

[@sherrystrawn7628]

Molly and Mammoth Club Crew..I have a few favorite vloggers. Having said that, I noticed today, that your videos are much more professional looking than most others. I get the feeling that I'm watching a documentary. With some others.. it seems like I am watching home movies. Thanks for everything that you do. 😊💖😊

[@taylorso-yun1271]

Molly, I’ve been a huge fan of yours for a while. I’m a huge buzz nerd also and I love this video because I actually have the tree of life tattooed on me. We love the animal kingdom here!