Unique Characters to Join Discovery River Character Cruise for 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Lisa Stump

Unique Characters to Join Discovery River Character Cruise for 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World has revealed plans for special Earth Day celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom via unique characters on the Discovery River Character Cruise, a limited-time Wilderness Explorer Badge, and the availability of special treats during April.

Unique Character Sightings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Mickey and friends flotilla animal kingdom 7292020

Walt Disney World has announced plans for special character appearances at Disney’s Animal Kingdom via the Discovery River Character Cruise from April 16-23. Read the official announcement below:

Mickey, Minnie and Scrooge McDuck are just some of the Disney Characters to be found on flotillas along the Discovery River in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Plus, from April 16 through 23, there will be unique Character appearances on the Discovery River Character Cruise—so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these and additional Character experiences and sightings.

The Discovery River flotillas start and end in the Discovery River Amphitheater. They go completely around Discovery Island, and are viewable from many areas in the park. Take a look at route represented by white dots on the Animal Kingdom map:

The Discovery River Character Cruise will begin featuring unique characters beginning April 16.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t limiting its Earth Week celebrations to a special flotilla. Among the many limited-time treats being served for the holiday, there is a unique bee-themed snack being served up at Creature Comforts, the on-site Starbucks. You can check out pictures and our review of this item here.

Earth Day Wilderness Explorer Badge

Get ready to flex those survival skills. In addition to the flotillas and treats, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be offering a limited-time Wilderness Explorer Badge for rangers-in-training hoping to become a fully-fledged Wilderness Explorer. In the park from April 16 through April 23, guests may “experience a limited-time activity that lets you earn a special nature badge!”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Earth Day Treats

Additionally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be offering the following snacks inside the park to celebrate Earth Day:

Dawa Bar

Nomad Lounge (Available March 31 through April 30)

  • Gin and Bitters Cocktail

Pizzafari (Available March 28 through April 30; mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus (Available March 28 through April 30; mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus (Available March 28 through April 30; mobile order available)

Tamu Tamu (Available March 28 through April 30)

Tusker House

  • Bee Mini-cupcake included with buffet
  • A variety of plant-based items including Cauliflower Bunny Chow, Black-eyed Pea Salad, IMPOSSIBLE Bobotie, Feisty Green Beans, Tandoori Tomatoes, Carrot and Chickpea Salad, Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage, Garlic-leek Hummus, and Harira Soup

Available at Isle of Java, Terra Treats, Thirsty River Bar, and Outdoor Ice Cream Carts (Available March 28)

  • Tiger Eye Gold

Available at Dawa Bar, Eight Spoon Café, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Thirsty River Bar, TriloBites, and Warung Outpost (Available April 2 through 30)

  • Honey Bee Citrus Ale

Be sure to check out the full list of resort-wide offerings with pictures here:

F2EA38B0 394E 479D BEB4 55620A36F300

Disney is also promising a “very special moment in front of the Tree of Life on April 22, honoring Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.”

What characters do you think will be featured on the flotillas for Earth Day? Will you be taking a trip on the wild side to check out the limited-time character appearances and snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? We’d love to see your opinions in the comments below.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.