Both Images: Credit DisneyOne thing Guests look forward to every night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life Awakening — but for the 50th anniversary celebration, kicking off on October 1, and for the holiday season later this year, the Tree of Life will transform — depending on the night.
What we mean by that is Disney has confirmed special projections for each event — the 50th and the holidays — will be showcased on the theme park icon, but as far as which projections Guests will see will depend on which day they visit Animal Kingdom.
Let us explain.
Related: Tree of Life Gearing Up For Transformation Ahead of 50th Anniversary
Tree of Life Awakening
For starters, in case you aren’t familiar, Disney World describes the Tree of Like Awakening as:
Flickering fireflies magically appear and stir to life the animal spirits in the tree’s towering trunk—bringing to light a dazzling visual display swarming with color and animated imagery.
Gaze upon a young doe embarking upon a thrilling journey. Behold love blossoming between a pair of hummingbirds. Spy a sly fox spreading gifts of love among the denizens of a wintry forest.
A feast for the eyes, each revelation celebrates the eternal balance and harmony that exists in all living things, big or small, and is sure to inspire and delight your whole family tree.
50th Anniversary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Related: Tower of Terror Will Receive Magical Holiday Transformation
We already knew that Guests can look forward to something very similar to the Tree of Life Awakening come October 1, 2021! Disney Parks Blog explained the 50th anniversary celebrations happening at this theme park as “magical fireflies inhabiting the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.”
Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
And now, we have additional information regarding the holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which will overlap with the 50th anniversary celebration.
Despite both of these events happening at the same time, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will display both the 50th anniversary projections and the holiday projections, depending on the night.
Disney Parks Blog shared:
It will be a wild holiday time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the return of seasonal décor and festive Disney character flotillas sailing down Discovery River to the sounds of joyful songs of the season. The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the 50th anniversary celebration. During the holiday season there’s even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.
There is so much to look forward to later this year — We cannot wait to see the Tree of Life transform.
More on the Tree of Life
In case you aren’t familiar, Disney describes the Tree of Life as:
The Tree of Life honors animals and the place they all share in the great Circle of Life.
At 145 feet tall, the massive tree towers over the land. Marvel at its gnarled roots and outstretched branches, then step closer to see the shapes of over 300 animals carved into the tree.
It’s an epic visual symbol of the diversity, beauty and interconnected nature of Earth’s creatures.Look Closer
Stroll the picturesque Discovery Island Trails around the great tree for an close-up view of the animal carvings. You may even discover a famous mouse hiding among its branches!
Animal Encounters
Nestled amid the burrowing roots at the base of the Tree of Life is a serene landscape of pools, meadows and trees—home to a variety of live animals, including lemurs, flamingos, kangaroos and tortoises.
If you want to visit Disney World in 2021 to celebrate, make sure to begin planning your magical vacation today. Our friends at Academy Travel can help you every step of the way. Get started by clicking here!