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4. Subtle creatures around Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tree of Life

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a giant dedication to preservation and environmentalism. Keep your eyes open and you’ll see the park’s decorative elements honor different creatures in almost every detail. Here are some more subtle features that include animal imagery.

  • The rock behind the waterfall in Kali River Rapids is shaped like a lion’s head
  • Over 300 animals are carved into the Tree of Life, some far more subtle than others
  • The Tree of Life image that’s seen on Discovery Island trash cans has animal silhouettes around the top of the tree, along the bottom, and even amid the branches in the middle.

5. Hidden Pascals near Rapunzel’s Tower

Pascal's friends are good at hiding

Can you find all of Pascal's colorful friends?
Image: Amy, Flickr (license)

Rapunzel’s Tower looms beautifully near the new Fantasyland restrooms between it’s a small world and the walkway to the Haunted Mansion. Opposite the restrooms is a small garden with some seating and convenient charging stations. Amid the flowers, grass, and peaceful creek, you’ll find 10 of Pascal’s chameleon friends hiding. Another hidden detail in the area is a series of hoofprints on the ground. Look at them closely and you’ll see the name “Maximus” featured, indicating that a very special horse dropped by recently.

6. Reused animatronics in beloved rides

Spaceship Earth has many reused faces

Creating an animatronic face is no small feat, so many faces are actually reused throughout Disney attractions. One of the most famous examples is the old woman in a rocking chair in the Haunted Mansion’s ballroom. She’s the same character as the grandmother on the Carousel of Progress. Several presidents found new life on Spaceship Earth, from the Roman Senator who took the likeness of Teddy Roosevelt, to the Egyptian priest with the face of William Howard Taft.

American Adventure has many crossover characters who appear on other rides as well. The store owner appears as a Phoenician sea captain and telegraph operator on Spaceship Earth. Matthew Brady from American Adventure is both a sound engineer and telegraph operator on Spaceship Earth as well.

Disney is known for details, and nearly all of them tell a story. Pay attention to the minor elements around the parks and see if you can piece together what they tell you.

 
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