Discover The Tree of Life At Disney's Animal Kingdom

When it comes to myths and mythology, there are a few motifs that one can find spread across the planet. These special symbols have endured throughout time, painted and carved by artists for thousands of years. At the heart of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park sits one such mystical force, luring guests to an island of discovery, calling forth man to embark on a journey that connects him with the rest of the planet. Disney's magnificent Tree of Life is a splendid demonstration of the interconnectedness of all life. Here are just a few fun facts to hep you discover The Tree of Life At Disney's Animal Kingdom.


Discover The Tree Of Life At Disney's Animal KingdomDiscover The Tree Of Life At Disney's Animal Kingdom


Towering 145 feet above the Park, it is 50 feet wide at the base with branches reaching out a whopping 160 feet wide. The Tree of Life was created using an oil rig as its frame. This solid structure is one of the things that helps Disney's tree to withstand Florida's hurricane winds.

When sculpting the Tree of Life, ten artists and three Imagineers spent 18 months of full-time work on creating the 325 animal carvings seen by guests. They had to work fast too, because they only had between six and 10 hours finish each piece image before the plaster hardened.

The glorious icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life is topped with more than 103,000 transparent leaves in five-shades-of-green. Did you know that they actually blow in the wind?


The Tree Of Life Is A Mythic Icon TooThe Tree Of Life Is A Mythic Icon Too


You can get a better view of the intricately carved animals on the trunk, as well as discovering some unique creatures by taking a stroll through the Discover Island Trails and Tree of Life Garden beneath the tree. If you keep your eyes open, you may even discover a Hidden Mickey.

The overall look of Disney's Tree of Life is inspired by natural forms of baobob trees. A prehistoric species, the baobob predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents. Some natural baobob trees have grown so large that people have made homes inside their trunks.

Hidden within the roots of the Tree of Life is a 430-seat theater that is home to the attraction called "It's Tough to be a Bug!" In this 4-D experience Flick from "A Bug's Life" gives guests a peak at what it's like to live life as an insect. "It's Tough to be a Bug!" frequently makes the list of best attractions to relax on at Disney's Animal Kingdom.


Tree of Life comes alive at Disney's Animal Kingdom starting May 27Tree of Life Comes To Life At Night


Since 2016 Animal Kingdom has awakened at night, with magical fireflies revealing "stories of wonder and enchantment" on the impressive tree. The breathtaking enchantment brings focus to projected vignettes giving life to the intricate trunk carvings guests enjoyed during the day. While each awakening is brief, there are four different enchantments that happen, and they all have a rich and beautiful story.

With an underlying message of conservation, and respect for the planet, Disney's Animal Kingdom brings Walt Disney's love for nature and shares it with generations to come. What's your favorite thing about the magnificent icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

JeffC wrote on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 01:59:

I discover a new or different carving every time we go! It's such an amazing work of art.

And I drag Joe to the bug's life show every time

Kristen K. wrote on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 01:26:

Kristen K.'s picture

I've been happily able to avoid that bug show for 20 years now. LOL!

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