The best laid plans of mice and men get put aside by budget restraints, an uncertain economy, and just plain old fear or greed. Such is the case with Beastly Kingdom, the once planned land for Disney's Animal Kingdom. When budgets had to be slashed due to cost overruns and the higher than expected money it took to take care of live animals, Michael Eisner decided to choose between building DinoLand U.S.A. or Beastly Kingdom. The dinosaurs won, and visitors had a chance to go back in time for a Countdown to Extinction. Multiple attractions were designed for Beastly Kingdom, but they fell by the wayside.
Disney's Animal Kingdom has a fascinating history! My multi-part series is among the most beloved articles on the Insights and Sounds blog. Take a look at Part One here. (And eight more parts afterwards. Part Nine is on the way!) It's full of concept art, photographs, and it's a combination trip report\/history of the park that you won't want to miss.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
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