Summary
Magic Kingdom has Cinderella Castle. EPCOT has Spaceship Earth. Disney's Hollywood Studios has The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (or the Chinese Theater ... or even the Sorcerer's Hat or the Earrfel Tower if you're nostalgic like me). The icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, though, might just be the most impressive! Imagineer Joe Rohde (the mastermind behind this stunning and verdant theme park) described the towering Tree of Life as "a symbol of the beauty and diversity and the grandeur of our animal life on Earth." For a park that celebrates our planet's magnificent creatures, we couldn't think of a more fitting centerpiece. Hop along as we explore everything you need to know about this technological marvel rooted in a natural oasis.
Overview of the Tree of Life
Just like everything else at Walt Disney World Resort, the Tree of Life has a story. Imagineer lore has it that this magnificent tree sprouted from a single seed planted by a tiny ant with the hope that it would one day grow to provide shelter and refuge for all animals, big and small. The ant's wish came true and, as the tree grew, its shade attracted many different types of animals to the water's edge.
As the animals drank, their reflections from the water bounced onto the tree, magically imprinting their likenesses there. If you peer into the right knothole, you might just find that very special ant immortalized on its creation today.
Located just past the Oasis, this faux baobab tree commands attention as soon as you enter Discovery Island. While it's by far the shortest of the park icons, the Tree of Life is still a towering 145 feet tall and 50 feet wide at its base.
Today, 102,583 artificial leaves — each more than a foot long — cover its 8,000+ branches (i.e. 45 secondary branches, 756 tertiary branches and 7,891 end branches). In the spirit of recycling and conservation, the internal structure is actually made of concrete! However, the skeleton of the tree is made from an upside-down oil rig. Imagineers knew that it would hold up against Florida's notorious hurricane-strength winds.
The most impressive aspect of this sculpture, though, is the more than 300 carvings of existing and extinct animal species that reside on its trunk, branches and surrounding roots. A team of artists and Imagineers took 18 months working full-time to complete these works of art. It would take way too long to name every animal that appears on the tree (you actually won't ever find an official list of all the animals portrayed). However, some you can expect to find include a lion, deer, eagle, monkey, pelican, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, bear, tortoise, lemur, scorpion and dolphin. There are even a few extinct dinosaurs, too!
Fun fact: When famous primatologist Jane Goodall visited the park during its construction, she wondered if there was a chimp on the tree. Shortly after, one of her most famous subjects, David Graybeard, was carved into the roots. Find him near the entrance of the (now) defunct It's Tough to Be a Bug.
The Tree of Life has been making jaws drop since Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998. Like any tree, it's ever-expanding. In Feb. 2015, construction walls were removed to reveal new roots with added animal carvings, from tiny bugs to large crocodiles. This offered a wonderful view and a widened walkway for frogs visiting Discovery Island.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
If you've never visited Animal Kingdom before, you might be surprised to learn that the Tree of Life actually houses its own attraction! Or rather, it did, and will again soon!
Normally, as you veer right and approach the tree, you'd find the entrance to It's Tough to be a Bug! — A Creepy Crawly Bug-Eyed Adventure. However, Flik and the rest of the "A Bug's Life" gang bid farewell to guests in March. Currently, the space that housed this 4D show is under construction, making way for Zootopia: Better Zoogether, scheduled to open late 2025.
This show will have guests hopping along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and others as you adventure through the biomes seen in the film, "Zootopia." Check back for more details on what to expect!
Discovery Island Trails
One of Animal Kingdom's best-kept secrets lies within the roots of this iconic tree. If you're looking for a moment of peace and some close-up views of nature's beautiful creatures (both real and wooden), head to the Discovery Island Trails. These serene pathways that snake below the Tree of Life provide some of the most stunning views in all of Walt Disney World.
This is also the closest you'll get to the glorious carvings of some of the tree's animals! Not only are they fascinating sculptures that merit close observation, but they also make for spectacular family photo-ops. This is a much less crowded spot to snap some pics than right at the front of the tree.
Additionally, these trails house some stunning wildlife exhibits. Look for unique animals such as Asian Small-Clawed Otters, Red Kangaroos, Macaws, Ring-Tailed Lemurs and more.
Grab your designated coffee beverage at Creature Comforts! Then, spend some time meandering through the wooden footbridges, cave-like tunnels and roaring waterfalls of these tranquil trails.
Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
If you're near the Tree of Life from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., you may get to experience a free-flying flock of magnificent macaws taking to the skies. This fine-feathered flock is composed of over six different species, the largest of which has an incredible wingspan of around 48 inches! Gather round as Animal Kingdom's resident avian expert shares some fascinating secrets about these parrots. They'll even answer your pressing questions. This wondrous encounter occurs several times throughout the day.
Tree of Life Awakenings (Temporarily Unavailable)
Once the sun goes down, the enormous baobab comes to life in a show called Tree of Life Awakenings. This nightly projection show showcases picturesque landscapes and the native creatures that inhabit them. Does, hummingbirds, foxes and other critters live, love and play along the tree's trunk and canopy in a presentation that celebrates the eternal balance and harmony that exists in all living things, big and small.
Vibrant colors and heartwarming music come together in this underrated nighttime spectacular! The show occurs approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes. During the holiday season, you may even get to witness a special festive version featuring magical winter wonderlands and classic Christmas tunes! Tree of Life Awakenings — Holiday Edition only occurs on select nights.
Tree of Life Awakenings only takes place in the dark. For this reason, the show's schedule tends to depend on park closing times. Usually, Animal Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. As of right now, Tree of Life Awakenings does not have any scheduled showtimes. Furthermore, Disney has not announced if and when this show is returning. We will update this blog once we have more information.
What's your favorite thing to experience at the Tree of Life? What are you excited to experience for the first time on your next trip to Animal Kingdom? Share with us in the comments below!
Related: Guide to the Holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom
