Immersion through storytelling Disney has been built on storytelling since the beginning over 100 years ago. The best theme parks in the world are the ones that tell the best stories. Disney’s Animal Kingdom might tell the best story of all. And that is the story of us as humans and our connection to the natural world. The parks underlying theme starts all the way in the parking lot and continues with you throughout the park. I will defend the fact that Harambe and Africa is one of the best themed lands in theme park history. The storytelling in the land has some of the richest details of any land. And the amazing thing is that the land is based off of very real things, so the storytelling extends much beyond the fictional land itself. The lands story is extremely detailed and is way too much to fit into a post but I want to talk about this pictures story. The main path in the Harambe village is incredibly well designed. As you crest the bridge into the village from Discovery Island, a straight down view all the way to the Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance becomes visible. Your vision passes by hundreds if not thousands of people at times. You’re surrounded by a long time established village with expertly designed authentic buildings and design. All the way at the end of the main path is the entry way to Kilimanjaro Safaris. The entry is perfectly placed next to a massive Baobab tree. This tree is ridiculously large and can be seen from multiple different parts of the village. Back in the day when there was less foliage in the village you would have a perfect clear view of the entire tree, now there is much more natural foliage providing shade. But I love this photo though! Shift your perspective and try to imagine it the way the story is meant to be told. It’s early, the light is low, you have shown up in the Port of Harambe. Of course you are there to check out the famous Kilimanjaro Safaris who is currently touring the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. A reserve that used to be used for poaching, but now focuses on conservation and eco tourism. #animalkingdom #kilimanjarosafaris #waltdisneyworld #sonyalpha #sony #dak #wdw #africa @sonyalpha @waltdisneyworld