disney's animal kingdom is a theme park at the walt disney world resort near orlando, florida, united states. it was the fourth park built there, and it opened on april 22, 1998. it is the largest disney theme park in the world, covering more than . it is also the first disney theme park to be themed around animal conservation, a philosophy once pioneered by walt disney himself. disney's animal kingdom is accredited by the association of zoos and aquariums, meaning they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation and research.