Hi Beth,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. I love the conservation messages woven throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and the Earth Day Celebrations in the park are absolutely fantastic!
In past years, Jiminy Cricket has been available for a special meet and greet on Earth Day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As of right now, we haven’t heard if he’ll be back in 2018, but I would keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for any announcements. They recently published a
great article about
Party for the Planet, the
wild 20th anniversary celebration for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which will be held April 22 – May 5. While the article doesn’t mention Jiminy, there are so many great events planned, and I hope you’ll have time to celebrate in the park!
Last year on Earth Day, we stopped to buy some Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars and ended up having a magical conversation with the Cast Member at the stand. He was selling commemorative Earth Day buttons to benefit the Disney Conservation Fund. Did you know that, since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $70 million to reverse the decline in at-risk animal populations around the world? My family learned so much talking to this knowledgeable and passionate Cast Member, and we were so inspired (and bought a few cute souvenir buttons to support the cause).
Beth, I’ve got my fingers crossed that you’ll get your wish to meet Jiminy Cricket!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn