Animal Kingdom 2026 Updates: The Ultimate Guide to New Closures, Bluey, and Tropical Americas
Hey, bestie! If you’re planning a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2026, grab your safari hat and a cold brew, because things are changing fast.
Animal Kingdom has always been the “chill” park—the place to soak in the sun, listen to live music, and enjoy the animals. But this year, we are seeing some of the biggest updates in the park’s history. However, Animal Kingdom does not have enough attractions to absorb crowds effectively, and the park's major attractions are limited, which leads to long wait times when crowds increase. This is a serious problem, especially with ongoing construction in the park. Guests should expect significant construction walls and potential traffic flow changes throughout the park.
From saying a tearful goodbye to the prehistoric past to welcoming some favorite blue heelers, here is everything you need to know for your 2026 Disney day.
The End of an Era: DinoLand USA is Closing
The biggest news for 2026 is bittersweet: DinoLand USA is permanently closing on February 2, 2026. If you grew up “catching that dino,” you’ll want to pay your respects quickly. The legendary ride DINOSAUR, along with Restaurantosaurus and the Dino Institute Shop, will have their final day of operation on February 1, 2026. Other attractions and locations in DinoLand, including Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, and Dino Bite Snacks, will also be closing as part of this transition. Character meet-and-greets will be significantly reshuffled due to the construction activities. DinoLand U.S.A. will permanently close on February 2, 2026, to make way for the new Tropical Americas area, and construction is already underway.
What’s Replacing DinoLand?
Disney isn’t leaving a giant crater in the park. Instead, they are breaking ground on Tropical Americas, a brand-new land set to fully debut in 2027. Construction is already in full swing (you can’t miss the massive cranes!), and here is what we have to look forward to:
An Encanto Dark Ride: Step into the Casita with the Madrigal family.
Indiana Jones Attraction: A new adventure taking over the space where DINOSAUR currently sits.
The Encanto dark ride is being built on the former Primeval Whirl site. Construction for Tropical Americas is currently underway, with walls up around the Dino-Rama area. Pueblo Esperanza, a new themed area within Tropical Americas, will feature a play area for kids. The new land will be a lush and sprawling 11-acre destination. Tropical Americas will feature attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, with an expected opening in 2027.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting before February 1st, make sure to grab the “Time Rover” remote control vehicle or the “It’s Fast, It’s a Blast” baseball cap from the Dino Institute—these are destined to become collector’s items!
Tropical Americas: The New Land in Animal Kingdom’s Expansion
Get ready to step into a whole new world at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The arrival of Tropical Americas is set to transform the Walt Disney World Resort, bringing a vibrant, adventure-filled land that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. As DinoLand U.S.A. fades into history, this new land will take its place, inviting guests to explore alongside their favorite Disney stories in a setting bursting with color, culture, and wild adventure.
Tropical Americas is designed to immerse you in a lush landscape inspired by the rich history and biodiversity of Central and South America. Picture winding walking trails, hidden animal exhibits, and a sprawling environment that feels as authentic and lived-in as Harambe. The area will feature a grand hacienda, bustling with life, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new around every corner.
The real showstoppers here are the two signature attractions. First up, the all-new Indiana Jones experience—a headline attraction that will whisk you through a perfectly preserved Maya temple. Expect heart-pounding action, mysterious legends, and a mythical creature or two as you embark on a quest that’s totally unique to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (and unlike any other Indiana Jones experience at Disney Parks). Right next door, families can sing along and celebrate with the Madrigals on an Encanto-themed ride, bringing the magic of Casita to life in a way only Disney World can.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Tropical Americas will be packed with interactive games, animal exhibits, and hands-on activities that let you dive deeper into the wonders of the region. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty to explore—think animal encounters, themed walking trails, and immersive storytelling that brings the spirit of the tropics to life.
And yes, the Bluey takeover is adding even more energy to the mix! While Bluey and Bingo’s main home will be at Conservation Station in Rafiki’s Planet Watch, their playful spirit will ripple throughout the new land, making it a must-visit for families and fans of the show.
No trip to a new Disney land is complete without a little shopping, and the Dino Institute Shop will be reimagined to offer exclusive Tropical Americas merchandise. From adventure gear to unique souvenirs, you’ll find the perfect memento to remember your wild adventure.
As with any major expansion at Walt Disney World, there’s plenty of buzz about crowd management and how this new land will fit into the overall Disney World experience. But with Disney’s legendary attention to detail and guest experience, Tropical Americas is poised to become a headline attraction—one that rivals even Universal Orlando Resort’s biggest hits.
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as the opening date approaches. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of Indiana Jones, the magic of Encanto, or the chance to spot a mythical creature, Tropical Americas is set to be the crown jewel of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get ready to explore, discover, and make memories in this unforgettable new land!
New Friends: Bluey and Bingo Join the Pack
Starting in Summer 2026, Animal Kingdom is getting a massive dose of “for real life” fun! Bluey and Bingo are officially coming to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Rafiki's Planet Watch is an isolated area in Animal Kingdom, making access to Bluey more challenging and complicating guest flow.
To meet them, you’ll hop on the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe Station and head over to the Conservation Station. Here’s what the experience will include:
Meet & Greets: Snap photos with Bluey and Bingo.
Interactive Games: Play “Keepy Uppy” and “Magic Asparagus” with an animal twist.
Australian Animals: Discover real-life animals native to Bluey’s home country.
The Bluey experience will feature animals native to Australia, aligning with the park's theme. The entirety of Rafiki's Planet Watch is closing ahead of the Bluey takeover that debuts in summer 2026, and the Affection Section has closed with animals removed in preparation. The Wildlife Express Train will close on February 23, 2026, and will not reopen until summer 2026 when the Bluey experience launches. The Bluey experience is expected to debut on or around May 26, 2026, coinciding with the kickoff of Cool Kids' Summer. The addition of Bluey and Bingo is expected to create significant crowd management challenges at Animal Kingdom, with the Wildlife Express Train becoming a bottleneck due to increased demand. Families may face multiple lines just to meet Bluey, including waiting for the train and then waiting again to meet the characters, leading to long wait times. Bluey is expected to become one of the most in-demand character experiences at Walt Disney World, and the Bluey attraction is likely to create a new crowd problem zone in Animal Kingdom. Be sure to experience dinosaur-themed attractions before they close, as the park transitions to new offerings.
Note: With Bluey moving in, the Animation Experience (where you learn to draw Disney characters) may be seeing some changes or moving to Hollywood Studios, so keep an eye on the schedule!
Foodie Updates: Harambe Market & Beyond
If you’re hungry in Africa, take note: Harambe Market is currently undergoing a menu transition and will officially reopen on March 1, 2026.
To fill the void left by the DinoLand closure, Harambe Market will shift toward "theme park classics" like cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. But don't worry—if you crave those famous African-inspired bowls, they haven't disappeared!
Where to Eat Now:
Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery: This is the new home for the Chicken and Rice Bowl ($12.99). It’s marinated in chermoula and topped with kachumbari tomato salad and tzatziki. It’s the perfect mix of spice and cool.
Coconut Flavored Iced Coffee: Also at Kusafari! For $5.99, you get Joffrey’s cold brew with coconut oat milk and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. It is refreshing, creamy, and not too sweet.
2026 Must-Have Merchandise
You can't leave the park without a souvenir! The 2026 collection is leaning heavily into the Tree of Life aesthetic.
Is Animal Kingdom a Half-Day Park?
There is always a debate about this. In 2026, with DinoLand under construction, you could hit all the rides in half a day. However, I’d argue it’s a full-day park if you do it right:
Morning: Kilimanjaro Safaris (the animals are most active!).
Midday: Take the train to see the new Bluey experience and the veterinary procedures at the Conservation Station.
Afternoon: Watch the new Zootopia: Better Zoogetter show inside the Tree of Life.
Evening: Walk the Maharajah Jungle Trek and enjoy the bioluminescence in Pandora.
Animal Kingdom is about the vibe. It’s about slowing down, watching the otters at the Otter Grotto, and enjoying the incredible food.
See You in the Park!
Whether you're coming to say goodbye to the Iguanodon or to dance with Bluey, 2026 is a year of transition and magic at Animal Kingdom.
What are you most excited for? Are you Team Indiana Jones or are you going to miss the cheesy fun of DinoLand? Let me know in the comments!
