| Icon: | The Tree of Life (145 feet tall) |
| New Show: | Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (Now Open) |
| Construction Alert: | Tropical Americas (Pueblo Esperanza) replacing DinoLand |
| Park Hours: | Typically 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Varies by season) |
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a masterpiece of “natural” theme park design, celebrating wildlife conservation and the spirit of adventure. Opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, it is the largest theme park in the world by acreage, covering over 500 acres of lush environments and authentic habitats.
As of February 2026, DinoLand U.S.A. has permanently closed to make way for the 11-acre Tropical Americas land, themed after the fictional village of Pueblo Esperanza. While this area is currently behind construction walls, guests can look forward to the following opening in 2027:
Despite the construction in the southeast corner of the park, Animal Kingdom remains a full-day destination with several world-class immersive lands:
Address: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Here is your complete guide to Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom including attractions, restaurants, and shows. Stay tuned as we document the transformation of DinoLand into the Tropical Americas!
Harambe Wildlife Parti was an evening street celebration presented in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction’s name was intentionally stylized as “Parti,” and its format was equally distinctive: rather than asking guests to wait for a formal showtime, it turned the fictional East African village of Harambe into a loosely structured festival … Read more
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent is the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, planned as one of the headliners of the park’s new Tropical Americas land. Replacing the former DINOSAUR ride system in the area once occupied by DinoLand U.S.A., the attraction represents a major shift for Animal Kingdom: … Read more
Island Mercantile is one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s original merchandise locations and one of the principal shops on Discovery Island, positioned just to the left after guests cross the bridge from The Oasis toward the Tree of Life. Opening with the park on April 22, 1998, the store has spent more than a quarter century … Read more
Isle of Java is a food cart located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This charming little food cart offers a variety of refreshing beverages, snacks, and quick bites to keep guests energized during their adventures in the park. The menu at Isle of Java typically includes a selection of specialty coffees, both hot and iced, for … Read more
“It’s Tough to be a Bug” is a 3D film attraction located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction is based on the Disney-Pixar film “A Bug’s Life” and offers guests a unique and immersive experience inside the world of insects. As guests enter the iconic Tree of Life, the centerpiece and symbol of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, … Read more
Kali River Rapids is an exhilarating water rafting adventure located in the Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This thrilling attraction takes guests on a daring river expedition through the lush jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter rushing water, twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. The adventure begins as guests board circular rafts that seat … Read more
Kilimanjaro Safaris is an attraction located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is a safari-style ride that takes guests on a journey through a savannah and other African habitats. The ride takes place on large, open-air vehicles that are designed to resemble African safari trucks. Guests are seated in rows and are given an up-close look … Read more
KiteTails was a daytime lagoon show presented at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Staged around the Discovery River Amphitheater, the production featured oversized character kites, colorful windcatchers, music, performers, and watercraft that pulled enormous flying figures across the lagoon. It officially debuted on October 1, 2021, the same day the … Read more
Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery is a charming quick-service establishment located in the Africa area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This delightful coffee shop and bakery is designed to immerse guests in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of an African marketplace. The name “Kusafiri” means “to travel” in Swahili, reflecting the park’s theme of adventure and … Read more
Maharajah Jungle Trek is a captivating and immersive walking trail located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This attraction offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the lush jungles and ruins of an ancient Indian palace, providing a glimpse into the diverse wildlife and cultural richness of the region. As guests venture onto … Read more