| 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!
Rivers of Light was a captivating nighttime show that took place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This mesmerizing spectacle celebrated the beauty of nature and the harmony between animals and humans through a stunning combination of water, light, music, and special effects. Rivers of Light took place on the Discovery River, with the seating area located … Read more
Satu’li Canteen is the primary quick-service restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it has earned a reputation as one of the strongest counter-service locations at Walt Disney World. Opened with Pandora on May 27, 2017, the restaurant is presented as a former RDA mess hall that has been … Read more
Tamu Tamu Refreshments is a delightful quick-service dining location located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Nestled in the Africa-themed area of the park, this charming eatery offers guests a variety of tasty treats and refreshing beverages to recharge and stay energized during their adventurous day at the park. The name “Tamu Tamu” comes from the Swahili … Read more
Terra Treats is a delightful snack kiosk located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This charming little spot offers guests a variety of delicious treats and refreshments to enjoy as they explore the immersive world of the park. Situated in the Discovery Island area, Terra Treats perfectly complements the surrounding lush and natural environment. Its name “Terra” … Read more
The Boneyard was an elaborate dinosaur-themed playground in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Opening with the park on April 22, 1998, it gave younger guests an unusually large, unstructured space to climb, crawl, dig, and explore. Although it was classified as a children’s play area rather than a major ride, The Boneyard became one … Read more
The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic was a limited-engagement nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, staged on the Discovery River during the park’s first major push into evening entertainment. It officially opened on May 28, 2016, with a soft opening the night before, and closed on September 5, 2016. The show was created as an … Read more
The Smiling Crocodile is a charming quick-service kiosk located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Tucked away in the Discovery Island area of the park, it offers a delightful selection of delicious and unique snacks, perfect for fueling up during a day of adventure and exploration. The kiosk’s name pays homage to the crocodile, a creature often … Read more
Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks is a compact refreshment stop in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, located near Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. The location is really two closely connected concepts: Thirsty River Bar, a walk-up beverage spot focused on cocktails, beer, frozen drinks, and nonalcoholic refreshments, and Trek … Read more
Tiffins Restaurant is a captivating and upscale dining establishment located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As a signature dining venue, Tiffins offers guests a unique and immersive culinary experience inspired by the spirit of adventure and exploration. The restaurant’s name, “Tiffins,” refers to the small containers used to carry meals while traveling. This theme is reflected … Read more
The Tree of Life is an iconic and magnificent centerpiece at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Standing at an impressive 145 feet tall and 50 feet wide, the tree is an engineering marvel, featuring intricate carvings of over 300 animal species on its massive trunk and branches. Located on Discovery Island, the Tree of Life serves as … Read more