Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom at a Glance (2026 Guide)

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.

Disney's Animal Kingdom park icon Tree of Life

2026 Major Expansion: Tropical Americas

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:

  • Indiana Jones Adventure: A new mission inside a Maya temple (replacing the DINOSAUR ride system).
  • Encanto Attraction: The first-ever ride-through Casita experience featuring the Madrigal family.
  • Wood-Carved Carousel: A new classic attraction featuring beloved Disney animals.

Explore the Park Lands

Despite the construction in the southeast corner of the park, Animal Kingdom remains a full-day destination with several world-class immersive lands:

  • Discovery Island: The park’s hub, featuring the Tree of Life and the brand-new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (which replaced It’s Tough to be a Bug in late 2025).
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar: Home to the award-winning Flight of Passage and the bioluminescent Na’vi River Journey.
  • Africa: Head to Harambe to board the Kilimanjaro Safaris and see the Festival of the Lion King.
  • Asia: Face the Yeti on Expedition Everest or get soaked on Kali River Rapids.
  • The Oasis: The peaceful garden entrance to the park.
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Accessible via the Wildlife Express Train for a deep dive into animal care.

View of Animal Kingdom wildlife and scenery

Animal Kingdom Logistics:

Address: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Articles, Features and Directory Items:

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!

Warung Outpost

Warung Outpost, located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offers guests a unique and immersive dining experience that reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Asian continent. While not as widely recognized as some of the larger attractions or restaurants within Disney World, Warung Outpost plays a crucial role in creating a comprehensive … Read more

Wildlife Express Train

The Wildlife Express Train was a beloved attraction located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. This unique train ride provided guests with an opportunity to embark on a scenic journey through the African savanna-inspired Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The Wildlife Express Train served as a transportation method to reach the Conservation Station, an educational and interactive … Read more

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Yak & Yeti Restaurant is a table-service dining venue located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This restaurant is themed around the story of a Nepalese traveler who turned his home into a restaurant after many years of collecting artifacts and recipes from his journeys throughout Asia. The establishment offers guests a richly … Read more

Zootopia: Better Zoogether

Zootopia: Better Zoogether is a nighttime projection show performed on the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Debuting in 2025, the show reimagines the park’s iconic centerpiece as a vibrant canvas for scenes and characters from Disney’s Zootopia, bringing a fresh storytelling layer to the park’s evening atmosphere while maintaining its core themes of … Read more