There’s a BIG event going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it won’t last long!
The Tree of Life
April 22nd is this park’s 25th anniversary, and it’s also Earth Day. That means special snacks, character meet-and-greets, and new merchandise are all taking over the park! Those aren’t the only changes, though, so come along with us to find out what’s NEW in Animal Kingdom since our last visit.
Before we get to the updates, have you downloaded our FREE checklist for Animal Kingdom? It covers everything you’ll want to see and do in this park!
Just enter your email, and we’ll send the list straight to your inbox.
Animal Kingdom Food Updates
Dawa Bar
Dawa Bar is a boozy haven in the middle of a very busy part of Animal Kingdom. For a limited time, there’s a new drink at this spot to celebrate Earth Day and the park’s 25th anniversary.
Bahari Breeze
We found the Bahari Breeze drink here, which is made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur, Sour Mix, and Pineapple Juice, garnished with a Pineapple Wedge for $13.50.
More unique treats are coming to Animal Kingdom! See them all here.
Animal Kingdom Attraction Updates
Rare Characters for Earth Day
As part of the big celebrations, there are lots of rare characters throughout Animal Kingdom. We spotted Tinker Bell with Fawn…
Tinker Bell and Fawn
…Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book…
King Louie and Baloo
…Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear on a flotilla…
Brother Bear Characters on a Floatilla
…Princess Atta from A Bug’s Life…
Princess Atta
…and Jane and Terk from Tarzan.
Jane and Terk
DiVine is a character that you can find in Animal Kingdom year-round, but she was dressed up in tons of flowers for the occasion.
DiVine
These characters will likely only be around through April 22nd, which is Earth Day.
Find out which new character is coming SOON to Animal Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom Construction Updates
Oasis Exhibit Construction
This animal exhibit near the front of the park has finally finished its lengthy refurbishment!
Spoonbills
The spoonbills have returned to their habitat, so you can visit them here.
Disney100 Sign
Near the front of the park, you can find this Disney100 sign, which celebrates The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary.
100th sign
Similar signs can be found at the front of all the Disney World theme parks.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s 100th anniversary.
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates
Discovery Trading Company
At this gift shop, we found a Sword in the Stone shirt for $29.99…
Sword in the Stone Shirt
…a Mickey Mouse tank top for $34.99…
Mickey Tank
…and an Alien Toy Story shirt for $39.99.
Toy Story Shirt
There were also a couple of Disney Junior toys, including a Mickey vet play set for $39.99…
Vet Play Set
…and a Minnie Mouse pet salon, also for $39.99.
Disney Junior Play Set
Let’s check out some other shops!
Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
This shop had a new Lion King hat.
Lion King Hat
The hat costs $29.99.
Mombasa Marketplace
There were lots of new Lion King souvenirs here, including an embroidered hoodie for kids for $39.99…
Lion King Hoodie
…a kids’ embroidered shirt for $29.99…
Lion King Shirt
…and a Simba onesie for $34.99.
Onesie
We also found a Black Panther Wakanda shirt for $49.99…
Shirt
…and matching shorts.
Shorts
The shorts were $44.99.
Island Mercantile
At our last stop, we spotted a Pixar t-shirt for $39.99…
Pixar tee
…some Mickey Mouse Crocs for kids for $49.99…
Mickey Crocs
…and an Encanto t-shirt featuring Bruno that glows in the dark. This tee is $26.99.
Bruno T-shirt
There was also a VERY expensive pin set, which featured four “awkward moments” pins from Olaf Presents. The set costs $125!
Pricey Pins
That’s all for our updates from Animal Kingdom! Stay tuned to DFB for more news from Disney World.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
TRENDING NOW
We have the FULL MENU for Hollywood Studio's newest snack stand!
We think we might have a clue about that "Monsters, Inc." ride coming to Disney...
Everything coming to the Magic Kingdom in June.
A brand-new snack spot is coming to Hollywood Studios when Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring...
Disney just dropped a FIRST LOOK on Muppets merch coming to Disney World!
Your inner ‘80s kid just called, and it wants these 7 retro-inspired Disney souvenirs online...
A new Her Universe Disney dress collection just dropped online!
A new it's a small world collection is living in our heads rent free!
New snacks are coming to Disneyland Resort soon!
If you've got a Disney World trip on the books, this is exactly the kind...
Old Navy and Disney have teamed up to bring a new 4th of July collection!
Heading to Disney World this summer? Trust us when we say you'll need one of...
Your Disney World shoes matter more than your park bag. I said what I said.
Lately, smaller park bags have become the move, especially for Annual Passholders, quick evening visits,...
Can I bring my own food into Disney Theme Parks?? Yes! Check out our Q...
2 new stores were just quietly announced for Disney Springs!
These bags are made specifically with air travel in mind.
If you've been visiting Disney World for years, there's a good chance at least one...
These Disney Loungefly bags LIGHT UP, which means your park outfit just got more dramatic...
There are some NEW menu items coming to the Flower & Garden Festival in 2026!